Make Your Own Adventure in Colorado Springs

Welcome to Olympic City USA, home to America’s Mountain, the Garden of the Gods, and the United States Air Force Academy. That’s right…I’m talking about Colorado Springs.

Your plane has just landed…or maybe you drove? However you got here, you need something to do. Here are three mix-n-match itineraries designed to cater to your travel style, whether it’s adventurous, laid-back, or sophisticated.

Trip 1: Seeking Adventure in Colorado Springs

Looking for: The smell of nature, an adrenaline rush, excitement

Things to Do:

Hit the Trails (time varied) – One aspect of Colorado Springs that really sets it apart from nearby Denver is its proximity to nature. Parts of Colorado Springs are literally built in the foothills of Pikes Peak – America’s (14,000 foot) Mountain. As you might guess, this means Colorado Springs is home to a ton of awesome hiking and biking trails.

A few favorite beginner hikes include the Mount Cutler summit hike in North Cheyenne Cañon and the Garden of the Gods Loop trail. For an intermediate route, connect Mount Cutler to Mount Muscoco. If you’re looking for a hard route, two famous trails are the Barr Trail (a 21+ miles out-and-back to the Pikes Peak summit) and the extremely strenuous Manitou Incline. WARNING: If you’re hiking in Colorado, know your limits and proceed with caution. It’s also important to understand and be aware of altitude sickness.

Soar Through a Canyon (1-3 hours) – Head to Cave of the Winds to find a thrill ride known as the Terror-Dactyl…and for a good reason. This canyon swing drops riders more than 150 feet through a canyon. It’s quite the rush. Plus, this spot is also home to a cave you can tour, a high-ropes course, and more.

Meet Some Wolves (1-2 hours) – Prior to your visit, book a reservation at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation to get a free (donations accepted) up-close and personal encounter with a number of rescued wolves. You’ll find this hidden gem of an activity in Guffey, Colorado, approximately one hour outside of Colorado Springs. It’s totally worth the drive, just brace yourself for wolf kisses.

Places to Eat & Drink:

Trail’s End Taproom – The first of its kind in Colorado Springs, Trail’s End Taproom lets the patron pour their own drink from a long line of taps that include a mix of mostly beer, wine, often mead, and a kombucha or two. Their food menu is simple, but it’s on point and affordable, consisting of sandwiches, flatbreads, and meat pies.

Pub Dog – If you’re in Colorado Springs for an adventurous trip and you’ve got a pup in tow, Pub Dog is one spot you can’t skip. It’s a restaurant/bar attached to an outdoor dog park that’s open year-round (thanks to the great local weather).

Ivy Wild – This listing is unique because it’s not just one spot. Located inside of an old elementary school building, Ivy Wild houses a brewery, a cocktail bar, and a whiskey distillery’s tasting room. It’s a one-stop-shop that’s sure to please.

Where to Stay:

AirBnB – If you’re looking for a reasonable option in Colorado Springs that fully caters to your specific, adventurous experience, AirBnB is a great bet. With the wide range of options, you’ll be able to find the spot that fits to your needs.

Trip 2: The Trip for the Touristy Tourist in Colorado Springs

Looking for: You want to see the major attractions, and don’t worry…you will! Or maybe you’ve got kids, so you’re looking for something fun for all ages.

Things to Do:

Tour Garden of the Gods (1-3 hours) – Perhaps the most internationally known destination in Colorado Springs (if not, a close second to the next item), the Garden of the Gods consists of giant rock formations that rise out of the earth several hundred feet. It’s a great stop for beginner hikes, scenic views, and photography. We’d recommend checking out the 1.5 mile paved loop around the park’s central area or the intermediate 3.7 mile Garden of the Gods Loop trail.

Drive to the Top of Pikes Peak (4-6 hours) – There’s a road that will take you to the top of 14,000-foot Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. It’s right outside of Colorado Springs and provides many breathtaking views. Be warned: Weather and construction can shut down parts of this road, so you’ll want to make sure it’s open prior to planning your trip. It’s also worth mentioning that this is a toll road and that big drop-offs can cause issues for some drivers uncomfortable with mountain roads.

Tinker Around in Manitou Springs (2-6 hours) – Home to a Penny Arcade, a brewery, a spot called Rainbow Falls, and its namesake mineral springs, Manitou Springs is a mountain town that’s so close to Colorado, it could be part of it. That being said, it’s got a completely different vibe. Plus, it’s proximity to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods makes it easy to stop through here before or after visiting one of those hot spots.

Places to Eat & Drink:

Phantom Canyon Brewery – A long-time staple among Colorado Springs’ many breweries, Phantom Canyon Brewery is a great downtown spot for the casual craft beer drinker to enjoy a pint. It’s larger than most of the local microbrews in the area with a full bar, kitchen service, and games like billiards. It’s also got a great rooftop patio complete with fire pits.

Bingo Burger – One of the best spots to get a burger in Colorado Springs, Bingo Burger is a fast-casual restaurant that’s sure to please. What makes this burger joint unique is that they put regionally grown hot peppers in the meat patty. Don’t forget to try their fries and many creative dipping sauces. The shakes are also quite delicious. It’s also worth mentioning that like Phantom Canyon Brewery, Bingo Burger is also conveniently located downtown.

