The Crags Trail

Route Description for The Crags Trail

Delivering sights and sceneries that no other trail in Colorado can exhibit, The Crags must add to your hiking itinerary. Traveling through diverse topographies to the impressive granite sculptures, this manageable hike is a crowd favorite, so expect to share the route with like-minded adventurers. If you seek a more secluded experience, consider an off-season snowshoeing excursion or an early morning weekday wander. Heading out in the morning also guarantees a spot in the parking lot. Note the ecosystems along this route are fragile, so please respect the signs and maintain them on the marked path. Furthermore, though scrambling through the columns is fun, it can be dangerous, so use caution and mind your footing.

There is no doubt why The Crags Hike is such a popular fresh air escape. Delivering awe-inspiring views of the orange-hued pinnacles as you trek through lively forestlands and vibrant wildflower fields, the scenery along this route is never-ending. Once you summit The Crags, you will be granted epic views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Pikes Peak, and the Mueller State Park. Not to mention the pillars and outcropping themselves, including the Twin Bears- a granite sculpture that resembles two bears overlooking the mountainous wilderness. Additionally, the manageable terrain and elevation gain enables this trek to be enjoyed by children, novice hikers, and those yet to acclimatize to the area.

As you can tell, we love The Crags Trail, and once you venture it, you will understand why. Arriving at the northernmost trailhead off Upper Fourmile Road, The Crags Trail east into the woodlands. Enjoy the shade of towering pines as you make your way along the Fourmile Creek. Soon after you depart from the trailhead, the path will enter an aspen grove that will guide you through a golden sea in the autumn months. Intersecting with a stream, the path will become increasingly rocky, traveling through impressive granite rock formations.

Hiking further into the wilderness, the route will weave into a wildflower-littered meadow before diverting north, past small cascades of the upper Fourmile Creek and into a bristlecone pine forest. The terrain will become increasingly exposed as you near The Crags, revealing epic mountain vistas. This is arguably the most scenic segment of the adventure. Revel in the sights of the twisted trees as you make your way to the rusty-colored pinnacles. Admire the uniqueness of this geological formation and explore the garden. Notice the Twin Bears and appreciate the breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape. Have a picnic and take plenty of photos of the columns, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the route back to the trailhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are The Crags in Colorado?

The Crags and The Crags Trail are located near Divide, CO in the Pike National Forest.

Where does The Crags Trail start?

The Crags Hike departs from The Crags Trailhead off Upper Fourmile Road (Forest Service Road 383).

When is The Crags Trail open?

The Crags Trail’s open season is from May to September, but the trail is accessible year-round!

Are dogs permitted on The Crags Trail?

Yes, dogs and horses are permitted on The Crags Trail.

Insider Hints for The Crags Trail

• The Crags Trail is a popular destination, so expect to share the trail with fellow explorers.
• Charge up your camera because the picturesque scenery warrants countless photo opportunities.
• Pack a picnic and have lunch overlooking Pikes Peak and the unique geological sculptures.
• If you want to adventure the trail in the winter months the gate at the trailhead will likely be closed, so you will have to snowshoe into the trailhead.
• Pack plenty of water—much of this route travels through exposed terrai