Larkspur ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Larkspur, Colorado.
1. Colorado Renaissance Festival
STEP BACK IN TIME
The Colorado Renaissance Festival transforms wooded grounds into a 16th-century village each summer from mid-June through early August. Visitors can enjoy minstrels, maidens, artisans creating period crafts, and authentic food including the popular turkey leg. The festival's live entertainment includes jousting sessions, jesters, and magicians.
2. Golf Club at Bear Dance
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Golf Club at Bear Dance offers an 18-hole public course with stunning views of the Front Range. The facility includes a luxurious clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, and pro shop for visitors to enjoy. It's also home to the impressive Colorado Professional Golf Association Historical Center, featuring exhibits on the history of golf in Colorado.
3. Linden Hills Alpaca Farm
ADORABLE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Linden Hills Alpaca Farm offers visitors a chance to meet and learn about these gentle, curious animals. Guests can tour the farm, observe alpacas in their natural environment, and learn about alpaca fiber production. The farm also typically has a shop featuring alpaca wool products and souvenirs.
4. Larkspur Community Park
LOCAL RECREATION SPOT
Larkspur Community Park provides residents and visitors with outdoor recreation space in this quiet Colorado town. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces for community gatherings and activities. Its location offers beautiful views of the surrounding Front Range foothills.
5. Perry Park Metropolitan District
NATURAL BEAUTY AREA
Perry Park Metropolitan District encompasses a picturesque area with distinctive red rock formations and mountain views. The district includes residential areas intermixed with natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting and scenic beauty characteristic of this part of Colorado.
6. Pikes Peak
ICONIC MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
Pikes Peak stands as the second-most visited mountain in the world and is an easy day trip from Larkspur. Visitors can drive to the summit on Pikes Peak Highway, take the cog railway, or hike to the 14,115-foot peak for breathtaking views. The mountain inspired the song 'America the Beautiful' and offers activities year-round including hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.
7. Garden of the Gods
DRAMATIC RED ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods features towering sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This registered National Natural Landmark offers free admission to its 1,300-acre park with 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Visitors can explore on their own or take guided bus or Segway tours to learn about the geological wonders.
8. US Air Force Academy
MILITARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The US Air Force Academy offers free tours of the military campus where young men and women train to become officers. Visitors can explore the distinctive Cadet Chapel with its 17 aluminum spires soaring 150 feet toward the sky, considered an architectural marvel. The academy grounds also feature hiking trails, a visitor center with exhibits, and opportunities to observe cadet life.
9. Seven Falls
CASCADING MOUNTAIN WATERFALLS
Seven Falls features a magnificent series of waterfalls cascading through a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon just minutes from Larkspur. Visitors can climb the 224 steps alongside the falls or take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest observation platform for panoramic views. The attraction includes hiking trails to Midnight Falls and Inspiration Point, along with dining options and evening light displays illuminating the falls.
10. Cave of the Winds
ANCIENT SUBTERRANEAN WONDER
Cave of the Winds offers subterranean adventures exploring caves, caverns, and rock formations that are hundreds of millions of years old. Visitors can choose from several tour options, including the family-friendly Discovery Tour or the more adventurous Lantern Tour. The attraction also features above-ground thrills like the Wind Walker Challenge Course, Via Ferrata canyon course, and the Terror-dactyl aerial dive ride.
11. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
OUTDOOR WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers visitors the chance to experience awesome scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting opportunities in the rugged foothills. The park features 28 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Campers can enjoy 61 full-service campsites and educational programs offered throughout the year.
12. Spruce Mountain Open Space
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Spruce Mountain Open Space offers a 5.5-mile loop trail around a prominent mesa with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy moderate terrain with around 500 feet of elevation gain through pine forests and meadows. The trail system provides opportunities to spot local wildlife and native vegetation while experiencing the natural beauty of Colorado's Front Range.
13. The Melting Pot
UPSCALE FONDUE DINING
The Melting Pot provides an interactive dining experience centered around various fondue styles in an elegant atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a four-course experience with cheese fondues, salads, entrees cooked tableside, and decadent chocolate dessert fondues. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list and private dining spaces for special occasions, making it a popular destination for celebrations.
14. Philip S. Miller Park
ADVENTURE RECREATION COMPLEX
Philip S. Miller Park features a 200-step challenge staircase, zipline tours, and an outdoor adventure playground spanning 300 acres. The park's centerpiece is the Miller Activity Complex (MAC), which houses indoor sports facilities, a trampoline area, and gaming zones. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 8 miles of scenic trails connecting to the extensive Ridgeline Open Space trail system.
15. Outlets at Castle Rock
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Outlets at Castle Rock is Colorado's largest open-air outlet center featuring over 100 brand-name stores offering discounted merchandise. Shoppers can find savings of up to 70% off retail prices at popular retailers including Coach, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Polo Ralph Lauren. The shopping center provides amenities such as children's play areas, dining options, and seasonal events throughout the year.