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Bear Creek Nature Center: Foothills Exploration

Explore interactive exhibits & scenic trails at Bear Creek Nature Center, nestled in Colorado Springs' beautiful foothills. Open Tue-Sat.

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Nestled in Bear Creek Regional Park, the Bear Creek Nature Center offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Colorado foothills. With interactive exhibits, guided tours, and scenic trails, it's an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Bear Creek Nature Center

  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the El Paso County Parks website for the nature center's program schedule and special events.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the nature trails.
  • Note that pets are not allowed on the nature center trails, but are permitted on regional trails within the park on a leash.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-25, take Exit 141 (US Hwy 24) and head west. Turn left (south) onto 26th Street and continue for approximately 2 miles to Bear Creek Road. The Bear Creek Nature Center will be on your right. There is an ADA compliant parking lot available. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct bus route to the Bear Creek Nature Center, Mountain Metro Transit offers several routes in Colorado Springs. The closest bus stop is at 21st Street and Cimarron Street, about 2 miles from the nature center. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to complete your journey. A one-way bus fare is $1.75. A short taxi or ride-share trip from 21st Street to the nature center will cost approximately $8-$12.

Unlock the Best of Bear Creek Nature Center

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Discover more about Bear Creek Nature Center

Discover the wonders of the Colorado foothills at the Bear Creek Nature Center, located within Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs. This nature center provides an opportunity to learn about the region's diverse ecosystems through interactive exhibits, guided programs, and self-guided tours. The center features exhibits about the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers lead interpretive programs and special events throughout the year, catering to both children and adults. Explore two miles of nature trails that wind through prairie, scrub oak woodlands, and cottonwood riparian areas. These trails are for foot traffic only, offering a peaceful escape into nature. For those seeking longer hikes, the regional trails within Bear Creek Regional Park are open to hiking, horseback riding, and leashed pets. Bear Creek Regional Park has a rich history. The Ute Indians originally used the area as a hunting ground. Later, it served as a crossroad for explorers and settlers and a gateway to the gold mines. From the late 1800s to 1984, a residential poor farm occupied the land, providing shelter and sustenance for the homeless and vulnerable. Today, the park is a multi-use space offering various recreational opportunities, including an archery range, equestrian course, and a popular dog park. In 1976, the Solar Trails Center was constructed to increase awareness of the natural and historic environment, and in 1979, it was renamed Bear Creek Nature Center. A fire damaged much of the nature center in 2001, but it was rebuilt and expanded with public support.

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