Adventures
Outdoor Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Outdoor Things to Do in Colorado Springs
We've partnered with local vendors to provide you with countless outdoor experiences unique to our Colorado area. Whether it's white water rafting and fly fishing or ziplining and Jeep touring and so much more!
*Note: Advance booking is required for most adventure activities*
AdventureTravel
Half Day Option *Most Popular*
We launch our 1/2 day trip in the morning and in the afternoon for rafters on a tight schedule wanting a shorter river experience. This trip is 10 miles of the best whitewater in Bighorn Sheep Canyon starting with Prelude and 3 Rocks Falls within the first mile. Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting is the perfect classic trip for families, groups, or individuals looking to experience whitewater rafting in Colorado for the first time or tenth time. Great views and adventure!
- 3-4 hours roundtrip, 2-3 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 8 years old, minimum weight of 50 lbs
- Starting times 9:00am and 1:00pm from Canon City, CO (1 hour from resort)
Pricing Starts at $99 per Person
Full Day Option
Launching beneath the dramatic Cotopaxi cliffs, start on easy water before running exciting Class II-III rapids. After a delicious buffet lunch, you'll plunge into more demanding and technical Class III rapids.
- 6-7 hours roundtrip, 5-6 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 8 years old, minimum weight of 50 lbs
- Departure time at 8:30am from Cotopaxi, CO (1.5 hours from resort)
- Lunch included
Pricing Starts at $174 per Person
Inflatable Kayak Adventures
Adventurous paddlers wanting to paddle your own duckie or inflatable kayak will challenge the Class II-III whitewater rapids of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. These trips are available for participants 13 years old and up who are in good physical shape and able to swim. All whitewater trips are led by our guide/instructors who are skilled in teaching river running skills. You may stop and scout rapids to learn about river hydrology and navigation through rapids. This is the ultimate river experience, just you, your boat and the river! Take your river experience to a whole new level.
- 2-3 hours
- Minimum age is 13 years old
- Starting times 9:00am and 1:00pm from Cotopaxi, CO (1.5 hours from resort)
- Minimum of 4 people per launch
Pricing Starts at $100 per Person
- Class II - III Whitewater
- Family Friendly- Great for First Timers and Experienced!
- Check in 15 minutes prior to trip
- Transportation is NOT provided to meeting point
Available May 1st - Labor Day (Season may extend if water conditions persist)
Call 719-942-4362 to book your trip!
Arkansas River Tours Policies
Rafting/Fishing Terms and Conditions
STANDARD RAFTING CANCELLATION POLICY
We offer refunds (less $15 per person) on any reservation if cancelled at least 10 days before departure date (groups and multi-days require 30 days). Reservations cancelled less than 10 days before departure (less than 30 days for groups and multi-days) are not subject to refund. All trips depart as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Most activities have an optional $10-40/per person non-refundable fee added to the reservation at the time of booking. For those activities that qualify, the fee allows guests the freedom to change their reservation date or time up to 24 hours before the activity, or the ability to cancel their trip and receive a refund less the Cancellation Insurance Fee. Guests who no-show for activities are not entitled to any refund or rescheduling credit.
LIABILITY WAIVER
All guests 18 years of age and older are required to sign a liability waiver prior to going on any tour with us. If a minor is on a tour, he or she must have a legal guardian sign a waiver. Waivers our sent out digitally at the time of the reservation so there is time to complete this prior to the tour date.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Arkansas River Tours reserves the right to downgrade any trip due to extreme water levels or individual assessment of customers to protect the customers and our staff from unnecessary danger and harm. We will deny service to any customers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol prior to their trip.
All Royal Gorge Trips – Customers that sign up for this trip must be strong swimmers, be in decent physical shape, able to paddle consistently as needed and wanting an adventurous experience.
Aerial Park Terms and Conditions
• Ages 6 and up, Weight at least 55 lbs.
• Weight less than 250 lbs. for men, less than 190 lbs. for women (women typically are shorter, carry their weight differently than men and this is why cut-offs vary by sex)
• Abdominal girth less than 44 inches; maximum circumference at top of thighs cannot exceed 24 inches.
