Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley Park is a common destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike. Thanks to the wide variety of trails and central location, it isn’t hard to get there or to find something that suits your style. From smooth, wide dirt trails to narrower, rock strewn technical trails, Ute Valley has it all.

Difficulty

Ute Valley has done an amazing job of diversifying its terrain. Need something easier? You’re covered with smooth dirt trails right from the parking lot. Need some rocks or a little more thrill in your hike or ride? The technical trails aren’t far out and offer lots of variety for differing skill levels. To find some of these trails, an app like Trailforks can help you navigate the park and to get the most out of your time there.

For those who want to go end to end in the park, there are great connecting sections of trail spanning from the main parking lot off of Vindicator Dr. all the way to the frontage road nestled up against I-25. Most trails can be hiked by nearly anyone in decent physical shape, and there are trails for mountain bikers that span from smooth, gentle beginner terrain to extreme sections with rocks, sandstone slabs, drops, and jumps. Just use caution in picking your trails and enjoy! You’d have to try pretty hard to drop into any crazy terrain you can’t see coming from the start of a trail.

For a formal park trail map click here

Location

Ute Valley is situated toward the northwest side of Colorado Springs, just between Garden of the Gods Rd. and Woodmen Rd just to the west side of Interstate 25. Regardless of your trailhead choice you can be off I-25 and at the trail system in about 5 minutes. Though it is rather centrally located, once you get just a bit away from the parking lot you quickly forget about the location. It’s a slice of heaven to so easily get away from the hustle and bustle surrounding Colorado Springs, yet it doesn’t take much time to get there whatsoever. The main trailhead is located off of Vindicator Dr. and offers a park map and a small parking lot. A second unofficial trailhead is located just off of Tech Center Dr. that parallels I-25 just past the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. It’s hard to miss, just drive a bit further south from Woodmen Rd. or a bit north from Garden of the Gods Rd. and look for the dirt pullout that sits directly next to I-25. This trailhead is unmarked but offers two trails that snake into the main portion of the park and are popular with mountain bikers in particular.

Is it Busy?

Due to Ute Valley’s central location and great trail system it can be busy, especially in the evenings or on the weekends during the summer. In the winter, when the weather is good, you can expect it to be rather busy constantly. It doesn’t at all compare to the traffic Garden of the Gods sees, so overall it actually doesn’t get too packed, it’s just that there are times that tend to be a bit higher trafficked than others.

Maintenance

Ute Valley is well maintained overall. Friends of Ute Valley Park, along with other groups, keep the trails in good shape. After big rainstorms in the summer trail damage can occur, but they do a pretty good job tending to the necessary work to keep everything in good shape, but use caution as there are always some trails that do have washouts and ditches.

Aesthetics

The park isn’t specifically known for it’s aesthetic beauty like Garden of the Gods is, but it’s no slouch either. Getting to certain higher ground portions of the park will give you a great view of the city and surrounding area. Just because there isn’t a main overlook or viewpoint to reach doesn’t mean that the cool terrain and rock formations in the park aren’t beautiful in and of themselves.

Dog Friendliness

Ute Valley is very dog friendly. It is certainly not uncommon in the slightest to see individuals or families out on a hike with their dog, but bear in mind that dogs must stay on leash and you must clean up their waste. Do your part to help keep the park clean!

Family Friendliness

This park is rather family friendly. Many families can be seen out enjoying their day together, however, it is not a park that is suitable for strollers, toddlers walking on their own, or young children that can’t make way for other trail users or exercise caution near potentially hazardous terrain and wildlife.

Mountain Biking

Ute Valley is very common for their mountain bike trails. Because of the varied terrain, technical features, and fun obstacles you will very frequently see many people getting out on their bikes. Riders who like chunky, moderately technical terrain will love Ute Valley, as many of the trails there fit that description. Many trails also have built-in optional features, hidden/multiple lines, or next-to-trail obstacles that allow for different challenges and cool photos. As mentioned earlier, an app like Trailforks comes in very handy here with only some of the trails being marked, and many of the most fun ones lacking signage. If you need to rent bikes, go to Criterium Bike shop. They’ve been around for quite a while and you can even ride to the park from the shop. Finally, be respectful of other trail users and remember that cyclists have the responsibility to yield if necessary and to pass others safely and respectfully.

Other

As with all other parks, when leaving the car be sure to bring all valuables with you and lock your vehicle. The main parking lot off of Vindicator is very small and often can be full, so if there is not available parking there, turn around and drive a quarter mile or so back down the road and park at Eagleview Middle School near the sports fields. If school is in session, use discretion when parking here and be sure to not block traffic or park in bus lanes. Ute Valley is also home to wildlife, mostly being small woodland creatures like squirrels and rabbits, but it is also home to things like rattlesnakes. Always use caution and never approach wildlife. Staying the trail will help reduce your likelihood of disturbing animals. Enjoy the park, it’s a truly amazing trail system!