Off the beaten path, Colorado Springs offers some of the best natural beauty you’ll find in the United States.
Colorado Springs, located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
What To See and Do In Colorado Springs
No matter if you’re an indoor person or love the outdoors, you’ll appreciate what Colorado Springs offers in the way of numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, including the popular trails in North Cheyenne Cañon Park and the nearby Pike National Forest.
Here are some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs:
Visit Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, CO 80904 | (719) 634-6666
This iconic park features stunning red rock formations and offers hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Garden of the Gods. “A great place to bring a family for a light hike. It is a good place for people of all ages; young and old. If your a rock climber you’ll need to get a free permit to climb here. Once you have a reservation and a permit, it’s a great climb. They have multi pitches and single pitches. Lot of fun!”
Explore Pikes Peak
Coordinates: 38°50′26″N 105°02′39″W / 38.8405322°N 105.0442048°W
The namesake of early American explorer Zebulon Pike, Pike’s Peak is a natural wonder and the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. You can drive to the top, like I did, or choose to hike, which I would never do.
Whether you drive to the summit or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, reaching the top of this 14,115-foot mountain offers panoramic views of the region.
Tour the U.S. Air Force Academy
2346 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840
Learn about the history and mission of the U.S. Air Force at this prestigious military academy. Visitors can take guided tours of the campus.
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
(719) 333–2025
visit@afacademy.af.edu
Discover the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 | (719) 633-9925
This zoo is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet and is known for its unique setting and collection of animals from around the world.
Here’s what one visitor says about the Cheyenne Zoo. “This is one of the best zoos we have visited. The fact that is is built on a mountain was amazing. We went on 10/8/2023, the weather was great and the animals were active. Their enclosures seemed like their natural habitats. But even if the animals were not as active, the scenic views are breath taking. Love how they made look out spots to take the sites in. I have already recommended this place to other friends and family making a trip to Colorado Springs. We are from Bryan, Texas and would definitely go again when we make a trip back that way.”
Ride the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 | (719) 685-5401
This historic railway takes visitors on a scenic journey to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering stunning views along the way.
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Cogway. “We did the 1:20pm ride and we paid for seating but we honestly didn’t have to. It just depends on the time and day that you go. We loved the ride up and the conductor was amusing. It says that the cog railway isn’t heated… which is true but it’s not freezing cold. The only time that it’s truly cold is when you get to the top of pikes peak. I cannot stress enough how much water you need to drink. When we went a guy completely collapsed but fortunately EMT was there to help him. You have to drink at least 2 water bottles before you get there and 2 more when you’re on the way up and at the top.”
Explore Manitou Springs
This quaint town at the foothill of the mountains near Colorado Springs is known for its charming little boutiques, shops, art galleries, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which showcase the history of the Pueblo Indians.
Visit the Olympic Training Center
1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | (719) 866-4618
In Colorado Springs, you’ll find the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers located on dual campuses. The site was created by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as training venues for its Olympic and Paralympic athlete teams.
Here’s what one visitor said about the facilities. “Such a great experience to see where our athletes live and train. The tour was great as we walked thru all the training venues. We later shopped at the Olympic store for gifts.”
Experience the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 | (719) 685-5444
If you’re afraid of dark, dank places, then these caves are not for you! On the other hand, Cave of the Winds is so cool! Explore caves, go on a thrilling cave tour, and enjoy other attractions such as zip lines and an aerial adventure course.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cave of the Winds. “My boyfriend and I originally went on the discovery tour with Slim Jim. It was such a fun experience! We enjoyed learning the history of the Caves. They were amazing to see & crazy to imagine people crawling through these tiny spaces. We ended up taking the last haunted tour of the day. We went during the week so it felt like a private tour. It made everything feel sooo much spookier. Let’s not talk about the scary stuff we experienced in the caves while we were in there….It was such an awesome experience. We took the tour with… I believe her name was Chloe? Cleo? I think she had curly red hair. She was so amazing!! Thank you for the experiences! We’ll be back for sure!”
Final Word
Colorado Springs, along with Denver, has just want you need when it comes to outdoor activities as well as restful scenery so you can relax. And we didn’t even get to touch on the parks: The city is home to several beautiful parks, including Memorial Park and America the Beautiful Park, where you can enjoy picnics, walks, and outdoor activities.
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