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About Our Parks

 

Balanced Rock GOG

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, the City of Colorado Springs has 9,000+ acres of parkland and 500 acres of trails that include renown attractions like Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Incline trail.

City parks encompass a diverse array of natural areas, including forested foothills, sheer-walled canyons, mountain streams, unique rock formations, expansive grasslands and scenic mesas.

Colorado Springs also provides a variety of urban commuter trails, neighborhood parks, athletic facilities and open spaces that contribute to the department's mission of enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The list continues to grow as the department adds and maintains recreational areas, with many new areas in development. 

Hours and Rules

Park Hours

Seasonal restrooms are CLOSED October through May due to winterization, and not available for use during these months.

  • November 1 to April 30: 5 am - 9 pm.
  • May 1 to October 31: 5 am - 10 pm.
    • *Palmer Park closes at 9 p.m. year round

TOPS Program

TOPS is a voter-approved City sales tax program that works to protect and preserve trails, open spaces and parks citywide. Since 1997, it has preserved nearly 7,200 acres of open space. In 2003, voters extended the 0.10% tax (1 penny on a $10 purchase) through 2025.

TOPS has contributed to projects in every quadrant of the city. Open space purchases, like Red Rock Canyon Open Space, are hallmarks of the program. Before Red Rock Canyon was purchased by the City in 2003, it was slated to become a resort community with a convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers and private golf course. 


Learn more about TOPS