Colorado Springs is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering spectacular landscapes, thrilling activities, and scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, this region has it all.
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15 Outdoor Adventures in Colorado Springs
Here are the top outdoor adventures and hiking destinations in and around Colorado Springs.
1. Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
One of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Colorado Springs area is Garden of the Gods, a park full of incredible rock formations.
Stop in at the visitor center to check out the museum and get a map. Exhibits at the visitor center include geology, flora and fauna, people and history, and the Theiophytalia dinosaur.
With over 21 miles of trails, it’s a wonderful place for a hike. And, the park is completely free!
Pro tip: Parking can be a challenge. Get there early to snag a spot. During the summer, a shuttle runs between Rock Ledge Ranch, the visitor center, and the Juniper Way Loop.
2. The Broadmoor Seven Falls
The Broadmoor Seven Falls is a must-see attraction in Colorado Springs. The stunning waterfall located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon drops 181 feet.
The falls are accessible by taking the 0.8-mile paved trail from the entrance to the base of the falls. Climb the stairs or take the Mountain Elevator to get a better view of the falls from the Eagle’s Nest.
For more views, take the 224 steps to get to the top of the falls. There are two hikes above the falls. The Midnight Falls Trail takes about 30 minutes to complete. Inspiration Point Trail takes about an hour to complete.
There is no parking directly at the falls. Park in visitor parking at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd and take the shuttle to the park entrance.
3. Ziplining with Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
One of the most exciting activities in Colorado Springs is ziplining. There’s no better company to go ziplining with than Broadmoor Soaring Adventure. They offer safe and exciting ziplining experiences in the Seven Falls Canyon.
This is a 3-hour experience that takes you on 5 zip-lines. It includes access to Seven Falls Park after the zipline tour.
This is a good attraction for older kids since riders must be between 90 and 250 pounds.
➡️ Click here to book your zipline tour!
4. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
For a more rugged outdoor experience, head to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This park features a network of trails that weave through striking red rock formations and offer sweeping views of Colorado Springs.
The trails range from easy to moderate, making it a great spot for hikers of all skill levels. You can do just one trail or put multiple trails together to see different parts of the landscape.
5. North Cheyenne Cañon Park
North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering a mix of dramatic landscapes, shaded trails, and cascading waterfalls.
At the base of the park, the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center serves as an excellent introduction to the area. The center provides exhibits on local wildlife and geology, as well as helpful trail maps and information.
From here, you can access numerous hiking trails. The Starsmore Discovery Trail is a short 0.2 miles one-way. The 4-mile (one-way) Columbine Trail, which meanders along the creek, is split into lower, mid, and upper sections. It takes you from the Starsmore Visitor Center to the Powell Parking Lot on the other side of the park.
Helen Hunt & Silver Cascade Falls
Another sight in the North Cheyenne Cañon Park is Helen Hunt Falls. To get to Helen Hunt Falls, drive about 2.5 miles up the canyon from the entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The parking lot is located at the base of the falls.
There is a visitor center with interactive exhibits that offer insight into the area’s history and natural features. It is a short, easy hike to the falls. You can enjoy the view from a bridge that spans the falls. If you would like to add to your adventure, hike the short but steep trail to Silver Cascade Falls.
Seven Bridges Trail
For a longer hike, consider the Seven Bridges Trail. As the name implies, this trail takes you over seven bridges as you crisscross Cheyenne Creek. It is a little over 3.5 miles round-trip and is rated moderate to challenging.
Pro tip: This trail tends to be very popular, especially during the summer. Get there early to snag a parking spot.
6. Bear Creek Regional Park & Nature Center
Nestled on the west side of Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Regional Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Spanning 573 acres, this park features a variety of landscapes including meadows, forests, and wetlands.
The Bear Creek Nature Center is the perfect starting point for your visit, with educational exhibits, interactive displays, and a schedule of family-friendly programs. After that, head out on one of the many trails in the park.
7. Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” offers incredible views and outdoor activities. Drive the Pikes Peak Highway, ride the Cog Railway, or hike the Barr Trail to reach the 14,115-foot summit.
If you plan to drive to the summit, the Pikes Peak Highway requires a timed entry reservation between the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September. The Cog Railway trip takes about three hours round trip, with a 40-minute stop at the top. The hike up Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is a challenging 13.5-mile trek.
Once at the summit, don’t miss the famous high-altitude donuts at the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center!
Things to Do Near Colorado Springs
8. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – Cañon City
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a unique attraction in Cañon City, which is only about an hour from Colorado Springs. The bridge spans the Arkansas River and is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and gorge.
