Tucked in under time-worn cliffs at Mesa Verde National Park are the crumbling cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo, an entirely evocative place that is readily explored on foot.
Waldo Canyon Trail traverses through open pine forest and high desert sagebrush, approaching 12,000 feet above sea level at points. Waldo Canyon features excellent singletrack trail with steep climbing, switchbacks and gravelly sections, making this a good challenge trail for riders looking for a stout workout.
Waldo Canyon Trail has excellent views of the surrounding mountains and the trail is very popular with hikers.
Details
Location:
Manitou Springs
Length:
7 miles One section out and back with loop at end
Difficulty:
High elevation climbing, steep climbing
Aerobic Difficulty:
Advanced
Time To Allow:
2 - 3 hours Depends on aerobic fitness
Trailhead Elevation:
10700 feet High elevation riding
Season:
June-September
Additional Details:
While riding any trail system it is a great idea to include a repair kit and first aid kit. Waldo Canyon Trail is multi-use and hikers, horseback riders, vehicles and other trail users may be seen along the way. Please be considerate on the trails and understand right of way protocol. Waldo Canyon Trail is located in high elevation mountains and can experience sudden weather shifts, so riders should bring appropriate warm layers in anticipation of this.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take Highway 24 west from Manitou Springs about 1-½ miles. The trailhead is on the north side of the road.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Colorado Springs. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Chaffee County Central Colorado
Chaffee County
Central ColoradoMore than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
South Fork Southwestern Colorado
South Fork
Southwestern ColoradoAre you looking for a naturalist paradise with affordability? Then look no further South Fork is your destination. A world class golf course, gold medal fishing in the Rio Grande, and thousands of acres of National Forest to hike, bike, ATV, ski and snowmobile through. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Switch to Mobile Browser Mode
We offer a compact version of Go-Colorado for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Colorado on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.