Best Colorado Springs Parks

Colorado Springs Parks are some of the most beautiful in the country and might be the city's greatest asset. (Our main photo above was taken at the city park Garden of the Gods!)

Even before we moved here we regularly spent time in the parks and open spaces during our vacation visits. And for good reason.

Thousands of acres of trails, trees, and streams for you to play in and around. Most parks are within city limits, and all are FREE.

The most popular Colorado Springs parks are listed below, with links to those we've created special pages for. We're looking forward to creating pages for all the parks this year, with plenty of photographs so you can see them for yourselves.

ACACIA

The city's oldest park, Acacia is located right downtown, and is also one of the smallest at one square block in size. Well-known for its Uncle Wilbur dancing waters fountain for the kids, Acacia is also busy with live music at the band shell, shuffleboard, job and art fairs, farmer's markets, and even political gatherings.

Getting There: Downtown, corner of Tejon and Platte. Bordered by Platte on the north, Bijou on the south, Tejon on the west, and Nevada on the east.

Pikes Peak inspired the lyrics for the song "America the Beautiful," and this park was inspired by the song. The centerpiece of this downtown park is the Julie Penrose fountain, a 50-foot iron spiral that frames Pikes Peak and keeps the kids cool in the summer. Playgrounds, huge open space, and restrooms make this a great place for families to blow off steam while enjoying an incredible view.

Getting There: 126 Cimino Drive, just south of W Colorado Ave & I-25.

BEAR CREEK

Also known as Bear Creek Regional Park, this southwest county park near the mountains has huge open spaces, mature trees, picnic areas, a gazebo, tennis courts, and bike trails. Next door is the Dog Park which is a sprawling wonderland for your canine, complete with dog runs, a stream, small dog area, benches, and dog station. Might be the biggest, coolest dog park available in all of the Colorado Springs parks, or possibly anywhere.

Getting There: Take 21st St to Argus Blvd, just south of Rio Grande St.

FOX RUN

On the far north side of town, in what is also known as Black Forest, lies the peaceful park called Fox Run Regional. This is a gorgeous open space surrounded by tall pines. It's especially active with young families, kite flyers, and people who love mountain views. Picnic areas, rest rooms and a great playground are available, not to mention the lake & fountain with a shore-side gazebo and stone amphitheater.

Getting There: From I-25, take North Gate Blvd east, then turn left on Roller Coaster Road (by Barefoot Park) and drive north until you reach the intersection of Stella Drive. The park entrance is just past here on the left.

The most popular of the city parks, Garden of the Gods features stunning red sandstone monoliths, breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range, a Visitor Nature Center full of tons of fun stuff about the park, and a Trading Post that has a huge art collection, souvenirs, and outdoor dining. Trails are accessible by car, bike, horse, Segway scooter, and hiking.
A MUST SEE PARK!

Getting There: From I-25, take Garden of the Gods Road west to 30th Street, then turn south (left) until you see the park and visitor center on your right and left respectively.

MEMORIAL PARK

Memorial Park is home to several great attractions. First and foremost, of course, the memorials--to both war veterans and fallen firefighters. But Memorial also has an amazing collection of amenities. Check out their incredible skate park, velodrome, aquatics & fitness center, several sports fields, and most notably Propect Lake, where the annual Colorado Balloon Classic is held on Labor Day weekend.

Getting There: Located about 10 blocks east of downtown, on the corner of E Pikes Peak Ave & S Hancock Ave.

Running parallel to Monument Creek is the longest park in the city (and our personal favorite) known as Monument Valley Park. Well known for its public pool in the summer, but also a wonderful escape for walkers, runners, and bikers who are looking for a scenic route in the city all year round. Mature shade trees galore, several playgrounds, a pond, horticultural gardens, tennis and basketball courts. Of all the Colorado Springs parks, this one is very active but somehow manages to feel very laid back. Another amazing way to see the mountains.

Getting There: This park is directly east of I-25, between E Madison and W Bijou. The easiest access from I-25 is probably to take the Bijou Exit, go right (north) on Cascade, and then turn left (west) on Mesa Road. Parking Lot is at the end of the road on the left.

North Cheyenne Canon Park is a great park to visit if you love being in the midst of pine-covered foothills, waterfalls, and rocky trails. Located right next to the box canyon of Seven Falls, this is one of the most "Colorado-y" of the Colorado Springs parks. We love taking visitors here. Make sure to see Helen Hunt Falls, one of many hiking trails (like Seven Bridges or Mt Cutler) and don't forget to stop into Starsmore Discovery Center with the kids.

Getting There: Located at 2110 N. Cheyenne Cañon Rd. From I-25, go south on the S Nevada exit, then head west (towards the mountains) on W Cheyenne Blvd until you get to the park. Careful, the roads are winding and there are several tight curves!

Located smack-dab in the center of town, Palmer Park offers a 730 acre nature haven for city dwellers. Once lost in its labyrinth of trails, you can easily forget you're in a city at all. Featuring beautiful views and miles of single track, this park is also a favorite for mountain biking. Be on the lookout for lots of yucca, odd rock formations, and plenty of wildlife. Several picnic areas are available, volleyball courts, a dog park, horse stables, and even a botanical reserve.

Getting There: Located at 3650 Maizeland Rd, near the corner of N Academy Blvd & Maizeland Road. From I-25, take W Fillmore east, this will turn into E Fillmore which turns into N Circle. Take a left to Maizeland Rd. The park entrance will be on your left.

Ute Valley Park is like visiting several parks in one. The main entrance has a marsh complete with ducks, but the varied trails take you over very rocky terrain, through pinon pines, and across grassy meadows. Views of bluffs and sunflowers abound. A great place for a family stroll, daily workout, or mountain bike ride. If you're a first-time visitor, be aware of your location, as this park is a sizeable 338 acres. A porta-potty is available at the parking lot.

Getting There: Located at 1705 Vindicator Drive. From I-25, take S Rockrimmon Blvd west and turn left on Vindicator to the parking lot.

From the bizarre beauty of sandstone monoliths, to placid creeks, wooded paths, and even family-friendly swimming pools, the parks in Colorado Springs bring you some pretty sweet escapes.

If you're a new visitor to town, a park visit is definitely worth your time. Trips to the mountains are always great, but you'd be surprised how serene a simple day in the park can be--and almost all of these parks come with incredible mountain views anyway.


Happy Trails!