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)
Candleflower Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Candleflower Park is a 5-acre neighborhood park designed for everyday use and easy access in northeastern Colorado Springs.
Features
Playground
Open play area
Walkways throughout the park
Access to the Briargate Trail
What to Expect A walkable neighborhood park with simple amenities, ideal for families and casual outdoor time.
Plan Your Visit Location: 7690 Contrails Dr. Parking: Street parking nearby Hours: Sunrise to sunset Fees: Free
Thorndale Park
What a history! Thorndale Park was once the Town of Ramona. Once considered the “City of Sin”, Ramona was incorporated as a counter to the temperance movement of the early 20th century.
Recreation and Activities
Thorndale park has plenty of features for families including play equipment, numerous picnic tables, a basketball and tennis court and a large open field for kids to romp. Large old trees provide plenty of shade during the hot summer months.
History
To fully appreciate the fascinating history of both Thorndale Park and the Town of Ramona it preceded, stop at the interpretive sign at the corner of 24th St. and Uinta St. You’ll get a better understanding of the complex history of the area.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2310 W. Uintah St. The park can be accessed either along Uinta St. or along the side streets: 24th and 23rd Sts. Parking: Street parking is available on Uinta, 23rd or 24th. Accessibility ramps are located at the corners of 24th and 23rd. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Fees: No entry fee. Tips:
The ramada must be reserved through the Parks Department (719) 385-5940
The restrooms are closed during the winter months. Check and restroom closures on the City Parks Website
America the Beautiful Park
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak and just steps from downtown Colorado Springs, America the Beautiful Park is a vibrant urban green space that combines recreation, art, and community. The park’s name honors Katharine Lee Bates, who penned the song “America the Beautiful” after visiting the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893.
Recreation and Amenities
The 30-acre park is designed for families, gatherings, and outdoor fun. It features large open lawns perfect for picnics and games, a universally accessible playground that welcomes children of all abilities, and plenty of paved trails for walking, running, and cycling. The park also connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, making it a popular hub for commuters and recreationists.
Iconic Features
The centerpiece of the park is the “Continuum” sculpture and Julie Penrose Fountain, a 60-foot circular structure that sprays water high into the air, creating a refreshing play space in summer and a striking landmark year-round. Its design represents the continuous motion of water and life, making it one of the city’s most recognized symbols.
Wildlife and Scenery
While the park sits in the heart of the city, visitors can still enjoy views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range, along with the chance to spot urban wildlife along the trails and nearby Fountain Creek. Its open design offers both green lawns and mountain vistas, making it a scenic gathering place.
History
Created in the early 2000s, America the Beautiful Park was envisioned as a community centerpiece, blending public art, accessible play, and trail connections into one landmark park. It has since become a favorite spot for festivals, concerts, and family outings while honoring the region’s deep connection to the iconic song.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 126 Cimino Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Parking: Free parking is available on-site, though spaces can fill quickly during events. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. More Information: https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/america-beautiful-park Tips:
Bring kids in summer to enjoy the splash fountain.
Walk or bike to the park via the Pikes Peak Greenway for a car-free adventure.
Check the city events calendar—many community festivals and cultural events take place here.
With its combination of art, recreation, and breathtaking views of the mountains, America the Beautiful Park truly lives up to its name as one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic gathering spaces.
Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area
Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, located just outside Woodland Park on the north slope of Pikes Peak, is one of the premier destinations in the Pikes Peak region for fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain scenery. At 8,948 feet in elevation, the 500-acre reservoir provides a cool alpine escape with panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding forests.
Recreation and Trails
Rampart Reservoir is best known for its water-based recreation. Boating is allowed (with motor restrictions), and anglers come for rainbow, lake, and brown trout as well as smallmouth bass. The Rampart Reservoir Trail loops around the water for 13 miles, popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Shorter access trails, such as Rainbow Gulch Trail, provide family-friendly options and scenic shoreline hikes.
Wildlife and Scenery
With its sparkling waters framed by dense pine and spruce forests, Rampart Reservoir is a photographer’s dream. Wildlife is abundant—visitors often spot bald eagles, ospreys, mule deer, foxes, and the occasional black bear. In summer, wildflowers brighten the trails, while fall brings golden aspen groves.
History
The reservoir was constructed in 1969 by the City of Colorado Springs as part of the municipal water system. Beyond serving as an essential water storage site, it quickly became a popular recreation area, drawing visitors from across the Front Range for its combination of outdoor opportunities and alpine beauty.
Plan Your Visit
Location: About 4 miles east of Woodland Park, accessible via Rampart Range Road. Parking: Multiple paved and gravel parking areas are available near trailheads and boat ramps. A day-use fee is required. Hours: Open seasonally, late May through mid-October, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (hours vary by season). Closed in winter. Tips:
A Colorado fishing license is required for anglers.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Bring layers—weather can change quickly at nearly 9,000 feet.
The loop trail is long and exposed in places; bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The Seven Bridges Trail, also known as Trail #622, is one of the most popular hikes in North Cheyenne Cañon. This moderate trail is about 3.7 miles round trip and gains roughly 1,000 feet in elevation as it follows North Cheyenne Creek. Its charm comes from crossing seven rustic wooden bridges that give the trail its name, making it a family-friendly adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.
Trails and Recreation
The trail begins at the end of North Cheyenne Canyon Road near the parking area for the Upper Gold Camp Road. From there, hikers follow a steady incline along a shaded canyon trail, crossing over seven picturesque wooden bridges. Beyond the seventh bridge, the path continues into steeper terrain and can be extended to connect with higher trails like Jones Park or Mount Rosa for those looking for a longer trek.
Wildlife and Scenery
Surrounded by towering evergreens, mountain streams, and granite walls, the Seven Bridges Trail offers classic Front Range beauty. Depending on the season, hikers may encounter wildflowers, colorful autumn foliage, or sparkling ice formations along the creek. Wildlife is common in the area—mule deer, songbirds, and the occasional black bear may be spotted in the canyon.
History
The trail follows an old pipeline route that once carried water from the mountains into Colorado Springs in the early 20th century. The bridges were originally constructed to maintain access along the pipeline, and today they remain a beloved feature of this historic route.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Trailhead parking is located at the end of North Cheyenne Canyon Road, just past the closed Gold Camp Road tunnel. Parking: A paved lot is available, but it fills quickly—arrive early, especially on weekends. Additional parking may be available further down the road. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tips:
The trail is well-shaded, making it a great summer hike.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be rocky and icy in colder months.
Continue past the seventh bridge if you want to extend your hike into the higher country of Pike National Forest.
