Colorado Springs offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. This vibrant city at the base of Pikes Peak boasts stunning natural beauty, exciting outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. From awe-inspiring rock formations to scenic mountain vistas, Colorado Springs is home to some of the most captivating sights in the American West.
Travelers to Colorado Springs can explore world-class parks, museums, and historic sites. The city’s top attractions blend natural wonders with cultural experiences. Visitors can hike among towering red rocks, ride a cog railway up a 14,000-foot peak, or step back in time at a frontier-era trading post.
Whether seeking thrills or relaxation, Colorado Springs has something for everyone. The city’s attractions showcase the unique landscapes and heritage of the Rocky Mountain region. With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down the must-see sights. This guide highlights the top 10 attractions that belong on every Colorado Springs itinerary.
Iconic Landscapes and Natural Formation
Colorado Springs boasts stunning natural beauty. Its unique rock formations, majestic peaks, and serene waterfalls draw visitors from around the world.
Garden of the Gods: Majestic Beauty and Trails
Garden of the Gods amazes with its red rock formations. These towering sandstone structures stand out against the blue sky. Visitors can explore 15 miles of trails winding through the park.
The park offers easy paved paths and more challenging routes. Hikers often spot wildlife like mule deer and bighorn sheep. Rock climbing is popular, with over 100 routes available.
The Visitor and Nature Center provides exhibits on local geology and ecology. Guided nature walks teach about the area’s plants, animals, and rock formations. The park is free to enter and open year-round.
Pikes Peak: Summiting the Famous Mountain
Pikes Peak rises 14,115 feet above sea level. It’s known as “America’s Mountain” and inspired the song “America the Beautiful.”
Visitors can reach the summit by car, cog railway, or on foot. The Pikes Peak Highway spans 19 miles with scenic viewpoints along the way. The cog railway offers a unique ride up steep grades.
Hiking Barr Trail to the top takes 6-10 hours one-way. The summit rewards with views stretching for hundreds of miles. A new visitor center opened in 2021, featuring interactive exhibits and dining options.
Red Rock Canyon and Cheyenne Cañon: A Hiker’s Paradise
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers 787 acres of diverse trails. Hikers enjoy paths winding through red rock formations and meadows. The area also has popular spots for rock climbing and mountain biking.
Nearby, North Cheyenne Cañon Park spans 1,600 acres. It features steep canyon walls and lush forests. The park has over 20 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Both areas showcase the region’s rich biodiversity. Visitors might see wild turkeys, black bears, or golden eagles. The parks connect, allowing for longer hikes between them.
Seven Falls and Helen Hunt Falls: The Serenity of Water
Seven Falls cascades 181 feet in seven distinct steps. Visitors climb 224 steps alongside the falls for up-close views. At night, colored lights illuminate the waterfall.
The area offers hiking trails and an elevator to an observation deck. Eagles Nest platform provides panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and city.
Helen Hunt Falls, in North Cheyenne Cañon, drops 35 feet. A short trail leads to the base of the falls. Hikers can continue on to Silver Cascade Falls above.
Both waterfalls offer a peaceful break from the bustling city. The sound of rushing water and cool mist create a calming atmosphere.
Cultural and Historical Riches
Colorado Springs offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Visitors can explore charming historic districts, browse unique shops and galleries, and learn about the area’s rich past.
Old Colorado City: Blending History and Modern Charm
Old Colorado City, once a bustling gold rush town, now serves as a vibrant historic district. Brick buildings from the 1800s line the streets, housing art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Visitors can stroll along Colorado Avenue to soak in the Old West atmosphere. Many shops sell local crafts and artworks. The area hosts fun events throughout the year, like the Territory Days festival each May.
History buffs will enjoy exploring sites like Bancroft Park, home to a historic cabin and bandstand. The Old Colorado City History Center offers exhibits on the district’s colorful past.
Manitou Springs: Quaint Boutiques and Mineral Springs
Just west of Colorado Springs lies the charming town of Manitou Springs. This Victorian-era resort community is known for its healing mineral springs and quaint downtown.
Visitors can sample water from eight public mineral springs scattered around town. Each spring has its own distinct flavor and claimed health benefits.
The main street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes housed in historic buildings. Popular stops include the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking nearby trails or riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The town also hosts quirky events like the Emma Crawford Coffin Race.
Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum: Journey Through Local History
The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum offers a deep dive into the city’s history. Housed in the restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, the museum features exhibits spanning prehistoric times to the present day.
