Near Ridge Trail
Thunderstorm over Garden of the Gods.
Near Ridge Trail
This is some of the local flora along the Ridge Trail.
Near Ridge Trail
View south from near the P8 parking lot and the Buckskin Charley trail at the Garden of the Gods.
Near Ridge Trail
Gray Rock viewed from the South Garden Parking Lot (P10) at the Garden of the Gods.
Near Ridge Trail
There are lovely viewpoints along the Ridge Trail.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Ridge Trail

4.3 (3 Ratings)
A "lollipop" shaped trail that offers less-visited views.
0.5
mi
Distance
101
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.53mi
Distance
101ft
Elevation Gain
101ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
6,495ft
High Point
6,382ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This short trail offers a different perspective of Sleeping Giant and Cathedral Rock/Grey Rock from the south. Park in Parking Area 10 to the east (right) of Juniper Way Loop Road. From the parking area, head to the northern exit and cross the road at the pedestrian crosswalk. Follow the clear trail through the open meadow to the base of the "lollipop" part. From here, the trail becomes rocky, but should still be easy to follow. Any steep section is mitigated with stairs to help ease the hike and control erosion. If you head counterclockwise, the trail will pass between the namesake ridge and Sleeping Giant before turning east (right) and gaining the ridge line. Fences are in places to make sure you stay on the trail - please do so. Follow the ridge back south for some nice views. After a flight of stairs off the ridge be sure to stop in the small fenced in rest area/observation point before finishing the "lollipop" and returning to the parking area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Siamese Twins

Hike Route

Siamese Twins

Views
easy
0.33 mi
+73 ft
Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Hike Route

Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Views
easy
3.2 mi
+403 ft
Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Family Friendly
easy
1.34 mi
+168 ft
Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Hike Route

Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.99 mi
+229 ft
Garden of the Gods Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.93 mi
+497 ft
Palmer Trail

Hike Route

Palmer Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
5.59 mi
+756 ft
Contributors
Karl W