Whether it’s day-tripping to the mountains or finding beautiful spots right in town, Southern Colorado is home to breathtaking scenery and experiences. Check out these spots for your next outdoor adventure.
Barr Trail
Looking for a challenge? The 12-mile Barr Trail rises 7,500 feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, offering stunning views of the Front Range for experienced hikers.
Set out at first light on the 6–10-hour uphill trek to avoid afternoon storms. After you summit, either camp overnight along the trail, or get back down the mountain by car, on foot or on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks and layered clothing. Even in summer, temperatures range between 30 and 40 degrees at the summit. The best time to go is in the summer, as snow and ice can be present year round.
Trailhead: 515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs. The trail is free; parking in Manitou may require a fee. Free shuttles are available from several lots to the trailhead. Cog Railway tickets at cograilway.com.
Fox Run Loop Trail
Located in Fox Run Regional Park at the northern border of Colorado Springs, this easy 3.3-mile cycling route offers scenic views of towering pine forests, open grasslands and Aspen Lake.
Hours: Open year-round, 5 a.m.–9 p.m. Location: 2110 Stella Drive, Colorado Springs.
Garden of the Gods
There are endless ways to explore one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic natural wonders. Plunge into millions of years of geological history with the Visitor and Nature Center. From there, explore more than 22 miles of trails, either self-guided or with a nature guide.
Travel through time with narrated trolley, Jeep, Segway or E-book tours. Gain a new perspective with two- to six-hour guided climbing tours or get a permit and climb on your own.
Visitor Center: 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Tours, programs and events at gardenofgods.com.
“Even in summer, temperatures range between 30 and 40 degrees at the summit.
Barr Trail — Insider Tip
New Santa Fe Regional Trail
A 14-mile portion of the nationwide American Discovery Trail, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail has numerous trailheads for bikers and hikers in Palmer Lake, Monument, Northgate Road and Ice Lake at the Air Force Academy.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
This unique park blends geology, archeology and history against a stunning landscape of richly colored rock wonders. Located in Calhan, the 750-acre park features guided tours, four miles of trails, a wide variety of wildlife, grasslands and geological formations of hoodoos, colored clay and sandstone-capped spires.
Location: 29950 Paint Mine Road, Calhan. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Register for guided hikes online.
Pueblo Riverwalk
Nestled in downtown Pueblo, the 32-acre Historic Arkansas Riverwalk meanders through gorgeous scenery, public art and world-class dining and shopping.
Experience the Riverwalk by water: hop on a narrated 25-minute scenic cruise, rent a pedal boat or join the paddle club and take your own non-motorized craft on the water. On land, learn about Pueblo’s notable stories of heroism and bravery at 11 stops along the mile-long, interactive Walk of Valor. Along the way, dine or shop at local businesses and view 60 public art installations.
Cruises: May–September. Tickets online or at the boathouse, 130 Riverwalk Plc. Pedal Boats: 101 S. Victoria Ave. Paddling Club: Registration at puebloriverwalk.org; season runs May–October.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
A short drive from downtown Colorado Springs, Red Rock Canyon Open Space has off-leash dog loops, a variety of hiking and biking trails and scenic red rock canyons and ridges.
Location: 3550 W. High Street (along Highway 24), Colorado Springs.