Outdoor Activities & Climate
Live the Elevated Life
Blaze a trail to the Colorado Springs outdoors, where opportunity comes naturally. The spirit of Zebulon Pike (yep, that famous Peak) and America the Beautiful is stronger today, some 200 years later. Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has no shortage of pathways to explore—375 miles of trails, to be exact—in a climate that invites adventure. From hundreds of parks to paddleboarding, an endless number of outdoor activities offer nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. A competitive cost of living and ongoing job growth allow for open space in your budget. Live a life that’s elevated in the Colorado Springs outdoors.
- Outdoors
- Family Friendly
- Climate
Accessible to Adventuresome
With four distinct yet mild seasons, it’s common to find residents camping, biking, hiking, and tackling almost all outdoor activities year round. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular with locals. In the winter months, skiing (only two hours away) and snowshoeing reign.
- America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, serves as the center for many of the activities in Colorado Springs. While many aspire, tackling the summit of the peak on foot isn’t for the faint of heart. At 14,115 feet, the mountain challenges even the steeliest hikers, cyclists, and runners. Each year, athletes from across the world compete in a one-way trip to the top in the Ascent Half Marathon, while the very next day, others tackle the round trip for the Pikes Peak Marathon.
- Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the peak without training like an Olympian—though you may see a few on the trails. The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile paved road to the top, with a new Summit House on its way. Pikes Peak is also a popular spot for boaters and anglers.
- In close competition for iconic, unforgettable views is the Garden of the Gods. A registered National Natural Landmark, the park is home to majestic 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations set against a Pikes Peak backdrop. Paved pathways are easily accessible for all, while biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and a variety of other activities are permitted within the park.
- For serious high-altitude action, hit the Manitou Incline. A popular spot for elite athlete training (Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA) and weekend warriors, the Incline is a retired cog railway track that requires 2,000 feet in elevation gain over one mile to reach the summit. Bragging rights go to those who tackle it.
- The commute from water cooler to campsite is a quick one. Peace, quiet and s’mores are a jeep trail away in the local foothills and mountains that play host to dispersed camping sites, National Forest campgrounds, cabins, and nearly all forms of camping and backpacking.
- When exploration calls for something out of town, new adventures are a mere two-to-three hour drive. Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park, each make for an unforgettable getaway, as do mountain towns like Vail, Breckenridge and Aspen.
- Naming all Colorado Springs outdoor adventures requires a list as long as 14,000 feet. Learn more about all outdoor living in Colorado Springs from our friends at Visit COS and the Pikes Peak Outdoors.
Fun for Everyone
Asking locals to pick a favorite outdoor activity in Colorado Springs is like asking parents to choose their favorite kid.
- For families, Colorado Springs boasts a variety of year-round activities. From downtown Manitou Springs, which offers an artistic vibe in a relaxed mountain setting, to the Sunday Market in downtown Colorado Springs, there are many ways to reset after the work week. In the winter months, families flock to the popular downtown outdoor ice rink, a favorite holiday tradition.
- More than 135 community, regional, and state parks are woven throughout neighborhoods. City-maintained parks cover 9,000 acres of parkland and 500 acres of trails. Youth and adult sports are regular fixtures at local parks. Kids are invited to become junior rangers through a no-cost city program, and during the summer, families cool off at any number of parks that feature water playgrounds. Memorial Park and America the Beautiful Park are two of the most popular parks in Colorado Springs. Memorial Park is home to an ice center, skateboarding park, Olympic velodrome, and lake.
- Just 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs is Cheyenne Mountain State Park. An archery range, developed campgrounds, ranger-led education, and dog-friendly trails are included in the park’s perks.
- Minutes from the park and downtown is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the only mountain zoo in the country and USA Today’s #4 best zoo in North America. More than 145 scenic acres of exhibits includes the largest giraffe herd in any zoo, a mountain chairlift for a view of the zoo and Colorado Springs locale, and a variety of educational programs.
- Aspire for greatness with a tour of the largest U.S. Olympic Training Center. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to reach the top of the podium. For a special experience, choose the Gold Tour to lunch alongside current and aspiring Olympians.
- For more family fun, check out Visit COS.
Year-Round, Feel-Good Weather
Living in Colorado Springs comes with four distinct seasons, perfecting summer picnic plans or fall foliage drives. Winters are mild, and infrequent snowfall melts quickly thanks to sunny days that rarely impacts business and school operations. Summers linger into fall, with crisp and comfortable evenings an invitation for a barbecue and fire pit with friends. From moving products for a business or on the go with your family, the Colorado Springs climate is ideal for all locals.
- Average January High 43°F
- Average January Low 17°F
- Average July High 85°F
- Average July Low 58°F
- Inches Annual Rainfall 18
- Inches Annual Snowfall 57
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