The Crags is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Pikes Peak region. Just 20 minutes from Woodland Park, this 4-mile round-trip trail climbs through dense spruce-fir forest before opening to a stunning field of granite spires and formations at roughly 10,000 feet. The final section involves a scramble over rocks to reach the top, where 360-degree views of Pikes Peak, the Sangre de Cristo range, and the surrounding valleys make the effort worth every step.
This is the hike that locals take visiting friends on to show them what Woodland Park living is really about.
Trail Description
The trail begins at the Crags Campground trailhead on Teller County Road 383 (Fourmile Road), accessed from Divide via Highway 67. The first mile and a half follows Fourmile Creek through dense forest with a gradual, steady climb. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow through this section.
Around the 1.5-mile mark, the forest begins to thin and you'll catch your first glimpses of the granite formations above. The trail steepens and becomes rockier as you approach the crags themselves. The final quarter-mile is a scramble over large boulders and granite slabs — not technical climbing, but it requires using your hands in spots and confident footing.
At the top, the massive granite spires tower around you, and the views open up in every direction. Pikes Peak dominates to the east, with forested valleys dropping away below. On clear days, you can see for over 50 miles into the Sangre de Cristos to the south.
Trail Breakdown
- Miles 0-1.5: Gentle climb through spruce-fir forest along Fourmile Creek. Easy terrain, shaded.
- Miles 1.5-1.8: Trail steepens as forest thins. First views of granite formations appear.
- Miles 1.8-2.0: Rock scramble to the summit area. Use hands for balance on granite slabs. Not exposed, but requires care.
- Summit: Open granite area with 360-degree panoramic views. Great lunch spot. Multiple exploration routes among the formations.
Getting to the Trailhead
From Woodland Park, head west on Highway 24 to Divide (about 10 minutes). Turn south on Highway 67 toward Cripple Creek. After approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Teller County Road 383 (Fourmile Road — a well-maintained dirt road). The trailhead and small parking area are about 3 miles down the road at the end.
- Parking: Small lot with room for about 20 vehicles. Arrives early on weekends — by 8 AM in summer, parking may be full. There is limited roadside overflow parking.
- Fee: No parking fee or trail fee.
- Road conditions: Fourmile Road is graded dirt, passable by most passenger vehicles in summer. May be rutted after rain. Not maintained in winter — high-clearance or 4WD recommended after November.
- Restrooms: Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Best Time to Hike The Crags
Best season: Late June through mid-October. The trail may have snow and ice into June at 10,000 feet, and early snowfall can close access by late October.
Best time of day: Start early (7-8 AM) in summer to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and parking issues. The summit is exposed and not a place you want to be during lightning.
Fall: September and early October are spectacular. The aspens along the approach road turn gold, temperatures are cool and comfortable, and the crowds thin significantly.
Winter: The road is typically not maintained past the campground. Snowshoeing to The Crags is possible for experienced winter hikers, but it's a serious undertaking with avalanche-adjacent terrain.
Tips for Hiking The Crags
Essential Tips
- Bring extra water. At 10,000 feet, you dehydrate faster. Bring at least 2 liters per person.
- Wear sturdy footwear. The rock scramble section requires ankle-supportive shoes or boots with good traction. Trail runners can work but hiking boots are better.
- Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent June-September. Be off the exposed summit by noon.
- Watch children closely. The summit area has drop-offs and loose rocks. Kids should be supervised closely during the scramble section.
- Bring layers. It can be 15-20°F cooler at 10,000 feet than in Woodland Park. Wind at the summit adds chill factor.
- Pack out trash. This is a pristine area. Leave no trace.
- Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. The rock scramble can be challenging for smaller dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Crags is rated moderate. The first 1.5 miles are a gentle forest climb that most hikers handle easily. The difficulty increases in the final half-mile with steeper terrain and a rock scramble requiring hands for balance. It's not technical rock climbing, but it does require reasonable fitness and steady footing. Most active adults and older children (8+) can complete it.
Most hikers complete the 4-mile round trip in 2-3 hours, including time at the summit for photos and rest. Allow extra time if you're not acclimated to altitude or want to explore the granite formations at the top. The hike starts at about 9,300 feet and gains roughly 800 feet to the summit.
The Crags trailhead is located at the end of Teller County Road 383 (Fourmile Road), accessed from Highway 67 south of Divide. From Woodland Park, drive west on Highway 24 to Divide, turn south on Highway 67, then left on CR 383. The trailhead is about 3 miles down the dirt road. It's roughly 20-25 minutes from downtown Woodland Park.
The forest portion (first 1.5 miles) is suitable for most children. The rock scramble section near the summit requires supervision for kids and is best suited for children age 8 and up who are comfortable climbing on rocks. Many families hike to the base of the granite formations and enjoy the views there without doing the final scramble.
More Hiking Near Woodland Park
Continue exploring the Pikes Peak region trails.
Hike The Crags Any Morning You Want
When you live in Woodland Park, trails like The Crags are just 20 minutes from your front door. Let's find your mountain home.