Pulpit Rock Park: A Hidden Gem in Colorado Springs

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Pulpit Rock Park

Pulpit Rock Park: A Hidden Gem in Colorado Springs

23 Aug 2024    Things to do    Emma Adamson

Let us bring to you yet another hidden gem of Colorado Springs! That’s right, we are talking about the Pulpit Rock Park!

You might wonder why is a place that is just rocks being considered as a hidden gem?! Well, keep reading and you’ll know exactly why. The park is a 500-acre open space that is located in the beautiful Colorado Springs. The picturesque park has so many plenty of hiking trails, panoramic views, and geological wonders, making it a popular destination for tourists who especially enjoy outdoor activities.

Let us take you back in time a little bit, Pulpit Rock’s history dates back to thousands of years, with evidence of human occupation as early as 10,000 years ago.

The park is on top of what is known as the Dawson Arkose Formation, a layer of sandstone and mudstone which is 66 million years old that represents the geological history of the area. The distinctive white-grey face of Pulpit Rock itself is a testament to this ancient formation.

Visiting Pulpit Rock Park is surely one of the most amazing things you can do in Colorado Springs amongst many other things.

Let us keep reading to learn more interesting facts and things you can do in this remarkable park…

Pulpit Rock Park Photos

Let us get a glimpse of Pulpit Rock before we dive in for more information, shall we? Here are some photos of the park that will leave you awestruck:

pulprit rock park
Puplit Rock Park
pulpit rock park

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Don’t these photos make you want to quickly pack your bags

Pulpit Rock Park Trails

Pulpit Rock Park opens up a lot of opportunities for you to hike. Below, we will introduce some of the most awesome trails for you to explore on your trip to the park:

1. Pulpit Rock Summit Trailhead: This is the most popular trail at the park, offering stunning views from the Pulpit Rock top! It totals a 1.2-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 400-feet. Calling out our adrenaline junkies!!!

pulpit rock park

2. Pulpit Rock via Pulpit Valley, North Meadow, Rim, and University Loop: Check out this 8.2-kilometer loop trail! It is quite the hike, but the scenery is completely worth it. Plan on 2 hours and 3 minutes to tour this attraction. You'll probably run into other hikers, bikers, and runners along the way, so be prepared to share the trail. The best part? This trail is open all year round and you can bring your dog along with you – it just has to be leached up, but that’s it!

pulpit rock park

3. Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop: This route is generally considered as moderately challenging. It takes about 4 hours to complete. This is quite a popular destination for hiking and so, you are very likely to meet others hiking their way up here, as well. The best time to visit this trail is March through November.

pulpit rock park

These are a few trails out of the many in Pulpit Rock Park. You do not only get to experience the best of history, but also get a chance to explore the outdoorsy kid with you. You will find trails for beginners and a little difficult one for experienced people. Nevertheless, the fun remains the same.

If you are wondering whether you can only go hiking and do nothing else in the park, well, you are mistaken. Here are a few other fun things that you can do in the Pulpit Rock:

  • Enjoy birdwatching and more: Alongside birdwatching in the huge open skies, you will also get a chance to see wildlife and also enjoy a delicious picnic with your loved ones.
  • Flora and Fauna: With a diverse ecosystem, the park supports a huge variety of plant and animal life. These include wildflowers, deer, coyotes, hawks, and more.

Additional Information about the Pulpit Rock Park:

  • Operational Hours: Every day, from morning till dawn.
  • Entrance Fees: Free
  • Pets: Are allowed on leashes

Conclusion:

Pulpit Rock Park is a place of natural beauty, historical importance, and recreation. For the experienced hiker or the history enthusiast, or even for someone just looking for a quiet getaway from the city, there is something for everyone at this park.

One of those places is Pulpit Rock Park, Colorado Springs is full of beauty, and this park has some of the best views I've seen in a long time, the trails are well taken care of, and it's a very diverse ecosystem. So, pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in this hidden gem.