For centuries, Colorado Springs has continued to impress locals and visitors alike, and its outdoor activities are a major reason for that. With places like the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, one of the highest summits in the Rocky Mountain Range, Colorado Springs beckons nature-lovers with its ample outdoor activities. Read on to learn about the many natural beauties that this city has to offer, and start planning your own adventure in Colorado Springs.
Head to Pikes Peak
Perhaps the best way to see Pikes Peak might also be the most roundabout way; start in Cascade, Colorado at the Pikes Peak Highway Gateway. From there, you’ll be taken on a beautiful, 19-mile scenic drive culminating at Pikes Peak summit. If you’d rather hike to the summit, park the car and hit the Barr Trail on foot. Make sure to start your hike early, as this 14-mile trek can take most of the day. Be sure to stop off at North Slope Recreation Area where you’ll be able to see a few different bodies of water.
Once you reach the top of Pikes Peak, be sure to check out the “America the Beautiful” monument that’s there to commemorate Pikes Peak as the inspiration behind the nation’s song written by Katharine Lee Bates. You can find see it from the observation platform to the south of the Summit House.
Manitou Incline
Originally built as a cable car that would bring pipeline supplies to Pikes Peak, Manitou Incline now draws thousands of tourists and locals alike to climb this one-mile trail. Make sure you aren’t fooled by a false summit, though; just about 300 steps short of the top of Manitou Incline is where many stop and believe they’ve reached the peak. Once you reach the actual summit, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains.
One of the best parts about this hike is that it’s free and open to the public from 6am-6pm daily. Parking will require a small fee, but it’ll be worth it for the awe-inspiring view you’ll get at the top of the summit. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going!
Enjoy the View at Garden of the Gods
A free city park never looked so good. A trip to the Garden of the Gods is one of the most unique experiences in Colorado Springs, and there’s so much to see while you’re there. It’s a designated National Natural Landmark and is a truly special place to see. Garden of the Gods features a visitor’s center that offers educational presentations, guided nature walks, and other fun, weekly activities. Take a wildflower photography course with a professional photographer, learn about Garden of Gods’ climbing history, and educate yourself on a survival plant hike. Visitors can utilize the many hiking trails, go mountain biking, horseback riding, and even take a segway ride through the park.
Ready for a bigger adventure? Head to Front Range Climbing Co. and go on a guided climbing trip of this breathtaking park. There are plenty of different options for climbers of all skill levels. Choose between half-day or full-day excursions and decide how much time you want to spend in this incredible park.
Experience the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado”
Seven Falls, a spectacular waterfall on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, is a true thing of beauty. The approach leading up to Seven Falls is beautiful–it’s aptly named the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado”—and the 900-foot Pillars of Hercules surround the falls on both sides. The 181-foot waterfall has seven distinct granite levels and water can be seen cascading down them all year-round.
Take the Trail to Inspiration Point, a one-mile hike offering a great view of Colorado Springs and the Great Plains. The Broadmoor also boasts the Soaring Adventure, a 10-line zip line attraction that whisks you over the canyon below. Take a day to really explore this incredible waterfall and its surrounding beauty; you’ll be glad you did.
Colorado Springs’ amazing natural beauty is more than enough of a reason to live in its city limits. Thinking of moving there now? Check out all our Colorado Springs apartments for rent and get started on your journey!
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