Red Rock, Lion, and Section 16 Loop is a long hike located in Red Rock Canyon Open Space near Colorado Springs. This hike explores a large portion of Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Bear Creek Cañon Park. This loop is 11.8 miles long and gains 2,228 feet of elevation.
This hike begins from Red Rock Open Space Lot 2. There are portable restrooms available here. Begin hiking east. After 0.1 miles, you will turn right onto Old Quarry Trail. You will be hiking uphill immediately. Stay on this trail for 0.4 miles before turning right onto Red Rock Rim Trail. As you hike, you will enjoy views of multiple rock formations and Pikes Peak. After 0.6 miles, turn right onto Lion Trail. After another 0.6 miles, turn right onto White Acres Trail. The trail continues uphill. After another 1.1 miles of hiking, turn right onto Ridgeline Trail. In another 0.2 miles, you will turn right onto Section 16 Trail.
You will still be hiking uphill. The trail travels through a coniferous forest. After another 1.9 miles, you will reach the highest point on the hike. You will have great views of Bear Creek Cañon Park. Another 0.1 miles will bring you to a junction. Turn left to stay on Section 16 Trail. Continue downhill for 2.2 miles before turning left onto High Drive. After 0.8 miles, this trail turns into Gold Camp Road. Follow this for 0.3 miles before turning left onto Section 16 Trail. Follow this trail for 0.5 miles before turning right onto Red Rock Overlook Trail. After 0.4 mile, go right onto Gypsum Canyon Trail. In another 0.5 miles, turn left onto Landfill Road. Follow this for 0.5 miles before turning left onto Lion Trail. Stay on Lion Trail for 1.3 miles. Then turn left on Lower Hogback Trail. Follow this trail back to the parking lot.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.
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