In El Paso, discoveries range from self-guided nature trails through shortgrass prairie to mountain landscapes, canyons, and museums. At Bear Creek Nature Center, two miles of nature trails wind through shortgrass prairie, oak scrubland, and cottonwood-lined riparian communities. Those interested in the landscape will encounter a variety of habitats here, rather than just a single setting.
Prairie, Creekside, and Wildlife
Bear Creek Regional Park also brings together several types of landscape: oak scrubland, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, and a mountain stream. Its wildlife includes species native to the foothills region. Bear Creek Nature Center complements these nature experiences year-round with interpretive programs, special events, guided and self-guided tours, and media presentations. So, alongside exploring independently, visitors can also find guided and interpretive ways to connect with nature.
Along Fountain Creek, a 460-acre linear regional park follows the creek between Colorado Springs and Fountain. At Homestead Ranch Regional Park, a spring-fed pond and a creek shape the landscape. They attract deer, coyotes, foxes, and more than 35 species of waterfowl and other birds. More than five miles of trails wind through the park. Fox Run offers a different kind of trail: four miles of multi-use trails run through the Fallen Timbers area.
The trails therefore differ both in length and in their stated use. The two miles of self-guided nature trails at Bear Creek offer a short, habitat-focused exploration; Fox Run is specifically described as a multi-use trail. The Rock Island Regional Trail extends for 10.5 miles parallel to Highway 24 between Falcon and Peyton. Its route follows the former line of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail, in turn, is part of the American Discovery Trail.
Mountain Views and Canyon Landscapes
The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile scenic road to the summit. Along the way, expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys define the route. At the summit, the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center sits at an elevation of 14,115 feet. Here, a drive through the mountain landscape meets a specific point of orientation at the road’s highest destination.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a very different perspective: the canyon is cut 1,000 feet deep into 1.5-billion-year-old granite. An extensive trail network is open to hikers, cyclists, and runners. One trail section is about four miles long and leads from the Starsmore Discovery Center to the Upper Columbine Trailhead. Its length is approximate; the endpoints indicate the direction of the section.
Garden of the Gods is another of the region’s distinctive natural places. The 1,341.3-acre regional park is designated a National Natural Landmark. Its designation and size give an impression of the area’s significance and extent, without implying a particular route or visit duration. Those especially interested in geological formations can consider this natural area alongside the ancient granite of North Cheyenne Cañon: both places show rock as a defining element of the landscape, but in different forms.
Cultural History and Special Collections
The Ute Indian Trail, a section of the Ute Pass Regional Trail, begins at the base of the Manitou Incline and follows a historic route through Ute Pass that was used by the Ute. Nine interpretive panels cover Ute culture, the history of Ute Pass, watershed management, local habitats, and geological formations. Nature and cultural topics sit side by side here: the trail follows a route shaped by its history of use, while the panels explore other aspects of the pass.
The museums cover a range of subjects, from sports history to aviation. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum presents immersive exhibits on America’s Olympic and Paralympic heritage. Interactive offerings include athlete training simulations and the 360-degree Parade of Nations gallery. The National Museum of World War II Aviation displays 28 fully restored, airworthy aircraft and houses more than 4,000 artifacts and historical documents. Those interested in the history of the Pikes Peak region can visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, where exhibits, programs, and collections preserve and interpret its cultural history.
The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center is located just outside the United States Air Force Academy’s north gate; access to the base is not required for a visit. The Center is also intended to offer another perspective on the Academy’s history: it is designed to provide an immersive account of cadets’ 47-month journey and experience at the United States Air Force Academy, as well as highlight the legacy of the Long Blue Line and the importance of selfless service.
Individual experiences also have their own focus. The Pioneer Package at Cave of the Winds includes the Wind Walker Challenge Ropes Course, the Bat-A-Pult Ride, the Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall, and Geronimo’s Leap. Technical climbing at Red Rock Canyon Open Space is limited to the main area of Red Rock Canyon south of the shelter; routes may also be affected by posted environmental closures. The offerings therefore differ considerably, ranging from nature observation and cultural history to interactive exhibits and activity-focused experiences.
Discover more destinations: Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Monument, Cascade-Chipita Park, Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Peyton, Calhan.
For the regional travel overview: Colorado.
