Colorado Springs loves its parks. Since the creation of the city, founder William Jackson Palmer set aside land and prioritized the creation of parks to promote beauty, wellness and healthy lifestyles. Today, the Springs is home to 292 parks that cover more than 9,000 acres. These local parks and open spaces offer wide-ranging recreational opportunities and serve as community gathering places. They provide a chance to enjoy the outdoors, engage in physical activities, and participate in community events. Here’s a guide to some of the top parks in Colorado Springs:
Downtown Colorado Springs
America the Beautiful Park
Situated at the confluence of Fountain Creek and Monument Creek, America the Beautiful Park is a scenic urban oasis in the heart of Colorado Springs. It is just across the Park Union Bridge from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. The park features beautiful landscaping, a large central plaza and grassy field, a creek-side walk and a large playground that is a favorite for kids. The large Julie Penrose Fountain is a popular splash park in the summer when the water cascades and kids play in the wading pool. America the Beautiful Park often plays host for festivals, races and cultural events.
Acacia Park
Located in the center of downtown Colorado Springs, Acacia Park is a vibrant and historic park surrounded by popular downtown boutiques and restaurants. The park is known for its blue-topped Uncle Wilber Fountain, a kinetic, musical sculpture where kids can cool off on hot summer days. And a new playground opened in 2023 adds to the fun. The park is often a hub for community events, such as live music performances, festivals and holiday celebrations, including the annual Skate in the Park ice rink, a favorite holiday tradition.
Memorial Park
Located just east of downtown, Memorial Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including sports fields, tennis courts and a large skatepark. Memorial Park is also home to the Sertich Ice Center for public ice skating. It’s also home to Prospect Lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and stand-up paddleboarding. The park hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Labor Day Lift Off, which features hot air balloon launches and glows, concerts and other family-friendly activities.
Monument Valley Park
Stretching along Monument Creek, Monument Valley Park is a peaceful retreat just north of downtown Colorado Springs. Much of it parallels the historic Old North End neighborhood. The park offers walking and biking trails that are part of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail network. There are several sports fields and courts, including a heavily-used pickleball complex and a sand volleyball area. Monument Valley Park also features a playground, picnic areas, ponds and an outdoor community swimming pool.
Central Colorado Springs Parks
Palmer Park
With over 700 acres of natural beauty, Palmer Park features many trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding alongside breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Surrounded by neighborhoods and the Academy Boulevard corridor, Palmer Park is a suburban oasis. It’s easy to feel far away in nature among its mesas, canyons and craggy rock formations. Palmer Park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, overlook pavilions and a dog park, making it a favorite destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
North Colorado Springs
Fox Run Regional Park
Located in the pines of Black Forest, Fox Run Park is a favorite north-side haven for gatherings, celebrations and outdoor explorations. Embark on a journey along the park’s 4 miles of winding trails (including this family favorite), partake in a leisurely picnic, or attend a variety of family and social events. The Wedding Gazebo is a popular spot along the park’s small lake. Currently in planning stages, a new nature center will include a skywalk that will give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest tree canopy. Read about it in 17 Big Ideas Shaping the Future of Colorado Springs.
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John Venezia Park
A blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, John Venezia Park draws visitors in with its homestead-inspired design. The park offers a unique ranch-themed experience that captures the Western essence of frontier living, with a spacious pavilion called “The Homestead” and a universally accessible playground named “The Corral.” Want to get active? The park has numerous sports facilities, including pickleball courts, basketball courts and soccer fields at “The Range.”
Northwest Colorado Springs
Ute Valley Park
Ute Valley Park was donated to the city in 1969 and is one of Colorado Springs’ most beloved parks for outdoor adventures. The park spans 538 acres of geological features, vistas and trails for all levels, beginner to advanced. You can hike, run, walk (with or without dogs) or get your adrenaline fill mountain biking here. No matter how you choose to explore Ute Valley Park, remember to leave it better than you found it with these tips on How to Be a Sustainable Trail User.
Southwest Colorado Springs
Bear Creek Regional Park
Spanning 545 acres, this expansive and frequently visited park boasts a wide variety of amenities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Nature lovers can explore 10 miles of multi-purpose, non-motorized trails that wind through the park. Some are wide, gravel-packed and universally accessible. Others are singletrack. Multiple picnic pavilions are popular for family and community gatherings. Grassy fields host sports games and festivals. The Bear Creek Dog Park is one of the most popular in the city. And the Bear Creek Nature Center keeps a full schedule of educational and exploratory events. It is also home to the Trailability Program, which allows disabled people to explore trails on off-road mobility vehicles called Terrain Hoppers.
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Southeast Colorado Springs Parks
Panorama Park
The completely redesigned Panorama Park in Southeast Springs is an excellent example of collaboration and community involvement. Here you’ll find a large playground designed for all children to enjoy, a progressive bike park for riders of all ages, a climbing boulder, multi-use sports fields and a shaded event lawn for performances. The popular splash pad features a community-made tile art mural and public art funded by a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
South Colorado Springs Parks
Fountain Creek Regional Park
Nestled along the banks of Fountain Creek between Colorado Springs and Fountain, Fountain Creek Regional Park spans 460 acres. Meandering through the park, the creek-side trail offers a peaceful stroll for walkers, joggers and runners. The Willow Springs Ponds teem with life and welcome fishing. Farther downstream, the Fountain Creek Nature Center hosts educational classes about the area and ecosystem, excursions and events.
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Don’t forget to check the individual park websites or contact local authorities for the latest information on park hours, amenities and any special events taking place.
