Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs isn't really hidden. In fact, it's right in the middle of Colorado Springs - one of the biggest cities in all of Colorado. However, it's hidden in the sense that many people just miss it. Why? Well, it's right next door to the far more popular and well-known Garden of the Gods. Many people overlook Red Rock Canyon Open Space and instead go right to Garden of the Gods. This is understandable, as Garden of the Gods is spectacular in every way - and everyone should visit it more than once in their lifetime. However, you should also visit Red Rock Canyon Open Space! This 1,474-acre city park offers nearly a dozen trails and you'll find it to be quiet and serene in comparison to its busy neighbor. Read on to learn more about it.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is wonderful! You're going to love exploring this city park that is located between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs.

Because it is so close to Garden of the Gods, you'll find it to be somewhat similar to that more famous and well-known park.

This park was conated to the city of Colorado Springs in 2003. It is not pristine land in the way that Garden of the Gods is. Instead, it's made up of reclaimed former industrial sites including quarries, gravel pits, and a landfill.

Today, though, it's full of nature and life. It's quiet and serene and you'll find far fewer other visitors when you explore than you will at Garden of the Gods.

There are numerous trails in this park including the Sand Canyon Trail, the Contemplative Trail, the Roundup Trail, the Quarry Trail, and the Hogback Trail/Lion Loop. There are also off-leash dog areas that you and your pups will love.

Rock climbing is allowed in the park but you'll have to pick up a permit at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center before you begin.

In Red Rock Canyon Open Space, you'll find lots of wildflowers and wildlife.

Due to the deserty environment in the park, you'll also find cactus and other desert plants.

You can expect a lot of wide open trails with hardly anyone on them. It's a great place to commune with nature.

The red rock formations in this park are striking, so be sure to bring your camera. Plan enough time to take it all in.

This park is amazing and beautiful and is everything that you've ever wanted in a red rock park - without the crowds. Plan a visit to Red Rock Canyon Open Space today!

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a very special park! You should visit it before or after you go to Garden of the Gods, or even just visit it on its own. Red rock formations are one of my very favorite things about Colorado and I'm sure you feel the same way. This is a place where you can surround yourself with them without having to deal with hundreds of other locals and tourists. Enoy!

Planning a road trip to Colorado Springs? Be sure to pack some snacks for the road!