Quail Lake Park
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Quail Lake Park

4.5
·3k reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

A serene 113-acre park centered around a 22-acre lake, offering free kayaking, fishing, and a scenic 1-mile trail.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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Quail Lake Park

Quail Lake Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 113-acre park centered around a 22-acre lake, offering free kayaking, fishing, and a scenic 1-mile trail.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A real Colorado Springs gem! Surprised to find such a beautiful lake in the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Gear

Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use, but you'll need to bring your own equipment.

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the park's picnic tables.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,609 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Quail Lake

Glide across the water and enjoy stunning mountain views. Free to use!

Instagram+2
Scenic 1-Mile Loop Trail

Scenic 1-Mile Loop Trail

Around Quail Lake

A gentle, paved path perfect for a relaxing walk or jog with beautiful lake and mountain vistas.

Instagram+1
Fishing Fun

Fishing Fun

Quail Lake

Cast a line for trout or bass in this popular local fishing spot.

InstagramReddit
Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Near the lake

A well-kept playground offering fun for younger visitors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Quail Lake Park offers a refreshing escape with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The 1-mile loop trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the playground is a hit with kids. It's a great spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy mountain views. Instagram+1

Best Times to Visit

For a quieter experience, aim for early mornings or weekday evenings when crowds are thinner. Weekends, especially during summer, can get busy with families and outdoor enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come spend the day with us and cool off! 17$ per person located in Quail Creek State Park. St. George Aqua Adventures! #blob #fatboys #fyp #utah #southernutah #stgeorgeutah We value our hard working employees❤️
@stgaquaadventures
99K likes • 1M views

Bring Your Own Gear

Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use, but you'll need to bring your own equipment. Instagram+1

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the park's picnic tables. InstagramReddit

We discovered Quail Lake Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado! It is such a nice place to spend your evening! Things to do: Fishing 🎣 Kayaking 🛶 Hiking 🥾 Sit and take in the views 🏔️ It’s about a mile and half hike around the Lake! #colorado #coloradosprings #familytime #fishing #kayaking #hiking #quaillakepark #ducks
fillmysoulwithadventure
18 likes • 492 views
Celebrate National Picnic Month in style! Check out our top picnic spots in Colorado Springs and make the most of the summer sunshine. From the iconic Garden of the Gods to the serene Quail Lake Park, we've got the perfect places for your outdoor feast. Pack your basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy a picnic adventure! #NationalPicnicMonth #ColoradoSprings #PicnicSpots #SummerFun #OutdoorAdventures ...
cospringsmacguireteam
17 likes • 36 views

Fishing Bait Advice

Live worms are often effective for trout, but they can be picky. Reddit

Check the Weather

The weather can change quickly; be prepared for sun or rain. Instagram

Located in beautiful Colorado Springs, Quail Lake Park is a scenic 113-acre park centered around the 22-acre Quail Lake. The park is free to enjoy, easy to access, and is popular for outdoor activities all year round. ❄️🌼☀️🍁 Quail Lake, which is actually a reservoir, was built by damming a tributary of Fountain Creek. The reservoir was originally constructed for irrigation and flood control. ...
ernestsantosjr
19 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Gear

Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use, but you'll need to bring your own equipment. Instagram+1

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the park's picnic tables. InstagramReddit

Fishing Bait Advice

Live worms are often effective for trout, but they can be picky. Reddit

Check the Weather

The weather can change quickly; be prepared for sun or rain. Instagram

Free Admission

Enjoy all the park has to offer without an entry fee! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Quail Lake Park is widely praised as a beautiful and accessible city gem, offering a refreshing escape with free activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors appreciate the scenic mountain views, the well-maintained trail, and the family-friendly playground, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor fun. While it can get busy on weekends, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive for this Colorado Springs treasure.

"A super cool place if you’re looking to break away from the monotony and work routine. You can go kayaking and paddle boarding free of charge. You can also fish. There’s a trail that goes around the lake and several spots where you can be surrounded by nature and close to the water without being disturbed too much. It’s not private, but if you set up your spot first, it’s yours, and no one will be right next to you—unless someone weird decides to do so. Overall, it’s a great place to clear your mind and go for a short getaway."

Gabriel Torres

"This park is a real Colorado Springs gem! Surprised to find such a beautiful lake in the city. Stunning views, lots of activities. Lovely walk. Great children's playground."

Brad H

"Had a blast paddling around. The park was well kept and it was nice having a bathroom (port-a-potty) and picnic tables. This is a great spot to spend a couple of hours outside. Several people were fishing and there were plenty of spots to do so."

Crystal Field

What People Like

Beautiful lake and mountain views
Free water activities
Paved walking trail

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Quail Lake Park is conveniently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors find it a straightforward drive from the city center. Instagram+1

While specific public transport routes can vary, checking local Colorado Springs transit schedules is recommended. Many visitors opt for personal vehicles due to the park's accessibility. Instagram

Parking is generally available at Quail Lake Park, though it can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Arriving early is advised if you plan to visit during peak times. Instagram

Absolutely! Quail Lake Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities from hiking and fishing to picnicking and enjoying the scenery. Instagram+1

The park features a well-maintained 1-mile loop trail around the lake, making it easy to explore on foot. Signage is generally good for navigating the main areas. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Quail Lake Park is free to enter and enjoy. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for outdoor recreation. Instagram

Quail Lake Park is generally open year-round, from dawn until dusk. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities throughout the year. Instagram

No advance booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan on organizing a large event or group activity, it's always a good idea to check with local park authorities. Instagram

While the park is open for many activities, always be mindful of posted rules and regulations, especially regarding fishing licenses and watercraft usage. Instagram

Typically, dogs are allowed in Quail Lake Park but must be kept on a leash. Always check local park rules for the most current pet policies. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking the 1-mile loop trail, picnicking, and visiting the playground. It's also a great spot for birdwatching. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the 1-mile loop trail around Quail Lake is paved, making it suitable for walking, jogging, and even strollers. Instagram+1

Restroom facilities, including port-a-potties, are available at the park, which is convenient for longer visits. Reddit

Anglers can try their luck fishing for trout and bass in Quail Lake. Live worms are often recommended as bait. Reddit

The park offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Cheyenne Mountain, and the serene Quail Lake itself. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Quail Lake Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics. Instagram

Yes, Quail Lake Park is an excellent spot for picnics, with designated picnic tables available. It's a popular choice for families and groups. InstagramReddit

Typically, there are no regular food vendors at Quail Lake Park. It's best to come prepared with your own snacks and meals. Instagram

The park is located near the Broadmoor neighborhood, offering various dining options in Colorado Springs. You'll find a range of restaurants a short drive away. Reddit

While specific grilling facilities might not be present, check park regulations. However, picnicking with pre-prepared food is a common and encouraged activity. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the lake with mountain backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset. The trail offers various scenic points. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for nature photography, with opportunities to photograph water fowl, the lake, and the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in city parks. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Quail Lake Park and Colorado Springs before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views and lake. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. Reddit

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