Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs — Online Webcam with Pikes Peak View
Prospect Lake and Pikes Peak — Colorado Springs Panorama
Prospect Lake is located in the heart of Colorado Springs, one of the largest cities in the state of Colorado. It is a place where urban infrastructure meets the mountain landscape of the Rocky Mountains. A webcam installed in Memorial Park broadcasts a live view of the lake's water surface, green park areas, and the majestic Pikes Peak on the horizon. Colorado Springs is a city with a population of about 480,000 people, situated at an elevation of 1,839 meters above sea level at the eastern foot of the Front Range mountain ridge.
History of Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake was formed on land donated by the Colorado Springs Company of General William Jackson Palmer in 1887. Palmer is a key figure in the city's history, having founded Colorado Springs in 1871 and invested in the development of railroads and regional infrastructure. The lake became part of Memorial Park — the city's largest urban park spanning over 200 acres. Today it is a popular destination for residents and tourists: a 1.25-mile (about 2 km) trail runs around the reservoir for walking and jogging.
Pikes Peak — A Fourteener Mountain
Dominating the background of the broadcast is Pikes Peak — one of the most famous mountains in North America. Its elevation is 14,115 feet (4,302 m), making it the easternmost fourteener in the United States. The peak rises more than 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above downtown Colorado Springs, creating a striking visual contrast between the plains city and the alpine summit.
The geological history of Pikes Peak dates back 1 billion years, when a massive dome of molten magma rose at this site, forming a batholith — a geological formation that preceded the creation of the Rocky Mountains. Today, Pikes Peak is a National Historic Landmark of the United States.
How to Get to Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake is located at: 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Memorial Park, where the reservoir is situated, offers free parking, sports facilities, a swimming pool, and children's play areas. You can reach it by car or city bus — routes run along East Pikes Peak Avenue. For those using a GPS navigator, the park's coordinates are: 38.8339° N, 104.7866° W.
What's Near Prospect Lake
Colorado Springs is rich in natural and historical attractions. In close proximity to Prospect Lake you will find:
• Garden of the Gods — a park with red rock formations located 15 minutes' drive to the west. Visible in the broadcast to the right of Pikes Peak.
• United States Air Force Academy — a renowned military institution with unique chapel architecture, located north of the city.
• Manitou Springs — a historic resort town with mineral springs, located 10 minutes to the west.
• Pikes Peak — you can reach the summit by highway or via the Barr Trail (19 km one way).
Wildlife at Prospect Lake
The reservoir and surrounding park areas are home to a variety of animal species. Prospect Lake contains 12 species of fish, including perch, trout, and walleye. On the shores and in the park area you can encounter herons, turtles, deer, and coyotes. Animal activity increases in the early morning and evening — the best time for wildlife observation via the webcam.
Weather and Best Time to Watch
Colorado Springs is located in a semi-arid climate zone with large daily temperature swings. In summer, daytime temperatures reach 30°C, while in winter they drop to -10°C. Pikes Peak retains its snow cover for most of the year — from October through May. The best time to view the broadcast is early morning (6:00–8:00 local time), when the light accentuates the mountain's contours, and in the evening during sunset. In winter the mountain looks especially impressive — the snow-capped summit contrasts with the dark sky.
What's Visible on the Camera
The webcam in real time shows a panoramic view of Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs. In the foreground is the calm water surface of the lake, surrounded by green park areas with trees, pathways, and lampposts. The mid-ground features the cityscape with downtown Colorado Springs high-rise buildings, and roads with visible traffic. The background is dominated by Pikes Peak with its snow-capped summit, as well as the Garden of the Gods rock formations located to the right. The camera operates in live streaming mode, allowing viewers to observe changes in lighting, weather conditions, and park visitor activity.
