The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of El Paso County’s most unique open spaces. The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays that were collected by American Indians to make paint. Brightly colored bands, caused by oxidized iron compounds, are found in varying amounts throughout the many different layers of clay.
AMENITIES: Basketball court, non-motorized boating, picnicking, playground, large group shelter, sledding, Quail Lake Fitness Trail (hiking, biking, jogging and fitness, 1 mile in length), two sand volleyball courts, and fishing.
The park has a ranch theme with elements designed to resemble what would be traditionally found on a homestead; including:
- “The Homestead:” a large pavilion and picnic area with orchards and parking lot.
- “The Corral:” a universally accessible playground and shade shelters
- “The Watering Hole:” a spray ground (restrooms located in this area)
- “The Round Pin:” a small artificial turf field
- “The Range:” three size “A” soccer fields, in-line hockey rink/basketball court, four pickleball courts, plaza overlooking multi-use fields, small playground, restrooms, two parking lots, nearby on-street parking
- “The Pastures:” 3 Reservable Pavilions and two shade shelters, gravel walking loops, parking lot
- The park also features: Briargate trail (along Briargate Parkway), two miles of interior sidewalks, two acres of Bluegrass
Explore the electrically lit portion of the Cave of the Winds on a 45 – 60 minute guided walking tour which includes 15 rooms, a 1/2 mile of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs. On this family-friendly tour, you will learn about the history and geology of the cave while being shown some of its most beautiful formations.
Monument Lake is a 30 acre reservoir in the Tri-Lakes area. AMENITIES: Fishing, Non-motorized boating, and swimming.
Walk the wetlands, search for great blue herons, and explore Fountain Creek – only 15 minutes south of downtown Colorado Springs! An “oasis on the plains” with ponds marshes, meadows, cottonwood forests, and Fountain Creek, the nature center is attractive to visitors of all ages. The nature center offers a unique look into the Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area and serves as an entry to a variety of discovery experiences.
Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds… all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America’s most famous mountain.
Acacia Park was Colorado Springs’ first park, and was donated to the City by General William Jackson Palmer, the city’s founder, in 1871. AMENITIES: Handicap accessible, Bandshell (reservable),Uncle Wilbur Fountain, The HUB Visitors Center: May 26 – Sept 3; 11:30-6:30 p.m., Outdoor Ice Skating Rink (November-January), playground, and sidewalks.
The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Olympic Training Center programs. USA Swimming and USA Shooting have their national headquarters on complex. More than 15 other member organizations, as well as two international sports federations and the USOC headquarters are also located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.