• Reasonable fitness level.
ATV Terms and Conditions
• Helmet and goggles must be worn at all times
• Appropriate Clothing – closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Tours operate rain or shine
Additional Terms & Conditions may apply. Guests will be required to sign waivers before participating in any of our activities.
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Half Day Option
Royal Gorge whitewater rafting is the half-day ultimate rafting adventure trip in Colorado. Huge waves, steep technical drops, and almost continuous whitewater rapids in a narrow canyon await you with rapids like Sledgehammer, Wallslammer, the Narrows, Boateater and the infamous Sunshine Falls. The Royal Gorge may demand so much attention you don’t even notice the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge 1053′ above the river. This exhilarating trip is recommended for rafters or adventurers in good physical shape who are ready for aggressive paddling. Our Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trips are our most popular advanced trips!
- 2-3 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 15 years old
- Starting times 8:30am and 12:00pm from Canon City, CO (1 hour from resort)
Pricing Starts at $99 per Person
Full Day Option
Royal Gorge whitewater rafting is the ultimate full day rafting adventure trip in Colorado. Huge waves, steep technical drops, and almost continuous whitewater rapids in a narrow canyon await you with rapids like Sledgehammer, Wallslammer, the Narrows, Boateater and the infamous Sunshine Falls. The Royal Gorge may demand so much attention you don’t even notice the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge 1053′ above the river. This exhilarating trip is recommended for rafters or adventurers in good physical shape who are ready for aggressive paddling. Our Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trips are our most popular advanced trips! If you are seeking lots of excitement, this trip is for you and your group. Lunch will be served at a stop on the river.
- 5-6 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 15 years old
- Starting time at 9:00am from Canon City, CO (1 hour from resort)
- Lunch included
Pricing Starts at $174 per Person
- Class IV+ Whitewater
- High Adventure - good physical shape recommended, ability to swim is REQUIRED
- Check in time 15 minutes prior to trip
- Transportation is NOT provided
Available May 1st - Labor Day (Season may extend if water conditions persist)
Call 719-942-4362 to book your trip!
Arkansas River Tours Policies
Rafting/Fishing Terms and Conditions
STANDARD RAFTING CANCELLATION POLICY
We offer refunds (less $15 per person) on any reservation if cancelled at least 10 days before departure date (groups and multi-days require 30 days). Reservations cancelled less than 10 days before departure (less than 30 days for groups and multi-days) are not subject to refund. All trips depart as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Most activities have an optional $10-40/per person non-refundable fee added to the reservation at the time of booking. For those activities that qualify, the fee allows guests the freedom to change their reservation date or time up to 24 hours before the activity, or the ability to cancel their trip and receive a refund less the Cancellation Insurance Fee. Guests who no-show for activities are not entitled to any refund or rescheduling credit.
LIABILITY WAIVER
All guests 18 years of age and older are required to sign a liability waiver prior to going on any tour with us. If a minor is on a tour, he or she must have a legal guardian sign a waiver. Waivers our sent out digitally at the time of the reservation so there is time to complete this prior to the tour date.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Arkansas River Tours reserves the right to downgrade any trip due to extreme water levels or individual assessment of customers to protect the customers and our staff from unnecessary danger and harm. We will deny service to any customers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol prior to their trip.
All Royal Gorge Trips – Customers that sign up for this trip must be strong swimmers, be in decent physical shape, able to paddle consistently as needed and wanting an adventurous experience.
Aerial Park Terms and Conditions
• Ages 6 and up, Weight at least 55 lbs.
• Weight less than 250 lbs. for men, less than 190 lbs. for women (women typically are shorter, carry their weight differently than men and this is why cut-offs vary by sex)
• Abdominal girth less than 44 inches; maximum circumference at top of thighs cannot exceed 24 inches.
• Reasonable fitness level.
ATV Terms and Conditions
• Helmet and goggles must be worn at all times
• Appropriate Clothing – closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Tours operate rain or shine
Additional Terms & Conditions may apply. Guests will be required to sign waivers before participating in any of our activities.
