Fountain Creek Nature Center
A peaceful nature preserve with accessible trails, abundant wildlife, and engaging educational programs for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful nature preserve with accessible trails, abundant wildlife, and engaging educational programs for families.
"A great park and one of my all-time favorites! So much wildlife to see. "
🚫 No Dogs or Bikes
Keep the preserve pristine! Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails.
📅 Book Programs in Advance
Popular kids' programs fill up fast. Check the website and register early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cattail Marsh Loop Trail
Nature Center Trails
A gentle 0.70-mile loop exploring nature trails and the vibrant Cattail Marsh. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Wildlife Encounters
Wetland Area
Spot deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. A haven for nature lovers.
Educational Programs
Nature Center
Engaging and affordable programs for all ages, focusing on local flora and fauna. Book ahead!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Restrictions
Best Times for Wildlife Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 No Dogs or Bikes
Keep the preserve pristine! Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails.
📅 Book Programs in Advance
Popular kids' programs fill up fast. Check the website and register early!
📸 Nature Photography Hotspot
Bring your camera for chances to capture local wildlife and scenic wetland views.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trails are flat and well-maintained, perfect for a relaxed walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 No Dogs or Bikes
Keep the preserve pristine! Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails.
📅 Book Programs in Advance
Popular kids' programs fill up fast. Check the website and register early!
📸 Nature Photography Hotspot
Bring your camera for chances to capture local wildlife and scenic wetland views.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trails are flat and well-maintained, perfect for a relaxed walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fountain Creek Nature Center for its accessible trails, abundant wildlife, and affordable, engaging educational programs, making it a family-friendly destination. Some long-time visitors express concerns about perceived declines in wildlife and management practices, though many still find it a peaceful and beautiful place for nature walks and photography.
"I have been walking through this nature preserve for over 30 years. I am a Colorado springs native and my ancestors were pioneers who settled here before Colorado became a state. I'm saying this because the management here is out of touch with what a nature preserve should be.
Every weekend they have tours of like 50 people to catch insects and butterflies here. I understand why they offer that, but in a nature preserve? Some of the butterflies that come here are endangered. Not very long ago you would see hundreds of butterflies in this field, now you see a couple. The birds are gone, the spiders and flying insects and butterflies are gone. The park is almost silent. IS IT REALLY A NATURE PRESERVE ANYMORE???
They'll call the police if you walk a dog or push a bicycle through here, because they're trying to protect the ecosystem. But taking away everything that makes it a preserve is just business.
On another occasion, I saw the maintenance guy run over a goose on the trail. He was going so fast in the little truck that he was leaving a dust cloud like 300 feet long and hit those geese. I went to the nature preserve and the manager asked me what I wanted him to do about it. He told me it's only a goose and not a big deal??? There were people on the trail that day and that guy was going like 40 mph on the nature preserve trails."
G A
"Right outside the Colorado Springs zip code so it's a very close drive, especially if you're coming from the south side of the Springs, towards the Cheyenne Mountain/Fort Carson area! 📍
Joined a 2's and 3's hiking group here to get my son out for some outdoor exploring with company his age and it went great! The tickets were cheap (less than $5 a person for us & we're a military household) and the battery experience was worthwhile. We got to see and experience local wildlife like a momma raccoon raising young in a nearby tree and a herd of young deer resting. You do have to book ahead of time if you're interested in the same program tho!
Overall, I definitely recommend this nature park! Very family-friendly and educational for young kiddos 🤗📚"
Jo “Avary” Ben-Simon
"We always have a great time at the nature center! Kids programs are fun, educational, and engaging. The trail loop is always a really nice hike, any time of day or year. Registration for programs is on their website and everything is very affordable!!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fountain Creek Nature Center is located at 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817. It's easily accessible from the south side of Colorado Springs, near Cheyenne Mountain and Fort Carson.
Yes, there is parking available at the nature center and within Fountain Creek Regional Park.
Information on public transportation routes to Fountain Creek Nature Center is not readily available. Driving is the most common method of access.
From Colorado Springs, head south towards Fountain. The nature center is located within Fountain Creek Regional Park. Specific routes may vary, but it's generally a straightforward drive.
It's located near Cheyenne Mountain and Fort Carson, making it a convenient stop if you're in that area of Colorado Springs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature center and its trails is generally free, though some specific programs or events may have a small fee.
The nature center is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours.
The nature trails themselves are free to access. Fees may apply for specific educational programs or special events.
Yes, registration for programs is available on their website, and it's highly recommended to book in advance as they can fill up quickly.
The nature center is open on Saturdays but closed on Sundays and Mondays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The center features a 0.70-mile loop trail that explores nature trails and Cattail Marsh. The trails are flat and well-maintained, suitable for easy hikes.
No, dogs are not permitted on the trails or within the nature preserve to protect the ecosystem.
Bicycles are not allowed on the nature trails at Fountain Creek Nature Center. The focus is on pedestrian exploration.
Visitors often report seeing deer, raccoons, turkeys, various bird species, squirrels, turtles, and frogs. It's a great spot for bird watching and nature photography.
Absolutely! The flat trails are great for little legs, and the educational programs are very engaging for young children.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The wetland areas, especially around Cattail Marsh, offer beautiful scenery and opportunities to photograph birds and other wildlife. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
Bird watching is very popular, with many species frequenting the ponds and marsh. You might also capture images of deer, raccoons, and smaller creatures.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography may require special permits. Always be respectful of the wildlife and avoid disturbing them.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the best natural light for photography and are also prime times for wildlife activity.
A telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing clear shots of birds and other wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Don't miss out on their affordable and engaging kids' programs! These are designed to be fun and informative, teaching children about the local environment. Be sure to check their website and book your spot in advance, as these popular programs fill up quickly.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography and increased chances of wildlife sightings. Consider bringing a telephoto lens to get clear shots of birds and other creatures without disturbing them. The flat, accessible trails allow for comfortable exploration, so you can spend hours soaking in the scenery and capturing its beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Ecosystem
The preserve is a vital wetland area, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors often encounter deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime location for bird watching and nature photography. It's important to note the strict regulations in place to protect this sensitive ecosystem. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails to minimize disturbance to wildlife and vegetation.
This focus on preservation is a key aspect of the nature center's mission, aiming to maintain the natural habitat for the creatures that call it home. While some visitors have expressed concerns about changes in wildlife populations over time, the management strives to balance conservation efforts with public access. When exploring, remember to stay on marked paths and avoid feeding the animals. The trails offer a peaceful retreat, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local environment. The presence of ponds and the marsh creates a unique habitat that attracts a wide array of flora and fauna throughout the year.
Family-Friendly Programs and Activities
Registration for these programs is typically done through the nature center's website and is highly recommended, as they are popular and can fill up quickly. The fees for these activities are generally very affordable, making them an accessible option for most families, including military households.
Beyond structured programs, the accessible trails themselves offer a great opportunity for family exploration. The flat terrain is perfect for little ones, and the chance to spot wildlife adds an element of excitement to any visit. It's a place where children can connect with nature in a safe and stimulating environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit