With epic mountain scenery as your backdrop, Colorado Springs serves up endless opportunities for outdoor adventure against striking natural landmarks like Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. But a vibrant mix of attractions and cuisine also beckon beyond mountain trails too.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hike the Manitou Incline | A challenging hike with scenic views. |
| Bike Down Pikes Peak | Cycling down a mountain for experienced riders. |
| See the Garden of the Gods | Iconic red sandstone formations and trails. |
| Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum | Interactive exhibits on Olympic athletes. |
| Tour the Peterson Air & Space Museum | Military aviation history and artifacts. |
| Drive Up Pikes Peak Highway | Scenic drive with stunning views. |
| Zipline & Rock Climb in Manitou Springs | Adventure sports in natural settings. |
| Explore Cave of the Winds | Guided tours of geological formations. |
| Savor Local Breweries & Distilleries | Sampling local craft beers and spirits. |
| Explore Historic Old Colorado City | Shopping and dining in a historic setting. |
The following 12 top things to do in Colorado Springs showcase the best of what this charming city tucked into the Rocky Mountain foothills has to offer. From heart-pumping excursions like mountain biking and ziplining to cultural attractions, craft beer and budget-friendly city explorations, it caters to myriad interests for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain vacation.
Hike the Manitou Incline
Name and Location: The Manitou Incline hiking trail is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs. It ascends steeply up the east slope of Rocky Mountain about 1 mile in length.
History and Significance: Originally a cable car track built in 1907, then a tourist attraction, the Manitou Incline route has been transformed into a hugely popular hiking trail climbing over 2,000 feet in elevation rather precipitously.
What to Expect: Expect an intense cardiovascular workout hiking up the steep mountainside on a maintained trail of railroad ties. Rewarding views unfold with progress but it is very strenuous. Bring water/snacks. Dogs prohibited.
Visitor Information: Free to access. Parking is available in Manitou Springs. Prepare for variable weather conditions. Beware afternoon storm risks.
Dare one of America’s toughest hikes by tackling the steep Manitou Incline, the remains of a former cable car track now encompassing over 2,000 wooden railroad ties. This intense cardio workout ascends over 2,000 feet in less than a mile, rewarded by spectacular valley and mountain summit views.
Even if you only make it partway, you’ll enjoy scenic overlooks of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs en route as you navigate the rocky trail’s steep grade. Just brace muscles for nearly a 50 percent steep incline averaging 40 percent!
Bike Down Pikes Peak
Name and Location: A scenic downhill mountain bike ride down Pikes Peak starts at the summit and descends 16 miles with over 5,000 feet of elevation loss to the town of Cascade.
History and Significance: Special annual bike races have occurred on Pikes Peak’s roadway since 1956. Recently the road has opened for more recreational cycling opportunities, allowing public access for descending thrillseekers.
What to Expect: A guided downhill ride from the 14,115-foot summit affords amazing vistas while traversing high-altitude switchbacks and drops on the way to Cascade. Riders should have experience and prepare for variable mountain weather.
Visitor Information: Book through outfitters like Colorado Shuttles. Rides offered late June through early September only. Minimum ages and waiver required. Half day ride.
Pedal your way down Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit along the highway closed annually to vehicles allowing bikes August’s Last Sunday. Experienced cyclists can ride from the peak 16 miles back into town, coasting down a gravity-fueled route traveled by annual competitions.
If that sounds too intense, start halfway down at Devil’s Playground for a safer 7.4 mile decent with incredible mountain panoramas still passing by. Either way, prepare your brakes – and enjoy the thrill!
See the Garden of the Gods
Name and Location: Garden of the Gods Park is located in Colorado Springs, offering iconic red rock formations with Pikes Peak as a backdrop. The National Natural Landmark spans 1,367 scenic acres.
History and Significance: First established in 1879, this world-famous park protects unique sandstone features resembling castle parapets, balanced rocks and towering spires, framing picture-perfect views of Pikes Peak’s summit.
What to Expect: Visitors drive the loop road or hike easy trails to admire the park’s geological wonders rising sharply above Great Plains grasses. Designated rock climbing routes also ascend some formations. Interpretive programs occasionally offered.
Visitor Information: Garden of the Gods is open year-round daily from 5am-11pm in Colorado Springs. No admission fees. Rock Ledge Ranch section charges entry April-October.
Discover the extraordinary red sandstone formations characterizing the iconic Garden of the Gods, encompassing over 1,300 acres of otherworldly geological features like Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels. Paved and dirt trails allow hiking and biking for closer inspection along with climbing routes too.