In addition to the bridge, you can have the ultimate climbing experience on the Via Ferrata. Get an adrenaline rush on the Skycoaster, ride across the Royal Gorge in a Gondola, or Zip Line across the Royal Gorge.
9. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Manitou Springs
For a mix of adventure and geology, visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Take a guided tour through stunning cave formations. Choose from three guided cave tours: the family-friendly 45-minute Discovery Tour, the spooky 90-minute Haunted Lantern Tour, or the more intense 3-hour Expedition Tour for ages 13 and up.
Outside the cave, thrill-seekers can tackle the Via Ferrata climbing course or the Terror-Dactyl, a canyon swing that features a 150-foot free-fall drop.
If you aren’t up for those, enjoy the family-friendly activities including the three-story obstacle course, panning for gemstones, and the climbing areas for kids.
10. Manitou Incline – Manitou Springs
The Manitou Incline is a bucket-list hike near Colorado Springs. But, it isn’t for the faint of heart. This steep and challenging trail climbs 2,744 steps, gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in under a mile.
You will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to pace yourself and bring plenty of water! A free online reservation is currently required.
11. Fountain Creek – Fountain
Fountain Creek Regional Park is an outdoor retreat in the nearby town of Fountain. The park features walking trails and a wetlands area, an unusual sight for mountainous Colorado.
The Fountain Creek Nature Center offers interactive exhibits highlighting the area’s ecosystem, everything from plants and animals from the surrounding Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area to the weather. With its accessible trails and opportunities for birdwatching and seeing wildlife, Fountain Creek is a great spot for a relaxed outdoor experience.
12. Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Calhan
Located about an hour outside Colorado Springs, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a geological wonder filled with colorful clay deposits and unique hoodoo formations shaped by centuries of erosion.
The park’s standout feature is its 3.4-mile Paint Mines Trail, which takes visitors through the heart of this fascinating landscape. For a shorter route, you can take the fork that loops back to the main entrance.
This park is not only a fantastic place for hiking but also offers insights into the area’s geological and cultural history. Best of all, visiting is completely free.
13. White Water Rafting – Cañon City
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, head to nearby Cañon City for white water rafting. The Arkansas River offers rapids ranging from mild to wild. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Royal Gorge and the surrounding cliffs.
For an unforgettable rafting experience, I highly recommend Raft Masters. I’ve rafted with them several times, and it’s always been fantastic!
If you’re planning a trip with kids (ages 5 and up), the Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day is a great choice. This tour navigates Class II and III rapids, providing plenty of excitement without tackling the more intense sections of the river. For families with younger kids (ages 1 and up), the Family Float is ideal.
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, try the Royal Gorge Half Day or the Royal Gorge Full Day trips, available for ages 14 and up. These tours take you through Class III to V rapids, offering an adrenaline-packed experience. I’ve done the full day Royal Gorge trip myself and had an absolute blast!
14. Great Sand Dunes National Park
When you’re within a few hours of a Colorado National Park, it’s always worth going out of your way to visit. Located about 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly one of a kind. The contrast of towering sand dunes set against the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains is an unforgettable sight.
The main attraction here is, of course, the dunes. There are no designated trails, so you’re free to explore and hike wherever you like. Whether you stop at the first ridge or venture deeper into the dunes to escape the crowds, you’ll be amazed by the scale of this unique landscape.
Other activities in the park include stopping at the visitor center to learn more about the area, splashing in Medano Creek when it’s flowing in late spring, sledding or sandboarding down the dunes, and exploring hiking trails in other parts of the park.
15. Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument – Florrisant
Explore ancient history at Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument, about an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs. This site preserves fossilized plants, insects, and redwood trees.
The trails here are relatively easy and allow you to view the massive petrified stumps and learn about the area’s prehistoric past. Stop by the visitor center to view fossil displays before heading outside.
The monument features 14 miles of trails. The 1.1-mile Petrified Forest Loop is an easy trail showcasing numerous petrified redwood stumps, including the impressive “Big Stump.” The 0.4-mile Ponderosa Loop is another must-see, with its iconic pine tree growing out of a petrified redwood stump.
Another key attraction is the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1876 by Adeline Warfield Hornbek, one of the first women in Colorado to file a Homesteading Claim. This historic site offers a glimpse into pioneer life during the late 19th century.
More Things to Do in Colorado
Looking for more ideas? Explore my other Colorado Springs and Colorado blog posts for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and can’t-miss hidden gems!
- Best Museums in Colorado Springs
- Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids
- Southern Colorado Road Trip
