Hot Spot Events

The following is a list of planned Hot Spot events that are free and open to the public in Colorado Springs. Some programs require online registration.

Thursday, Oct. 14

6-8 p.m. – Leave No Trace Outreach Evening
Location: Fossil Craft Beer Company, 2845 Ore Mill Road
Activities: Introduction of Leave No Trace team members and networking

Friday, Oct. 15

8-10:30 a.m. – Beginner Birding Workshop and Hike
Location: Palmer Park, 3650 Maizeland Road
Activities: Learn the basics of birding and how to apply Leave No Trace principles with representatives from the Aiken Audubon Society and parks staff.
4 p.m. – Leave No Trace Outreach Evening
Location: Red Leg Brewing Company, 2323 Garden of the Gods Road
Activities: Leave No Trace trivia and networking opportunities

Saturday, Oct. 16

8-10:30 a.m. – Nature Photography Hike
Location: Stratton Open Space, 1602 Ridgeway Drive
Activities: Take a guided hike with local photographer Bob Falcone, aka “Hiking Bob,” and get tips on how to capture amazing photos while practicing Leave No Trace.
8 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. – Rocky Mountain Field Institute Volunteer Project
Location: Stratton Open Space, 1602 Ridgeway Drive
Activities: Join the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers, and Parks staff for a morning of trail restoration and Leave No Trace outreach at the first TOPS-acquired property, Stratton Open Space. Discover how undesignated trails are restored and learn how to prevent them from forming. New to trail work? Not a problem! This project covers the basic elements of trail restoration, tool use, and safety.
10-11 a.m. – Cool Science: Park Protectors: From Palmer to Pikes Peak
Location: Palmer Park, Lazy Land Pavilion
Activities: Join park rangers in various games and challenges to learn what you can do to preserve and protect our beautiful natural areas. Do you have what it takes to be an “ultra-steward?” Find out at this family-friendly program.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Cool Science: Leave No Trace; Bigfoot Hike
Location: Palmer Park, Lazy Land Pavilion
Activities: Learn to navigate nature like Bigfoot does and Leave No Trace. On this hike you’ll see how much humans impact the natural world and how you can minimize your impact, so you can be more like Bigfoot and blend into the forest.
6-8 p.m. – “Get Outside” Evening – hosted by Kinship Landing
Location: Kinship Landing, 415 S Nevada Avenue
Activities: Join the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team for a special Leave Not Trace gathering. Discover how “Leave No Trace” is more than a phrase while picking up tips and tricks for leaving less of an impact while recreating in the Pikes Peak Region. Drop in anytime between 6-8 p.m. for free refreshments, giveaways, hanging with adventurous friends, meeting stewardship heroes, and casually learning about how to enjoy and steward our beloved outdoors.
Registration: https://www.kinshiplanding.com/events/kinship-events

Sunday, Oct. 17

8-10:30 a.m. – Leave No Trace for Mountain Biking
Location: Palmer Park, Lazy Land Pavilion
Activities: Enjoy a guided ride while also learning about how to apply Leave No Trace principles related to mountain biking. All skill levels are welcome.
8 a.m.- 12 p.m. – Palmer Park Volunteer Event
Location: Palmer Park, 3650 Maizeland Road
Activities: Join the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers and the Guardians of Palmer Park for a volunteer workday featuring trail improvements and Leave No Trace outreach.
5-8 p.m. – Leave No Trace “All Taste, No Waste” hosted by Storybook Brewing
Location: 3121 A N, N. El Paso Street
Activities: Discuss responsible recreation opportunities in Colorado Springs. There will be trivia, prizes and free swag.

Event Partners
Thank you to the following local event partners for your support of Hot Spot Week in Colorado Springs!

Aiken Audubon Society
Cool Science
Fossil Craft Beer Company
Fountain Creek Brewshed Alliance
Guardians of Palmer Park
Hiking Bob
Incline Friends 
Kinship Landing
Manitou Brewing Company
Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Red Leg Brewing Company
Rocky Mountain Field Institute
Storybook Brewing