Red Rock Canyon Open Space

A quieter, dog-friendly alternative to Garden of the Gods — 1,474 acres of red sandstone, old quarry walls, and 15+ miles of interconnected trails with views of Pikes Peak at every turn.

Start from the main lot off Ridge Road. The Red Rock Canyon Trail is a flat 1.5-mile out-and-back through the heart of the canyon; combine it with the Quarry Pass and Roundup loops for a 3–4 mile day. Leashed dogs welcome on most trails — one of the few open spaces in town with that flexibility.

Climbers come here for the bolted sandstone walls. If you’re just hiking, the best photos are from the small reservoir about 20 minutes in.