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Cottonwood Family Float
The float starts in Coaldale and runs to our riverside base in Cotopaxi while enjoying scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. This itinerary is the best trip for rafting in Colorado on the Arkansas River for seniors and families with young kids.
- Relaxing scenic float trip with some mild rapids - great for seniors and families with young kids
- 2.5 hours scenic float roundtrip, 1 to 1.5 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 4 years old, minimum weight of 35 lbs
- Starting times at 9:30am and 1:30pm from Cotopaxi, CO (1.5 hours from resort)
Pricing Starts at $74 per Person
Browns Canyon National Monument
This exciting full day trip near Buena Vista and Salida combines splendid whitewater rafting with spectacular views of the Sawatch Range containing some of Colorado’s highest peaks. We raft through fun Class III rapids such as Pinball, Zoom Flume, the Staircase and the infamous Seidel’s Suckhole. This scenic canyon parallels the Brown’s Canyon Wilderness Study Area. We offer this popular whitewater rafting trip as a full day for groups of 6 or more and also as the first day of a multi-day Arkansas River overnight trip. Trip lasts about 5-6 hours on the water. Lunch is served during the trip riverside. Come raft the newly declared National Monument with great views and excitement! Great trip for families, groups and adventure seekers of all levels.
- Family Friendly, Class III Whitewater
- 7-8 hours roundtrip, 5-6 hours on the water
- Minimum age is 8 years old, minimum weight of 50 lbs
- Departure time at 8:30am from Cotopaxi, CO (1.5 hours from resort)
- Lunch included
Pricing Starts at $174 per person
Please advise:
- Class I - III Whitewater
- Family Friendly - Great for First Timers
- Check in time 15 minutes prior to trip
- Transportation is NOT provided to meeting point
Available May 1st - Labor Day (Season may extend if water conditions persist)
Call 719-942-4362 to book your trip!
Arkansas River Tours Policies
Rafting/Fishing Terms and Conditions
STANDARD RAFTING CANCELLATION POLICY
We offer refunds (less $15 per person) on any reservation if cancelled at least 10 days before departure date (groups and multi-days require 30 days). Reservations cancelled less than 10 days before departure (less than 30 days for groups and multi-days) are not subject to refund. All trips depart as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Most activities have an optional $10-40/per person non-refundable fee added to the reservation at the time of booking. For those activities that qualify, the fee allows guests the freedom to change their reservation date or time up to 24 hours before the activity, or the ability to cancel their trip and receive a refund less the Cancellation Insurance Fee. Guests who no-show for activities are not entitled to any refund or rescheduling credit.
LIABILITY WAIVER
All guests 18 years of age and older are required to sign a liability waiver prior to going on any tour with us. If a minor is on a tour, he or she must have a legal guardian sign a waiver. Waivers our sent out digitally at the time of the reservation so there is time to complete this prior to the tour date.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Arkansas River Tours reserves the right to downgrade any trip due to extreme water levels or individual assessment of customers to protect the customers and our staff from unnecessary danger and harm. We will deny service to any customers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol prior to their trip.
All Royal Gorge Trips – Customers that sign up for this trip must be strong swimmers, be in decent physical shape, able to paddle consistently as needed and wanting an adventurous experience.
Aerial Park Terms and Conditions
• Ages 6 and up, Weight at least 55 lbs.
• Weight less than 250 lbs. for men, less than 190 lbs. for women (women typically are shorter, carry their weight differently than men and this is why cut-offs vary by sex)
• Abdominal girth less than 44 inches; maximum circumference at top of thighs cannot exceed 24 inches.
• Reasonable fitness level.
ATV Terms and Conditions
• Helmet and goggles must be worn at all times
• Appropriate Clothing – closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Tours operate rain or shine
Additional Terms & Conditions may apply. Guests will be required to sign waivers before participating in any of our activities.
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In our open-air Jeeps, your photo opportunities are unobstructed. Experience the true majesty of Colorado!
