WHERE: Pulpit Rock in Austin Bluffs Open Space

TO GET THERE: Take Nevada Avenue north; as you near the Interstate 25 interchange, take the frontage road that goes past the Harley-Davidson dealer. Drive on that road to its end, next to an electrical substation.

TRIP LOG: Five miles of developed and social trails; two boots (moderate) for loose rock area near the top.

THE HIKE: This is a great hike if you don’t want a long ride to the trailhead. And it has a great payoff — the majestic white-rock castle visible from I-25 near Woodmen Road.

Start at the trailhead and head downhill for a short segment. You’ll cross a dry drainage area and start uphill on winding, gentle trails.

As Pulpit Rock gets closer, the trails get steeper, until you find yourself on dry, loose rock for the final push to the top.

But that push is worth it — you get a sweeping view of Pikes Peak and Rampart Range, the city, and the foothills.

This is a great trail for the inexperienced hiker — it would be hard to get lost in this wide-open space dotted with flowering yucca, piñon and ponderosa.

Watch for bright-red ladybugs resting on the yuccas, and listen for the call of chickadees in the pines.

There’s a web of single-track social trails here, too, that will appeal to advanced mountain bikers.

This is part of three open spaces the city has combined — Pulpit Rock, University Park and Austin Bluffs. Together, they cover 586 acres, making this one of the largest open space parcels in the city.

INFORMATION: Take water; this area is exposed and hot on a sunny day. If it’s stormy, choose another trail — the exposure could be dangerous in a lightning storm. The lower part of the trail that is paved is accessible to the handicapped; the single-track trail is not. Open to hikers, bikers, horseriders and leashed dogs. No motorized vehicles. Colorado Springs parks, 385-5940, Austin Bluffs Open Space.

It’s an easy hike to get to the top of Pulpit Rock to check out the hoodoos seen from across central and northwest Colorado Springs. (This photo was taken during an Out There Colorado group hike in May 2011.) Dena Rosenberry, OutThereColorado.com

From the outcropping at Pulpit Rock you can look northwest and see along the Rampart Range and the city of Colorado Springs, below. (This photo is from an Out There Colorado group hike in May 2011.) Dena Rosenberry, OutThereColorado.com

Approaching the top rock outcropping.

While the trail might look uninviting as you’re driving by the open space, the trail takes interesting turns. (This photo was taken during an Out There Colorado group hike in May 2011.) Dena Rosenberry, OutThereColorado.com