Bancroft Park is the historic heart of Old Colorado City — a one-block square of green space along Colorado Avenue that has served as a community gathering place since the neighborhood’s founding in 1859. Renovated in 2020, it’s one of the most lively and event-filled neighborhood parks in the city.
Features
Bandshell (reservable for performances and events)
Playground
Picnic shelter and picnic tables
Trail/sidewalk path
Flower gardens
Historic Dr. Garvin log cabin (circa 1867)
Historical marker and displays
Award-winning self-cleaning restrooms (named America’s Best Restroom in 2020)
Wheelchair accessible
What to Expect Bancroft Park is far more than a patch of grass — it’s the cultural hub of Old Colorado City and one of the most charming and active neighborhood parks in Colorado Springs. On any given weekend you might find a farmers market, live music, an art walk, or a community festival. Surrounded by boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it’s a perfect spot to anchor a full afternoon in one of the city’s most beloved historic neighborhoods.
Don’t Miss
Territory Days — one of the largest annual festivals in Colorado Springs, held right in the park every Memorial Day weekend
Old Colorado City Saturday Farmers Market — running June through October
Free summer concerts at the bandshell
History Colorado City was founded in 1859 — before Colorado Springs even existed — and briefly served as the first capital of the Territory of Colorado. Bancroft Park occupies what was the original town square. A historic log cabin from that era still stands in the park today. The neighborhood was annexed into Colorado Springs in 1917 and designated a National Historic District in 1983. The park was named for Hubert Howe Bancroft, a prolific 19th-century western history writer, after whose name the former Bancroft School on the site was also named.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2408 W. Colorado Ave. (W. Colorado Ave. & S. 24th St.), Old Colorado City
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Ave. and surrounding streets
Hours: Open daily Fees: Free
Antlers Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Antlers Park is a 3.4-acre historic downtown green space nestled beside the iconic Antlers Hotel — one of the most storied landmarks in Colorado Springs. With views of Pikes Peak framed by shade trees and open lawns, it’s a quiet and scenic retreat right in the heart of the city.
Features
Historic locomotive on display
Large group picnic shelter (reservable)
Picnic tables and open green space
Shaded walking paths and sidewalk loop
Restrooms
Dog park (separate fenced area with small and large dog zones, synthetic turf, play amenities, and dog water station)
Wheelchair accessible
What to Expect A peaceful, historically rich park that’s perfect for a lunch break, a casual stroll, or letting the dog run. The park has a relaxed, unhurried feel — more of a scenic respite than an active recreation hub — and the backdrop of the Antlers Hotel and Pikes Peak views make it one of the more photogenic spots in downtown.
History Antlers Park has been part of downtown Colorado Springs since the early 1900s, originally designed as a landscaped arrival gateway for travelers stepping off the train at the nearby Denver and Rio Grande Railroad depot. The park takes its name from the Antlers Hotel, first built by city founder General William Jackson Palmer in 1883 and a downtown landmark ever since. The park is one of three historic downtown parks — along with Acacia and Alamo Square — included in the city’s Downtown Historic Parks Master Plan.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 31 W. Pikes Peak Ave. (W. Pikes Peak Ave. & Sierra Madre St.), Downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; parking garage adjacent
Hours: Open daily Fees: Free
Acacia Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Acacia Park is Colorado Springs’ oldest and most beloved downtown park — a 3.7-acre historic green space donated by city founder General William Jackson Palmer in 1871 and reimagined in recent years with major improvements.
Features
Uncle Wilber Fountain (interactive splash pad with moving sculpture)
Ninja-style climbing structure and tot lot playground (completed 2022)
Bandshell with summer concerts
Shuffleboard courts (open June–mid August)
Outdoor ice skating rink (November–January)
Picnic tables and shade trees
Acacia Park Visitor Hub
Story Coffee (on-site coffee shop)
Wheelchair accessible
What to Expect A lively, year-round community gathering place in the heart of downtown, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and mountain views. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, letting the kids loose on the climbing structure, cooling off at the fountain in summer, or lacing up skates in winter, there’s always something going on at Acacia Park.
