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By receiving this highest standard of recognition, Gold Standard Sites are exemplary models, encouraging other public lands to ensure that Leave No Trace education is part of everyone’s experience when spending time outdoors. Learn more about what it means to be a Gold Standard Site here.

 

Located at 1705 Vindicator Dr., Ute Valley Park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and running. The park offers vistas, geological features and destination-level trails, all readily accessible to outdoor enthusiasts in surrounding neighborhoods and the city.

Ute Valley Park is home to diverse wildlife, vegetation and rich archeological features. The rocky-forested hogback formations are an integral part of the Colorado Springs backdrop, a place of important historical, environmental, scenic and recreational value.

Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles

The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services department is proudly partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in order to promote environmental stewardship and safeguard the natural, cultural, and historical resources that make Colorado Springs such a fantastic place to live and visit. Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to help keep our parks, trails, and open spaces healthy and sustainable.  Learn more at lnt.org

Plan ahead and prepare. A little preparation goes a long way! Checking the forecast, planning your route, and reviewing the Rules and Regulations will help prepare you for your Ute Valley Park adventure.
Travel on durable surfaces. Stay on designated trails to minimize soil erosion and preserve Ute Valley Park’s natural features. Muddy trails? Hike right through them! And please respect Natural Preservation Area closures.
Dispose of waste properly. Please pack out all trash items, including bagged dog waste, or place it into trash cans before leaving the park. This keeps Ute Valley Park looking (and smelling) bea-UTE-iful!
Leave what you find. From flowers to frog eggs, Ute Valley Park is full of fascinating features! Remember to take pictures of these fun finds and leave them where they are for other park users to discover.
Be careful with fire. Sparks and grassy meadows don’t mix. Fires, charcoal grilling, and smoking are prohibited at Ute Valley Park. Help us protect the park from wildfires.
Respect wildlife. Ute Valley Park provides essential habitat for a variety of animals. Please observe all wildlife from safe distances and never feed them. Keeping your pet on a leash protects everyone who uses, and lives in, the park.
Be considerate of others. Practice recreational empathy! Enhance the experience of other park visitors by sharing the trail. Cyclists should always ride in control. Hikers, be mindful of the Downhill Bike Area trails.

© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.

Amenities

  • Multiple mountain biking and hiking trails
  • Wetland area
  • Portable toilet 

Trails

The park has an extensive network of trails that range in difficulty levels, from beginner to more advanced. The main trailhead starts at the parking lot area off Vindicator Dr. and then branches to various routes.

Map

Click here for a PDF map of Ute Valley Park.