6 minAre you trying to plan a trip to Colorado Springs, CO? Or maybe you’re already a seasoned local looking for a new spot to hang out with friends and family or explore by yourself. Whatever your reasons might be for visiting the scenic Pikes Peak region, any of the top parks in Colorado Springs will be a great place to visit thanks to its:
- Beautiful scenery 🏔
- Amazing views 👀
- Interpretive programs 🔍
- Waterfalls 💧
- Hiking and biking trails 🚵♂️
- Recreational areas ⛹️
- Easily accessible parking lots 🅿️
As a local roofing company, we know all about our home state. Now that you know why everything from small parks in neighborhoods and local communities to internationally renowned nature preserves and national landmarks are so special to this area, let’s take a closer look at seven of the best parks in Colorado Springs, CO, (plus a few bonus ones for families) before you plan your visit:
1.) Garden of the Gods
If you’re in Colorado Springs, CO, you can’t miss the area’s most well-known natural wonder: Garden of the Gods. Although not a National Park, this visitor center/nature center is a public park where you can find outlets to exercise both your body and mind. Between the unique rock formations, antique dinosaur dig sites, and extensive network of nearly 21 miles of hiking trails, it’s no wonder this park was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
- Address: 1805 N. 30th St.
- Amenities: Rock climbing, Segway and open-air Jeep tours, rentable bikes and e-bikes, monthly classes, presentations, interactive shows, and adventure programs for kids
- Google Rating: 4.8 stars
- Best For: Adventure enthusiasts, experienced hikers, and science enthusiasts
2.) Bear Creek Dog Park
Don’t worry, dog moms and dads; there’s a park dedicated just to you and your pooch here in Colorado Springs, CO. With 25 acres of fully-fenced land, there’s no way your beloved Fido won’t be absolutely delighted to visit Bear Creek Park along with other friendly dog-families. If you’re looking to get off-leash, this is the place to be in Colorado Springs.
- Address: S. 21st St.
- Amenities: Full fencing, looping trails, separate small dog area, varying geography
- Google Rating: 4.8 stars
- Best For: Families, fitness fanatics, and dog-lovers
3.) Palmer Park
If you’re looking to visit the largest park in Colorado Springs, CO, stop by Palmer Park. This famous location offers a range of attractive amenities, including:
- Sports fields
- Playgrounds
- Horse stables
- Scenic overlook and drive
- Picnic areas
- Volleyball courts
- Botanical reserve
- Dog park area
- And more!
Aside from all of the fantastic features this park offers for less experienced outdoor adventurers, you’ll also find a diverse array of outdoor bouldering and rock climbing options at Palmer Park.
- Address: 3344-3376 Paseo Rd.
- Amenities: Sports fields, nature center, picnic area, dog park, large parking lot, and more
- Google Rating: 4.7 stars
- Best For: Families and leisure hikers
4.) Ute Valley Park
Ute Valley Park is an excellent place for a variety of activities, from walking paths and hiking trails the whole family can handle to some more hardcore mountain biking expos with the bros. Like many other parks in Colorado Springs, CO, you can enjoy everything from wildlife viewing, walking, and archeological sites at this great park.
- Address: 1705 Vindicator Dr.
- Amenities: Hiking and biking trails, wetland area for wildlife viewing
- Google Rating: 4.8 stars
- Best For: Hikers and mountain bikers of all experience levels
5.) Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Whether at the off-leash dog area or enjoying a light lunch at the picnic area, Red Rock Canyon is a park in Colorado Springs you can’t miss. Between the bike-only areas and miles of walking and hiking trails, what could be better than a day spent in this outstanding open space?
- Address: 3550 W High St.
- Amenities: Picnic area, off-leash dog area, climbing rock opportunities, over six unique trails
- Google Rating: 4.8 stars
- Best For: Rock climbers, dog owners, and trail walkers
6.) Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most popular locations among avid hikers in Colorado Springs. If you’re not from the area, you might not know that Pikes Peak is the highest summit within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. That means you’re guaranteed to get great views from this top park in Colorado Springs, CO.
- Address: 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
- Amenities: Boating, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking trails, interpretive programs, historical information
- Google Rating: 4.8 stars
- Best For: Tourists, locals, just about anyone, really!
7.) Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Another hotspot for outdoor lovers is Cheyenne Mountain. This scenic state park features activities for everyone, such as:
- An archery range
- Camping
- Nature viewing
- 27 miles of trails
Within Cheyenne Mountain State Park, you’ll find places like North Cheyenne Cañon Park, where you can hike behind Helen Hunt Falls, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, perfect for the whole family.
- Address: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd.
- Amenities: 28 miles of trails, full-service campsites, guided walks, Junior Ranger programs, geocaching, and more
- Google Rating: 4.7 stars
- Best For: Campers, families, and generally outdoorsy folks
Other Popular Community Parks in Colorado Springs
Aside from spectacular geological formations, regional parks, and national forests, Colorado Springs, CO, also offers a number of parks for local neighborhood and community use. See these listed below and learn more!
Community parks:
- America the Beautiful (home of the spray ground and Julie Penrose Fountain)
- Cottonwood Creek Park
- Memorial Park
- Monument Valley
- Quail Lake
- Rampart
- Venezia
- Wilson Ranch Park
Neighborhood parks:
- Acacia Park
- Alamo Square
- Antlers Park
- Bancroft
- Ford Frick
- Nancy Lewis
- Mountain Shadows
- Thorndale
- Village Green
Spend Some Time in Colorado Springs Parks
As you can see, there are many parks in Colorado Springs for people of any interest, age, or experience level to explore and enjoy. Between secluded camping experiences, extensive hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, boating and fishing opportunities, and some of the best scenic views you’ve ever laid your eyes on, there’s something for everyone in Colorado Springs.
Whether you’re in town to talk with Tectum about new metal roofing for your Colorado home or just passing through on a road trip, make sure to spend time visiting the various parks Colorado Springs, CO, has to offer.
