Bear Creek Regional Park
Bear Creek Regional Park is a sprawling 545 acre park nestled in the foothills of Colorado Springs, operated by El Paso County. It offers a rich mix of active recreation and natural spaces, making it a unique destination for both community gatherings and nature escapes.
Trails and Recreation
Ten miles of multi purpose, non motorized trails traverse the park, linking its various sectors. Visitors can jog, bike, hike, or ride horseback on these trails, many of which wind through prairie, riparian zones, and gentle hills. The park also includes picnic pavilions, playing fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, an archery range, volleyball areas, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds across its different areas.
Bear Creek Dog Park
Within the park lies a 25 acre fenced off leash dog area, one of El Paso County’s most visited facilities, drawing over 100,000 visitors each year. The dog park includes open prairie, wooded hills, a third mile stretch of Bear Creek, walking trails with a primary three quarter mile loop, and secondary paths. A separate two acre section is reserved for small and senior dogs. Amenities include creek access, water fountains, a dog wash area, restrooms, bag dispensers, shade, and benches.
Bear Creek Nature Center
The Bear Creek Nature Center (245 Bear Creek Road) serves as the educational hub of the park. It offers interpretive programs, guided and self guided tours, interactive nature exhibits, and seasonal events for families and school groups. Trails around the center highlight the area’s natural beauty and habitat but may have restrictions to protect sensitive wildlife.
Charmaine Nymann Community Garden
The Charmaine Nymann Community Garden is a two acre organic garden maintained by the Bear Creek Garden Association. It features 104 full size plots, underground water delivery, and secure fencing. Gardeners pay annual fees that cover soil tilling, water, and maintenance, and many donate surplus produce to local nonprofits.
Wildlife and Scenery
Bear Creek blends riparian corridors, prairie, and foothill terrain. Expect to see cottonwoods, scrub oak, ponderosa pines, and open meadows. Wildlife includes mule deer, coyotes, songbirds, raptors, and aquatic species near the creek. Seasonal bird migrations, wildflowers, and creekside reflections make the park especially scenic.
History
The land that now forms Bear Creek Regional Park has transitioned from historic poor farm and garden operations to one of the most loved open spaces in the region. Today the park is divided into East, Terrace, Dog Park, and Nature Center areas, balancing both active recreation and conservation.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Access via 21st Street and West Rio Grande for Bear Creek East, 21st Street and Argus for Bear Creek Terrace, and Bear Creek Road for the Nature Center.
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily
Parking: Multiple parking lots serve the East, Terrace, Dog Park, and Nature Center areas.
Tips:
-
Pets must be on leash in all areas except the dog park
-
Follow signage around the Nature Center as some trails have pet and bike restrictions
-
Check the Nature Center schedule for programs and events
-
Community garden plots are available seasonally through the Bear Creek Garden Association
John Venezia Community Park
John Venezia Community Park is a 30-acre community gem located on the north side of Colorado Springs. Designed with families in mind, the park combines modern recreation facilities, natural landscaping, and open space to create a vibrant destination for all ages.
Trails and Recreation
The park features a network of walking and biking paths that wind through natural prairie landscapes and connect to nearby neighborhoods. Sports enthusiasts will find multipurpose athletic fields, basketball courts, and pickleball courts, while kids can enjoy one of the city’s most creative playgrounds—complete with climbing structures, slides, and shaded areas.
Amenities and Features
A highlight of the park is its water play area, which provides a refreshing way to cool off during the summer months. The park also includes picnic pavilions, restrooms, and wide-open green spaces ideal for community gatherings and family outings. Dog owners will appreciate the dog-friendly trails and areas designed for walking furry companions.
Wildlife & Scenery
Surrounded by the rolling prairies and open views of the Front Range, Venezia Park blends urban convenience with scenic charm. Native grasses, wildflowers, and stands of cottonwoods create a welcoming space for songbirds and other wildlife. The backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains makes for a striking view while exploring the park.
History
Named after John Venezia, a former Colorado Springs City Council member and community leader, the park reflects his commitment to creating spaces that enhance quality of life. Opened in 2017, the park quickly became one of the most popular family destinations in the northern part of the city, filling a long-anticipated need for outdoor recreation in the growing community.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 3555 Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Hours: April–October: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | November–March: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parking: A large parking lot provides convenient access to all amenities, with additional neighborhood trail access points nearby.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in Colorado Springs, is a true centerpiece of community life. Spanning 196 acres just east of downtown, it offers something for everyone—from outdoor recreation and scenic lake views to cultural events and family gatherings.
