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I’m a Coloradolocal who can point you to the absolute best things to do in Colorado Springs!
This guide overviews outdoor experiences, cultural attractions and historic museums, delicious food tours, and more — including a few hidden gems. They’re great places to avoid crowds and ones you won’t want to miss!
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Table of Contents
28 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
Explore the walking trails and admire stunning rock formations.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 634-6666 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Garden of the Gods is one of the top landmarks people associate with visiting Colorado Springs. The park is full of fascinating rock formations in brilliant shades of red.
First, stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center to get the lay of the land. You can also learn the area’s history and admire amazing views of Garden of the Gods park, the Rocky Mountain foothills, and Pikes Peak.
You’ll find picnic tables and some of the best Colorado Springs hikes here. Most of the trails through the park are paved, so they’re stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
Pikes Peak
Visit the mountain that inspired a classic national song.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 385-7325 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Oct 1 – May 23), 7:30 am – 8 pm (May 24 – Sept 2), 7:30 am – 7 pm (Sept 3 – Sept 30) | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
See the spot on America’s mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful” more than 100 years ago. Trust me, it’s a must on your Colorado Springs trip.
There are lots of ways to get to Pikes Peak. You can drive, hike, bike, or take the recently refurbished Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top. Since it sits above 14,000 feet, you’ll want warm clothes regardless of when you visit.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Spend time at a mountain zoo.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 633-9925 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $14.75 – $34.75, adults, $10.75 – $29.75 under 12
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is more than 6,000 feet above sea level, and is designed so guests can get nice and close to the animals. Feed a giraffe, watch the wild animals, and take in an animal demonstration at this unique zoo!
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Check out beautiful, sparkling waterfalls on this hike.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 602-3343 | Website | Hours: vary; seasonal (open March 22 – Dec 1, 2024) | Entrance: $19 for adults, $13 kids 2-12 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Seven Falls is less than a mile from The Broadmoor, one of the best places to stay in Colorado Springs. It’s the only waterfall in Colorado onNational Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls.
The 224 steps to the top of the falls are a challenge. But you’ll get cool views of the box canyon and a stream as you hike up, plus amazing views from the top.
Air Force Academy
See the picturesque training grounds for elite aviators.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 333–2025 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: free
The Air Force Academy has a striking campus up against the Colorado Rockies. There are several outlooks around campus where you can take in the rugged natural beauty of the area.
You can also pop into the visitor center, the planetarium, the Falcon Athletic Center, and other campus spots. The Space Age-looking Cadet Chapel is an unusual stop as well, but it’s being renovated until 2027 so you won’t be able to go inside.
Because you’ll be entering a military base, be sure to have a valid photo I.D. like a current driver’s license or passport. You may also be asked to share proof of insurance and vehicle registration and may want to have your car rental agreement on hand. Security personnel may also search the vehicle.
Olympic Training Center
Learn Olympic and Paralympic history and see where these athletes train.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 866-4618 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon – Sat, closed Sun | Entrance: $15 adults, $11 ages 5-12, free under 5
Colorado Springs is known as Olympic City, USA — come see where it got its nickname! The Olympic Training Center near downtown Colorado Springs has housing, dining, and extra-curricular activities for athletes training to be the best.
Up to 512 athletes can stay at the center at one time. One of the best Colorado Springs museums is also at the training center. It gives a great overview of the stars that have made up Team USA!
👉 Read Next: 61 Fun Things to Do in Denver, Colorado
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
Learn more about these majestic, mysterious animals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 687-9742 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Tues – Sun, closed Mon | Entrance: $25+ peak season adults, $20+ off-season adults, $15 ages 3 – 11
The Wolf & Wildlife Center offers tours to teach visitors about the importance of wolves, coyotes, and foxes to the ecosystem and to help them understand the animals better. They also work to promote the preservation and conservation of forests and other lands.
Tours of the property provide an up-close look at wolves while visitors learn more about them. There is a special kids’ tour as well, but be aware that it discusses the fur industry, canned hunts, and other hardships these animals can endure. It’s not graphic, but you may want to call ahead to get a better idea of what will be shared if you have a sensitive child.
Sunrise Balloon Tour Over Colorado Springs
Tickets: From $250 | 👉 Book Your Sunrise Ride Here
Booking a Colorado Springs sunrise balloon tour is one of only two attractions on this list (along with Garden of the Gods) that makes our list of the 33 best things to do in Colorado!
Take in incredible views of Pikes Peak and the Pike National Forest, Garden of the Gods, and the Rocky Mountains. Sure, it’s a pricey thing to do in Colorado Springs, CO. But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the truly adventurous!
