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PLAN YOUR TRIP

Updated: July 12, 2024

5 Ways to Be a Good Steward When You Visit COS

Here’s how you can leave Colorado Springs better than you found it

Colorado Springs sees more than 24 million visitors annually – and according to our most recent visitor data, 68% of those visitors enjoy outdoor activities during their trip. We love inviting people to explore our parks, trails and open spaces. All we ask is that you leave it better than you found it so we can preserve our beauty for years to come. Not sure where to start? Here are our top recommendations for being a good steward when you visit COS. (And if you’re from here, these are great reminders!)

1. Become familiar with Leave No Trace principles

Visit Colorado Springs is a proud Leave No Trace partner, and we actively encourage our visitors and locals to follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect our outdoors and recreate responsibly. Learn all about the principles and how you can minimize your impact while exploring the outdoors.

2. Plan ahead

This echoes the first Leave No Trace principle, Know Before You Go. Planning really is key! Check out websites like Pikes Peak Outdoors for maps, apps and resources. We may be biased, but the Visit Colorado Springs website is also a great planning tool. You’ll want to research factors like the weather,

3. Review and follow park guidelines

Once you arrive at a park or trail, read the signage at the trailhead/park entrance. You’ll want to adhere to rules like keeping your dog on a leash and properly disposing of waste. Many signs also include a trail map to keep you safe and help you avoid getting off trail, which can be detrimental to the area’s fauna and flora.

4. Avoid overcrowded parks and trails

Parks and trails can get crowded – particularly in the peak season. Check out this interactive map from the Trails and Open Space Coalition to find less crowded spaces to visit in the Pikes Peak Region. If you do want to go to a more popular park/trail, consider going during less crowded times. For example, early mornings, evenings and weekdays tend to have fewer people.

5. Consider volunteer opportunities

Leisurely hikes are fun, but it’s also fun to give back while you recreate! Check out the Trails and Open Space Coalition’s calendar of local volunteer opportunities. You’ll get to enjoy the outdoors while learning about trail maintenance and meeting great people along the way.

PikeRide was founded in 2018 as the first year-round electric bike share program in the city. As a nonprofit ebike share, we provide visitors and our community with fun and affordable active transportation options to get around. PikeRide has over 80 hubs and 400 public bike racks in the Pikes Peak Region, providing PikeRide riders easy ebike access to many of the attractions in the region.


Download the PikeRide mobile app to get started on your journey as you explore all that Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs have to offer.

VIEW PIKERIDE SERVICE AREA AND HUB LOCATION

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Alexea Veneracion

Author

Alexea Veneracion

Director of Communications | Visit Colorado Springs

Alexea is a Hoosier turned Colorado gal. She started her career at a PR agency before diving headfirst into all things tourism. Her favorite spot in COS is the summit of Mt. Muscoco, and she’s the most likely to find an innovative solution to a problem. Ask her about the next great story idea for what’s happening in the Pikes Peak Region.
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