Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center

[2] In 1873, and for many years, the only trail up to the Pikes Peak Signal Station started in Manitou Springs and went through Bear Creek Cañon.

Visitors may take self-guided or guided tours of the trails which include interpretive signs about the park's animals and plants.

[7] Bear Creek East also has a picnic area, playground, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court.

Flora within the park includes ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees, scrub oak, grass prairie and meadows.

[3] Trails for horseback riding can be picked up at the Penrose Equestrian Center on Rido Grande, off of 8th Street.

In May, vireo, flycatcher, and western tanager, and the yellow, Virginia's, and orange-crowned warbler may be seen during their migratory journey.

The fall can be a good time to spot towhee, jay, junco, Say's phoebe, red crossbill, and pine siskin.

Duck, raptor, bald eagle, wild turkey, and rough-legged hawk may be spotted in the winter.

[5] The El Paso County Parks Department offices are located at 2002 Creek Crossing St., off of 21st Street.