Over the last few weeks, I’ve been writing about “road trip” places to hike this summer, and this week, I’ll have another gem for you.
In the last installment I featured State Forest State Park, a gem of a park that requires a bit of a commitment to visit. This week we’re going to be closer to Colorado Springs and exploring Eleven Mile State Park.
Surrounding Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir, this state park is mostly known for its camping, fishing and boating opportunities, but its secret super-power is its small network of excellent hiking trails.
In fact, hiking there is so secret, the word “hiking’ doesn’t even appear in the official park brochure, nor does the brochure even include a map of the hiking trails there. However, all of the trails are shown on Colorado Trails Explorer (COTREX).
The more than 7,600-acre park is at an elevation of 8,200’ and is close to 11 miles from the small town of Lake George, which is about 40 miles west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. All hiking trails are located at the far east end of the park’s north shore and are accessed just before the main entrance to the park, right after passing through the small village on Park County Road 92 just prior to the park, at the Coyote Ridge trailhead parking lot. This lot is also used by backcountry tent campers and kayakers, canoeists, etc., so parking may be limited, especially on weekends. Toilet facilities are available at the parking lot, along with a dumpster.
All of the trails start from this point and create a number of cascading loops. While none of the trails are particularly difficult, there are a couple that may require stepping up or down steps or over uneven terrain, but generally speaking, hiking any of these trails is literally like a walk in the park.
In the spring and summer, the park is full of wildflowers, and more than 250 species of birds also inhabit the park. In the fall, it is one of the earliest places in the Pikes Peak region to see fall colors, due to the groves of aspens tucked away against tall rocky hills.
Of the five miles of trails here, my favorite is this four-mile loop which goes along the shoreline, through aspen groves, over large flat boulders, stops at a scenic overlook and winds through meadows. It has everything the park has to offer.
For photographers, the wildflowers, wildlife and fall colors make this a great destination and it is also a great place for dark sky and Milky Way photography.
Things you need to know
Eleven Mile State Park allows leashed dogs and bikes; however, bikes are not allowed on the Black Bear trail due to its proximity to backcountry campsites.
The Black Bear trail goes past the park’s backcountry campsites, so be mindful of how much noise you’re making if hiking in the early morning or late afternoon. Do not wander off trail into a campsite and do not occupy a campsite without a reservation.
Due to its elevation, this park can get very cold in the winter and pretty chilly after dark in the summer. Bring layers all year round.
Equestrian use is not permitted.
Motorized use is not permitted on any trail.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife state parks daily or yearly pass, or a Keep Colorado Wild pass, is required.
Swimming in the reservoir is not permitted.
For more information on Eleven Mile State Park, visit the park’s website.
Eleven Mile State Park is a separate entity from Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. You cannot directly go from one to the other, and a pass for one is not valid at the other. For more information on Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, see its Forest Service webpage.
Be Good. Do Good Things. Explore.
Bob Falcone aka “Hiking Bob” has been a Colorado Springs resident for 35 years. A retired career firefighter and U.S. Air Force veteran, Bob is an avid hiker & outdoorsman. Bob spends his days traveling around Colorado and the American Southwest searching for hiking and photography opportunities and adventures, often with his loyal companion Coal the dog. Be sure to check out Hiking Bob’s website and podcast.
