Colorado Springs Things to Do: A Local’s Guide to the Best Experiences

Name: Colorado Springs Things to Do: A Local’s Guide to the Best Experiences
Uploaded: 2026-06-24T09:00:00-06:00
Channel: Dominic
Description: From Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak, a 20-year local's honest guide to the best things to do in Colorado Springs - free, hidden, and seasonal picks.

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The best things to do in Colorado Springs are Garden of the Gods, a free city park full of towering red sandstone formations; the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet; the Manitou Incline, a straight-up climb that gains about 2,000 feet in under a mile; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, billed as America’s mountain zoo; and the shops and cafes of historic Old Colorado City. After twenty years of living here, those are still the five I send every visitor to first, and together they cover everything from an easy stroll to a lung-burning workout. Garden of the Gods has been free to the public since it was deeded to the city in 1909, so you can start your trip without spending a dime.

From hiking in Garden of the Gods to riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado Springs has plenty to choose from.

Nature lovers can explore the red rock formations or take in mountain vistas. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers may enjoy white water rafting or ziplining through canyons.

The area’s rich history and culture also provide many options. Visitors can tour the U.S. Air Force Academy or check out art galleries downtown. With so much to see and do, Colorado Springs makes for an unforgettable getaway.

Exploring the Natural Beauty

Colorado Springs has beautiful landscapes and unique geological features. Visitors can enjoy scenic parks, towering rock formations, and challenging hiking trails.

Majestic Gardens and Geological Wonders

Garden of the Gods stands out as a worth seeing attraction. This park showcases massive red rock formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years. Visitors can walk among towering sandstone spires and balanced rocks.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers similar views on a smaller scale. It features hiking trails winding through colorful rock formations.

Meanwhile, North Cheyenne Cañon Park is another natural gem. This park has steep canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s a great spot for picnics and short hikes.

Scenic Hiking and Iconic Trails

Pikes Peak dominates the skyline of Colorado Springs. Hikers can tackle the challenging 13-mile trail to the summit. The views from the top are incredible on clear days.

The Manitou Incline is a famously steep hiking trail. It climbs over 2,000 feet in less than a mile using old railway ties as steps.

Mueller State Park offers gentler hiking options. It has over 50 miles of trails through forests and meadows. Wildlife sightings are common here.

For a mix of nature and history, explore the trails in penny arcades and mineral springs of Manitou Springs. This quaint town sits at the base of Pikes Peak and has several scenic walks.

Adventure Awaits

Colorado Springs offers a range of thrilling experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From soaring heights to rushing waters, the area presents exciting options for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Thrills Above and Below

The Royal Gorge Bridge stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Visitors can walk across this impressive structure for striking views. For added excitement, try the zip line that stretches 1,200 feet across the gorge.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park provides underground adventures. Visitors can explore caverns filled with unique rock formations. The park also features above-ground thrills like the Terror-dactyl, a free-fall ride that swings out over the canyon edge.

Meanwhile, Adventures Out West offers Jeep tours through rugged terrain. These trips showcase the natural beauty of the region while providing an exciting off-road experience.

A Journey Through the Skies and Rapids

Rock climbing spots near Colorado Springs challenge climbers of all skill levels. Popular areas include Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River range from calm float trips to intense rapids. Many outfitters offer guided tours suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad takes passengers through the scenic gorge. This historic train ride provides a unique perspective of the area’s natural wonders.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Colorado Springs offers a rich tapestry of cultural attractions and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore art museums, historic sites, and learn about the city’s Olympic and military heritage.

Arts, Museums, and Historical Sites

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center showcases local and national art. It has paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibits. Meanwhile, Old Colorado City, once a gold mining town, now has shops and restaurants in historic buildings.

Glen Eyrie Castle, built in the 1800s, offers tours of its grand rooms. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site lets visitors step back in time to see how early settlers lived.

Meanwhile, Miramont Castle, a Victorian-era mansion, features period furnishings and artifacts. The Dinosaur Museum has fossils and life-size dinosaur models that kids love.

Military Traditions and Olympic Dreams

Colorado Springs is known as Olympic City USA. The Olympic Training Center hosts top athletes and offers public tours. Meanwhile, the World Figure Skating Museum displays costumes and medals from famous skaters.

