Section 16 Hike near Manitou Springs
Nestled between Manitou Springs on the west and Colorado Springs on the east, the Manitou Section 16 Open Space overlaps with the Red Rock Canyon Open Space to the north, just off Highway 24. Both of these systems connect to two other regional parks, creating a massive complex of trails that delights hikers of all ages and abilities. This route follows three trails through two territories for one heckuva hike! For the eager, this route can be augmented with the Mt. Buckhorn hike, and even the Seven Bridges & Kineo Mountain hike for the all-day trekker.
The surprising aspect of this Section 16 hike is its immediacy -- within minutes of turning off the highway the trailhead appears. Within minutes of leaving the trailhead the cityscape disappears. Even better, this hike delights hikers in all seasons: the new growth of spring, the full blossom of summer, the changing colors of fall, and the magically reflective light of winter's snow. Explore the full Section 16 Hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this year-round adventure just south of Denver.
Trail Snapshot: Section 16 Trail
Hike Distance | 5.5-6.25 miles Round Trip |
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Difficulty | Moderate |
Duration | Approx 3-4hr |
Trail Type | Loop |
Starting Elevation | 6,600′ |
Elevation Gain | Approx +1,300′ |
Seasons | Year Round |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for Trail Map of Section 16 Hike |
Denver Drive Time | 1.25 hours |
Driving Directions to Section 16 Trailhead (Section 16) | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, Colorado |
Beauty | Pike's Peak, views of Colorado Springs |
Activities | Hiking, Biking, Snowshoeing |
Parking & Trailhead Information for Section 16 Trail
From Denver, cruising south on I-25, take exit 141 for Highway 24 West. After approximately 1.5 miles, turn left (south) onto 21st Street, and then shortly thereafter, right (west) onto Lower Gold Camp Road. Staying straight through the 4-way stop (junction with Bear Creek Road), the Palmer Red Rock (Section 16 Open Space) trailhead is just under one mile up on the right. This parking lot offers about a dozen head-in spots and fills fast; another pullout parking lot is available up the road on the left.
The Hike: Section 16 Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
While many hikers jump straight into the trek by ascending the stairs at the trailhead, taking a counter-clockwise tack, the following notes describe a clockwise path. This direction provides a spectacular viewing angle on Pike's Peak, and positions hikers for a fun descent through the trees at the end.
Leaving the parking lot, continuing up Gold Camp Road (which actually heads southwest), the route joins High Drive after 1/4-mile just as the road turns sharply left. High Drive meanders up into the backcountry past split-rail fences, over rock bridges, and through wide slot canyons. At approximately the 1-mile mark, the junction for the Section 16 Trail branches off to the right.
Now on Section 16 trail officially, the trail weaves in and out of forest, gently ascending toward a top elevation of nearly 7,900ft. At this point, around the 3.5 miles, watch for a connector trail shooting off to the left. For the curious, a short jaunt out and back affords sweeping views of peaks around Manitou Springs, as well as Garden of the Gods outside Colorado Springs.
Staying right and beginning a descent, the Section 16 Trail continues another 3/4-mile to an excellent excursion on an unmarked overlook trail. The tributary is heavily trafficked and easy to identify: it runs straight out from the main trail just prior to a moderate lefthand descent deep into the forest and rounds of switchbacks. The overlook ridge out-and-back adds approximately 3/4-mile to the overall milage of this loop. Once at the ridge edge, the sprawling plains of Colorado Springs spread out like a carpet from the forest's edge. Turning back toward the main trail, hikers gaze on Pike's Peak, perched between two converging foothill peaks.
The last part of the Section 16 Hike loop presents hikers with multiple connector trails. Generally staying straight, the trail flows back down and out of the valley approximately 2.25 miles to the parking lot.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Section 16 in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- TIP: The two connecting open space trail systems remain popular all year long. Parking fills fast, but an early start helps noticeably. Also, consider carrying a complete map that displays the many connector trails, such as this Red Rock Canyon Open Space Trail Map.
- Trail Map: Section 16 Hike
- Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get the list and dayhiking packing checklist. Additionally, take some time to review our 10 Winter Hiking Tips.
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: A local favorite, Wild Goose Meeting House (or their counterpart, Good Neighbors Meeting House), captures the essence of downtown COS. Grab a craft coffee and chef-level dish, or later in the day, a local beer on tap. For a quick grab-n-go, consider Wimberger's Old World Bakery and Delicatessen, on the way out from the trailhead.
