Rim Trail, Red Rock Canyon Open Space

There are many sides to Red Rock Canyon Open Space, one of Colorado Springs’ premier outdoor destinations. The side less-traveled is a fine place from which to start.

That’s the side east of the main entrance along U.S. 24, the side with the trailhead hiding off 31st Street, behind Rudy’s Bar-B-Q. Horse trailers more commonly park here. As do hikers, runners and mountain bikers in the know — hungry not for barbecue but rather solitude on scenic, less-busy trails. This includes Rim Trail. 

It’s the wide path rising from the parking lot, bending around to a meadow overlooked by a rocky hogback that we found glowing golden by the rising sun. Here where you could go left on Chamberlain Trail (formerly marked as Hogback Valley), Rim Trail continues straight. 

The path gently rises to another sweeping meadow with views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Rim Trail veers south to showcase more of the mountain backdrop and colorful formations defining Red Rock Canyon Open Space. 

In a little over a mile, we met the popularly mountain biked Lion Trail, which climbs back over the hillside. We stayed on the wide Rim Trail, which becomes white gravel and ascends to closer views of craggy Bear Creek Canon. 

The trail crests to views of the downtown skyline, then winds down to views of Cheyenne Mountain and the familiar hogback. Our tracker was close to 2.5 miles when we came to a posted map and sign pointing back to the 31st Street trailhead, via Chamberlain Trail.

The thin trail flows through grass, oak and pine under the hogback. Signs marked the way back to the trailhead. 

Trip log: 3.7 miles (loop), 467 feet elevation gain. 

Getting there: Going west on U.S. 24, continue to the stoplight for 31st Street. Turn left for the trailhead parking lot. 

FYI: Open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May 1-Oct. 31; 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 1-April 30. Don’t leave valuables in car. Dogs on leash. Trails icy in winter; bring traction. 

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE