The Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit was a standout success this year, bringing together a record-breaking group of over 100 partners, leaders, and change-makers from across the region. The energy throughout the day reflected the strength and momentum of our outdoor community, with meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.

We were honored to hear from keynote speaker Conor Hall, Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, who delivered an insightful and thought-provoking message that set the tone for the day. His remarks challenged attendees to think big about the future of outdoor recreation in our region while staying grounded in the partnerships and values that make this work possible.

Breakout sessions offered deep dives into some of the most relevant topics facing our community, from regional collaboration and funding strategies to workforce development and stewardship. These sessions sparked engaging conversations and practical takeaways, giving attendees the chance to explore challenges and opportunities in a more focused setting. The day wrapped with interactive table discussions centered on this year’s theme, “Pathways to an Exceptional Region,” encouraging participants to share ideas and identify ways to move our collective vision forward.

The Leadership Summit continues to be a cornerstone event for PPORA, creating space for our partners to come together, strengthen relationships, and build alignment around the future of outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region.

Save the date for the Pikes Peak Outdoors Hoedown – Outdoor Industry Celebration and Awards, the region’s annual gathering recognizing the people, partnerships, and projects advancing outdoor recreation, conservation, and community impact across the Pikes Peak region. What began as part of last year’s Leadership Summit programming is now launching as its own standalone event, creating a dedicated space each year to celebrate and elevate the work happening across the outdoor industry.

The event will honor outstanding contributions across the region through a series of awards, including:

Peak Outdoor Impact: Business of the Year
The Voice for Change Award: Advocacy Program of the Year
Guardians of the Outdoors Award: Stewardship Program of the Year
Pathfinder Award: Emerging Leader of the Year
Heart of the Outdoors Award: Volunteer of the Year
Trailblazer Legacy Award: Career Achievement

In addition to the awards, the event will feature a community drawing and auction, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and providing additional opportunities to support and engage with the outdoor community.

The “Hoedown” serves as the evolving annual theme, with each year highlighting a different story, milestone, or inspiration from our regional outdoor community. This inaugural year’s theme nods to the region’s 150th and 250th anniversary celebrations, honoring both the deep history and the future of the places and communities that define the Pikes Peak outdoors.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 13 at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City as an afternoon gathering. Partners from across the region are invited to come together for connection, celebration, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the outdoor industry.

Additional details, including nominations, programming, and event information, will be shared in the coming months.

State of the Outdoors will continue in early 2027 as a formal convening focused on regional outdoor industry trends, data, collaboration, and long-range planning.

Mark your calendars for Get Outdoors Day on June 6, 2026, at Memorial Park at Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs! 

This free, family-friendly event celebrates outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region and invites the community to discover new ways to get outside.

Attendees can enjoy hands-on activities, outdoor recreation demonstrations, educational booths, and opportunities to connect with local organizations that make getting outside easier and more accessible for everyone.

All businesses, agencies, and organizations that are interested in encouraging people to spend more time outside are welcome to attend and sign-up as a vendor, learn more and sign up at the link below!  

Prescribed fire continues to play an important role in reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health across the Pikes Peak region. At a recent public meeting, partners shared that the Mothball and May Peak prescribed burn projects on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests have been tentatively rescheduled to this fall due to extreme weather conditions.

These efforts are designed to reduce dense vegetation that can fuel large, high-severity wildfires like the Waldo Canyon Fire, while also supporting healthier, more resilient forests and protecting critical watershed areas.

Residents and visitors can expect to see smoke during burn operations, along with possible temporary trail or area closures to ensure public safety. All burns are carefully planned and only carried out under specific weather and safety conditions.

Forest Service image pictured above

A new Small Business Alliance has been formed through the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance, with Jonathan Haas, founder of Haas Technical Writing, stepping in as chair of the committee. The alliance is focused on supporting and strengthening small businesses across the region by creating a space for connection, education, and advocacy.

Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the local economy and community character, the committee will bring together business owners, advisors, and partners to share resources and tackle common challenges such as marketing, workforce development, technology adoption, and growth. Through workshops, peer learning, networking, and targeted programming, the group aims to provide practical tools and real-world solutions.

The alliance will kick things off with its first event, a Small Business Power Hour and Fireside Chat, on April 29 from 5–7 p.m. at Observer Ranch. The first hour will feature one-minute business pitches from attendees, followed by a casual fireside conversation to build connections and share insights. The event is free to attend, with registration requested.

Bats are regular visitors to cliff environments, often using the same cracks and crevices that climbers rely on. Despite their presence, scientists still have a limited understanding of bat ecology along cliff faces. This upcoming talk will explore how climbers can play an important role in bat conservation and scientific research, led by bat biologist and Climbers for Bat Conservation Director Rob Schorr.

The Important Role of Climbers in Bat Conservation will take place on April 23, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 PM at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the intersection of recreation and conservation and how outdoor users can support ongoing research efforts.

For more information, contact (719) 219-0108.

Experience Garden of the Gods Park in a whole new way during Motorless Morning, returning on Sunday, April 26, from 5 a.m. to noon. During this special event, all motor vehicles are temporarily removed from the park roads, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the iconic landscape on foot, bike, skateboard, or other self-propelled ways.

With no car traffic, the park’s main corridors open up for a quieter, more relaxed experience, inviting people to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the red rock formations in a different light. Normal park access resumes at noon.

This free community event is part of a limited seasonal series that offers a rare chance to experience one of the region’s most visited parks in a more peaceful setting.

The Run Blossom 5K returns to Cañon City on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as part of the annual Blossom Festival weekend. The race features a scenic, flat course along the Arkansas Riverwalk and through Centennial Park, offering a welcoming route for both competitive runners and casual walkers.

Participants can choose between a timed competitive wave or a relaxed walk/jog “YETI” wave, making the event accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities. Age group awards are presented in the competitive division, and the event includes on-course support and a festive, community-oriented atmosphere throughout the morning.

The Run Blossom 5K is part of a larger weekend of activities in Cañon City, bringing together music, community events, and outdoor recreation to celebrate the spring season.

Looking for a fun and educational way to get kids engaged with the outdoors? National Environmental Education Foundation is offering a collection of free activity guides and resources as part of Environmental Education Week. These hands-on activities are designed to help kids explore topics like pollinators, water quality, wildlife, and conservation through games, outdoor exploration, and simple at-home projects.

The guides are easy to use and adaptable for families, educators, or community groups—making it simple to connect kids to the environment in meaningful and engaging ways. From backyard observations to citizen science projects, these resources are a great way to inspire curiosity and build a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Colorado Springs' largest bicycling gear swap is turning TEN in 2026! Hosted by Kids on Bikes, Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association, and Buffalo Lodge and held at Soccerhaus. If you would like to be a vendor at this amazing event or want to grab tickets to attend and find some fantastic deals, click the link below.

By contributing to PPORA, 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 Outdoor Recreation Alliance 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!