Black Forest, Colorado | El Paso County

Black Forest, Colorado resides just north of Colorado Springs to the east of the Northgate neighborhood, I-25, and CO-21. The town is nestled at an impressive 7,575 feet where the high plains begin to meet the foothills.

The unincorporated community of 15,097 (in 2020) is also a census-designated place (CDP) and part of the Colorado Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area. It resides on the northern side of El Paso County. Two zip codes serve Black Forest, one from the COS post office (80908) and one from the Elbert post office (80106).

History

Black Forest School Colorado — Black Forest School, Colorado. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

The town got its name from the thick forest of ponderosa pine nearby. It was originally part of a destination called Pineries, which extended from the town of Monument (then known as Divide) to near where the Black Forest resides today.

The locals decided against incorporating it as a city in 2006.

Main Attractions

Black Forest Colorado Aerial View — Aerial of the CDP, Black Forest, Colorado. Photo by: Ken Lund

Black Forest Regional Park – Excellent place for a day hike within the pines. Pedestrians share the trail with bikers and horseback riders, so always keep all your dogs leashed. A few big parking areas to access the many trails and facilities. This tucked-away gem is open year-round.