Ute Valley Loop

This is a beautiful run through varied terrain on the northwest side of Colorado Springs. The route features a short jaunt up to a sunflower-covered hilltop climb before descending through scrub oaks and looping back over a rocky ridge trail.

Most trails are not well marked, but the park is small enough that you won't get lost easily. With so many intersecting trails throughout the park, there are multiple ways to get around. The trail is popular with mountain bikers, so keep your ears open!

From the parking lot, cross the wooden bridge onto the Yucca Path, up the sunflower-and-grass-covered hill. Climb past the school before descending into rocky scrub oaks. Stay to the left past the "More Park!" sign and keep going until you reach the paved road.

Turn right, re-enter the park, and stay left past the sandy area. The trail descends through a wooded area before a steep climb back up to another ridge. Continue until the path forks, taking the steep downhill scramble back to the valley trail. Turn right, then take a left onto the Scrub Oak Path. Climb until you reach the main path with a great view of Pike's Peak. Turn right onto the Pine Ridge Trail, climb up a rocky path and then descend until you reach the parking lot.