Red Rock Canyon open Space was established in 2003 as a huge public park by the city of Colorado Springs. There is so much ground to cover that you can take any variation of the trails without ever being disappointed. The trail options range from easy to moderately difficult. You could easily spend the day walking one trail to the next without seeing all the trails.
One of my favorite trails to take involves walking up the carved out stairs. On the way to those stairs you will pass a man made lake. The lake has a few resident ducks and on occasion I have seen people or dogs taking a swim. At some point someone decided gold fish should be introduced to the pond. You will see them enjoying a swim as well.
There are plenty of rock formations that look like they would be fun to climb. Resist the urge to scramble up the rocks as it is not allowed without a permit. If you have never taken the time to scale a rock but would love to try there are businesses that will help you learn.
Now back to those stairs. Even thought the stairs will be like a rock climbing event no permit is need to climb up them and into the carved out section of the rock. At one point the park was part of a quarry. Much of the rock face was strategically cut out leaving a unique and visually interesting place to sit and enjoy as you recover from making your way up the stairs.
The park is dog friendly and offers sections that are leash free and leash required. Horses are allowed on the trail so beware of occasional horse pooh land mines. The trails are mountain bike friendly but not dirt bike friendly. The people on the mountain bikes are courteous and will let you know when they are coming up behind you.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Red Rock Canyon Open Space before it was acquired by the city visit ColoradoSprings.gov. To see a map of all the trails and different routes you can take Friends of Red Rock Canyon has a very detailed one you can review.
In Monument Valley Park you will find the Demonstration Garden located at 222 Mesa Rd. It is an easy walk down the gravel path from the Heritage Garden. The Demonstration Garden is lovingly cared for by the Horticultural Art Society.
The award winning garden offers visual enjoyment with a variety of flowers and plants. There is a great bench covered by an arbor with beautiful roses. Its a fabulous place to sit and read, text or just rest. There are picnic benches that are perfectly positioned for a peaceful lunch.
Regardless of where you live in Colorado Springs it is worth the drive to enjoy the serenity of the park. Just across the street from the garden is a park for the kids to play, tennis courts and a public pool. It would be easy to make a full day event out of a trip to the the Demonstration Garden.
Even though this garden is by the train tracks, trail, and streets it still offers a sense of serenity in a world of chaos. There are many lovely homes for sale near the Demonstration Garden Area. If you are interested in living around this area search for homes in the 80905 zip code.
If you live in the area and would like to list your home for sale or find out what it is worth request your free Comparable Market Analysis and lets talk.
Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs was opened in the 1920's for automobile use. Prior to that it was part of the railway system. It is filled with stunning views that make it well worth the drive. There are pull off spots great for getting out to hike around or take great pictures. One of the best hiking spots along the way can be found by the parking lot right where Gold Camp Road meets Cheyenne Canyon Road. The spot you are looking for is called Seven Bridges Trail. The trail follows along North Cheyenne Creek making it the perfect easy hiking spot on a hot day to stay cool.
Should you decided to follow Seven Bridges Trail far enough you will reach the fenced tunnel. The tunnel is believed to be haunted for a couple of reasons. The third tunnel is said to have collapsed when a school bus crashed into it. The tunnel was never repaired. The lives of the children and the bus driver were all lost that day. It is believed their ghosts haunt the third tunnel. Lives were also lost during the creation of the tunnels. It is believed their spirits still roam the tunnel. Mostly this is believed to be urban legend, though some swear it to be fact. Good stuff if you are into a good ghost story. Aside from the ghost stories it is a lovely hike.
Silver Cascade Falls is on the other side of the tunnel. It can be reached by taking the detour that allows you to bypass the tunnel. Once you make it this far you can continue on or just stop and enjoy the fabulous views of the waterfall and the city.
If you choose to skip the hike because it's just not your thing you will find the drive on Cheyenne Canyon Road to be just as wonderful. As you drive Cheyenne Canyon Road you will reach Helen Hunt Falls. You can enjoy the view from the car. I would recommend getting out and stretching your legs. Go up the steps just passed the gift shop. At the top of the steps, (before the trail begins) is a perfect spot for pictures. There are several spots to picnic as you continue down the road after leaving Helen Hunt Falls.
This is a great road trip to take by yourself to get in touch with mother nature. Its a bonding moment trip for the kids or visiting family members when you are in need of a cost free activity. No matter the reason you choose to go the views are amazing and the roads just a bit scary enough to make it fun with a touch of excitement.