Enjoy the Sun With Outdoor Summer Activities in Colorado Springs
When the sun’s out and the mountains are calling, there’s no better place to enjoy outdoor summer activities than in Colorado Springs. From hiking and lakes to golf, splash pads, and even high-adrenaline adventures, summer is packed with opportunities to get outside. And when you live in a Challenger Homes community, you’re never far from the action.
Hit the Trails or Explore Open Space
If you’re craving a morning hike or a peaceful nature walk, Bluestem Prairie Open Space and Fountain Creek Regional Park offer wide open landscapes, birdwatching, and trail access just minutes from our Bradley Heights community. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and more. And Garden of the Gods offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences in the region, with dramatic red rock formations, paved and unpaved trails, and panoramic views of Pikes Peak. However, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, the legendary Manitou Incline is a short drive from the city and rewards a steep climb with sweeping views of the region.
Summer Golf (Including Disc Golf) in Colorado Springs
Summer in Colorado Springs is prime time for hitting the links. And whether you’re looking for a traditional course or something a little more casual, there are great options close to several Challenger Homes communities.
Falcon Meadows at Bent Grass sits just three miles down the road from Antler Creek Golf Course, which is one of the longest public courses in the country. With wide fairways, rolling terrain, and Front Range views, it’s a favorite among local golfers. Over in Westcreek at Wolf Ranch, you’ll find two more impressive options less than 20 minutes away: Pine Creek Golf Club, known for its scenic valley layout and welcoming clubhouse, and Flying Horse North, a prestigious private course offering a country club experience. If disc golf is more your style, The Townes at Cumbre Vista puts you close to Cottonwood Creek Disc Golf Course, a well-maintained spot for casual play.
Splash Pads and Pools
When the temperatures rise, it’s time to cool off. John Venezia Community Park, near Westcreek at Wolf Ranch, is home to one of the most popular splash pads in the city, with interactive fountains perfect for younger kids. You’ll also find several more spray grounds and fountains across Colorado Springs, many of them free to use and easily accessible from Challenger Homes communities like Copper Chase at Sterling Ranch or Ascent at Woodmen Heights. For bigger splashes, Monument Valley Pool and Wilson Ranch Pool offer great spaces for families, with lap lanes, slides, and shaded seating to keep everyone happy.
Lakes for Recreation and Relaxation
From paddleboarding to fishing, Colorado Springs has a handful of local lakes that shine in summer. Big Johnson Reservoir, near Bradley Heights, offers calm waters, wildlife spotting, and open trails. In other words, many peaceful ways to spend a sunny afternoon. Prospect Lake at Memorial Park is centrally located and great for water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, and it often hosts events and festivals throughout the summer. A little farther north, Monument Lake is a scenic spot for canoeing, fishing, or just enjoying a quiet picnic with mountain views — ideal for residents of Home Place Ranch in Monument.
Adventure Sports for the Bold
For those who crave a little more adrenaline with their outdoor time, Colorado Springs doesn’t disappoint. Just west of town, you’ll find Cave of the Winds’ Via Ferrata — a guided climbing experience that lets you scale the limestone cliffs of Williams Canyon with cables, ladders, and incredible views. It’s an unforgettable mix of hiking and rock climbing, all safely anchored. If you’re up for a day trip, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River near Cañon City is a must-try, offering both family-friendly floats and more intense rapids. And for two-wheeled adventurers, Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Palmer Park provide challenging terrain and scenic loops. Plus, they’re both not too far from communities like Ascent at Woodmen Heights.
Live Comfortably Near Your Favorite Outdoor Summer Activities in Colorado Springs
From scenic trails to splash pads, golf courses to climbing adventures, outdoor summer activities in Colorado Springs are easy to enjoy: especially when you live close to it all. At Challenger Homes, we carefully choose our community locations to help you live life to the fullest, with nature, recreation, and adventure right in your own backyard. Ready to make your move? Explore our Colorado Springs communities and find the home — and summer lifestyle — that’s just right for you.