Visitors can explore artifacts from Native American tribes, early settlers, and local industries. Popular exhibits include a recreated general store and a collection of Van Briggle pottery.
The museum’s exterior is noteworthy for its red sandstone construction and clock tower. Inside, guests can admire the building’s ornate woodwork and a restored courtroom.
Special programs and events bring history to life throughout the year. Admission is free, making this an excellent stop for budget-conscious travelers.
Adventure Activities and Family Attractions
Colorado Springs offers exciting adventures and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can get up close with animals, explore caves, and step back in time to learn about Native American culture.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Wildlife Encounters and Giraffe Feeding
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits at 6,800 feet above sea level. It’s home to over 750 animals from 170 species. The zoo’s most popular attraction is the giraffe herd. Guests can hand-feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform.
The zoo has many other interactive experiences. Kids love the petting zoo with friendly farm animals. The African Rift Valley exhibit showcases elephants, rhinos, and lions in naturalistic habitats.
For extra thrills, try the Mountaineer Sky Ride. This chairlift gives bird’s-eye views of Colorado Springs and the zoo grounds.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Exploring Underground Landscapes
Cave of the Winds offers underground and above-ground adventures. The Discovery Tour takes visitors through lit caverns filled with stunning rock formations. Guides explain the cave’s history and geology along the way.
Thrill-seekers can try the Wind Walker Challenge Course. It features ropes and obstacles on the edge of a 600-foot cliff. The Terror-dactyl is a free-fall ride that swings out over Williams Canyon at 100 mph.
For a milder experience, pan for gemstones at the Prospector’s Cache or explore the Geo-Cache adventure course.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings: A Link to Native American Culture
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a window into ancient Puebloan life. These structures were built into red sandstone cliffs over 700 years ago. Visitors can climb ladders and walk through the dwellings to see how Native Americans lived.
The site includes a three-story museum with artifacts and dioramas. It shows the daily life, tools, and customs of the Ancestral Puebloans. Hands-on exhibits let kids grind corn and try on traditional clothing.
Outside, there’s a nature walk with signs about local plants the Puebloans used for food and medicine.
Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits
Colorado Springs offers many exciting ways to enjoy nature and stay active. Visitors can challenge themselves with steep hikes or explore scenic trails on bikes and horses.
Hiking the Incline: A Strenuous and Rewarding Climb
The Incline is a famous hiking trail in Colorado Springs. It’s very steep, with over 2,700 steps climbing 2,000 feet in less than a mile. The hike is tough but gives amazing views at the top.
Hikers should bring plenty of water and take breaks. The trail is busiest on weekends. Early mornings are less crowded.
At the top, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak. The descent uses the longer but less steep Barr Trail.
Biking Trails and Horseback Riding: Exploring Nature at a Pace
Colorado Springs has many great bike trails for all skill levels. Beginners can try the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. It’s mostly flat and follows Fountain Creek.
More skilled riders might like the Cheyenne Mountain State Park trails. These offer rocky terrain and steep climbs.
For a slower pace, visitors can go horseback riding. Academy Riding Stables offers guided rides through Garden of the Gods. Riders get close-up views of the park’s famous red rock formations.
Both biking and horseback riding let outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nature at their own speed. These activities are fun for families and solo adventurers alike.
Arts, Education, and Sports
Colorado Springs offers a rich blend of cultural and athletic experiences. The city boasts world-class art museums, top-notch educational institutions, and Olympic-level sports facilities.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center: A Hub for Visual and Performing Arts
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is a treasure trove of art and culture. It houses a museum with over 20,000 works of art. The center has paintings by famous American artists like John Singer Sargent and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits and a permanent collection. The center also has a theater that puts on plays and musicals. Art lovers can take classes in painting, sculpture, and other art forms.
The building itself is a work of art. It was designed in the Art Deco style and built in 1936. The center is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture in Colorado Springs.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center: Home of Team USA Athletes
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is where many top athletes train. It’s one of three such centers in the U.S. The complex has state-of-the-art facilities for over 15 Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Visitors can take guided tours of the center. They can see where athletes live, eat, and train. The tour includes a visit to the Olympic Hall of Fame. This museum showcases the history of the U.S. Olympic movement.
The center hosts many sports events throughout the year. Visitors might even spot future Olympic champions in training. It’s a great place to learn about Olympic sports and get inspired by elite athletes.
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