Hiking Near Woodland Park, Colorado: Four Scenic Hiking Spots to Visit

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If you’re seeking day hikes with natural beauty, history, and a little adventure, look no further than Woodland Park, Colorado. This breathtaking area offers a variety of scenic trails that you will want to take advantage of. Each trail described here provides a unique experience from high elevations with tremendous views, geological features, and historical interest. In this article, you’ll find some of the best trails to check out, complete with features and helpful tips for enjoying your hiking experience. So, let’s explore four fantastic hiking spots near Woodland Park!

Table of Contents

An Overview of Woodland Park

Woodland Park is situated 18 miles (29 km) west of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Due to its elevation of 8,465 feet (2,580 m), it earns the nickname “The City Above the Clouds.”   With a population of about 8,500, the town is easy to explore, yet it has plenty of amenities for visitors.  Surrounded by Pike National Forest, Woodland Park offers stunning views of Pikes Peak, which reaches 14,115 feet (4,302 m).  Woodland Park makes an attractive home base for a weekend focused on hiking as it’s relatively close to several major outdoor attractions.  This article will highlight hikes in two Colorado State Parks, one National Monument, and one local trail in Pike National Forest. Let’s jump into four beautiful hiking stops near Woodland Park. 

Hiking at Eleven Mile State Park

Our first hiking spot is Eleven Mile State Park, about 45 minutes from Woodland Park.  The main attraction at Eleven Mile State Park is the Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir, an artificial lake of 3,400 surface acres (1376 ha).  Important as water storage for the Denver Water utility, the reservoir was formed by a dam on the South Platte River completed in 1932.  Today, the water is 135 feet (27.4 m) above the South Platte riverbed, and the lake is nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) long.  

Unsurprisingly, the park is best known for its water-based activities, including boating, sailing, and fishing.  While not particularly noted for its hiking or as a hiking destination, the park has about 5 miles (8 km) of official trails, enough to make a day trip worthwhile.  

Hiking the Main Trails at Eleven Mile State Park

AllTrails has mapped out a 3.7-mile (6 km) loop rated as easy starting from the Coyote Ridge Parking lot.  The route includes the Coyote Ridge Interpretive Trail, the Midland Trail, and part of the Black Bear Trail in the park’s backcountry campground. This route will take you along the waterfront, over montane grassland, and into the trees.  

An Alternate Trail Route in Eleven Mile State Park

I took a slightly different route with less time on the Midland Trail and more time on the Black Bear Trail and the campground so that I could take in more stunning lake views. 

For other hikes in Colorado State Parks with reservoirs, see here and here.

Navigating the Orienteering Course at Eleven Mile State Park

One of the park’s distinctive features is a 3.2-mile (5.1 km) Orienteering loop trail, which starts and ends at a sign near Backcountry Campsite 901. This spot is easy to get to from the loop trail described above.  From the start, hikers must use a compass and follow instructions to navigate to a series of waypoints to complete the loop. For example, you’ll reach the first sub-waypoint from the start point by walking 148 paces at 359 degrees. If you’d like to test your compass skills, pick up a map for the orienteering course at the park visitor center.

Getting to Eleven Mile State Park and Practical Information

Eleven Mile State Park (4229 County Rd 92, Lake George, CO) is about a 45-minute drive from Woodland Park via Highway 24, County Road 90, and County Road 92.  

Eleven Mile State Park has a daily entry fee of $​10 per vehicle. 

The 11 Mile General Store just outside the park (5790 Co Rd 92, Lake George) sells camping and fishing supplies, including food, drinks, snacks, and ice. 

Hiking at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

The second hiking destination near Woodland Park is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.  This location is the site of exceptionally rich and diverse fossil deposits. Scientists have identified around 1700 species in the area’s fossils, ranging from minuscule insects to petrified Sequoia trees up to 14 feet (4.3 m) wide! The geology that created this phenomenon is explained well in the Visitor Center and is a fascinating complement to the Monument’s hikes.  

Surprisingly, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument has 14 miles (22.5 km) of easy-to-moderate hiking trails.  So not only can you learn about the region’s geological history, the diverse ecosystem that once thrived in the area, and the events that led to the formation of many fossils, but you can also explore the modern environment on foot. 

