Nominations are now open for the 2026 Pikes Peak Outdoors Awards! Help us recognize the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on outdoor recreation in our region.

Awards will be presented in six categories: Outdoor Nonprofit of the Year, Outdoor Business of the Year, Outdoor Educator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Career Achievement Award, Emerging Leader Award, and Exceptional Athlete Award.

Whether they're leading innovative programs, growing the outdoor economy, dedicating countless volunteer hours, inspiring others through athletic achievement, or building a legacy of service, we want to hear about the people and organizations making a difference in the Pikes Peak region's outdoor community.

Award recipients will be recognized at the Pikes Peak Outdoors Hoedown on September 13. Submit your nominations today and help us celebrate the best of our outdoor community. Nominations close on August 7, 2026.

Join us on September 13 at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City for an afternoon of live music, outdoor community, local flavor, and recognition of the people and organizations helping move outdoor recreation, conservation, and stewardship forward across the Pikes Peak region.

We're excited to announce that the Jason Wulf Band will be bringing the soundtrack for the evening, along with dancing, outdoor leadership awards, a silent auction, food trucks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

As part of the region's 150/250 commemorations, we'll also be celebrating the rich heritage of Old Colorado City and the outdoor spirit that continues to define our community.

September 13 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Bancroft Park | Old Colorado City

Tickets are just $10. Grab yours today and join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the outdoors and the people who make our region special.

I am fairly new to Pikes Peak Outdoors coming from the Switchbacks this past January. In my years connected to the outdoors industry, PPO is unique in the breadth of its work and effort. I served as a board member for Clear Creek Metro Recreation District for 8 years and in some ways PPO serves a broader purpose for 3 counties. It’s been a pleasure to hear from and support so many passionate outdoors professionals. We are working hard to strategically position the Pikes Peak Region maximizing the efficiency of our resources.

Through our sustained collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, local land managers, and regional partners, we are proud to see Amy Brandenburg step into the role of Pikes Peak Recreation Area Parks Manager, bringing dedicated leadership to the coordinated stewardship of the corridor.

Momentum continues to build around a more coordinated future for recreation in the Pikes Peak region. With the Pikes Peak Land Managers MOU nearing completion and the recent Colorado Springs Utilities–Colorado Parks and Wildlife agreement to expand recreation at Rosemont Reservoir, the region is beginning to see the first on-the-ground outcomes of a shared vision years in the making.

Have you spotted our new Regional Trail Ambassadors? Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) recently launched the Regional Trail Ambassador Program in partnership with Pikes Peak Outdoors, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). This grant-funded pilot program is a collaborative, cross-jurisdictional initiative designed to promote responsible recreation, protect natural resources, and strengthen a culture of stewardship throughout the Pikes Peak region.

You'll find our Trail Ambassadors — Carrie, Jen, and Mikayla — at popular parks, trails, and open spaces across El Paso, Teller, and Fremont Counties. They engage residents and visitors through education, outreach, and on-the-ground support, helping foster positive outdoor experiences while encouraging care for our public lands. Whether you're a longtime local or visiting the region for the first time, they're happy to answer questions about Leave No Trace, share trail recommendations, provide safety information, and help you make the most of your time outdoors.

By bringing together organizations and agencies with a shared commitment to conservation and recreation, the Ambassador Program advances regional stewardship goals and helps ensure the Pikes Peak region's treasured outdoor spaces remain healthy, accessible, and enjoyable for generations to come.

If you see Carrie, Jen, or Mikayla on the trail, be sure to stop and say hello! We'll be sharing more about the program in the coming months, including upcoming outreach opportunities and how the Ambassador Program continues to grow. Stay tuned!

Treat yourself while supporting the outdoors!

Join Pikes Peak Outdoors for Milkshakes with a Meaning on Tuesday, August 11, from 3:00–9:00 p.m. at The Milkshake Factory.

Simply mention Pikes Peak Outdoors when you order, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors and strengthening outdoor recreation throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Tuesday, August 11

3:00–9:00 p.m.

The Milkshake Factory

9291 Highland Ridge Heights, Suite 130

Grab your family, invite your friends, and enjoy a sweet treat that gives back. Every shake, sundae, and chocolate purchase helps support the work of Pikes Peak Outdoors!

We can't wait to see you there!

Celebrate America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th anniversary at the United We Rock Festival on Saturday, August 1, from 2–8 p.m. at Rock Ledge Ranch. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, food trucks, local vendors, beer and whiskey tastings, and family-friendly western games and activities, all set against the backdrop of one of Colorado Springs' most historic sites.

Give back to the trails you love by joining Rocky Mountain Field Institute for an upcoming volunteer day! No matter your experience level, these projects are a great way to make a lasting impact on our public lands.

• August 8: Devils Playground – Alpine Trail Work Day

• August 22: Gill Trail at Cheesman Canyon Trail Work Day

• August 23: Garden of the Gods Trail Work Day

• September 5: Gill Trail at Cheesman Canyon Trail Work Day

Visit RMFI's volunteer calendar for project details and registration.

Celebrate 50 years of Bear Creek Nature Center at a family-friendly Bear-thday Party on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy food, games, hands-on activities, and plenty of bear-themed fun as El Paso County celebrates this beloved community resource.

Looking for a fun way to support local trails? Mash Mechanix Brewing Company is hosting a Taproom Takeover benefiting TOSC on Saturday, August 22, from 5–10 p.m. at 429 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs. During the event, $1 from every pint, spirit, and cocktail sold, along with all tips, will be donated to TOSC to support trails and open spaces throughout the region.

Join Orophile Outdoor Adventures, Mueller State Park, and Wildkind Outdoors for a weekend of adventure, learning, and connection in the Colorado mountains. This women-led experience includes scenic hikes, camping under the stars on private land in Cripple Creek, Dutch oven cooking, and hands-on wilderness survival skills. Whether you're new to camping or an experienced adventurer, this weekend is designed to build confidence, create community, and inspire your next outdoor adventure.

Stay connected with the latest from Pikes Peak Outdoors through our Regional Partner Blog. From outdoor recreation news and policy updates to event recaps, partner stories, and opportunities to get involved, the blog is your source for what's happening across the Pikes Peak region. Whether you're looking for inspiration or insight, check back often for new stories and updates.

Show your love for the outdoors and represent the Pikes Peak region with our brand-new Pikes Peak Outdoors hats! These limited-run hats are now available for pre-order for $28 each and feature our new logo and brand identity.

Whether you're hitting the trail, heading to a community event, or just enjoying a day outside, these hats are a great way to support the work we're doing to strengthen outdoor recreation, conservation, and stewardship across the region.

Pre-order yours today and be among the first to sport the new Pikes Peak Outdoors look!

By contributing to PPO, you're investing in initiatives that promote responsible recreation, inspire greater outdoor participation, and advocate for recreational opportunities and the protection of our natural resources. Your support helps fund events, programs, stewardship efforts, and advocacy campaigns that benefit residents, visitors, and the local outdoor recreation economy. Join us in making a positive impact on the outdoor industry, ensuring that the Pikes Peak region remains a premier destination for outdoor recreation for generations to come. 

Pikes Peak OutdoorS is a designated Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone Tax Credit Organization. The Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone Tax Credit encourages Colorado tax payers to make contributions to nonprofits by offering state income tax credit for qualifying contributions. Donors are eligible to receive a 25% tax credit with a minimum donation of $250 annually in addition to regular tax benefits for charitable gifts! Stretch your charitable gift and donate through the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone today!