Bear Creek Nature Center is celebrating 50 years of connecting the community to nature as Colorado’s first nature center. Located within Bear Creek Regional Park, the Nature Center’s scrub oak thickets, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, mountain creek, and abundant foothills wildlife have inspired generations of visitors. Year-round interpretive programs, special events, and guided and self-guided experiences support environmental education, conservation, and stewardship.
Two miles of self-guided nature trails wind through short grass prairie, scrub oak woodlands, and cottonwood riparian communities. A regional leader in accessibility, Bear Creek Nature Center pioneered accessible programming such as Trailability and the V.I.P. Trail, expanding access to nature for visitors of all abilities.
1976
The Solar Trails Center was built in 1976 and became the first nature center in the state of Colorado.
1980
In 1980, the Solar Trails Center was renamed Bear Creek Nature Center.
1985
In the summer of 1985, a wooden boardwalk and plaza were constructed.
1995
Going into 1995, the nature center was expanded and new exhibits added as well as a new brand look.
2000
On May 20, 2000, an early-morning arson fire destroyed Bear Creek Nature Center.
2002
Bear Creek Nature Center re-opened on May 14, 2002 and was officially dedicated to the citizens of El Paso County in a grand opening on June 8, 2002.
2008
The economic recession led to the loss of all but one full-time staff member. With the support of Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers, the Nature Center remained open to serve the community.
2015
The Bear Creek Bear Run, beginning in 2015, remains one of the most successful fundraising events for Bear Creek Nature Center and continues today.
2018
In 2018, the exhibit room was revamped including the Greenback Cutthroat Trout exhibit highlighting Colorado’s state fish.
2022
El Paso County Nature Centers became the first in the region to offer hikes for people with disabilities through the Trailability Program.
2023
In partnership with the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Trail is opened to the public.
2026
The 50th anniversary of Bear Creek Nature Center is celebrated throughout the year and culminates in the 50th Bear-thday Party “Over the Foothills”.
50th Anniversary Bear-thday Party
Party like a bear! To celebrate the Bear Creek Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary, El Paso County is hosting a Bear-thday Party at Bear Creek Nature Center. Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center located at 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906. Festivities will include food, games, and more bear-y exciting activities!
Bear-thday food is sponsored by:
Bear-thday Party Event Schedule
50th Bearthday Party Event Schedule – Select the image to open a PDF of the schedule.
Timed Events
Living History Hike* | 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. *Pre-registration required
Book Reading by Nancy Bentley | 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
Insect Sweeps | 1:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Remarks & Life in the Shadows Ribbon Cutting | 12:30 p.m.
Silent Auction Custom Artwork Winner | 1:45 p.m.
All-Day Events | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BC Garden Association | Patio
El Paso County 4-H Rabbit Project | Patio
COS Astronomical Society | Courtyard
Spring Hike Branding Station | Courtyard
50th Anniversary Video | Bear Den
Plein Air Art Sale / Silent Auction | Bear Den
Mark Cooney Poetry | Bear Den
Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association | Exhibit Room
Craft | Exhibit Room
PPSC Wild Things | Exhibit Room
Buffalo Gals Food Truck | Courtyard
View the 50th Anniversary Video!
Silent Auction | Original Artwork
Silent Auction Artwork: Original artwork created by Kylee Taylor, Bear Creek Nature Center’s Interpretive Program Specialist. Kylee strove “to capture the vibrancy, warmth, and deep connections I have made to Bear Creek Nature Center. It is a building where daily laughter bubbles out and lifelong connections are made. It is a community that continually works toward a better future. It is an ecosystem where all are supported. It is a landscape that calms the soul. And it has been home for the past 4.5 years. I hope everyone that walks the trails or walks through our doors feels the same.”
50th Anniversary Logo: Meaning & Design
The Bear Creek Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary logo was intentionally designed to reflect the Nature Center’s history, mission, and natural environment, which have defined it for 50 years. Each element of the logo represents a core aspect of Bear Creek Nature Center’s identity. Together, the design elements tell the story of the Nature Center’s legacy while celebrating its continued impact on El Paso County.
A – El Paso County Seal | El Paso County is a government agency that provides essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region. Services such as the County Parks system are a critical part of service delivery and the quality of life for residents and visitors.
B – Sun | In 1976, El Paso County Parks opened Solar Trails, the first Nature Center in Colorado, and the beginning of a legacy of connecting people to their natural and cultural resources, inspiring them to become good stewards of our parks and environment.
C – Bear | In 1980, The Solar Trails Center was renamed Bear Creek Nature Center.
D – Fifty Years Text | Bear Creek Nature Center has proudly served El Paso County residents and visitors for 50 years, providing innovative accessibility and educational programming, and earning many regional and national awards.
E – Acorns | The acorns symbolize the Nature Center’s growth, strength, and future. We are committed to moving forward with intention, innovation, and increased engagement to provide accessible outdoor recreation and education experiences.
F – Oak Leaves | Bear Creek Nature Center is located in the foothills, surrounded by oak trees and scrub oak. The oak leaves represent the Center’s strength and commitment to provide services to our community.
El Paso County Nature Centers
Mission: To connect people to their natural and cultural resources and inspire them to become stewards of our parks and the environment.
EDUCATION
Providing hands-on environmental education through interpretive programs, guided experiences, and self-guided exploration that connect visitors of all ages to the natural world.
CONSERVATION
Supporting conservation by protecting diverse ecosystems and promoting understanding of native wildlife, habitats, and natural resources.
STEWARDSHIP
Fostering stewardship and empowering visitors to care for and protect the natural environment through volunteer opportunities, programming, and community engagement.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EL PASO COUNTY NATURE CENTERS:
For 50 years, Bear Creek Nature Center has inspired connection, curiosity, and care for the natural world—made possible by a community that believes in its mission. Help carry that legacy forward by supporting the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers and investing in the next 50 years of education, conservation, and stewardship.