Pulpit Rock Loop

Welcome to Travel Tuesday! The Pulpit Rock Loop hike is truly a hidden gem, and probably one I never would’ve discovered if not for the fact that I was living at a hostel about 5 minutes down the road from it!

Pulpit Rock Park Loop

This is what it looks like from afarrrr! The little parking lot may be a little bit hard to find, but if you input the coordinates (down below!), you shouldn’t have much trouble finding it!

This is what the trailhead looks like!

Distance: 4.2 mile loop
Elevation: 557 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Admission: Free
Parking: Free (small private lot)
Trailhead Address: 38.9187100, -104.8139700

Most of this trail is super easy, but the climb up to the summit does get a bit steep, especially if you accidentally lose the trail like I did. (There are parts where plants are somewhat overgrown.) It’s been described as somewhat of a “free for all scramble” and I don’t think that description is entirely off.

Be really careful–a lot of the rock can be really crumbly so it can get pretty slippery! (Please wear shoes/boots with good traction!)

The view from the top is pretty incredible! You can see Pike’s Peak and pretty much the entirety of Colorado Springs!

I actually climbed this…twice–the second time was very unintentional. I was actually all set to curl up in the common room at the ColoRADo Adventure Hostel with a book and some tea when I overheard one of the other tenants asking if anyone wanted to go on a hike so I figured I’d go along!

(Sunrises were supposed to be really pretty up there and since I’d missed that, I figured a sunset hike would be nice!)

(It’s probably actually better to watch sunrises here vs sunsets, but the sky and the views were still beautiful!)

Traveling alone has its perks, but it’s also nice when there’s someone who can take pictures for you! :P I’m not much of a selfie-taker, so most of the photos I got while I was on my road trip was of everything around me.

(P.S. Be aware that there could be rattlesnakes, so try your best not to go off-roading!)

• What’s your favorite “hidden gem” hike?
• What’s a hike you’ve been on with a beautiful view?