Foothills & Garden of the Gods
Our most popular Jeep tour, this historic sight-seeing adventure is a great way to enjoy the Pikes Peak region! Our entertaining and informative cowboy guides take you through time along the foothills of Pikes Peak, highlighting scenery and some of Colorado Springs’ most famous historical sights. Attractions include North Cheyenne Canyon, Helen Hunt Falls, the Shortline Railroad and its 100-year-old tunnels, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and the spectacular red rock park Garden of the Gods. In our open-air Jeeps, your photo opportunities are unobstructed. This tour is about 70% on paved roads and 30% on dirt and is a great overview of the area.
2.5 to 3 hours total
$98 per Person
Pikes Peak or Bust Jeep Tour
See all of America’s mountain. Offered in the morning to make the most of our time and take advantage of the best views and weather, this unique tour starts with an incredible journey to the summit of Pikes Peak. Your cowboy Jeep guide will make you feel right at ease – we’ll handle the driving, while you enjoy the scenery. Your guide will inform and entertain you throughout our excursion to the summit, where we will stop and soak in the extraordinary view that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America The Beautiful." After spending some quality time at the top, we’ll climb back into our exciting open-air Jeep and descend via the famous Pikes Peak Highway. Nineteen miles of this historic Rocky Mountain road brings you back to Colorado Springs.
Approximately 4 hours total
$149 per Person
Old West High Country 4x4
Our High Country Jeep Tour is the heart of Colorado Adventure! Enjoy the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies and take all the “calendar shot” photos you desire, on this extraordinary 4x4 Jeep tour on the back roads high above Colorado Springs. Since 1890, explorers have traversed the Pikes Peak region in search of gold and a better life. Your tour follows the historic Short Line Railroad bed that President Teddy Roosevelt once embarked upon proclaiming, “The scenery bankrupted the English language.” Our Forest Service permits allow us to go off-road, cross streams, and explore the tunnels and townsites of the Old West. Your entertaining cowboy Jeep guide will inform you about the rich history along the way and point out any wild turkeys, elk, moose, deer, cougars, bears, and alpine flowers that are sighted on the journey. Relax, take in the clean mountain air, and enjoy the splendor of the Rocky Mountains!
Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours total
$149 per Person
Includes weather necessities, such as wool blankets and ponchos, bottled water, trail snacks, and the best cowboy Jeep guides in The West. All activities are subject to weather modification.
Call 719-578-0935 to book your tour now!
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Pikes Peak Ziplines
This is a natural terrain Zipline course utilizing cliffs and steep wooded forest for launch and landing zones (No artificial platforms). This is an extreme activity at over 6500 feet in elevation. The Ziplines range in length from 225′ to 650′ in length. The highest line is 100′ above the canyon floor. This Zipline tour is the real deal and you won’t be disappointed!
Colo-Rad Tour: Includes 5 lines for 1 hour 30 minutes
Pricing $99 per person
Family Night: Includes two lines (longest and fastest lines)
Pricing $59 per person
Call 719-578-0935 to book your tour!
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Discovery Tour
An Ideal Family Tour! Explore the electrically lit portion of Cave of the Winds on a 45 – 60 minute guided walking tour which includes 15 rooms, a 1/2 mile of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs. On this family-friendly tour, you will learn about the history and geology of the cave and see some of the most beautiful formations.
45-minute tour
Daily, starting every half hour
TOUR PRICING
| Age 0-3 | Free |
| Ages 4-12 | $17 |
| Ages 13 & Up | $25 |
| Ages 4-12 (Military Discount) | 10% off |
| Ages 13 & Up (Military Discount) | 10% off |
Lantern Tour
Explore, by candlelight, the mysterious an unimproved "Manitou Grand Caverns" on a 90-minute guided tour which includes nearly a mile of walking. Like the adventures of the past, you will navigate dark skinny tunnels, low passageways, uneven stairs, and rooms with muddy, original floors. Along the way, you will learn the history of Cave of the Winds as well as the frightening folklore, scary ghost stories, an unexplained phenomena of the Manitou Grands.
