Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Ridge Trail

Route Description for Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Ridge Trail

The Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Ridge Hike is a charming adventure in Colorado Springs that exhibits the beauty and diversity of Colorado’s topographies. Wander through luxuriant grasslands, mixed pine forests, and up the rocky outcropping, which reveals expansive vistas of the cityscape and the Front Range summits that line the horizon. Note that the trek up to Pulpit Rock's ridgeline is steep and rocky, so mind your footing! Additionally, the trail is not well signposted and confusing, so use the trail GPS to easily navigate the route.

Begin your adventure along the Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Ridge Trail from the trailhead off University Park Boulevard. From here, head southwest along the Pulpit Rock Trail. Ignore intersection routes and continue along this path using the trail GPS; you will soon be guided northwest. The Pulpit Rock Trail will eventually reach the south side of the ridge. Climb up the southern slope through the rocky outcroppings up to the ridgeline.

Soon you will meet your turnaround point on the west side of the rock. From here, head east, along the northern side of the ridgeline. This route will weave through the landscape, ultimately leading you south, back to the initial intersection. Here, keep left and retrace your footing back to the trailhead.