What to Do Outdoors in Colorado Springs
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Hike, mountain bike, or climb among these striking rocks.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 385-5940 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a lesser crowded alternative to Garden of the Gods. It’s near Old Colorado City, a National Historic District.
You can hike, mountain bike, or climb with an outfitter or on your own on the craggy rocks. There are plenty of easy hiking trails to do with kids, along with more challenging hiking and biking trails.
Helen Hunt Falls
Take a short walk to this pretty waterfall.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 633-5701 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily (May – Oct), 5 am – 9 pm (Nov – April) | Entrance: free
There’s a very short walk to an overlook where you can see Helen Hunt Falls, or you can make a longer hike of it and trek to the top. You’re also near the Seven Bridges Trail, so if you’re up for exploring more hiking trails, you can link up with that as well.
Florissant Fossil Beds
Visit one of the most diverse fossil deposits in the world.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (May – Sept); 9 am – 4:30 pm daily (Sept – Oct); 9 am – 4:30 pm Mon – Sat, closed Sun (Nov – May) | Entrance: $10, adults over 15, free for kids
Experience Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the best day trips from Colorado Springs! Hiking trails lead past massive petrified tree stumps, and the Geologic Trail provides insights into the very distant past.
You can also visit the Hornbek Homestead. Here, single mom Adeline Hornbek and her four kids turned their 1870s homestead into a thriving ranch.
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Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Pull on your hiking boots and explore these technicolor rocks.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 520-7529 | Website | Hours: 5:30 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: free
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of the best things to do near Colorado Springs. It gets its name from the colorful clay that Native Americans collected to make paint. The colors come from oxidized iron compounds, and vary from white to red to yellow and even green.
Spend plenty of time on the hiking trails through the park, taking in the ever changing light and color playing across the rocks.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Tour underground caverns for a close-up look at stalactites and stalagmites.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 685-5444 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily (Sept – May); 9 am – 6 pm daily (Memorial Day – Labor Day) | Tours: $27+ adults, $18+ ages 4-12, free under 4 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Cave of the Winds has one of the highest show caves in the U.S., which was discovered in 1881. There are three different tours to choose from, all of which wind through the underground caverns.
You can also go on rides at the outdoor fun park, or try the climbing wall or Via Ferrata for an extra kick of adrenaline. The Wind Walker Challenge Course is especially a favorite among visitors!
Whitewater Rafting
Get your adrenaline rush!
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Colorado is known for its whitewater rafting opportunities! Your best bet for rafting near Colorado Springs is going to be along the Arkansas River.
There are plenty of outfitters who will take you on a variety of guided rafting trips. From low-key floats with just enough excitement for the kids to seriously challenging rapids and overnight trips, you’ll find something to suit you!
Manitou Incline
Test your mental and physical mettle on this lung-busting trek.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 685-5089 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free
The hike up these stairs is less than a mile, but don’t let that fool you — this is a serious Colorado hike! The 2,744 stairs have up to a 68% grade and have been a challenge for military trainees, fitness gurus, and Olympians.
You’ll want to get plenty of exercises and be ready for the elevation before attempting to climb the Incline, and bring plenty of water. Most people can count on taking at least an hour or more to summit the Incline.
👉 Pro Tip: You’ll need to make a free reservation to climb the Incline on the website. There is nearby parking starting at $1 an hour.
Mueller State Park
Watch for wildlife at this scenic park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 687-2366 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per vehicle
Mueller State Park has elk, bears, deer, and a variety of birds for watching. It also has beautiful scenery and sweeping mountain views, along with a variety of gorgeous hikes for all levels! Bring your gear to fish, or go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
See reconstructed Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 685-5242 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4/5 pm (varies by season) | Entrance: $12.75 adults, $8 ages 4-11, free under 4 & over 100
The cliff dwellings in Manitou Springs are a must on your Colorado Springs vacation. They were relocated from Southwest Colorado in the early 1900s.
The ruins traveled by train and horse-drawn wagons to their current spot. When they reconstructed the ruins, the builders used concrete mortar instead of adobe mud or clay so the buildings are sturdy enough to tour.
Rock Ledge Ranch
Walk back in time at this living history museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 578-6777 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed – Sat, 1 pm – 5 pm Sun, closed Tues & Wed (seasonal, June – Aug) | Entrance: $8 adults, $4 ages 3-17, free under 3
Rock Ledge Ranch is a living history museum with demonstrations and historical reenactments. It offers family-friendly fun, along with an educational opportunity. There are blacksmith demonstrations, farm animals, a garden, and other activities showing Colorado life from hundreds of years ago.
You can experience the occupation of the Camp Creek Valley by the Utes in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Victorian life in 1875 is overviewed at the Chambers Family Rock Ledge House, as is early 20th century life in the Edwardian Orchard House.
