Pikes Peak Bridal Veil to Weeping Rock Trail

I have heard a lot about Pikes Peak State Park but had never been, so it was really fun to go and actually see it for myself. There are about 11 miles of hiking trails in this park and the views of the Mississippi River were stunning. This was a quick one only being about 1.8 miles, but still worth it!

Loop Details

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Beautiful views

  • Clearly marked trails

  • May be crowded on weekends

I followed the signs to Pikes Peak from McGregor, IA that led me to a large parking area with a shelter, bathrooms, picnic tables, and what looked like a small concession stand where you could buy snacks. Not far from there is gorgeous lookout that can be seen in the photo below. This was the start of the bridal veil trail.

From the first viewpoint, you walked a little further and there was yet another viewing area with a couple of benches for seating. These viewpoints highlight where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet. If you look close in the picture above, you can see where the color of the water changes. With a sunny day, you can see the separation really clearly.

This trail is mostly gravel/dirt but there are some spots where there are stairs with a railing (like the picture below) when going up or down steep areas. I found myself slightly out of breath at the top of the one stairway going up which is why I deemed this as an intermediate trail. The stairs were definitely helpful though I couldn’t imagine doing some of that terrain without them.

The first sections of the trail are along the Mississippi River, while the other sections are back in the woods a little deeper. The trails were clearly marked and easy to follow. I also saw a deer which wasn’t bothered by me in the slightest. Pikes Peak is one of the public areas where hunting is not allowed so I’m sure some animals know they are safe there.

This is one of the many great hiking trails to explore in Pikes Peak State Park. If you’ve only got time for a short hike, go out and do this trail, you won’t regret it! Share this post with others who you think would enjoy this hike! 

For more information about Pikes Peak State Park click here.

Subscribe below for post updates that include additional hikes in Pikes Peak State Park.