Trails and Recreation
The park is home to Prospect Lake, which features a 1.25-mile paved trail circling the water. Runners, walkers, and cyclists enjoy this route year-round, while nearby sports fields and courts support baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. The Sertich Ice Center, skate park, and fitness stations provide even more options for active recreation.
Amenities and Features
Memorial Park offers an impressive variety of amenities. Prospect Lake is open for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and boating during summer months. Families can enjoy modern playgrounds, picnic areas, and open lawns for gatherings. The park also hosts community events and festivals throughout the year, drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
Memorials
True to its name, Memorial Park honors service and sacrifice through several dedicated memorials. The Peace Officers Memorial pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honors professional firefighters from across the United States and Canada who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each September, thousands gather at this site for a solemn remembrance ceremony, making it a place of both mourning and pride for the firefighting community.
Wildlife & Scenery
Despite being in the heart of the city, the park provides a place to enjoy nature. Prospect Lake attracts ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, while mature shade trees and open lawns create a peaceful urban escape. Scenic mountain views from the west side of the park add to its beauty.
History
Memorial Park has long been a hub for recreation in Colorado Springs. Prospect Lake was originally a reservoir that became a recreation site for the growing city. Over the decades, the park has expanded and modernized, serving as a living reflection of the city’s investment in outdoor spaces and community wellness.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 1605 E Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Hours: April–October: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | November–March: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parking: Multiple parking lots surround the park, with easy access to Prospect Lake, sports fields, memorials, and picnic areas.
Black Forest Regional Park
Black Forest Regional Park, located in northern El Paso County, covers 385 acres of ponderosa pine forest and open meadows. Known for its peaceful setting and winding trails, the park is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians looking to enjoy the shade and serenity of Colorado’s Black Forest.
Trails and Recreation
The park offers more than 4 miles of multi-use trails, with options ranging from short loops to longer connections through dense pine stands and open fields. The rolling terrain provides a scenic backdrop for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and running.
Amenities and Features
Black Forest Regional Park features picnic pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts, and athletic fields, making it both a community hub and a natural retreat. The park also includes a spacious dog park, offering plenty of room for pets to explore off-leash.
Wildlife & Scenery
The towering ponderosa pines create a rich habitat for songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors. Visitors may also spot deer, foxes, or coyotes moving quietly through the trees. In the fall, the park’s mix of forest and meadow provides striking contrasts of golden grasses and evergreen canopies.
History
In 2013, the Black Forest Fire burned a significant portion of the park, leaving lasting impacts on its landscape. Since then, El Paso County Parks and community partners have worked to restore trails, rebuild facilities, and promote forest health. Today, the park stands as both a beloved recreation site and a symbol of resilience and recovery.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 4800 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Hours: April–October: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | November–March: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Parking: Multiple parking areas accessible from Shoup Road and Vollmer Road, with spaces near athletic fields, pavilions, and trailheads.
Cottonwood Creek Park
Cottonwood Creek Park is one of the largest community parks in northeast Colorado Springs, offering more than 70 acres of recreation and open space. This popular destination combines athletic facilities, playgrounds, trails, and wide open lawns, making it a hub for families, athletes, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city.
Amenities and Recreation
The park features a wide variety of facilities, including:
-
Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center with an indoor pool, gymnasium, and fitness classes.
-
Sports fields for soccer, football, and baseball.
-
Tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate park.
-
Playgrounds and picnic areas perfect for families.
-
Dog park where pups can run off-leash.
Trails and Natural Features
A paved section of the Cottonwood Creek Trail runs through the park, connecting to the larger Pikes Peak Greenway Trail system. The trail is popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners, offering a scenic corridor along the creek with mountain views to the west. Open fields and shady spots make it a great place to enjoy nature without leaving the city.
Location and Access
-
Address: 3920 Dublin Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
-
Parking: Multiple paved lots are available around the park and recreation center, with ADA-accessible spaces. Parking is free.
-
Hours: The park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; recreation center hours vary seasonally.
With its blend of recreation facilities, community events, and natural beauty, Cottonwood Creek Park is a top destination for families, athletes, and trail users in Colorado Springs.