Pikes Peak Alpine School
Tackle ice, rocks, and more at this climbing school for outdoor enthusiasts.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 368-9524 | Website | Classes: from $105 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Pikes Peak Alpine School offers ice climbing tours, as well as ski tours. However, its rock climbing tours are the most popular. Climb at several Colorado Springs spots including Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Open Space or try backcountry skiing at Pikes Peak.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Learn about the culture and history of the Colorado Springs area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 385-5990 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues – Sat, closed Sun & Mon (temporarily closed for renovations) | Entrance: free
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum in downtown Colorado Springs displays examples of early pioneer art like quilting, pottery, and painting.
It also has exhibits on the history of the area, along with art celebrating Native American crafters. Other exhibits celebrate the area’s time as an early health resort, and more recently as a military training center.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
Celebrate Colorado’s Wild West heritage with a trip to a rodeo museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 528-4764 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, closed Sat & Sun (Sept – April); 9 am – 5 pm daily (May – Aug) | Entrance: $10 adults, $7 ages 6-12, free under 6
When you visit Colorado Springs, don’t miss the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Museum of the American Cowboy! You’ll learn about the history of rodeo and see exhibits about famous rodeo stars of past and current times.
The Peterson Air & Space Museum
Tour Colorado’s oldest aviation museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 556-4915 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Tues – Fri, closed Sat – Mon and federal holidays | Entrance: free
Colorado Springs has long been associated with aviation. Learn all about the city’s ties to flying, military fighting, and space at this Air and Space Museum.
The museum is built on the site of Colorado Springs’ first municipal airfield and you’ll see vintage planes, rockets, and other aircraft while you tour the area.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Discover Colorado Springs’ mining history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 488-0880 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon – Sat, closed Sun | Entrance: $12 adults, $8 ages 13-18, $7 ages 4-12, free under 4
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry is one of the best Colorado Springs activities for history buffs! Here, you can learn about the city’s impact on mining and ranching.
You can walk through a replica mine shaft, check out a 1895 Corliss steam engine, and view a rescue pod used to save the Chilean miners. You can also see other machines used throughout the history of mining.
Penrose Heritage Museum
See one historic family’s impact on Colorado Springs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 577-7065 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm & 1 pm – 4 pm Tues – Thurs & Sat; 9 am – 12 pm Fri, closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: free
The Penroses were a wealthy Colorado Springs family that made their money in mining. Spencer Penrose was responsible for the construction of the Pikes Peak Highway, The Broadmoor, and other landmarks in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
See how this wealthy family lived in the early 20th century and view 30 carriages and 15 race cars, among other artifacts.
Glen Eyrie Castle
Visit an attraction on the National Register of Historic Places.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 265-7050 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm Mon – Fri; additional hours available with reservations
This castle was built by the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, for his family. It is now owned by the evangelical Christian group the Navigators, who use it for events.
It’s also open to the public for tours, afternoon tea reservations, and visits to the book store and coffee shop. You can even spend the night at the castle and check out the beautiful trails on or near the property.
National Museum of World War II Aviation
Learn about military aviation during WWII.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 637-7559 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed – Sun, closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $15+ adults, $13+ seniors & military, $11+ ages 4-12, free under 4 & WWII vets
You’ll learn about the huge leaps in aviation technology that happened during World War II and learn the stories of those who built and flew these planes. There are 28 restored aircraft at this museum, plus plenty of artifacts and documents sharing the history of the war.
Food & Drink
Manitou Springs
Stop for a bite to eat in this historic town.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Whether you want a burger, pancakes, or an ice cream cone after a day of hiking and exploring, downtown Manitou Springs can suit your cravings! Stroll the quaint historic street and pop into a shop for coffee or ice cream, or grab a seat at a sidewalk cafe.
Rocky Mountain Food Tours
Check out a speakeasy, a celebrity chef’s restaurant, and more on a tour of local eateries.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 322-5731 | Website | Tours: from $79
The woman-owned Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers several different tours to sample local Colorado Springs restaurants and bars. A food tour takes you to several great restaurants, while the cocktail tour and the craft beer tour specialize in boozy creations.
FAQs About Colorado Springs Attractions
What is so special about Colorado Springs?
What is so special about Colorado Springs is its history and outdoor attractions. Visitors can experience both at Paint Mines Interpretive Park, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings,Pikes Peak, and other Colorado Springs attractions.
Can you do Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in one day?
You can do Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in one day. They are situated near each other and can be leisurely experienced with 2-4 hours per.
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For even more ideas on what to do in Colorado Springs, check out my extensive list of hikes in and near Colorado Springs as well. Happy exploring!