Can’t miss photo-ops abound like the Central Garden showcasing Pikes Peak as the backdrop through sandstone towers shooting skyward. It’s easy to spend hours wandering in awe.
Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Name and Location: The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum recently opened in 2020 at 200 S. Sierra Madre St. in downtown Colorado Springs.
History and Significance: As the official museum of Team USA, this dazzling complex uses artifacts and interactive exhibits to honor American Olympic and Paralympic athletes plus inspire future competitors in Colorado Springs, known as Olympic City USA.
What to Expect: Permanent and temporary exhibit galleries with immersive AV components showcase Olympic highlights and offer hands-on athletic challenges across 60,000 sq. feet. A well-stocked shop is onsite. Guided and self-guided tours available.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sun, 10am to 6pm. Ticket prices: $29.95 adults, $24.95 ages 3-12. Free parking available at museum garage off Sierra Madre Street.
As the flagship home of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, this stunning recent addition to downtown immerses you into the spirit of world competition. Interactive exhibits using cutting-edge technology let you walk beside Olympic heroes or feel what it’s like to downhill ski as you learn more about their journeys.
The Hall of Fame highlights Colorado’s own champions too, from speed skater Bonnie Blair to pro cyclist Missy “The Missile” Franklin. It’s truly an inspiration for every age and ability.
Tour the Peterson Air & Space Museum
Name and Location: The Peterson Air & Space Museum is located inside the Peterson Space Force Base at 150 East Ent Avenue in Colorado Springs.
History and Significance: Founded in 1973, this museum collects aerospace artifacts relevant to the nearby Air Force bases focused on space, missile defense and NORAD/Northcom headquarters. Exhibits survey military flight history, particularly honoring the Tuskegee Airmen’s achievements.
What to Expect: Museum displays range from World War aircraft like the B-17 to modern fighters and bombers plus spacesuits, satellites and missiles chronicling the Air Force’s aeronautics achievements over 70+ years. Guided tours by request. Gift shop onsite.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Tours must be scheduled ahead since it’s an active military base. Admission is free.
Fighter jets, satellites, missiles and more await at one of America’s largest military aviation collections showcasing artifacts spanning WWII to present-era space technology advancements. Must-sees include aircraft used by past presidents as a flying Oval Office, the experimental top-secret Lockheed Blackbird jet and Apollo 15 capsule.
Hour-long guided walking tours provide fascinating additional details and opportunities to chat with veteran pilots too. You’ll gain new appreciation for innovations that fundamentally changed air and space capabilities over the last century.
Drive Up Pikes Peak Highway
Name and Location: The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway climbs from Colorado Springs to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak in the Front Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains.
History and Significance: Constructed 1915-1921 as a tourist toll road to Pikes Peak’s majestic summit with panoramic views. Many crucial events have occurred on the peak, like scientific experiments, car racing, cycling championships, even wedding ceremonies!
What to Expect: A scenic drive with wonderful vistas taking visitors from high plains to alpine environments. Stop at overlooks and gift shops along the route. Summit house has restaurant, café and observation deck to admire views, pending weather conditions.
Visitor Information: The highway is open mid May through early October, weather dependent. Round trip toll is $50 per car ($40 advance purchase online). Allow 3-5 hours.
Reach epic mountain heights driving along Pikes Peak Highway’s 19 miles of altitude-gaining switchbacks climbing to 14,115 feet for staggering 360° alpine scenery. As you pass colorful wildflowers and rocky outcroppings, pull over at designated spots for photo ops or short nature walks like Crystal Reservoir with its turquoise waters reflecting mountainous surroundings.
Just take it slow so you can properly acclimate to avoid altitude sickness. And bundle up – the summit is often 30 degrees cooler!
Zipline & Rock Climb in Manitou Springs
Name and Location: Several outfitters like Manitou Springs ZIP Adventures and CityROCK offer ziplining tours plus rock climbing excursions amid the red sandstone formations around Manitou Springs.
History and Significance: Manitou Springs’ striking high desert landscape against the front range mountains allows heart-pounding opportunities to traverse cliffs and canyons courtesy of area zipline/climbing outfitters. Professional guides lead all tours.
What to Expect: Amazing zipline routes soar over 400-500 ft. cliffs, some racing 60 mph. Intro climbing sessions happen on beginner-friendly sandstone walls/crags suited for all skill levels. Half and full day tours offered.
Visitor Information: Operating daily April – October for ages 10+ with average good health and no fear of heights. Online reservations required as participant numbers are limited. Waiver forms signed on arrival.
