Colorado is known for its high elevation, rocky mountains, and incredible wildlife. Located about an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is a fantastic destination for experiencing Colorado to the fullest without dealing with the heavy Denver traffic!
This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.
There is no shortage of exciting things to do in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to summit a mountain, a family looking for kid-friendly activities, or have a thirst for craft beer, there’s something for everyone!
Colorado Springs is one of the most picturesque cities in the United States. Imagine sitting outdoors at a local brewery or coffee shop with magnificent Pikes Peak as your backdrop, the foothills standing tall to each side and continuing for miles. It sparks a bit of adventure in all of us!
Have You Been To Colorado Springs?
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1. Take A Hike
Hiking is one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs. Despite being in the city, countless scenic trails with breathtaking views are available in and around the city. The hikes range from beginner to expert, depending on your comfort level!
If you’re new to hiking at elevation, check out this ultimate day hiking gear checklist to ensure you have everything you need to hike in the mountains! Below are some of the best hiking areas near Colorado Springs.
Garden of the Gods
One of the most popular hiking destinations in Colorado Springs is the Garden of the Gods. Its location in Northwest Colorado Springs allows visitors to get out of the downtown area for some fresh air.
Massive sandstone rocks jut hundreds of feet into the air and are visible from afar in many places around Colorado Springs. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture this place as a Garden for the Gods!
Here are the best hiking trails at Garden of the Gods:
- Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.1 miles, Easy): A paved path with close-up views of the astounding rock formations. Consider taking a side trip to Montezuma Tower for some spectacular views!
- Siamese Twins Trail (0.5 miles, Easy): This trail gives you fantastic views of Pikes Peak.
- Palmer Trail (1.6 miles, Easy): A great way to observe the rock formations from afar.
Garden of the Gods is free to enter and is beautiful any time of the year. Parking can be difficult if you try to snag a spot in one of the lots inside the park. Instead, consider parking by the Rock Ledge Ranch. It adds a few tenths of a mile to your hike, but you won’t have to battle for a spot!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is another hiking gem on the city’s West side. The rocks may not be as high as Garden of the Gods, but this hiking area is stunning. Huge, rust-colored rocks, like painted strokes on a canvas, are seen along the miles of trails as you immerse yourself in the high-elevation hiking of Colorado Springs!
The Mesa Trail is the most popular and central trail in the park. It connects with a network of hiking trails to make loops as long or as short as you’d like. This hiking area accommodates all hiking levels, from beginners looking for a leisurely stroll to experts looking to challenge themselves!
I highly recommend hiking the Greenlee Trail, which takes you past the remnants of the Kenmuir Quarry. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is also free to enter, with two large paved parking areas.
Like most places in Colorado Springs, Red Rock Canyon is dog-friendly. If you decide to bring your canine companion along for the adventure, check out our dog hiking gear checklist to make sure you have everything they need!
Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline is a classic hike in Colorado Springs. For some people, it is the most challenging hike they’ve ever been on. For others, it’s nothing more than part of their morning workout routine!
If you decide to accept the challenge, you’ll face 2,744 steps and an elevation gain of 2,020 feet in just 0.9 miles. The Manitou Incline is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards at the top and the feeling of accomplishment make it all worth it.
Plan to spend around three hours completing the Manitou Incline. While the ascent is only 0.9 miles, the descent includes a three-mile hike down the Barr Trail. Hiking down the incline is not allowed.
2. Ride A Train To The Top Of Pikes Peak
There’s a faster way to summit Pikes Peak than hiking the 13-mile Barr Trail. Take the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of the 14,115-foot mountain for an unforgettable adventure in the Pikes Peak Region. Summiting this massive mountain is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs.
How To Do It
Online reservations are highly recommended in the peak summer months. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so reserve them online to ensure a seat. Rates vary from $60 to $82, depending on preferences.
The train departs from the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway Depot on Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs. A large parking lot is available across the road from the depot with a $20 fee. However, if you plan to explore Manitou Springs after the train ride, park in one of the lots in downtown Manitou Springs and take the free shuttle bus to the cog station.
What To Expect
The trip involves a nine-mile, one-hour ride to the summit of Pikes Peak. Along the way, you’ll see intriguing views that are unique to the railway.
- Inspiration Point
- Ruxton Creek
- Diamond Rock
- Englemann Canyon
- Deer Park
- Remnants of past hotels
Once you summit the pink granite peak, you’ll have 40 minutes to take in 360-degree views of the breathtaking landscape. The Pikes Peak Visitor Center is a wealth of information about the region’s history. The center also has restrooms, snacks, and drinks.
All aboard! Once the train departs, it will take another hour before you return to the Cog Railway Depot.
3. Shop and Dine in Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City (OCC) is nestled on the northwestern side of town. As the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak Region, OCC flourished when gold was discovered in 1891 at Cripple Creek. Today, this gold rush town is a destination for those wishing to experience authentic Colorado cuisine, local art, and shopping.
