From hiking and walking trails to breweries and local sports games, there are so many ways to explore Colorado Springs.
Welcome to Colorado Springs, a city full of adventure, culture and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re new to town or a native, this bucket list will lead you to explore tons of activities in Colorado Springs.
1. Walk or run around Prospect Lake (1.24 miles). Mix up your cardio workout by trying the new fitness stations located around the lake.
2. Drive (or hike!) to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Bundle up!
3. Do a yoga pose in front of Siamese Twins rocks in Garden of the Gods Park.
4. Learn about our region’s local history by visiting the Pioneers Museum. Reservations are required, but admission is FREE!
5. Colorado Springs has a burgeoning food scene. Explore all the different flavors with some guidance from our list of the 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
6. Hike to the top of Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
7. Immerse yourself in the arts during Colorado Springs’ First Friday celebrations on the first Friday of each month.
8. Explore the trails in Red Rock Canyon Open Space and discover the old quarry there.
9. Shoot hoops in a neighborhood park.
10. Take a creek-side nature walk in Sondermann Park where you can learn more about the Fountain Creek watershed.
11. Challenge yourself to complete the Manitou Incline. Or, start training to make it to the top by tackling the bottom portion before connecting to the new Northern Incline Return Trail. You can make a reservation here!
12. Ride your bike or walk/jog along the Cottonwood Creek Trail, which provides a connection from Powers Boulevard to downtown Colorado Springs.
13. Grab a family member and play pickleball at Venezia or Monument Valley Park.
14. Use the self-cleaning bathroom at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City.
15. Ride your bike on the trails in Bluestem Prairie Open Space. The southeastern open space offers beautiful views and a scenic water ride along Big Johnson Reservoir.
16. Look for wildlife in Ute Valley Park. This open space is home to mule deer, cottontail rabbits, Cooper’s hawks, Black-capped chickadees, and much more! Remember to stay on the trail.
17. Drive or ride your bike to the overlook in Palmer Park and capture a landscape photo of our city’s incredible western backdrop.
18. Get involved in your park system by joining a friends group that volunteers time and resources for cleanups and trail restoration work. Or learn more about and consider joining a local park and recreation advocacy group – there are dozens in the Pikes Peak region!
19. Take a walk around Quail Lake (1 mile).
20. Check out the dirt bike track or skate park at Goose Gossage Park, located off of Mark Dabling Boulevard. For a kid-friendly dirt bike option, try the El Pomar Youth Bike Park adjacent to the Hillside Community Center.
21. Explore the expansive trail system in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. There are trails available for hikers of all abilities.
22. Feel the wind under your feet by swinging in your neighborhood park. Swing sets aren’t just for kids!
23. Cheer on the Switchbacks soccer team or the Rocky Mountain Vibes baseball team at a local game.
24. Play nine holes (or 18!) at the Patty Jewett or Valley Hi municipal golf courses. Online reservations required. No reservation needed for the driving range.
25. Visit the barnyard animals at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
26. Have a picnic lunch at the remodeled Leon Young Pavilion, which is named after Colorado Springs’ first black mayor.
27. Give disc golf a try! Colorado Springs has multiple courses to choose from, including Cottonwood Creek Park, Rampart Park and the Aviary Disc Golf Course.
28. Fly a kite in your neighborhood park.
29. Visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to learn more about the famous red rock formations. All purchases made in the visitor center benefit the park!
30. Colorado has a thriving craft beer culture and the Springs has plenty of breweries to sample from, like Phantom Canyon, Bristol Brewing, Red Leg Brewing and more to check out.
31. Enjoy an afternoon of rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. A free permit is required.
32. We are fortunate to have such an extensive trail network! Discover a trail you’ve never experienced. Find some trail guides here. And our friends at the Trails and Open Space Coalition have a page full of recommendations.
33. Take a stroll through Old Colorado City or Downtown Colorado Springs to check out unique local businesses.
34. Discover the prehistoric history of Colorado Springs on a guided hikes at Corral Bluffs Open Space.
35. Enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride through the Evergreen or Fairview cemeteries, where you can find the grave sites of many fascinating figures who were instrumental in establishing the history of Colorado City, founded in 1859 as a supply town for gold prospectors.
36. Explore the ancient sandstone formations in the Austin Bluffs Open Space, most famously Pulpit Rock.
37. Spot a peregrine falcon in Blodgett Open Space. Once placed on the endangered species list, these majestic birds fly freely in this open space.
38. Take your sled to Bear Creek Regional Park and catch a ride down some of the county’s best sledding hills.
39. Take in the incredible views of Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak during a walk or bike ride on the Palmer-Mesa Trail.
40. Visit Patty Jewett Junction, a colorful neighborhood space that pays homage to Patty Jewett’s love of roses and the area’s railroad history.
41. Did you know many of our city’s trails are horse friendly? Find a local riding stable and giddy up!
42. Watch the sunset from High Point in Garden of the Gods Park.
43. Explore 9 miles of trails by foot, by bike or on horseback at the Pineries Open Space in Black Forest.
44. Enjoy a sunny afternoon of fishing at Prospect or Quail lakes. A valid fishing license is required for everyone 16 and older and can be purchased at any sporting goods store.
45. Pack some breakfast and take in the county’s most colorful sunrise at the Paint Mines in Calhan. Remember to leave your pets at home and please don’t climb on the rock formations.
46. Enjoy a pond-side picnic at Nancy Lewis Park. While we know it’s tempting, don’t share your lunch with the ducks. For some post-picnic fun, head to the bocci ball court!
47. Build a snowman with your family at Fox Run Regional Park.
48. Become an Ultra Steward by learning more about and always practicing the Leave No Trace seven principles! How low-impact can you go?
49. Become a birder. How many birds can you spot from your doorstep? From your favorite park? Use this Colorado Birding Checklist to keep track!
50. Research “forest bathing” and take a stroll through a park or open space close to your home. Leave your phone behind and reflect on what sights, smells, and sounds you noticed during your walk.
Read More
Epic Trails in Colorado Springs for All Abilities
