The 10 Best Things to See and Do in and Around Colorado Springs
Photos by Terry Terrones Travel Features colorado springs
Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak just an hour’s drive south of Denver and almost 1,000 feet higher in elevation is the beautiful town of Colorado Springs. Initially conceived as a resort town when it was founded by Civil War general William Jackson Palmer in 1871, it appealed to tourists thanks to the area’s beautiful vistas, mild and dry climate, and European flair.
Today, Colorado Springs has evolved into a city routinely named one of the best places to live in the United States. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and while there are plenty of things to see and do, these are the 10 places I have every friend or family member explore when they first visit.
Garden of the Gods
Admission: Free
The most popular attraction in town is also one of the country’s most extraordinary parks. Garden of the Gods, which has over 4.5 million visitors a year, is a 300 million-year-old geologic wonder featuring beautiful rock formations. The 1,341 acre park is also the best place in the region to walk or hike with 21 miles of trails, jaw-dropping views, and a top notch visitor’s center full of fascinating exhibits and the best souvenir shop in town.
Local’s tip: Siamese Twins Loop is my favorite Garden of the Gods trail. It’s off the beaten path (the park can get crowded on weekends and in the summer), is a short 1/2 mile trek, and leads to a breathtaking view of Pikes Peak through a natural window in the Siamese Twins rock formation.
Pikes Peak via The Cog Railway
Admission: Adults – $59/72, Kids – $49/$62, standard/reserved
Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain because it inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful, is the rare 14er that’s relatively easy to summit. You can drive, hike, and even bike up Pikes Peak but as someone who has done all three, I’d recommend taking The Cog Railway. The 9-mile route for this unique train offers wonderful views of the mountains, Colorado Springs, and various wildlife. At the top (14,115 feet) is the Pikes Peak Summit House, which recently underwent a $65 million renovation.
Local’s tip: The temperature difference between where The Cog leaves and the top of Pikes Peak can be 40-50 degrees so dress appropriately. The drastic change in altitude can sometimes cause headaches and lightheadedness so drink plenty of water. And be sure to head straight to the Summit House for donuts once at the top. They’re in high demand and the line gets long fast.
Cave of the Winds
Admission: Adults – $28, Kids – $18
One of Colorado’s oldest and most famous tourist attractions was once said to be the place where the Great Spirit of the Wind resides by a local Apache tribe. Since being explored by the Pickett brothers in 1880, these naturally occurring limestone caves have been a popular tourist destination. The guides here are some of the best in the city, deftly blending information with humor.
Local’s tip: If you have school-aged children, get the Pioneer Package. This $25 per person add-on gives kids (or adults) access to a high ropes course, a climbing wall, a Super Mario-style structure called Geronimo’s Leap, and the Bat-a-Pult, a 1,200-foot long aerial flight. They’ll love it!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Admission: Adults – $14.75-$34.75, Kids – $10.75-$29.75 depending on the time of year and time of day
One of the finest zoos in the country, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers one-of-a-kind exhibits that safely remove as many barriers as possible between guests and animals. If you want to walk with penguins, feed snacks to rhinos and elephants, and hop next to wallabies, you can do just that. Feeding lettuce to one of the largest giraffe herds in the country is something both kids and adults love. Keep in mind, treats to feed animals can only be purchased with cash.
Local’s tip: It doesn’t say it on your receipt but your ticket also includes access to The Will Rogers Shrine. Completed in 1937, the Shrine is a 114-foot tall granite tower built as a tribute to humorist Will Rogers. To get to it you actually drive through part of the zoo, then 2-miles up a scenic highway. Climb the tower’s 94 steps and you’ll be at an elevation of 7,710 feet with panoramic views of the city.
Manitou Springs
Admission: Free
Essentially a boardwalk without the water, Colorado Springs’ quirky westside neighbor has a stellar art scene, a retro arcade, and cool shops. The town is well-known for hosting unique events like its annual fruitcake toss and the Emma Crawford Coffin Races where participants run down Manitou Avenue in decorated caskets. Manitou is also home of The Incline. If you want to test yourself physically, this 2,768-step hiking trail that gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile is sure to leave your quads burning. It attracts runners, hikers, athletes from the nearby Olympic Training Center and in 2014, actor Kevin Bacon.
