Roundup-Red Rock Canyon loop

Red Rock Canyon Open Space has a colorful history including a quarry, a bomb shelter and a landfill. Fortunately, preservation and recreation won out.

Today, of course, the open space on Colorado Springs’ west side is best known and appreciated for its colorful views. That colorful history has been left to displays posted on the back end of a loop we hiked at last visit, along Red Rock Canyon Trail. 

By that point, we indeed felt fortunate to explore nature rather than the works of man — grateful to return to perhaps our favorite loop in this much-looped open space. Roundup and Red Rock Canyon trails tour either side of the open space and all the variety in between. 

From the main entrance off U.S. 24, we started from the far western parking lot, on Sand Canyon Trail. The wide path through the meadow bends toward the rock walls, meeting Contemplative Trail, which intimately explores more thought-provoking geology. In less than a mile we came to a four-way atop steps; Roundup Trail is marked straight ahead. 

The trail narrows and switchbacks up toward more views of the mountains, Garden of the Gods and the city and plains beyond. The forest clears at a scenic junction, where we stayed straight for Roundup. The trail continues straight through another junction, toward more humbling vistas of promontories and rock formations, before dipping into a shady canyon. 

The canyon clears for a wavy, idyllic meadow. Ahead, a sign marks Red Rock Canyon Trail continuing straight — on to the former scene of the quarry and displays recounting less visible history. 

The trail ends at the parking lot on this eastern side of the open space; a short path took us back to the lot where we started. 

Trip log: 3.5 miles (loop), 423 feet elevation

Getting there: Trailhead at 3550 W. High Street off U.S. 24

FYI: Open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. November-April; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October. Contemplative Trail hiking only. Dogs on leash. Trails can be icy in winter; wear traction.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE