Pulpit Rock via Summit and Black Sheep Loop

Pulpit Rock is a rock formation located in Austin Bluffs Open Space in Colorado Springs. There are many ways to access Pulpit Rock. One of the most popular is via Summit and Black Sheep trails. This loop is 1.7 miles long and gains 301 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the Pulpit Rock Summit Trail off of N Nevada Ave. There are no amenities at the trailhead. Begin hiking northeast on Pulpit Rock Trail. You will be hiking uphill immediately.  Shortly after you begin you will encounter a junction and go right. Continue hiking uphill for 0.2 miles to reach another junction. Turn right here and continue uphill. 0.1 miles down the trail, you will come to a junction. Turn left here to begin hiking the loop clockwise. You will still be hiking uphill. After 0.1 miles, you will reach another junction. Go right here.

The trail continues straight uphill before switchbacking up the side of the hill. After 0.4 miles, you will encounter a junction and turn right. 0.1 miles later, you will go right at another junction. This trail leads to the base of Pulpit Rock. From here, there is a short and easy scramble that will lead you to the top of Pulpit Rock. Here, you will have wonderful views of Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and various other Front Range Peaks. Turn around and head back to the last junction. Go right here to continue on the loop. 

Hike downhill for 0.1 miles as you pass multiple junctions. Stay right at all of them. Another 0.1 miles of downhill hiking will bring you to another junction. Turn right here. Continue on mostly flat terrain before coming to another junction and heading right. You will encounter another junction 0.1 miles farther down the trail.  Take a left here. This trail will lead you back to the trailhead.

Austin Bluffs Open Space is open for hiking year round from 5am-9pm. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.