Best winter running routes in Colorado Springs
When people think of Colorado winters, they often picture a state buried in snow. While that can be true in the high country, it’s not the full story, especially in Colorado Springs. Many runners assume winter training here is impossible, but the Front Range proves otherwise. Winter running in Colorado Springs is magic: bright sun that makes it feel warmer than the forecast, crisp air, quiet trails, frosted pines, wildlife sightings, and sunrise colors that make you slow down mid-stride. Running here year-round is not only possible, it’s ideal.
This guide comes from someone who knows these trails in every season. Dreama Walton is a Colorado Springs–based trail and ultrarunner, coach, and mountain guide with more than a decade of experience exploring trails locally and around the world. After running her first marathon in 2010, she quickly fell in love with ultrarunning and has since raced everything from marathons to 100-mile events, earning top finishes at races like TransGranCanaria, UTMB TDS, Zugspitze 100K, Pikes Peak Ultra, Ouray 50, and High Lonesome 100. Beyond racing, Dreama has summited peaks like Mt. Whitney and Kilimanjaro, trekked to Everest Base Camp, and completed a car-to-car ascent of Mt. Rainier in under 11 hours. Her approach to winter running is grounded in experience, preparation, and a deep respect for the landscape.
Snow is inevitable, but it doesn’t stop her from getting out the door. It simply calls for a little extra planning. Before heading out, Dreama takes time to map her route and think through layers and essentials. Snow can change how even familiar trails look, and it’s easy to drift off course, especially when running solo. Having a route preloaded makes all the difference.
With the right layers, smart planning, and a bit of grit, winter becomes one of the best seasons to explore the trails around Colorado Springs.
Below are Dreama’s five favorite winter running routes in Colorado Springs. These are the trails she returns to year after year because they stay runnable, soak up sunshine, and offer reliable adventure through the colder months. Each route is mapped in Footpath so you can preview terrain, download for offline use, and head out with confidence.
📲 Download Footpath, load the routes, and start exploring Colorado Springs like a local.
Winter Running Essentials
Before you head out the door, make sure you’re set up for success:
- Start with solid outer layers like gloves, a hat, and a good jacket.
- Add a few mid-layers underneath. Winter temps can swing fast. A sunny stretch can feel warm, then a shaded canyon hits and the drop is real.
- Bring a balaclava or neck gaiter.
- Pack microspikes for icy sections.
- Carry food and fluids. If you’re using a hydration pack, keep the tube close to your body and blow air back into it to help prevent or delay freezing.
- Plan your route ahead of time. Snow can disguise intersections and make even familiar trails feel different. Download your route for offline use, so you always have it when you need it.
Below are my five favorite winter runs in Colorado Springs, the routes I return to year after year because they’re beautiful, reliable, and perfect for building strength through the colder months.
1. Garden of the Gods Loop
Distance: ~7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~700 ft
Surface: Road + smooth dirt
Why I love it:
Garden of the Gods feels like running on another planet or, better yet, running through time. The red rock spires, wide-open vistas, and winter roads that stay surprisingly clear thanks to full sun exposure. It’s one of the most dependable winter routes in the area.
Best for:
Easy miles, steady-state runs, and days when you want natural beauty to carry you.
2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Distance: ~4.5 miles (endless variations)
Elevation Gain: ~600 ft
Surface: Mixed dirt, sandstone, rollers
Why I love it:
Red Rock Canyon has the magic of Garden of the Gods, but without the crowds. Winter mornings bring golden light, quiet trails, and runnable loops of all lengths. The ridgelines give you sneaky elevation gain without overwhelming climbs.
Best for:
Rolling aerobic runs, hill strength, and scenic weekday miles.
Bonus! If you don’t want to run alone, the Aravaipa Colorado Group Run runs here every Monday. They meet at Fossil Craft Beer at 5:30 pm. If you’re lucky, it will be a raffle night. 😉
3. Ute Valley Park Inner Loop
Distance: 4–8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~350 ft
Surface: Dirt with some technical sections
Why I love it:
If you want a trail that stays runnable even after snowstorms, Ute Valley is a gem. The inner loops warm up fast, and the west side delivers beautiful winter views of Pikes Peak. Expect rolling terrain and short technical bursts, perfect for developing trail skills.
Best for:
Strength building, winter trail work, and keeping your routes interesting.
4. Section 16 Loop (Counterclockwise)
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1200 ft
Surface: Steep, rocky singletrack + smooth descent
Why I love it:
Section 16 is a short but powerful loop! There is the initial steep climb followed by a long, flowing descent. The climb warms you up instantly on cold days, and the Palmer Trail side melts quickly, making it ideal for winter. Just be sure to wear traction on the way up, as that side of the route is in the shade, and so the snow sticks and turns into ice!
Highlights:
- Big views of Pikes Peak
- Red Rock Canyon + Garden of the Gods backdrop
- Fast, sunny descent
- Excellent strength-building route for marathon or ultra training
5. The Manitou Incline
Distance: 0.9 miles up + 3-4 miles down via Barr Trail
Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft in under a mile/2,400 running from Memorial Park
Surface: Stairs!!! Singletrack, rocky trail
Why I love it:
And last but definitely not least, and also technically not in Colorado Springs but in Manitou Springs, but hey, close enough to count. The Incline is a challenge any time of year, but winter adds an extra layer of grit. Clear, cold mornings often mean excellent traction and incredible views. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can start before dawn and watch the sunrise from the top. However, you may not want to hang around up there for too long, as you’ll start to feel the chill of your sweat start to cool. Take an obligatory pic and head back down. Be sure to wear traction on the descent as the shaded areas are icy!
Best for:
Leg strength, mental toughness, and days when you want a big effort without a long outing.
Winter doesn’t have to stop you from getting out on the trails. With the right mindset and smart route choices, it can lift your training and build strength, mental grit, and a deeper appreciation for this place we get to run. Colorado Springs is a special place for winter miles.
Download these routes in Footpath and soak up that crisp mountain air! ❄️