Trails to Fossil Sites

Start behind the Visitor’s Center, where you can view the stumps of petrified redwood trees under open shelters.  From here, the 1.1 mile (1.8 km) Petrified Forest Loop passes numerous giant petrified redwood tree stumps in the bed of the ancient Lake Florissant.  The highlight is the massive petrified “Big Stump.”  

Scenic Trails at Florissant National Monument

On my visit to Florissant, I hiked on several trails in the Monument, forming a 6.4-mile (10.4 km) loop.  From the Visitor Center, the route started on the Sawmill Trail, passing through evergreen forests and open meadows, and continued on the Hans Loop trail.  Then, the Hornbeck Trail crosses land once covered by ancient Lake Florissant to reach the intriguing Hornbeck Homestead house. 

The Hornbeck Homestead 

The Hornbeck Homestead is a historic log house with a restored interior.  There is a small parking area in front of the Hornbeck Homestead if you don’t want to include a Homestead visit as part of a hike. 

The house was built in 1878 by Adaline Hornbek, a single mother of four children. Hornbeck established a ranch, and the property still includes historic outbuildings, including a bunkhouse, carriage barn, and milk barn, which are filled with antiques.  

I was lucky to receive a tour of the Homestead since a guide was on site on the day of my visit.  The guide also filled us in on some of the ranch’s history, filled with many challenges for Adaline Hornbeck and her family, even as they worked to build a successful ranching business. 

The Final Part of the Hiking Loop

After enjoying the Homestead house, the trail continues across Teller County Road 1 (CR1).  It climbs a hill and meanders until it reaches a Geologic Overlook.  Beyond that, the Geologic Trail descends and returns to the Visitor Center.  Along this interpretive trail, look for plaques providing information about geologic features and processes in the area.  

An Alternate Hiking Loop at Florissant Fossil Beds

A slightly longer route (7.5 miles, 12.1 km) on AllTrails includes the forested Boulder Creek Trail.

Getting to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Practical Information

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816) is approximately 25 minutes from Woodland Park via Highway 24 and Teller County Road 1.  

Florissant Fossil Beds has an entrance fee of $10 per person. The monument now requires payment of entrance fees and passes with a credit/debit card or mobile device payment app.

See the Monument’s trails page and trail map for more detailed information.  

Hiking at Mueller State Park 

Mueller State Park, the third hiking spot near Woodland Park, is the closest state park to Woodland Park, and it has over 44 miles (70.8 km) of hiking trails around wetlands, in mature evergreen forests, and through meadows and grasslands.  (For another Colorado State Park with miles of hiking trails, see here)

Whether you’re looking for a short interpretive nature trail or an all-day trek, Mueller State Park will deliver a hike for you on the western foothills of Pikes Peak.  

I recommend stopping at the Visitor Center for advice from the park rangers on an appropriate hiking route, as the trail network may look confusing on paper.  

Each trail is named and numbered, but there are many trail intersections.  

Even with a trail map, I took a wrong turn and had to backtrack a short distance to stay on my planned route.  

On the ranger’s advice, we took two loop hikes in different parts of the park.  Both required moderate effort and took less than two hours each.

Loop Hike to a pond, historic cabin, and the park’s high point

The first hike was a loop in the upper part of the park that passed through a forest followed by a meadow.  Highlights included the Cahill Pond and one of the original buildings on this former ranch land, the Cahill Cabin.   

This loop hike also included a short spur to the Grouse Mountain Overlook, the highest point in the park at 9,843 feet (3,000 m).   The trail sequence was Cheeseman Ranch (17) – Moonshine (36) – Cahill Pond (34) – Grouse Mountain Overlook (16).  The total distance for this hike was 2.1 miles (5.3 km).

Loop Hike to Two Ponds 

The second hiking loop started at the Outlook Ridge parking area and passed by Lost Pond and Geer Pond on a short loop.  The trail sequence was Outlook Ridge (7) – Revenuer’s Ridge (1) – Lost Pond (11) – Geer Pond (25) – Outlook Ridge (7).  The total distance was 3.2 miles (5.1 km).  

Getting to Mueller State Park and Practical Information

Mueller State Park is approximately 25 minutes from Woodland Park via Highway 24 and County Road 67-S.  

Mueller State Park has a daily entry fee of $​10 per vehicle. 