90-minute Tour
Summer: Daily on the hour, Winter: Daily
TOUR PRICING
| Age 0-7 | Children 8 and over only |
| Ages 8-12 | $24 |
| Ages 13 & Up | $34 |
| Ages 6-12 (Military Discount) | 10% off |
| Ages 13 & Up (Military Discount) | 10% off |
RIDE THE TERROR DACTYL
Once you are securely strapped in, you will free fall over 150 feet into breathtaking Williams Canyon. Your shrieks and laughs will echo through the canyon, but as you swing back and forth over the canyon floor, you’ll be planning to ride the Terror-dactyl again!
- Riders must be 48" tall
- Riders must be between 100 – 250 pounds
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FLYING HIGH SINCE 1973
For 45 years Adventures Out West has been flying Hot Air Balloons in Colorado. As the oldest commercial hot air balloon ride company in America, AOW has the experience and resources necessary to ensure your friends, family and company are well served.
Our flights originate near the Colorado Springs Airport. Our Balloon systems are mobile command centers allowing Adventures Out West to choose from several launch sites. This helps to ensure your flight will be a success in the event of changing wind patterns. Our balloons fly outside of the city over the Great Plains to ensure a safe and scenic adventure.
Minimum age for flights is 6 yrs
- Balloon Flights available daily at dawn (weather permitting)
- Total activity time 3 – 4 hours
- 4 to 10 people per basket
- Van transportation from select Colorado Springs hotels
- Post-flight celebration -Traditional champagne toast, orange juice, breakfast in the field
Pricing $275 per Person
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Pikes Peak Bicycle Expedition and Jeep Tour
Going to the summit of a 14,000′ mountain is real life. And riding a bike down Americas Mountain is not for the faint of heart. The adventure is a big mountain experience with certified guides, quality equipment and lots of unknown factors.
A Colorado original, our Pikes Peak Expedition is the highest Bike Tour in the US. Custom Vehicles, awesome guides, 19 miles of down hill fun and well maintained equipment creates a once in a lifetime experience.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Our world-famous bike team will ensure your adventure down the mountain is not only fun but safe. Our Jeeps only carry 5-6 guest ensuring you an intimate adventure.
Your expedition starts when you meet your team at our Challenge Unlimited office in Old Colorado City and gear up at 6:30am. AOW will provide some coffee and a light breakfast to fuel up for your adventure. At check-in you will be fitted and will test ride a well-maintained bike. This bike is yours for the day and the only one you will get so treat it with care. Appropriate attire is required. Long pants, a sweatshirt and sport shoes are the minimum items. Summit parkas and neck gators will be handed out for your crisp air journey to the summit. Gloves and a hat are welcome to be brought along. Then we load up in the Jeeps for a 1-hour drive to the summit of Americas Mountain. Our tours leave early in the morning to offer an adventure that is low on traffic and high on beautiful weather.
The drive to the summit is breathtaking. This is also your chance to check out the route you will be descending. Winding curves and cute critters dot the way. Arriving at the summit you will the view that inspired America the beautiful and brand new $20,000,000.00 Visitor Center (Scheduled to be open Memorial Day weekend.) We will provide a few minutes to enjoy the experience at the top and then it's time to mount up and ride back down.
7,500 vertical feet of downhill, yee-haw! Our guide leads your adventure, and the support vehicle will follow to help with any unplanned needs or if you just need to take a break. A few more stops along the way for photo ops and a finish line lunch at the Winery at Pikes Peak completes your journey to the top!
Tour includes 5-7 hours
WARNING- Pikes Peak by Bike is considered a high Adventure level tour. Temperatures will be 30-40 degrees cooler than Colorado Springs and the air is thin. Most mornings the summit temperature is near freezing. Dress in layers. Long pants or sweats or appropriate. You can put extra cloths in the chase van as you warm up. If this is your first time riding a bike then maybe this adventure is not for you.
Bike Gold Camp Off-Road
Bike Gold Camp Off-Road is an exceptional experience and a true Colorado off-road adventure. Our 4×4 Jeeps and small group is the only way to go. AOW offers guided adventures only on this route. The tour operates under permit of the Pike National Forest and is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
You have struck Gold when choosing this true Colorado Off-Road Experience. (Downhill of course.)