History Donated to the city in 1871, Acacia Park is the first park ever established in Colorado Springs. It has served as a gathering place for the community for more than 150 years and recently underwent a major renovation as part of the Downtown Historic Parks Improvement Project.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 115 E. Platte Ave. / Corner of Tejon St. & Platte Ave., Downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: Metered street parking on all four sides of the park
Hours: Open daily
Fees: Free (ice skating and shuffleboard may have nominal fees)
Explorer Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Explorer Park is a 7.3-acre Briargate neighborhood park with a mix of recreation features and pedestrian-friendly design in northeastern Colorado Springs.
Features
Playground
Inline hockey court
Picnic shelter
Walking paths throughout the park
Natural Area
Trail connection to Briargate Trail
What to Expect A well-designed park with a balance of active recreation and walkable space for families and neighbors.
Plan Your Visit Location: 4260 Bardot Dr. Parking: Street parking available Hours: Sunrise to sunset Fees: Free
Boulder Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Boulder Park is a 7.2-acre community park near downtown and Memorial Hospital – Central, offering a variety of sports fields and open areas.
Features
Playground
Basketball court
Baseball/softball field
Football/soccer field
Open space for informal recreation
Rare trees planted around the park
Interpretive signage
What to Expect A larger neighborhood park that supports both organized sports and everyday use, with plenty of room to spread out.
Plan Your Visit Location:1210 E. Boulder St. Parking: Street parking nearby Hours: Sunrise to sunset Fees: Free
Sondermann Park
Sondermann Park is a peaceful neighborhood and open space park on the west side of Colorado Springs. This scenic corridor features creekside habitat, open lawns, and trail access, offering a quiet escape close to downtown and Old Colorado City.
Recreation
The park is popular for walking, jogging, dog walking, birdwatching, and casual cycling along soft-surface paths. Open grassy areas provide space for wildlife viewing, relaxation, and informal play, while shaded sections near the creek offer cool resting spots during warmer months.
Trails and Connections
Sondermann Park provides direct access to the Mesa Valley Trail. This serves as a connection to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. The park also serves as a gateway to nearby environmental education facilities and neighborhood routes. Inside the park, a variety of trails through diverse habitat are present. Trails: Bluestem Trail, Mesa Valley Trail, West Fork Trail , Creekside Trail, Lilac Trail, Western Loop, South Park Loop.
Wildlife and Scenery
The creek and wetlands attract ducks, songbirds, herons, beavers and other wildlife throughout the year. Cottonwood trees, native grasses, and riparian vegetation create a natural landscape that changes with the seasons. Larger wildlife, such as coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and black bears frequent the area. The area is especially popular for early-morning walks and nature photography.
History
The park is named in honor of Paul Sondermann, a longtime conservation advocate who played a key role in protecting local waterways and open spaces. Its preservation reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining healthy creek corridors and accessible green spaces.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Parking: Limited parking available near trailhead and adjacent streets Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset Fees: Free
Tips: Bring water and sun protection, and watch for cyclists on shared-use paths. Stay on designated trails to help protect creekside habitat.
Rock Island Regional Trail – Falcon and Peyton, CO
East of Colorado Springs, the Rock Island Regional Trail continues through Falcon and Peyton along the same historic railroad alignment. This segment provides a more rural experience, connecting growing communities and open landscapes while preserving the legacy of the former rail corridor.
Location: Eastern El Paso County, between Falcon and Peyton along the former Rock Island Railroad corridor
Trail Experience
The Falcon and Peyton segment of the Rock Island Trail offers a quieter, more open setting compared to the urban Colorado Springs portion. The trail follows the historic rail bed through prairie landscapes and developing residential areas, creating opportunities for walking, biking, and horseback riding depending on surface conditions.
As development continues in eastern El Paso County, this segment plays an increasingly important role in providing off street trail access and connecting communities to regional recreation opportunities.