Hiking the Lovell Gulch Trail in Woodland Park

The last route is good for a morning hike before your Woodland Park visit ends.  The Lovell Gulch Trail is a moderate to difficult track in the Pike National Forest with a trailhead at the edge of Woodland Park.

This 5.3-mile (8.4-km) loop moves through different elevations near Woodland Park.  There are sweeping views at the higher elevations along a ridge, while the lower parts of the trail follow the Lovell Gulch itself. The majestic Pike’s Peak dominates the view. In the forested part of the hike, the trail weaves through pine groves and stands of aspen.

Getting to the Lovell Gulch Trail and Practical Information

On the north side of Woodland Park, the trailhead for the Lovell Gulch Trail is just off Rampart Range Road (County Road 22). (Use the address 2400 Rampart Range Rd for navigation). There is a small parking lot, and a sign with Pike National Forest Information, but no restroom. Horses and mountain bikes are allowed on this trail.

Additional Practical Information for Hikes Near Woodland Park 

Because of the limited food and drink options at the hiking sites mentioned in this article, be sure to bring adequate food and water for each visit.  Except for the Lovell Gulch Trail, each park had picnic areas with tables, making a post-hike meal convenient and satisfying.

Additionally, due to the unpredictability of Colorado weather, bring an extra layer, a hat, and sunscreen on your hikes.  At higher altitudes, weather conditions can change quickly.  Large temperature swings, wind, rain, and snow (even if it’s not winter) are possible, so plan accordingly. 

Where to Stay in Woodland Park

When looking for places to stay in Woodland Park, the options range from traditional hotels to cozy vacation rentals with a homey atmosphere to lodges and cabins with a rustic vibe.  

I found the rooms at The Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Woodland Park spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable.  Our suite included a small kitchenette with cupboards, a refrigerator, and a sink.  

Amenities included free WiFi, a small gym, and a complimentary breakfast.  While the free breakfast lacked protein sources, the lobby with modern furnishings was a comfortable space to enjoy a morning coffee.  

Use this map to help you book your Woodland Park Hotel, Lodge, or Vacation Rental:

Where to Eat and Drink in Woodland Park

After all that hiking, you’re likely hungry and thirsty.  Here are my recommendations for eating and drinking near Woodland Park.  

Paradox Beer Company

Returning to Woodland Park after hiking likely means driving through the small town of Divide, approximately 11 miles (17.7 km) west of Woodland Park.  Just off Highway 24, stop at the Paradox Beer Company (10 Buffalo Court, Divide).  Paradox doesn’t post its menu online because it changes frequently; however, everything I tried at Paradox was flavorful and well-prepared.

The other reason to stop at Paradox Beer Company is, of course, the craft beer.  Paradox brews beers with unusual ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and experimental fermentation conditions.  In particular, they excel with their sour and wild beers. Wine and cocktails are also available if you’re not a beer drinker.  Eat and drink in their taproom or spacious outdoor area.  

Reserve 110

Reserve 110 (110 W Midland Ave., Woodland Park) offers hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, and hearty starters once you’re back in Woodland Park.  Several signature cocktails, margaritas, martinis, and a selection of wines and beers on tap complement the menu.  The large patio at Reserve 110 contributes to a social atmosphere and often hosts live music acts. 

Sam’s Gyros & Kabobs

Sam’s Gyros & Kabobs (609 W Midland Ave, Woodland Park)  This family-owned restaurant serves authentic and delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.  In addition to kabobs and gyros with beef, chicken, or lamb, traditional sides and salads like hummus, falafel, dolmas, and tabbouleh are on the menu. Our meals were fresh and fabulous.  

BierWerks Brewery

Finally, BierWerks (121 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park) is a brewery focusing on German-style lagers and ales with Colorado-made sausages.  The no-frills taproom caters to locals and tourists alike, focusing on quality beer and a simple pub food menu.

Hiking Near Woodland Park-Pin it for Later!

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Wrapping Up Hiking Near Woodland Park

Four scenic hikes near Woodland Park offer excellent environments with a dash of history and geology. Each trail offers something different, from the serene water views in Eleven Mile State Park to the highest elevation in Mueller State Park.  Whether you’re after an adventurous outing or a tranquil retreat, these hikes have you covered. Enjoy every step and share your experiences with fellow hikers!