How long is Ring the Peak?

Ring the Peak is 9.7 km (6.1 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 2 hr 21 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Ring the Peak?

It is rated moderate, with roughly 214 m (702 ft) of total ascent. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

How long does Ring the Peak take?

Allow around 2 hr 21 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Ring the Peak?

April to October is the most reliable window. Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

Can you bring dogs on Ring the Peak?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Ring the Peak suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 9.7 km with 214 m (702 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Ring the Peak a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Ring the Peak

Name: Ring the Peak
Address: Colorado, United States

ModerateColorado · United States

GPX

Distance: 9.7 km (6.1 mi)
Elevation gain: 604 m (1,982 ft)
Typical time: 2 hr 21 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 3,369 m (11,053 ft)

About Ring the Peak

Ring the Peak is a 9.7 km hiking route in Colorado, United States. It climbs roughly 214 m (702 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 hr 21 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Colorado Springs, about 26.1 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Friends of the Peak.

In short, Ring the Peak suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate9.7 km604 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation profile

Ascent: +604 m
Descent: −377 m
High: 3,369 m (11,053 ft)
Low: 3,070 m (10,072 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

Mountain

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Patchy on the upper sections
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 50/100
Adventure: 36/100
Difficulty: 29/100
Accessibility: 58/100
Family: 32/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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