4–6-hour tour (PM Departure)
Highlights
Highlights:
Adventure Overview:
This ride is best suited for anyone who wants a moderate ride but also wants to get off the beaten path. The route has some intermediate to advanced sections depending on rider ability. Great for corporate adventures!
The tour offers great vistas of Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Canyon, and the Eastern plains of Colorado. The 17-mile ride starts at St. Peter’s Dome overlook and follows the Historic Gold Camp Road. The route is on an old railroad bed used for transporting gold at the turn of the century. We will descend on Mtn. Bikes through beautiful aspen and pine forests, old railroad tunnels, and rock formations that will take your breath away.
The road is gravel, which at times can be loose. Experienced mountain bikers consider this ride easy with intermediate sections. Those who are new to mountain biking will find the ride a worthy challenge but not too crazy. To do this entire ride plan on it taking four hours. It is easy to shorten the ride depending upon the needs of the group.
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BALANCED ROCK TOUR
Expert Adventure Level Segway Tour
Advanced tour. Riders with previous experience preferred. This tour is offered by reservation only.
Total activity time is 2-2.5 hours with 30-minute cone zone training.
Minors must go with an adult.
Pricing $120.00 per Person
JUNIPER LOOP TOUR
Includes Kissing Camels, Praying Hands and Park Overlook areas.
Total activity time is 1.5-2 hours with 30 minute cone zone training.
Minors must go with an adult.
Tours depart the Garden of the Gods Visitors and Nature Center every hour 9:00am-4:00pm
Full Day Float Fishing Option
Spend a full day, with lunch riverside, working the busy pocket water and casting until your arm falls off! Enjoy the excitement of the rapids and fishing in the gold medal Arkansas River!
6-7 hours
Maximum 2 people per boat
Departure time at 8:00 am from Cotopaxi office (1.5 hr travel time)
Lunch included
Half Day Float Fishing Option
A Half Day Float on the Arkansas is the quick ride to a lot of action! On the Arkansas River, your guide will be a combination of a fly fishing guide and a whitewater master. A Fly Fishing float trip on the Arkansas is very fast paced; it will be non-stop casting and non-stop action from the time you step in the boat! The half day float trip will test your casting ability; however, it is typically the perfect duration for most anglers. We operate Morning, Afternoon, and Evening launches specific to season (inquire for more details).
3-4 hours
Maximum 2 people per boat
Departure times at 8:00am & 12:00pm from Cotopaxi office (1.5 hr travel time)
Evening Float Option
We launch late afternoon, time depends on water levels and time of the year. Enjoy the gold medal Arkansas River with our special after hours permit so you won’t be fishing when everyone else is rafting. This is a magical time of the day in this canyon!
- Check-in time 45 minutes prior
- Transportation is NOT provided
- Valid Fishing License for Colorado required and not included
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Garden of the Gods Park
#1 rated park in Colorado Springs by TripAdvisor with paved and gravel trails through magnificent red rock formations. Free admission & handicap accessible.
Best For: Spectacular Views
Local's Tip: This park can get busy, especially during the summer months. Get up early if you want to enjoy the park without the crowds. Besides, a sunrise viewed from Garden of the Gods Park is simply breathtaking.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Located 4 miles south of the resort on 2,700 acres, it has over 20 miles of hiking and biking, on-site restrooms, picnics areas, and a playground. Entrance fee; dogs not allowed on trails.
Best For: Family Friendly Trails
Local's Tip: The Sundance Trail is an easy 3.25 mile loop that leaves from the Limekiln Trailhead Parking Lot, which has parking, restrooms, picnic tables and a playground.
North Cheyenne Canyon
Located 4 miles west of the resort with a variety of trails – popular among road and mountain bikers and features Helen Hunt Falls. Free admission.
Best For: Hiking Where The Locals Go
Local's Tips:
- To see the waterfalls, take the Silver Cascade Trail which offers a short hike through the forest and follows a stream.
- To catch a glimpse of Seven Falls, take the Cutler Trail.
- To walk through the old mining tunnels, hike down the dirt road at the top of the Canyon - Gold Camp Road.
Manitou Incline Trail
The ultimate workout with a 2,000 ft. vertical gain in less than 1 mile. Free Admission, but parking close to the trailhead can be pricey.