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a not to miss. Visitors can tour parts of the campus and see cadets in training. The academy’s chapel is known for its striking architecture.

Colorado Springs embraces its military history. Many residents are active duty or veterans. This legacy shapes the city’s culture and community spirit.

Urban Delights and Local Flavors

Colorado Springs offers a buzzing food scene and lively entertainment options. Visitors can savor local flavors and enjoy exciting nightlife experiences in the city’s downtown area.

A Taste of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a diverse culinary landscape. Downtown is home to many popular restaurants and eateries.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co serves craft beers and tasty pub fare in a historic building. For food lovers, Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers guided experiences of local restaurants. These tours showcase the best dishes and drinks in the city.

Colorado Springs also features farm-to-table restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients. These eateries highlight the region’s agricultural bounty.

Visitors can find cuisines from around the world in the city. Mexican, Italian, and Asian restaurants are plentiful. There are also many cafes and bakeries for quick bites or sweet treats.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Downtown Colorado Springs comes alive after dark. Bars and clubs offer live music, dancing, and drinks. Many venues feature local bands and DJs.

The Penny Arcade is a unique attraction. It’s filled with vintage and modern arcade games. This spot is fun for both kids and adults.

Theater lovers can enjoy shows at local playhouses. There are also comedy clubs for those seeking laughs.

For a more relaxed evening, visitors can explore art galleries. Many galleries stay open late on certain nights. This allows guests to view artwork while sipping wine.

Some resorts in the area offer entertainment too. They may have live music, bars, or other activities for guests.

Family Fun and Educational Journeys

Colorado Springs offers many exciting activities for families to learn and have fun together. From animal encounters to hands-on science exhibits, there’s plenty to choose from.

Zoological Wonders and Family Attractions

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a worth a visit spot for animal lovers. It’s home to over 750 animals from around the world. Kids can feed giraffes and see elephants up close. The zoo also has a cool sky ride with great views of Colorado Springs.

For more wildlife fun, check out the Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Families can spot deer, birds, and even bears on the hiking trails. The park has easy walks for little legs and tougher trails for older kids.

Seven Falls is another cool spot. It’s a series of waterfalls in a pretty canyon. Families can climb 224 steps to the top for amazing views. There’s also an elevator for those who don’t want to climb.

Interactive Learning and Discovery

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is perfect for young space fans. Kids can try out space suits and learn about Mars.

There are lots of hands-on exhibits about rockets and satellites.

For a mix of history and nature, visit the Ghost Town Museum. It’s an old-west town brought to life.

Kids can pan for gold and see how people lived in the 1800s.

The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is a fun blast from the past. It has old-school games and rides that parents might remember from their childhood.

Kids can play pinball and ride mini trains.

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum teaches local history. It has cool exhibits about the area’s first settlers and Native American tribes.

Best of all, it’s free to visit.

How to Spend One, Two, or Three Days Here

The question I get more than any other is simple: “We’ve only got a couple of days, what should we actually do?” After twenty years living here, this is how I’d lay it out. Shuffle it around for weather and how much driving you feel like doing.

One Perfect Day

Start early at Garden of the Gods, ideally before 8 a.m. when the light on the rocks is best and the lot hasn’t filled up. The paved central loop only takes an hour and gets you right under the big formations. From there it’s a ten minute drive into Old Colorado City for lunch and a wander through the shops. Spend the afternoon on Pikes Peak, either driving the highway or riding the Cog Railway up from Manitou. Then cap the evening downtown. My nightlife guide points you to where locals actually go, not the tourist traps.

A Full Weekend

Day one, run the plan above. Day two, slow it down. Grab a coffee at one of my favorite local shops, then pick one real outdoor thing: an easy hike at Red Rock Canyon or the quieter Ute Valley Park, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo if you have kids, or a soak at the hot springs over in Manitou. In the afternoon, walk the grounds at The Broadmoor even if you aren’t staying there. It’s worth seeing. Then treat yourself to a nice dinner. My where-to-eat guide sorts it by budget.

Three Days or More

With a third day you can get out of the city a bit. Spend a morning exploring Manitou Springs, with its mineral springs, penny arcade, and the base of the Incline if you’re feeling ambitious. Then knock a few big ones off the local bucket list, the things worth doing before you leave. If the weather turns, that’s the perfect afternoon for the museums and indoor spots I list below.

