About Our Parks
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
Park Rules
The Pikes Peak Region is vastly unique, rich in natural resources, and a nationally recognized area to live and play. As our region continues to grow, it is crucial that we all work together to preserve and maintain these special places. The City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the US Forest Service are joining together to raise awareness of the highly destructive impact of illegal rogue trails. The unauthorized, illegal development of trails is devastating to public land, especially here in the Pikes Peak Region where we have highly erosive soil. Engaging in illegal trail building is also expensive, time-intensive to correct and can result in fines or imprisonment. Please join us as we all work together to conserve, protect, and maintain the beauty of the Pikes Peak Region.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in City Parks by Ordinance No. 9-9-410.
- Parking/Vehicular Access: Motorized vehicles of all types including golf carts, gators, ATVs, etc, are strictly prohibited on park property, lawns, turf, restricted roadways, bicycle/pedestrian pathways, creek pathways, turf or athletic fields. All cars must be parked in designated parking areas.
- Trash and debris must be disposed of properly.
- Open fires and charcoal grills are prohibited. Place propane grills on hard surfaces such as a concrete pad or picnic table.
- It is unlawful for any person to injure, deface, destroy, sever or remove any park property.
- If you are using amplified equipment for your picnic or event, you will need to obtain a noise permit through the Police Department per Ordinances No. 9-8-101 through 9-8-109. Please contact CSPD at 444-7705 regarding noise permits. No permit is confirmed until the noise permit has been approved.
- The posting of signs leading to a reservation area or hanging decorations or other materials on park buildings, structures or vegetation is prohibited.
- The smoking of any cigarette, pipe, cigar or electronic smoking device is prohibited on park property unless a designated area is provided. No. 6-6-202
- It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to attach any rope, wire or other contrivance to any tree or plant in any park.
Pet Rules
9.9.301: ANIMAL DEFECATION:
It is unlawful for any person to allow any animal over which the person has control to defecate upon any park land without the excrement being removed by the person in control of the animal from the park and dispose of properly. The Park Manager may designate areas of the parks where the rule does not apply. (Ord. 18-24)
9.9.302: DOGS, DOMESTIC ANIMALS AT LARGE:
A. It is unlawful for any person to lead or allow to be loose any animal upon park premises; dogs, however, may be led or carried but not allowed loose. Dogs may be loose but under the control of the owner or keeper in those areas designated as dog parks or off-leash areas. Nothing in this section shall be construed as permitting the running of dogs at large. All dogs in those areas where the animals are permitted without leashes shall be under control at all times.
B. In any dog park or off-leash area designated by the Park Manager in which dogs are permitted without leashes, it is unlawful for any person:
1. To intentionally, knowingly or recklessly lead, bring or release any other type or species of animal into or upon the confined or fenced dog park or off-leash area; or
2. To fail to obey any posted rules, regulations or guidelines for use of the fenced dog park or off-leash area.
3. To bring a dangerous animal, as defined in section 6.7.102 of this Code, into a fenced dog park or off-leash area. (Ord. 18-24)
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.