Leon Gessi New York Pizza – Opening up shop in 1974, Leon Gessi New York Pizza has been a favorite in Olympic City USA for decades. It’s a great spot to find delicious pizza at an affordable price.

Where to Stay:

Glen Eyrie –  A fancy and exclusive spot that’s surprisingly affordable, a stay at Glen Eyrie is a stay in a modern castle. Built more than a century ago, you’ll find 700 acres of breathtaking land, tea parties, and historic halls at this Colorado Springs destination.

Trip 3: Looking for Luxury in Colorado Springs

Looking for: the fancy side of life, from the food to the wine to the entertainment

Things to Do:

Seven Falls (2-3 hours ) – If you’d like to see a magnificent waterfall, but you’d like to skip the mandatory hike, Seven Falls at The Broadmoor is what you’re looking for. Consisting of seven drops, getting to this 181-foot waterfall is as easy as taking a shuttle. Once you’re at the falls, you’ll have the option to climb hundreds of stairs to the top or to take an elevator up to the scenic view at a platform across from the attraction. There’s also a restaurant on site – Restaurant 1858 – and they’ve got great Colorado trout.

Colorado Springs Philharmonic – A group of musicians that’s worth checking out, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has a long list of rotating show year round. Most of the time, you’ll find them at the Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, which is conveniently located downtown.

The Old Colorado City Galleries (1-3 hours) – If you’re looking for a fun area to mosey around, Old Colorado City is the place for you. You’ll find a ton of art galleries displaying the talent of local artists. Whether you’re looking for a Colorado painting for an intricate wood carving to take home, there’s a good chance it’s here. Visit during one of the “ First Friday” events for a lively atmosphere, a chance to meet local artists, and a good bit of wine.

Places to Eat & Drink:

MacKenzie’s Chophouse – Perhaps Colorado Springs’ most well-known fine dining establishment, MacKenzie’s Chophouse is one dining destination where you can’t go wrong. You’ll find an array of steaks and seafood, as well as a great cocktail list.

Jake & Telly’s Greek Taverna – If you’re looking for a fancy meal with a Greek twist, Jake & Telly’s Greek Taverna is for you. You’ll love anything you order from this menu, but a few favorites include the flaming saganaki and the roasted leg of lamb.

Upstairs Wine Bar – Located in Old Colorado City, Upstairs Wine Bar is a hidden gem that’s worth checking out. You’ll find a wide range of options, as well as a knowledgeable staff. Pair that with the cozy atmosphere and you’ve got the perfect place for a quick glass of delicious wine.

Where to Stay:

The Broadmoor Properties – Consisting of Cloud Camp, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, The Broadmoor, and The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp on the Tarryall, The Broadmoor offers a range of experiences. If you’re looking for the nicest that money can buy, The Broadmoor properties are an option you must consider.

Things You Should Know:

Keep Cars Locked – Whether you’re at a trailhead or downtown, make sure you keep your car locked with valuables that may be inside out-of-sight. Property crime is high in Colorado Springs, especially in touristy areas. While you probably won’t have issues during your visit, taking precautions and preventative measures will help.

Mind the weather – Colorado’s weather can seem to change at the drop of a dime. That being said, always be prepared with layers if there’s any shift on the forecast or if you’re encountering an elevation change. You might be in a t-shirt and shorts downtown, but in a winter jacket at the top of a mountain.

Mind the altitude – The altitude in Colorado CAN KILL YOU, regardless of your age, physical fitness, or activity level. The importance of understanding the symptoms of altitude sickness can not be stressed enough. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Wear your sunblock – The sun is quite strong in Colorado and there’s a lot of it. If you’re visiting, make sure you’re applying plenty of sunblock on a regular basis, especially if you’re at a high altitude or on snow.

Follow trail rules – If you’re on the trail, follow all posted rules. They’re not there to keep you from having fun, they’re there to keep people on the trail and the trail itself safe. Be aware of where you can or can’t bike or take pets. Pick up all trash and always yield to uphill traffic. Here are more tips.

Leave No Trace – As you might expect, Coloradans care A TON about the Centennial State’s natural landscape. Some of the guidelines that help to protect it are the “Leave No Trace” principles. They include things like always staying on the trail and packing out all waste and trash. It’s important to know all of these and follow them as you’re navigating the trail systems around the state.

A Final Note:

Did you find what you’re looking for in the trip-style you most relate to? If not, we encourage you to take a peek at items from other itineraries on this list to build-your-own perfect trip! We also recommend checking out the “nearby excursions” section below for additional ideas and more in-depth information.

Nearby Excursions

Cañon City – Home to Royal Gorge, a massive canyon with a walkable bridge above it. Cañon City is a great town to check out that’s roughly an hour from Colorado Springs. You won’t find big crowds and you’ll get to check out a few unique attractions including Skyline Drive and the Royal Gorge.

Boulder – Less than two hours from Colorado Springs, Boulder provides an entirely different setting. It’s a college town that’s built on the mountains, filled with awesome places to eat, shop, and explore.