As the warm spring and summer months descend on Colorado Springs, it’s almost impossible to stay indoors. If the lure of Colorado’s vast open spaces is calling to you, there’s no need to resist. Hop in the car and head to one of these enticing local destinations to hike, bike, or play the day away. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely picnic or a rigorous day of climbing, this area has it all.
Garden of the Gods
The majestic name of this park is entirely appropriate to its stunning 300-foot sandstone rock formations set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Garden of the Gods offers 15 miles of hiking trails, including a 1-1/2 mile paved trail that’s stroller and wheelchair accessible. Biking trails are available as well, if you prefer to traverse the park on wheels. Rock climbing is permitted with free registration and the proper equipment. If you want to get to know the park better, there’s no shortage of options. Thirty-minute guided nature walks depart from the Visitor and Nature Center at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily. Several brief 20-minute nature presentations take place throughout the day as well. One of the best parts of the Garden of the Gods is that admission, tours, and talks are all free. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Cheyenne Mountain State Park covers over 2,700 acres and includes 21 miles of biking and hiking trails, a year-round campground, playground, picnic tables, and an archery range. The stunning setting features rolling prairies, towering ponderosa pines, oak woodlands, and dense vegetation. It’s home to more than 100 species, including elk, mule deer, wild turkeys, black-tailed prairie dogs, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions. The park’s 18 hiking trails offer an ideal opportunity for getting outdoors in Colorado Springs. You can go geocaching, stop at one of 41 day-use picnic sites, or take your horses for a ride beginning at the Limekiln Trailhead. Day passes are $7 and annual passes are $70. Paint Mines Interpretive Park Named one of the most colorful natural wonders in the world by the Mother Nature Network, the Paint Mines are a must-see for residents who want to experience …show more content…
You’ll also find interpretive signage, biking trails, and horseback riding trails awaiting you if you’re in the mood to explore. Admission is free.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space features breathtaking ridges and canyons formed from the area’s signature red rock strata. The expansive park covers over 1,474 acres. Of these, 653 are for passive recreation only, which includes hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding. If you’re interested in climbing in the park, you must register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. There are 85 established climbing routes that you can use in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Those interested in getting a fresh new view of the area can go paragliding in the park. There’s a launch on the Eastern point of Section 16. Looking to stay a little closer to the ground? There are several trails you can explore on foot, bike, or horseback. The longest is the Lower Hogback/Hogback Valley/Lion loop at 3.3 miles. This trail features an overlook of Red Rocks and Pikes Peak. The park’s shortest trail is just one mile around the Upper Dog Loop. This is an off-leash dog loop where pet owners can let their pooches
Garden of the Gods
The majestic name of this park is entirely appropriate to its stunning 300-foot sandstone rock formations set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Garden of the Gods offers 15 miles of hiking trails, including a 1-1/2 mile paved trail that’s stroller and wheelchair accessible. Biking trails are available as well, if you prefer to traverse the park on wheels. Rock climbing is permitted with free registration and the proper equipment. If you want to get to know the park better, there’s no shortage of options. Thirty-minute guided nature walks depart from the Visitor and Nature Center at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily. Several brief 20-minute nature presentations take place throughout the day as well. One of the best parts of the Garden of the Gods is that admission, tours, and talks are all free. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Cheyenne Mountain State Park covers over 2,700 acres and includes 21 miles of biking and hiking trails, a year-round campground, playground, picnic tables, and an archery range. The stunning setting features rolling prairies, towering ponderosa pines, oak woodlands, and dense vegetation. It’s home to more than 100 species, including elk, mule deer, wild turkeys, black-tailed prairie dogs, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions. The park’s 18 hiking trails offer an ideal opportunity for getting outdoors in Colorado Springs. You can go geocaching, stop at one of 41 day-use picnic sites, or take your horses for a ride beginning at the Limekiln Trailhead. Day passes are $7 and annual passes are $70. Paint Mines Interpretive Park Named one of the most colorful natural wonders in the world by the Mother Nature Network, the Paint Mines are a must-see for residents who want to experience …show more content…
You’ll also find interpretive signage, biking trails, and horseback riding trails awaiting you if you’re in the mood to explore. Admission is free.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space features breathtaking ridges and canyons formed from the area’s signature red rock strata. The expansive park covers over 1,474 acres. Of these, 653 are for passive recreation only, which includes hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding. If you’re interested in climbing in the park, you must register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. There are 85 established climbing routes that you can use in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Those interested in getting a fresh new view of the area can go paragliding in the park. There’s a launch on the Eastern point of Section 16. Looking to stay a little closer to the ground? There are several trails you can explore on foot, bike, or horseback. The longest is the Lower Hogback/Hogback Valley/Lion loop at 3.3 miles. This trail features an overlook of Red Rocks and Pikes Peak. The park’s shortest trail is just one mile around the Upper Dog Loop. This is an off-leash dog loop where pet owners can let their pooches