When to Visit, Season by Season

There’s no bad time to come, but each season has its own feel. Here’s the honest local read.

Summer (June to August) is peak season for a reason. Everything is open, Pikes Peak is fully accessible, and the afternoons are warm. Just plan around the near-daily afternoon thunderstorms in July and August, do your high stuff in the morning.
Fall (September to October) is my favorite. The crowds thin out, the aspens turn gold up in the high country, and the weather is close to perfect. If you can only pick one time, pick this.
Winter (November to March) is quiet and often surprisingly mild down in town, with plenty of sunny days. The Cog Railway still runs, the hot springs are at their best, and it’s the cheapest time to visit. Snow up on Pikes Peak makes for great photos.
Spring (April to May) is unpredictable, we can get a warm day and a snow squall in the same week, but it’s green, the farmers markets start up, and the trails are wide open before summer crowds arrive.

One tip that applies year round: we sit at over 6,000 feet, so drink more water than you think you need and take the first day easy while you adjust to the altitude.

Quick Picks by What You’re Looking For

Free Things to Do

You can fill a whole trip without spending much. Garden of the Gods is free to enter, and there’s a lot more where that came from. Start with my roundup of 50-plus free things to do, plus free activities with kids and the best dog-friendly parks and trails if you’re traveling with a pup.

With Kids

Families do well here. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest-elevation zoo in the country and a genuine highlight, the farmers markets are an easy free morning, and in summer there are plenty of day camps if you’re staying a while.

Rainy Day and Indoor

When an afternoon storm rolls in, don’t waste it. The Pioneers Museum is free and genuinely good, the shops in Old Colorado City keep you dry, and a slow hour at one of the local coffee shops is never a bad call.

Date Night

For a night out, I’d point couples toward dinner and drinks downtown from my nightlife guide, a soak at the hot springs in Manitou, or a splurge evening at The Broadmoor. Old Colorado City after dark is a quieter, laid-back option too.

Go Deeper: My Full Colorado Springs Guides

This page is the big-picture overview. When you’re ready to dig into one thing, here are my complete local guides, written from 20 years of actually living here:

Insider Tips From 20 Years of Living Here

I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for two decades, so let me save you the mistakes most visitors make.

Garden of the Gods, timing is everything. It’s the number-one thing to do here, and it’s completely free, but do not show up on a summer weekend when the weather’s perfect. You’ll sit in traffic crawling around the loop with half the city. Go early in the morning before the crowds, or in the evening, and ideally on a weekday: you’ll practically have the red rocks to yourself. And here’s a trick almost nobody knows: take Rampart Range Road out of the park. It’s a dirt road that opens up views of Garden of the Gods you’ll never get from the main loop.

Don’t stop at the famous spot. Ute Valley Park is a local favorite, a really nice place to get outside, especially for mountain biking, with a fraction of the crowds.

The Broadmoor is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. It’s our legendary five-star resort, famous for its beauty and its service. Walk the grounds, there are flowers everywhere and a big lake in the center, and step inside to see the hallways, which are lined with an incredible collection of local artwork and photos of the famous people who’ve stayed here. Here’s my full Broadmoor guide.

Some of the best stuff is a short drive away. Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,000-foot summit, the view is incredible, especially in summer, and yes, the train runs all winter. And about an hour out, the Royal Gorge is spectacular; you can ride a train right through it.

More Colorado Springs Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Colorado Springs?

Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak (drive, hike, or the Cog Railway), the Manitou Incline, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Old Colorado City, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum are the must-sees. Add Red Rock Canyon Open Space and the Broadmoor for a fuller trip.

How many days do you need in Colorado Springs?

Three days is the sweet spot, enough for Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak plus a couple of neighborhoods, museums, and great meals without rushing. Two days works if you focus on the highlights.

What are the best free things to do in Colorado Springs?

Garden of the Gods is free to enter, and so are Red Rock Canyon Open Space, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s overlooks, Old Colorado City’s shops, and most of the area’s hiking trails.

What is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) brings the best weather for hiking and sightseeing. September and early October add golden aspens and thinner crowds.

Keep exploring: more Colorado Springs local guides

This guide is your starting point, here are the deep-dive local guides behind it:

Colorado Springs Things to Do: A Local’s Guide to the Best Experiences