Local’s tip: Step back in time at Goldminers Nuts & Candy. This retro shop sells caramel apples, homemade fudge, and rare candies you haven’t seen since childhood. I stop at Goldminers every time I’m in Manitou.
Seven Falls
Admission: Adults – $16-$20, Kids – $13-$14
South Cheyenne Canyon, dubbed “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” is a box canyon that was originally used by the Ute Indians to trap buffalo. In 1883 it was turned into a tourist attraction as the narrow canyon ends with a series of seven beautiful cascading waterfalls located between two towering granite pillars. The 181-foot high falls can be explored via a 224-foot stairway, with two hiking trails awaiting at the top. Seven Falls is the only Colorado waterfall to make National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls.
Local’s tip: The best way to get to Seven Falls is via zipline. Soaring Adventures offers three different options to get to the falls in style. I’ve done the Fins Course twice and it’s amazing. It features two suspension bridges that will make you feel like Indiana Jones, five ziplines with two over 1000-feet long, and a 180-foot controlled rappel at the end. Flying 500-feet above the canyon floor is wild! Entry into Seven Falls, which is where you finish your journey, is included with your zipline tickets.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Admission: Adults – $21.95-$29.95, Kids – $12.95-$16.95 depending on the time of year and day of the week
Get into the Olympic spirit with a visit to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. This state of the art facility is loaded with memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Virtual kiosks let you ask athletes questions and try out several sports including archery and skiing. There’s even a two-lane, 20-meter track where you can race against digital versions of Olympic greats, including Jesse Owens.
Local’s tip: Step outside and head west, crossing the futuristic looking Park Union Bridge and you’ll arrive at America the Beautiful Park. This stunning public park has a massive green space, a modern playground, and an impressive 50-ft tall fountain (I call it The Stargate.) that has a water feature running from 11am – 5pm that kids love to wade in.
The Broadmoor
Rates: Off-season rates start at $200 a night
The Broadmoor is the world’s longest-running consecutive Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond resort. It’s hosted actors, athletes, comedians, astronauts, British royalty, and several U.S. Presidents. It’s the premiere place to stay in Colorado. Even if you’re not a guest, there’s still much to experience at the 5,000 acre resort. The Broadmoor offers 20 restaurants, stunning golf courses that routinely host PGA/LPGA events, plenty of shops, and a world class Sunday brunch.
Local’s tip: The Golden Bee is a local favorite. It’s a reconstructed 19th century British Pub that offers excellent food and drinks, and nightly sing-alongs led by a pianist dressed like he’s in a barber shop quartet.
The Air Force Academy
Admission: Free
The Air Force Academy is one of the few military installations open to the public. The Academy Planetarium offers free shows, there are a number of aircraft on display for photo ops, and you can even watch cadets march to lunch (11:30 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school year). While the iconic Cadet Chapel is closed for repairs until 2027, The Hotel Polaris opens this fall and will offer six different dining options, a 1950s style soda shop, and two flight simulators for a true Air Force experience.
Local’s tip: The Academy is a great place for hiking. My favorite trail is Eagles Peak. Only a 4-mile route it’s challenging due to its verticality but the views at the top are worth it.
The Royal Gorge
Admission: Adults – $34 adults, Kids – $29
Located an hour’s drive southwest of Colorado Springs is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, just outside Canon City. Built in 1929, it’s the highest suspension bridge in the United States, hovering 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Your entry ticket gets you access to the bridge, a massive playground, and a gondola that takes riders across the gorge, 1,200 feet above the river below. Fun add-ons include a zipline, a skycoaster, and a via ferrata.
Local’s tip: The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park can be experienced in half a day, so if your group is adventurous plan a white water rafting trip, which the area is famous for, along the Arkansas River in the morning or afternoon. Or for a different perspective, take an early or late ride along the river on the Royal Gorge Railroad.
Terry Terrones is a Television Critics Association and Critics Choice Association member, licensed drone pilot, and aspiring hand model. When he’s not traveling or writing, you can find him hiking in the mountains of Colorado. You can follow him on Twitter @terryterrones.