
Deb Acord
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Rampart Reservoir
Colorado SpringsRampart Reservoir is a 500-surface-acre lake northwest of Colorado Springs. It’s a locals’ favorite for fishing, camping, hiking and mountain biking, and it’s also a stunning destination for flat-water kayaking and canoeing.
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Aiken Canyon Preserve
Colorado SpringsAiken Canyon is a peaceful place where the prairie meets the foothills, and it's perfect for hikers, trail runners, and birders.
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Mount Cutler
Colorado SpringsThe 2-mile route up Mountain Cutler is a worthwhile hiking destination for anyone looking for a somewhat easy, family-friendly hike.
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Colorado SpringsFossil Beds is full of classic Colorado scenery and rich natural history.
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Rainbow Gulch
Colorado SpringsAll the best parts of the Pike National Forest can be found on the Rainbow Gulch Trail, which is decorated with tangles of wild columbine and iris in the summer and the sparkle of aspen leaves golden in the fall. This wide path is perfect for hiking and is also popular for mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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Castlewood Canyon State Park
Colorado SpringsCastlewood Canyon State Park offers a really diverse and engaging Natural Area in which to play. Good hiking trails and climbing routes abound in this park.
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Devils Head Lookout
Colorado SpringsThis short, although slightly steep trail, is a popular route that leads hikers and trail runners to a historic fire tower with 360-degree views.
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Horsethief Park/ Pancake Rocks
Colorado SpringsHorsethief Park is a very scenic area with expansive views, interesting geological formations, and easy four-season access.
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Catamount Ranch Open Space
Colorado SpringsThe two main trails in the Catamount Ranch Open Space weave their way through wonderfully scented and scenic pine forests with great views along the way.
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Hankins Pass in the Lost Creek Wilderness
Colorado SpringsA nearby wilderness area that feels like it's a million miles away from civilization.
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Barr Trail Hiking
Colorado SpringsThe 13-mile one-way hike to Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is a scenic route that is one of the easier 14,000-foot hikes in Colorado, but it's still exposed to potentially dangerous weather and features quite a bit of mileage and elevation gain.
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Ring the Peak Trail
Colorado SpringsThe culmination of decades of work by trail advocates, Ring the Peak is really a collection of trails, four-wheel-drive roads and small sections of paved roads that circumnavigate Pikes Peak, the 14,115-foot mountain that rises from the foothills near Colorado Springs.
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Devils Playground
Colorado SpringsThe 6.5-mile trail to this above treeline basin is a somewhat steep route that yields really interesting sandstone rock formations at the top as well as amazing views of the surrounding area.
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Brookside-McCurdy Trail
Colorado SpringsAside from the Colorado Trail, this is the longest trail in the Pike National Forest, coming in at 38-miles one-way. If done in full, it can be an excellent weekend backpacking trip, but there are also lots of access points to tailor a shorter, more custom-made hike.
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Rampart Reservoir
Colorado SpringsOne of the best single-track trails in the region, the Rampart Reservoir Trail offers thrills and challenges for riders of all abilities, along with sweeping views of Pikes Peak in the distance.
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Stratton Open Space
Colorado SpringsStratton Open Space is a favorite go-to spot for residents on the city’s southwest side, but also has a loyal mountain biking fan club
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Falcon Trail
Colorado SpringsThis 14-mile loop through Air Force Academy's campus is loved by the locals.
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Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Colorado SpringsCheyenne Mountain State Park is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and campers.
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Buffalo Creek Mountain Biking
Colorado SpringsThe Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features many miles of great multi-use trails that are especially worthwhile for mountain bikers.
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Lovell Gulch Mountain Biking
Colorado SpringsThis 4-mile loop is a favorite place for many Colorado Springs mountain bikers.
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Mueller State Park Mountain Biking
Colorado SpringsOne of the best spots in the region for aspen and wildlife viewing.
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Centennial Trail Cycling
Colorado SpringsThis 7-mile path is often full of runners, walkers, and cyclists enjoying its wide and accessible route.
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New Santa Fe Trail Cycling
Colorado SpringsThis 14-mile path is an excellent place for cyclists, runners, and walkers to recreate.
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Pikes Peak Greenway
Colorado SpringsPikes Peak Greenway is a premier urban trail that travels north to south through Colorado Springs.
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Fountain Creek Regional Trail
Colorado SpringsPart of the Colorado Springs urban trail system, the Fountain Creek Regional Trail is a premier wildlife viewing area as well as an excellent place to go hiking, trail running, or cycling.