Best Outdoor Activities in Colorado Springs

"Ranked among the best zoos in the country by USA Today and America's only mountain zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo spans 140 acres and features more than 750 animals across varied terrain, as well as fun Mountaineer Sky Ride over the Rocky Mountain goats and grizzly bears. You don’t need to be a child to enjoy a zoo—not to mention the award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!. Located only ten minutes from our resort, this unique zoo experience guarantees genuine animal interactions."

"Located more than 6,700 feet above sea level, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the “highest” zoo in the United States, and it’s one of the only ones in the world to be built into a mountain. It’s home to hundreds of animals, including several endangered species, and it’s a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and wildlife preservation. What does this mean for you as a visitor?"

"4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdColorado Springs, CO 80906(719) 633-9925. Established originally in 1926, this 40-acre zoological park is the perfect pit stop for families."

"If you’re looking for one of the top parks in the city, you have to stop by Bear Creek Regional Park. This 545 acre park is a great spot for hiking, biking, and frolicking with your dog(s) on the 10 miles of multi-purpose paved and unpaved trails. Well-known for its great dog park, Bear Creek has many other things to offer travelers."

"Memorial Park is a sprawling lakeside park located in Colorado Springs. This multi-use park features multiple tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, multi-use sports fields, and sand volleyball courts. There is also a bicycle velodrome, aquatic center, and ice skating center."

"Memorial Park is one of the largest public parks in Colorado Springs. It’s also one of the busiest. In addition to gyms, pools, pavilions, athletic courts, picnic areas, skate parks and activity centers, there’s also a lake for boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter."

"Outdoor activities include the Velodrome (bicycle racing), ball fields, tennis courts, horseshoes, playgrounds, outdoor swimming and paddleboating in Prospect Lake, and more. Lots of big events, like the Hot Air Balloon Festival!"

"According to the Colorado Springs Visitor Center, "The Jicarilla Apaches, who lived in the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, passed on legends of a cave where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided", this cave is speculated to be the very same cave!. This particular cave has had guided tours since 1881. Take the Discovery Tour (a 45-minute tour) or the Lantern Tour (a 90-minute tour). Tours leave every 15-30 minutes (depending on the tour) and since they close at 9pm, the last tour leaves at 8:30pm."

"Pikes Peak (14,110ft) may not be the tallest of Colorado's 54 14ers, but it's certainly the most famous. The Ute originally called it the Mountain of the Sun, an apt description for this majestic peak, which crowns the southern Front Range. Rising 7400ft straight up from the plains, over half a million visitors climb it every year."

"Day 3: Visit Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, then Drive to Estes Park Start Early in Garden of the Gods"

"This is a great hike when you have kids who like landmarks along the hike. The trail follows the stream, and kids can count off the 7 bridges as you go. There are trails to go further beyond the seventh bridge, but a local guide I spoke with said it’s not as interesting and could be tedious for kids."

"Pulpit Rock Park is an oasis in the middle of Colorado Springs and covers 584 acres. It is located inside Austin Bluffs Open Space at 6411 North Nevada Avenue, northeast of Colorado Springs. It is easily seen and accessed from Interstate 25 no matter which direction you are driving."

"This is an off-the-beaten-path in the Colorado Springs area. Pulpit Rock Park is located on the northeast side of COS and works as a connector of dozens of small trails. This hidden gem is a less crowded hiking destination in Colorado Springs."

"Make it a hot springs night at SunWater Spa, open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Situated in Manitou Springs, it offers another reason to explore beyond downtown. Seven cedar tubs are filled with hot springs mineral water, tucked away under the stars with views of the nearby mountains."

"There's something magical about unwinding at the base of Pikes Peak. The stunning backdrops, soothing atmosphere and hot water combine for one steamy date night."

"Just a few miles south of downtown Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Resort is an idyllic retreat away from it all the stresses of the big city, with over 200 scenic areas for guests to take advantage of. Offering sweeping views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, this nature-inspired resort boasts 316 spacious rooms adorned with wood furnishings that reflect both traditional and modern styles. Guests rooms provide guests with luxury bath products, in addition to private balconies with memorable mountain views."

"With a stylish mountain vibe and fabulous Pikes Peak views, Cheyenne Mountain Resort is also near Garden of the Gods and is an excellent luxury retreat. Located in a stone and timber building, the rooms here have an elegant ambience that also feels Rocky Mountain casual. Like most luxury hotels in Colorado Spring, Cheyenne Mountain Resort works great for romance or family vacations."

"If you’re looking for a more peaceful place to rest your adventure weary heads, then choose Cheyenne Mountain Resort instead. With its expansive grounds and idyllic setting, this resort reminded me of where Baby stayed with her family in Dirty Dancing. Expect traditional activities at this picturesque lakeside resort."

"Located at 5919 Delmonico Drive in northwest, it is the highest-rated day spa in Colorado Springs, boasting four stars out of 67 reviews on Yelp."

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"And if you fall into the superstitious crowd, you'll know that where there's history, there's haunting. If you want to check out some of the most notorious haunted spots in town, head over to the Evergreen Cemetery. It's known as one of the spookiest things to do in Colorado Springs."