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 Reporter |
Summary: From the parking lot the trail is easy to find on the East end. Begin by going up some landscaped stairs through a couple of quick switchbacks. The trail is heavily traveled and easy to follow, but please avoid the temptation to follow some of the side trails that are beginning to form. These damage the environment and threaten the free access. After hiking for 1.5 miles you will come to the intersection for the loop. There's not much difference on which direction you travel, they both wind up back at this intersection. There is still a fair amount of elevation to gain from this point. As the sign states the loop itself is 3.5 miles long. You will have to cross a small stream several times, the crossings are easy but you must be nimble to keep your feet dry. Trailhead: From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 west past Manitou Springs. 2 miles after you pass the stoplight for Cave of the Winds there will be a large and usually crowded parking lot on the right side of the road. This is the parking for this trailhead. (Lat:38.88188 Lon:-104.94996) Trail Guides for Waldo Canyon Loop: 100 Classic Hikes in Colorado Second Edition by Scott S Warren (The Mountaineers Books) Colorados Best by Bruce Caughey and Doug Whitehead (Fulcrum Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Pikes Peak Ranger District 719-636-1602 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Gregg on 7/28/2010 I hiked it in the 80s. Took my boys on an overnight backpacking trip. It's a nice trail and camping was awesome at the meadow. At sunset the crowd left and we had the canyon to ourselves, laying in the meadow star gazing. Nice intro trip to see if backpacking could be your thing. I would take my boys there again as they said they will remember this day for ever with fond memories, 
Reviewed by Susan on 6/22/2010 This is one of the best hikes we did in the last 3 months. Our 5 yr old twin girls and 13 yr old daughter enjoyed the trails and the view.
Reviewed by Melissa on 5/19/2010 I've basically grown up hiking this trail and I love the hike itself and the view at the end! It is gorgeous and it is one of the many examples of how beautiful Colorado is!
Reviewed by Susanne on 2/4/2010 I visited Colarado Springs for the first time a few years ago. A friend took me on a hike up the Canyon and the view was just wonderful.
Reviewed by SLM on 11/19/2009 I was very impressed with this hike. Especially today where parts were dry and sunny and other parts were covered in snow. Made for great pics. Give yourself at least 3 hours if you hike at a quick pace.
Reviewed by KL on 11/8/2009 I'd hike it again- little rough on the ears by the highway, though. But once you're in the canyon it's beautiful.
Reviewed by Patrick on 7/25/2009 I would say this hike is a great hike to do in the early afternoon, or morning. I went left at the loop and did the switch backs first, and saved the dense trees and stream crossings for the last part of the hike. Let my dog and I cool off a bit. All said and down it was a fun hike and I would do it again.
Reviewed by Scott on 7/12/2009 This was my first hike in Colorado. It was very enjoyable. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