Connections
The Falcon and Peyton portion of the Rock Island Trail connects local neighborhoods and open spaces while supporting long term plans for expanded trail connectivity across eastern El Paso County. Future trail extensions and connections are expected to further link this corridor to parks, schools, and regional trail systems.
The Rock Island Trail reflects Colorado Springs’ rail history while serving as a vital recreation and transportation corridor today. Together, the urban and eastern segments illustrate how historic infrastructure continues to shape access, connectivity, and community across the region.
Women’s Forest Trail (Women’s Federation Forest) – Divide, CO
The Women’s Forest Trail, also known as the Women’s Federation Forest, is a special hiking area near Divide dedicated to the legacy of women in conservation. Established in the 1960s through the Colorado Federation of Women’s Clubs in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, this living memorial forest highlights the power of community and stewardship in shaping Colorado’s landscapes.
Trail Experience
Forest Service Trail #375 (Pike National Forest) is about 5 miles long and is an excellent choice for intermediate hikers, or anyone seeking a reflective walk in the woods. The path meanders through stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, small lake and rock formations. *Note: The Trail is not marked well at all and difficult to follow depending on the season. Check online for the best maps before exploring.*Wildlife and Scenery The forested loop is home to mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds. In summer, wildflowers brighten the understory, while autumn brings crisp air and changing colors in the surrounding area.
History
The Women’s Federation Forest was planted as a conservation project by the Colorado Federation of Women’s Clubs in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Their vision was to create a space that would celebrate stewardship and serve as a living classroom for future generations. Trail #375 allows visitors to walk among these trees and reflect on the enduring legacy of grassroots conservation.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Teller County Road 511, just off U.S. Highway 24 near Divide, within Pike National Forest
Length: 5 miles (loop)
Amenities: Small trailhead parking
Tips: Pair this short trail with nearby hikes like Mueller State Park or the Crags Trail for a full day outdoors.
Trail #375 offers more than meditative walk in the forest — it’s a reminder of how community and conservation come together to leave a legacy on the land.
Manitou Lake
Manitou Lake is a 5-acre reservoir north of Woodland Park that offers a family-friendly setting for fishing, hiking, and picnicking against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Surrounded by meadows, forest, and mountain views, this peaceful destination is popular year-round for outdoor recreation and is a gateway to nearby trails and campgrounds.
Recreation
The highlight of Manitou Lake is fishing, with opportunities throughout the year thanks to easy access and regular use by anglers. A scenic 2.5-mile loop, Trail #670, circles the lake and is perfect for a leisurely walk or nature stroll. Swimming, wading, and body contact with the water are prohibited, but the reservoir remains a hub for fishing, wildlife viewing, and family picnics.
Trails and Camping
In addition to Trail #670, visitors can connect to Bike Trail #699, a paved 4.2-mile route that links campgrounds and picnic areas. The area also includes two group campgrounds—Pike Community and Red Rocks—that make it easy for families and organizations to enjoy overnight stays in the forest.
Wildlife and Scenery
The lake’s surrounding wetlands attract a wide variety of birdlife, including ducks, herons, and songbirds. Expansive meadows and towering pines frame the reservoir, making it an ideal place to enjoy mountain views or photograph seasonal wildflowers.
History
Manitou Lake was developed as a recreational reservoir and has long been valued as a gathering place for anglers, campers, and picnickers in the Pikes Peak region. Its ongoing popularity reflects its balance of natural beauty and easy access.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 11 miles north of Woodland Park along Highway 67
Parking: Day-use parking available with fee
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: $11 per vehicle day use fee. Annual passes are available for Manitou Lake Picnic Area, Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, and Eleven Mile Canyon.
Tips: All sites have tables, fire grates, and trash collection. Bring layers for changing mountain weather and a fishing license if you plan to fish.
With its mix of trails, campsites, picnic areas, and scenic waters, Manitou Lake is an inviting spot for families, groups, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Pikes Peak region.
