The Crags Trail | Divide, Colorado: Take It Slow, Soak In the Views & Enjoy the Climb
Trail: The Crags #664
Directions: Highway 24 to Divide, Colorado. At Divide, turn South on highway 67 and continue for 4.3 miles. Turn left at the sign for The Crags Campground (forest service road #383). Follow this road until there is a left turn into the campground (about three miles). Just to let you know, this road is not for low clearance vehicles, but we did make it in a front wheel drive car. Go to the end of this road to a parking lot and the trail head. The campground has a $11.00 fee. There is a parking lot just for hikers that is free. It is right before you reach the campground area.
General Information:
Distance: 4.8-5 miles - Out and back
Elevation at End: 10,900 feet
Elevation Gain: 800 feet – most of that is near the end
Family Oriented: Yes, Nice trail for kids
Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be on a leash
Hiking Fees: $11.00 for campground parking
Contact Information: Pikes Peak Ranger District: 719-636-1602
Operational Times: Forest System Road 383 is closed December 1 to June 1 or longer depending on snow
🌲 Trail Vibes: Easy to Moderate Adventure!
If you live at higher elevations, this trail will feel like a nice, easy stroll. For us sea-level folks (like me!), it’s a bit more of a moderate climb, especially near the end when the trail kicks things up a notch with a steady incline. But trust me, the payoff is totally worth it: an epic view that’ll make you forget all about that last push uphill.
🚶♀️ Distance: 3.5–4 miles (Out & Back)
⛰️ Elevation at end: 10,900 feet
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 800 ft (mostly in the last stretch)
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: Absolutely! Great for kids.
🚻 Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead.
🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes! Just keep them on a leash.
💵 Trail Fee: $11.00 for campground parking
☎ Contact Information: Pikes Peak Ranger District: 719-636-1602
📆 Operational Times: Forest System Road 383 is closed December 1 to June 1 or longer depending on snow
🥾 What to Expect:
This trail starts off super chill—mostly flat with just a gentle slope. You're flanked by towering rock walls on either side, which makes it feel like you're walking through your own little canyon adventure. About ¾ of a mile in, you'll hit a fork. Heads-up: take the right path to get to the stunning main overlook. The left takes you to the southern end of the crags, still beautiful, but not the star of the show.
As you get closer to the end, the trail starts climbing. Don’t worry, it’s not too long, and you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping overlook that’s totally photo-worthy.
🌤️ The Experience:
We hit the trail around 10 AM in early October, and it was a picture-perfect day. Crisp morning temps in the low 40s, clear blue skies, and barely another soul in sight. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves (except for a couple with a very happy trail pup 🐶).
About a mile in, something straight out of a movie happened—white birds landed in front of us, and then behind us! It felt like a scene from The Birds. Turns out, other hikers had been feeding them, and they were looking for snacks. (Quick PSA: please don’t feed the wildlife! Cute now, problematic later.)
You might even meet some bold chipmunks at the overlook, adorable, but equally food motivated. Enjoy the wildlife but keep the trail wild. 🐿️✨
🧗♂️ Scenery Goals:
The cliffs and rock formations are absolutely breathtaking. The colors are vivid, the textures are dramatic, and you’ll want to stop every few minutes to snap photos or just soak it all in. We spent about 3 hours on the trail—taking our time, savoring the views, and just enjoying the peace of the outdoors.
✅ Final Thoughts:
Whether you're a newbie hiker or a seasoned trail lover, this is a fantastic way to spend a few hours reconnecting with nature. Easy to follow, full of beauty, and just the right amount of challenge. Highly recommended!
Wishing you an easy loafin’ hike that’s relaxing, safe, and totally inspiring. 🌄💚