Colorado Springs Leisure

Although there isn’t much in the way of professional spectator sports in Colorado Springs, the recreational opportunities in the surrounding Rocky Mountains offer seemingly endless things to do. America’s national parks are among the best in the world, and those around Pikes Peak are no exception.

Hiking

There are dozens of wonderful hiking trails for every level in the municipal parks and the Pike National Forest, which borders the city to the west. Whether you fancy a relaxing stroll through the pine forests or a strenuous climb to a lofty lookout, you can find it within minutes of Colorado Springs. The seven-mile Waldo Canyon Trail is one of the most popular in the area, as is the six-mile Mount Manitou Trail and the intense 12-mile Barr Trail, which leads to the summit of Pikes Peak.

Mueller State Park, just a few miles along the route to Cripple Creek, is another great area for hiking, with over 55 miles of different trails. Garden of the Gods also has a number of casual trails within its park. Information and maps for all the national forest areas around Colorado Springs can be found at the US Forest Service district office, located downtown.

Rafting

Colorado Springs is 40 miles from the world-class Arkansas River, near Canon City. The Arkansas is one of the country’s most popular rivers for rafting, and it offers a full range of whitewater adventures. There are several outfitters which operate from the area, ensuring that you can always find someone to guide you. Rafting trips range from half-day to three-day adventures, and can be done as easy floaters or wild whitewater excursions. The costs are very reasonable and it’s a great way to see the Colorado countryside from a unique perspective.

Aerial sports

With its location between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Colorado Springs is an ideal place for aerial activities. One of the most memorable and amazing ways to see this region is from a hot air balloon. Sunrise flights are the most popular and are scheduled year-round, depending on the weather; while other options exist to suit your needs. The costs are fair considering the uniqueness of the activity, and rides can last from 1 to 3 hours.

Auto racing

Colorado Springs has a long history of racing cars and is one of the state’s main hubs for this sport. NASCAR and Indy Racing make yearly stops at Pikes Peak International Raceway, located 15 miles south of the city. The newly built facility can hold up to 40,000 spectators. The other major racing event in Colorado Springs is the annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb, which sees dozens of fanatical drivers bring their cars to the base of Pikes Peak and race to the top. It’s extremely dangerous, as sections of the dirt road drop off thousands of feet with no barrier. But these adrenalin-junkie racers come back year after year to try for the title of being first to the peak.