This is a 584-acre open space located behind The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. It consists of the Pulpit Rock area, University Park, and Austin Bluffs. During my summer in Colorado Springs, I hiked to the top of the bluffs nearly every evening.
This quiet park is uncrowded and offers great views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, and the front range. I found it to be an exceptional place to watch the sunset.
Throughout the park you will find interesting rock formations. This open space has been ranked as "unique" by the United States Forest Service for its distinctive rock formations.
Aside from the Pulpit Rock area, most of the park lacks developed trails. However, well established social trails wind through the entire open space. Additional developed trails have been planned by the city. Both these planned trails as well as the developed trails can be viewed on the
trail map.
To get there:
From I-25 take the Garden of the Gods exit, which turns into Austin Bluffs Parkway. Turn left onto Union Boulevard. Turn left on Ranch and left on Montebello. Turn right at University Road and park near the intersection of University Park and Rockhurst.
Trail map.
Posts
