Black Forest is a gorgeous suburb located right outside Colorado Springs. With a population of 14,000 people and a vast area of 64,000 acres, the impressive landscape here is marked by rolling hills and thick, lush ponderosa pine trees. Beyond those expansive trees are magnificent views of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains.
Often known as an idyllic rural area, Black Forest is perfect for those looking for a serene and calm oasis away from the metropolitan areas of Denver or Colorado Springs. Many move to Black Forest homes to experience a simple rural lifestyle. With an abundance of wildlife and nature, there is a number of exciting and adventurous things to do in Black Forest.
Black Forest Regional Park
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Black Forest Regional Park is a 385-acre park surrounded by beautiful ponderosa pine trees. Inside the forest, you’ll find expansive areas of open fields used for sports, picnicking, and playing. There are also biking or hiking trails that many people can follow.
This is an ideal place for families to come and enjoy the natural scenery or for kids to play on the playground. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or playing, the fresh scent of the trees is prevalent here. This is the ideal place to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the Black Forest lifestyle.
Flying Horse North Golf Course
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If you are interested in golf as a hobbyist or a beginner, then you don’t have to look far to play. At
Flying Horse North, you will find an incredible 19-hole golf course tucked away in the forest landscape. This golf course could not be in a more beautiful place, and enthusiasts of the sport will love playing golf under a rich open sky with Pikes Peak in the distance. There are also other amenities at this golf course, including spas, pools, tennis courts, and private dining.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
No trip to Black Forest would be complete without a visit to a place that is committed to preserving the history of Colorado and the West. The
Western Museum of Mining and Industry is a thoroughly innovative and educational museum about mining, ranching, and other related industries in this area.
At the museum, you can learn how to pan for gold and see a steam hoist engine up close and personal. All of these artifacts teach people about the importance of mining and how it has impacted the history of the West. For anyone interested in history, mining, or ranching, this should be added to the itinerary of things to do in Black Forest.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
There are only
two cog railways in the country, and one of them is located close to Black Forest and Manitou Springs. The
Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes its passengers along a 9-mile journey up Pikes Peak, the highest summit of the southern Front Range, rising up to 14,000 feet. The entire journey takes three hours round trip. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife and picturesque scenery, including waterfalls, creeks, and canyons, as well as the Pike National Forest. Along the journey, you will hear historical stories about the people and places that have made this gorgeous region what it is today.
Garden of the Gods
After taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, you could venture down Pikes Peak and head to the
Garden of the Gods. Registered as a National Natural Landmark in Colorado, the Garden of the Gods has breathtakingly beautiful, gigantic red rocks rising to a height of more than 6,000 feet. These red rocks are a
product of the Earth’s erosion. You can take guided nature tours and hike along various 1-3-mile-long trails where you can see these unique rock formations from unbelievable angles.
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
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After a day of climbing Pikes Peak, you will find yourself at the base of the mountain, a small town called Manitou Springs. Take a break from hiking and other outdoor activities by going to an arcade for an afternoon of neon fun. At the
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, you can indulge your fantasies in plenty of old-school arcade games, carnival rides, and pinball machines. You can even play pool or air hockey. It is a great place for families to go and enjoy some pure nostalgic fun. Plus, you can even venture out to the historic street and explore the nearby shops and eateries.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Drive about 40 minutes from Black Forest, and you can make a day trip out of
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Here, you can explore three different caves that feature ghost stories, guided tours, and fun attractions. These three caves rise up to 7,000 feet and feature amazing sights of stalactites and stalagmites. You can walk through these caves, learn about the history and stories of the area, and have a blast exploring. Some of the other attractions here include a wicked fast zip line experience and a climbing wall.
Pulpit Rock Park
Pulpit Rock Park is an absolutely worthwhile place to visit for the scenery and the hiking. Pulpit Rock is a
result of rock sediment from the nearby Rocky Mountains. Many say that ancient humans lived in this area and used it for tool making. Today, you can take the 4.2-mile trail to the top of Pulpit Rock, which rises to a height of 6,000 feet. The trail is moderately challenging but well worth the climb. At the top of Pulpit Rock, you will get an excellent view of Colorado Springs and the Rockies.
Black Forest is a rural, idyllic, and isolated community, but it is close to many exciting attractions. Living the Black Forest lifestyle means enjoying the purity of nature on your own terms and then venturing out for shopping, entertainment, dining, and other fantastic attractions within an hour’s drive. That is why living in Black Forest gives you the best of both worlds.
Ready to get started?
If you’re impressed by all that Black Forest has to offer, reach out to our local experts at
Strategic Property Advisors to see what’s on the Black Forest real estate market! With more than three decades in real estate, this
team is well-versed in what it takes to find success. Reach out to them when you’re ready to work towards all your real estate goals.
*Header Photo courtesy of Shutterstock