From Liberty Point, you can take in views of the Pueblo Reservoir, Greenhorn Mountain and the Wet Mountain Range. This combination of water and mountain scenery gives a sense of the different outdoor experiences you can discover in Pueblo: forests, river activities and trails each offer their own appeal.
Forest Trails and Parkland
Rye Mountain Park is set in a ponderosa pine forest and was designed by landscape architect Arthur Carhart. Its amenities include several trails, picnic shelters and playgrounds. The park showcases both its forest setting and opportunities for a range of activities. The Pueblo County park system stretches from McHarg Park in Avondale to the scenic trails of Rye Mountain Park.
Explore the Water and Trails
The 4,600-acre lake at Lake Pueblo State Park draws visitors for boating, fishing, jet skiing, sailboarding and water skiing. On land, activities include hiking, biking, picnicking and a variety of nature exploration. East of the dam, the Arkansas River offers opportunities for floating, kayaking and canoeing. The water activities described vary: the lake offers activities including fishing and sailboarding, while the river is suited to floating and paddling.
The Pueblo River Trail System includes more than 30 miles of scenic trails along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek for running, walking and biking. Pueblo Mountain Park has 8 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and mountain biking; two trails connect to the San Isabel National Forest. In terms of length, the River Trail System’s more than 30 miles contrast with the Mountain Park’s 8 miles. The activities also differ: the River Trail offers running, walking and biking, while the Mountain Park also offers snowshoeing and horseback riding.
Another way to explore by bike is on the unpaved roads in Pueblo County: more than 700 miles cross a variety of landscapes and are suitable for gravel cycling. This means the options include not only park and river trails, but also gravel cycling across the county.
Discover Nature and Culture
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center’s Mountain Campus has a low-ropes course. The River Campus offers public and private educational programs for all ages, both on- and off-site. The two campuses have different focuses: a low-ropes course at one, and educational programs at multiple locations for all ages at the other. The NWDC Raptor Center takes in more than 300 injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey each year.
Regional culture is also explored at the El Pueblo History Museum. Its exhibits focus on the region’s cultural and ethnic groups and include “Borderlands of Southern Colorado” and “Steel City: 1980–2004.” Alongside its nature and recreation offerings, the museum provides another way to explore what makes Pueblo an interesting travel destination.
Events Throughout the Year
The Colorado State Fair lasts 11 days and ends on Labor Day; the exact dates vary by year. The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival takes place every year on the third weekend after Labor Day. The two events offer different calendar landmarks. Check the dates for the relevant year before your trip so you can plan around the current event schedule.
Discover more destinations: Pueblo, Gilpin County, Gunnison County, Huerfano County, Pitkin, Routt, Montezuma County, Montrose County.
For the overview of destinations: Colorado.