The steep sandstone cliffs flanking historic Manitou Springs provide prime playgrounds for adrenaline-pumping adventures to balance sightseeing. Local outfitters like Manitou Springs Via Ferrata offer half-day rock climbing experiences suitable for beginners while guiding groups along beginner routes peppered with obstacles to traverse along the way.
Or zip along lines sending you soaring over red rock formations for an eagle’s eye perspective of the stunning natural playground before grabbing pub fare and drinks in town after.
Explore Cave of the Winds
Name and Location: Cave of the Winds mountain cavern system is located just west of Colorado Springs off Highway 24 in Manitou Springs.
History and Significance: Limestone caves have drawn tourists to the site since 1881 with lantern-lit tours revealing ornate stalactites, stalagmites, chandeliers and other speleothems across chamfers and grand rooms reached by concrete walkways and stairs.
What to Expect: 60-minute guided tours wind through the electrically-lit caves maintained at 56°F year-round. Visitors see fantastic cave formations crafted by mineral deposits over centuries while learning about geology. Sturdy shoes with traction advised.
Visitor Information: Open year-round 9am-5pm except major holidays. Adults from $22, children 4-12 from $14 pending tour. Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time. On-site café and gift shop.
Discover an underground world comprised of incredible geologic formations, canyon passages and caverns on Cave of the Winds guided walking tours just west of Colorado Springs. Stalagmites, stalactites, crystalline mineral deposits and fossils entrance along accessible paths illuminated just enough to appreciate the “living cave”.
Special tours descend deeper using provided flashlights too for more immersion into the visually stunning subterranean landscape. Just dress warmly as temperatures hover around 54°F year-round.
Savor Local Breweries & Distilleries
Name and Location: Dozens of popular breweries and distilleries are located in and around Colorado Springs plus neighboring towns like Monument, Fountain and Pueblo.
History and Significance: From independent craft brewers to large scale operations, many beer makers plus an increasing number of local distilleries have set up brewhouses and stills amid Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, tapping into pure water sources.
What to Expect: Brewery tasting rooms offer pints and samplers of diverse beer styles like IPAs, stouts and sours alongside food trucks or popup kitchens. Distilleries serve spirits like vodka, gin and bourbon in mixed cocktails plus guided facility tours spotlighting their processes.
Visitor Information: Most breweries/distilleries offer afternoon-evening hours for tastings with seasonal variations. Designated drivers recommended. Minors allowed per individual policies. Tour lengths vary.
Colorado Springs’ booming beer scene means plenty of tap rooms stand ready to refresh you after Rocky Mountain adventures. Don’t miss Fieldhouse Brewing (inside a former lumber yard!), new light-filled Atrevida Beer Co. focusing on balanced brews with patio games or the legendary Trinity Brewing continually concocting award-winning bold new flavors.
Venture from beer to spirits at craft distilleries like Woodcrest Distilling Co. known for whiskey and moonshine using local grains or Primitive Distilling’s family-run operation focusing on rum and gin. Cheers!
Explore Historic Old Colorado City
Name and Location: Old Colorado City is one of Colorado’s best preserved old west towns located just west of Colorado Springs off Highway 24. Two-dozen blocks of shops and restaurants comprise the National Historic District.
History and Significance: Founded in 1858 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Colorado City was briefly Colorado Territory’s capital and a supply hub for mining towns like Cripple Creek. Many buildings now house eclectic businesses. Occasional gunfight reenactments occur on the old main street!
What to Expect: Wander historic blocks browsing indie boutiques, galleries, candy stores and cafes inside quaint old brick buildings before enjoying an afternoon meal or happy hour drink amid the adjacent bluffs.
Visitor Information: Free and always open for exploration. Metered street parking is available. Walk from store to store unrestrained by opening hours. The district is located off I-25’s Cimarron/Chestnut Street exit west of downtown.
Filled with Wild West ambience and locally owned boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants, Old Colorado City captures Colorado Springs’ pioneer spirit along its wooden sidewalks. Pop in quirky shops then grab a table on a bustling patio to fuel up between browsing. Don’t miss Mo’s Froyo for inventive liquid nitrogen frozen yogurt too!
Historic attractions like Rock Ledge Ranch and the 1904 Midland Terminal train depot await exploring as well. And you can catch a free shuttle from downtown adding convenience.
Conclusion
With picture-perfect scenery providing the backdrop, Colorado Springs lets you dive into Rocky Mountain adventures, cultural attractions and local flavors for an unforgettable itinerary. Using this round up of top things to do as your guide promises both natural wonder-fueled excursions and lively city explorations ideal to experience the region’s inimitable spirit.