Best For: Working Up A Sweat
Local's Tips:
- Park in one of the free parking lots outside of downtown Manitou Springs and then take their free shuttle up to the trailhead.
- Bring lots of water.
- For those who want a more mellow descent, take the 4-mile-long Barr Trail back down to the bottom - it'll drop you off in the same place that you started. The Barr Trail is not well marked at the top of the Incline, so just ask one of the locals where it starts.
Bear Creek Regional Park
575 acres, including a garden, pavilion, playground, tennis courts, archery range, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, miles of gravel hiking trails, and one of the state’s best dog parks.
Best For: Bringing The Dog Along
Local's Tip: The entrance to Bear Creek's 25-acre off-leash dog park is located off of Cresta Road. This dog park provides great amenities such as a creek, a small-dog fenced area, agility course, and restrooms.
The Barr Trail
7,900 ft. of vertical gain over 12-miles, from Manitou Springs to the 14,115 ft. summit of Pikes Peak.
Best For: Summiting a '14er
Local's Tips:
- The whole trail is really only accessible during the summer months, when most of the snow has melted at the top. Even though it may be warm at the base, bring layers! The summit is often 20-30 degrees cooler than the bottom.
- As with summiting any mountain, you'll want to get an early start - thunderstorms start to roll in during the mid-afternoon and you'll want to be off the top of the mountain by then.
- Bring lots of water, plenty of calorie-dense foods, and know your limits.
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park
30 miles east of Colorado Springs, featuring chasms, spires, hoodoos, and sculpted walls carved out of brightly colored clay deposits – layers of snowy white, golden yellow, rose pink and purplish mauve. Native Americans used the deposits for paints and pottery, and settlers later mined the clay to make bricks.
Best For: Discovering A Well Kept Secret
Local's Tip: Make sure you have good directions because you cannot see the park very well from the road - the rock formations are sunk down into the hillside out on the prairie. You can't even see the rock formations from the park's parking lot!
The Vindicator Trail
2 mile loop just outside of historic mining towns Cripple Creek and Victor, a 45-minute drive west of Colorado Springs.
Best For: Learning Some History
Local's Tip: Cripple Creek and its surrounding area make for an excellent day trip from Colorado Springs. This is one of the best places to view our golden aspen trees during the Fall season too!
Red Rocks Open Space
Located just south of the Garden of the Gods across Highway 24, featuring a variety of trails along canyons and ridges of red rock with a great view of the city and Garden of the Gods. Many trails connect to other hiking areas, and there are 2 off-leash dog loops and a free-ride bike park.
Best For: Red Rock Formations Without the Crowds
Local's Tip: The Quarry Pass Trail and Cordell Trail get you up onto the rocks and hillsides and offer some of the best views of the park.
ADVENTURES OUT WEST ROCK CLIMBING AND RAPPEL
(Indoor climbing gym and guided rock climbing)
(Guided rock climbing)
(Indoor climbing gym)
HORSEBACK RIDING
Videos
Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting
Adventures Out West
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trips
Customer Testimonials
Let nature be your muse. Whether you’re searching for a stroll or a workout, Colorado Springs has hundreds of miles of hiking trails to appeal to every experience. To start planning your adventure, explore here: Brave the roiling waters of the Arkansas River. Face-off against Royal Gorge’s Class III-and-IV rapids, and experience why Colorado is the nation’s premier rafting destination. To start planning your adventure, explore here: Go on and hop in the saddle: Winding trails and expansive roads provide dozens of possibilities to discover Colorado on your terms. To start planning your adventure, explore here: Climb to the top of the world. Scale any of a multitude of rock formations, and get familiar with Colorado’s iconic red rock. Enjoy an authentic Western experience. Survey the countryside with your steed, just like the pioneers did hundreds of years ago. To start planning your adventure, explore here: Gain a new perspective. Hover above Colorado Springs, marvel at the Rocky Mountain Front, and see things in a new light. To start planning for your adventure, explore here:Other Experiences
Hiking
White Water Rafting
Biking
Rock Climbing
Horseback Riding
Hot Air Ballooning