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs, stroll down West Colorado Avenue to experience the best of Old Colorado City. Its eclectic shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and breweries have everything you need to feel like a local!
Dining
If you get hungry while shopping in the OCC, there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are a few of the best spots:
- Bon Ton’s Cafe: The best place for breakfast and coffee.
- Mother Muffs: A local pub serving killer food, specialty coffee drinks, and brews.
- Slice 420: Best pizza in Old Colorado City! And, if you read why they started their pizza shop, it’s a heartwarming story that explains their name!
- Colorado City Creamery: This is the place to go if you want a sweet treat. Ice cream is handmade daily.
Shopping
If you’re looking for Colorado-themed souvenirs, All About Colorado is a gift shop with everything, from T-shirts and hats to kids’ toys and playing cards.
Eclectic OCC is a great way to support a small, local business and its artists. It sells handmade jewelry, vintage, pottery, and more.
Countless other stores sell everything from clothing and jewelry to kitchen decor and vintage signs. As you stroll down West Colorado Avenue, don’t forget to glance around—you may glimpse some local artwork on the buildings!
4. Bring The Whole Family To Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is just past Manitou Springs on Highway 24. This action-packed adventure is family-friendly, but even if you don’t have kiddos, it’s still an incredible destination near Colorado Springs.
Cave Tours
Cave of the Winds offers three unique cave tours:
- Discovery Tour: This is an excellent introduction to the underground caving world and is perfect for families. It includes a 45-to-60-minute tour in the lighted portion of the caverns.
- Haunted Lantern Tour: For the more daring, explore the caves by lantern. This 90-minute tour will also tell you about some of the unexplained phenomena that happen in the caves!
- Expedition Tour: For those ready to start spelunking, this 3-hour tour takes you through the undeveloped sections of the caverns. Prepare to duck, crawl, and climb on this tour.
Other Fun Activities
In addition to cave tours, Cave of the Winds has an aboveground park that’s fun for any age. Here, you can zip line, test your skills on a Wind Walker challenge, or ride the thrilling TERROR-Dactyl.
Parking is free at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. There are also two restaurants to dine at between your adventures: Canyon Rim Grill and Prospector’s Point Grill. Cave of the Winds is definitely near the top of the list of exciting things to do in Colorado Springs
5. Grab A Beer At A Local Brewery
Microbreweries are one of the most popular destinations for Coloradans, and Colorado Springs is packed with over 30 breweries! Colorado Springs breweries have a beer for any palate, whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, reds, or sours.
While there are plenty to choose from, here are the top highlights!
Colorado Mountain Brewery
When I lived in Colorado Springs, this was my go-to place to grab a craft beer. They have twelve seasonal beers, one each month, and flagship beers on tap all year. Their brewmaster is phenomenal and likes to experiment, so you may catch them when they have an experimental tap on deck!
In addition to their craft brews, the food at CMB is delicious. They have everything from classic pub fare to unique dishes found only in Colorado, like their jalapeno bison poppers!
Cerberus Brewing
Cerberus Brewing is the best dog-friendly brewery if you want to bring your pup on your excursions. It has a wide open beer garden with comfortable wooden chairs, fire pits, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy a house beer and some traditional pub food while you and your fuzzy pal enjoy the outdoor atmosphere in the heart of Colorado Springs.
Bristol Brewing
Bristol Brewing is one of the most interesting breweries in Colorado Springs. It’s located in an old school, complete with hallways and classrooms that have been converted into shops and restaurants. The star of the show? Bristol Brewing.
This establishment has outdoor and indoor seating and plenty of house craft beers to test out. While they don’t serve food from a kitchen, they have a permanent BBQ food truck parked outside if you get the munchies.
Goat Patch Brewing
Goat Patch has that famous Colorado Vibe, complete with an outdoor beer garden, plentiful taps, and a relaxed atmosphere. Their staff are always ready to help if you want to try something new or taste test before ordering.
Like Bristol, Goat Patch does not offer food at its brewery. However, it does have a rotating set of food trucks that park out front and serve delicious food to hungry patrons.
Wrapping Things Up
Colorado Springs is a unique town filled with rich history, beautiful scenery, and an endless list of things to do. Whether you’re a history buff or outdoor enthusiast, if you want to feel like a local, check out one of the exciting activities above. Nothing says “Colorado” like miles of hiking trails, jagged mountain peaks, and sipping craft beer.
Whether you’re flying solo or have the whole family along for the adventure, there’s something for everyone in Colorful Colorado Springs!
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
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- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
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- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
My daughter lived in Colorado Springs for a few years right next to Garden of the Gods. You can hire a climber to help you navigate the climb. We did this with my grandson who was 8 years old at the time. He had a blast! My daughter is now in Bend Oregon. She’s a day hike like both of you! Your articles remind me of her each time I’m on your page!