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Memorial Day Weekend Hikes
Top 7 Memorial Day Weekend Hikes
Trying to figure out where to hike this Memorial Day weekend? We've put together a list of recommended hikes within about an hour of Denver. We've also noted a seven to avoid this Memorial Day weekend. Unless you're backpacking deep in the wilderness, you're still going to encounter a lot of traffic and people. If you want to avoid all of that, you'll need to arrive at the trailhead before 7AM. Here's the criteria we've used to select these seven hikes near Denver: Be sure to download our Free Hiking Guide to help you prepare and pack smart for your dayhikes.
- Ample Parking: Memorial Day Weekends generate some of the highest traffic to our website each year. So, I'm going to draw the conclusion that the trailheads near Denver experience the same high number of visitors. Vacationers are making their way into Colorado, and graduation events are in full swing. So, while I'd rather direct you first to some wonderful features like waterfalls and peak-top views, getting a parking space is probably priority number one.
- Enjoyable with Friends & Family: Often on holiday weekends, like Memorial Day Weekend, we are out hiking with friends and family. I tried to put together a set of hikes that are not too difficult and open up spaces for conversation.
- Close to Denver: This set of hikes are all within 60 minutes of Denver, Colorado. If you want to explore hikes that are further from town, check out our Hikes Worth the Drive page.
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Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
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Clear Creek Trail in Downtown Golden
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Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park
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Spruce Mountain Hikes Near Larkspur
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Red Rocks Trail at Red Rocks Park
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Waterton Canyon Trail
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White Ranch Sunset Loop Near Golden
Distance: 1/4 mile to 4 miles
Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Castlewood Canyon State Park has a lot of hiking options, but some of the best hikes follow the creek along the canyon floor. It's important to know that parking is limited on the west side of the park, but the parking on the east side near the visitor center accommodates more vehicles. Check out our Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails page for a list of 5 different hike options.
Distance: 1.8 miles Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 30 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Clear Creek trail in Golden offers a great opportunity for families with strollers and groups to hike alongside one another. As I mentioned before, with water levels high and currents swift this time of year, be cautious around the water's edge. See our Clear Creek hike profile page for full details, including directions to several parking areas. It's not your classic backcountry hike, but it's a great weekend adventure.
Distance: 1.4-mile Loop
Drive Time from Denver: 30 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
I recommend the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks more than any other hike in the Denver Area. I have three reasons: The hike is beautiful, it's short, and it's super close to Denver. There is more than just the trail to explore. Be sure to take in the amphitheater and the cave just north of the amphitheater. You'll find the cave info on another trail profile for the Red Rocks Trail below. This is a great hike for families with kids and the perfect hike for family who are visiting for the holiday weekend.
Distance: 1.5-mile Out & Back and 4-mile Loop
Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Spruce Mountain is one of our favorites. The hike is south of Denver in the middle of a landscape of rolling green meadows and towering buttes. The views of Pikes Peak are incredible. Because it is elevated, you are more exposed to weather rolling in over the foothills. See our full trail profile of Spruce Mountain for directions, map, and hiking tips specific to this hike.
Distance: 6-mile Loop
Drive Time from Denver: 25 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Here's another trail in Red Rocks Park just outside of Denver. If you are looking for a longer trail with more options, this may be a great choice. It is very exposed to the sun, so remember to wear a hat and sunscreen. This hikes offers great views of the iconic red rocks of Denver, the amphitheater, hogbacks, and foothills.
Distance: 12.4 miles Round Trip with other options
Drive Time from Denver: 35 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Waterton Canyon is a popular hike south of Littleton that follows the Platte River for 6.2 miles up to Strontia Springs Dam. Every bend in the broad dirt road beckons you to discover new views just around the corner. No dogs allowed on this one because of the wildlife. I've seen golden eagles and bighorns sheep nearly every time I've hiked Waterton Canyon. For tips on where to spot the bighorns and for directions, see our full trail profile on Waterton Canyon. Waterton Canyon has experienced closures in 2016, but has been reopened for 7-days a week access beginning 5/15/16. Because of the high river levels, the river access is closed until about mile marker three.
Distance: 2-mile Loop
Drive Time from Denver: 45 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
White Ranch is tucked away in the foothills north of Golden and makes for a great afternoon sunset hike or morning sunrise hike. We've assembled a set of trails to create a loop that we've named the Sunset Loop. See our full trail profile for details a great loop hike at White Ranch.
7 Hikes to Avoid this Memorial Day Weekend
The following Hikes will likely be packed and have both parking and capacity issues.
- Eldorado Canyon
- Maxwell Falls
- Mt. Galbraith
- Roxborough Park
- Evergreen Lake
- Mt. Falcon
- Hikes out of Boulder's Chautauqua Park