El Paso: Nature Trails, Mountains and Culture

Two miles of self-guided nature trails at Bear Creek Nature Center lead through shortgrass prairie, oak scrubland and cottonwood-lined riparian communities. In El Paso, these nature experiences come together with mountain landscapes and museums. You can plan your stay around different interests: trails and wildlife, views of Pikes Peak, or cultural and historical topics.

Nature Trails, Parks and Wildlife

Bear Creek Nature Center offers interpretive programs, special events, guided and self-guided tours, and media presentations year-round. Bear Creek Regional Park encompasses oak scrubland, ponderosa pine forests, meadows and a mountain stream; its landscape is also home to a diverse range of foothills wildlife. Located along Fountain Creek, the 460-acre Fountain Creek Regional Park is a linear park between Colorado Springs and Fountain. The Fountain Creek Nature Center features indoor exhibits on aquatic macroinvertebrates, birds, local history and sustainability.

At Homestead Ranch Regional Park, a natural spring-fed pond and stream attract deer, coyotes, foxes, and more than 35 species of waterfowl and other birds. More than five miles of trails run through the park. Fox Run Regional Park has four miles of multi-use trails through the Fallen Timbers area. The Rock Island Regional Trail runs 10.5 miles parallel to Highway 24 between Falcon and Peyton, along the former route of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is part of the American Discovery Trail. The trails range from self-guided nature trails and multi-use paths to longer trail routes.

Mountain Landscapes and Trails

Garden of the Gods is a 1,341.3-acre regional park designated a National Natural Landmark. In North Cheyenne Cañon Park, the canyon has cut 1,000 feet into 1.5-billion-year-old granite. The park has an extensive trail network open to hikers, cyclists and runners. One trail section is about four miles long and runs from Starsmore Discovery Center to Upper Columbine Trailhead.

The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile scenic road to the summit; the route offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center sits at 14,115 feet on the summit of Pikes Peak. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo covers 146 acres on a mountainside at an elevation of 6,714 feet. The zoo is significantly lower in elevation than the Summit Visitor Center at the summit of Pikes Peak.

Anyone planning technical climbing at Red Rock Canyon Open Space should note the local restriction: climbing is limited to the main area of Red Rock Canyon south of the shelter. Access to routes may also be affected by posted environmental closures. When planning a climbing visit, these specific conditions are part of the destination just as much as the choice of hiking, biking and running trails.

Culture, History and Special Experiences

The Ute Indian Trail section of the Ute Pass Regional Trail begins at the base of the Manitou Incline. It follows a historic route used by the Ute through Ute Pass. Nine interpretive panels cover Ute culture, the history of Ute Pass, watershed management, local habitats and geological formations. Cultural and natural topics are thus presented side by side along this trail section.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum presents immersive exhibits on America’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy. Its offerings include interactive athlete training simulations and the 360-degree Parade of Nations gallery. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum preserves and shares the cultural history of the Pikes Peak region through exhibits, programs and extensive collections. The National Museum of World War II Aviation displays 28 fully restored, airworthy aircraft; the collection also includes more than 4,000 artifacts and historical documents.

The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center is located just outside the north gate of the United States Air Force Academy; you do not need access to the base to visit. The center is designed to offer an immersive insight into the cadets’ 47-month journey, highlighting the legacy of the Long Blue Line and the importance of selfless service. At Cave of the Winds, the Pioneer package includes the Wind Walker Challenge Ropes Course, the Bat-A-Pult Ride, the Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall and Geronimo’s Leap.

Then compare a hotel’s location with the attractions that matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Monument, Peyton, Calhan, Cimarron Hills, Fountain, Cascade-Chipita Park

For the broader travel overview: Colorado.