Ideas for Active Dates in Colorado Springs

If you want to avoid the standard dinner and a movie experience, impress your date by suggesting a fun outdoor activity that you can enjoy together. Active dates allow for conversation, laughter and really let you get to know one another. Colorado Springs is known for its fitness lifestyle and outdoor recreation. Why not try one of these ideas for your next date or with a group of friends?

Cycling: Rent 2 bicycles at Criterium Bicycles (6150 Corporate Drive). They offer mountain bikes which are perfect for riding the Sante Fe trail which can be accessed right next to the bike shop. They also offer tandem bikes. If you head north up the Sante Fe trail it begins as a smooth concrete path and then turns to a wide smooth dirt path with rolling hills. You will cross several scenic bridges and soon pass through wide meadows followed by lots of trees and hills as you head toward the Air Force Academy grounds and when you reach the gate that is a good turnaround point for beginners. There are restrooms and drinks available at Criterium, but the next restroom is well past the Air Force gate.

Horseback riding: Go on a guided horseback ride through Garden of the Gods Park. This is a year round activity that is available at Academy Riding Stables (4 El Paso Blvd.). One or two hour rides are available. Ride on the trails through the gorgeous and incomparable Garden of the Gods red rock formations with the best view of Pikes Peak in the background.

Play Frisbee: Now good old Frisbee is called Disc Golf, and there is a great Disc Golf course located in Cottonwood Creek Park in Colorado Springs. This game is played much like golf in that there are 18 holes and you target chain baskets at each hole. The course has open areas and wooded areas and is located next to scenic Cottonwood Creek. There are restrooms available at the park.

Hike: Hike the Queen's Canyon route to see a waterfall and swim in the upper punch bowls. This is accessed through the Navigators and Glen Eyrie Conference Center (Garden of the Gods then North on 30^th Street). There is a guard gate where you need to sign up to get a pass to do the hike. There are restrooms at the beginning of the hike. You'll hike through a canyon with a beautiful little creek which you will cross about 10 times each way, sometimes on stones, sometimes on a log. The canyon is shaded and the creek is usually on the low side. When you arrive at the waterfall, cool off in the water and then dry off and warm up on the rocks. If you are feeling really adventuresome, scramble up the rocks just to the right of the waterfall to find the punch bowls, a great spot for swimming with a very romantic view.