If you see a line of brake lights on Highway 24 heading west on a Saturday morning, you’re already too late. Most visitors spend their entire trip fighting for a parking spot at the Broadmoor or standing in line for a mediocre burger downtown, but you’re going to do it differently. Whether you’re here to tackle a 14,000-foot peak or just want to sip a cold IPA with a view of the Rockies, Colorado Springs is a city that rewards those who know exactly where to turn.
Table of Contents
- Sunrise at Garden of the Gods
- Conquering the Manitou Incline
- The Pikes Peak Summit and High-Altitude Donuts
- Feeding Giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Exploring Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Afternoon Sips at Ivywild School
- The Historic Charm of Old Colorado City
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Chasing Waterfalls at Seven Falls
- Spelunking at Cave of the Winds
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Catch the Sunrise at Garden of the Gods
Most people arrive at 10:00 AM and circle the parking lot for forty minutes. Don’t be that person. Get to the park 20 minutes before sunrise. The “Golden Hour” here isn’t just a photography term; it’s when the light hits the Kissing Camels and Cathedral Spires, turning the red sandstone into molten orange.
Local Tip: Skip the main Central Garden trail if you want peace. Head to the Siamese Twins trail. It’s a short, easy loop that offers a natural rock “window” perfectly framing Pikes Peak—it’s the best photo op in the city, hands down.
2. Test Your Lungs on the Manitou Incline
This isn’t a “hike”—it’s a 2,744-step staircase of doom built into the side of Mt. Manitou. You’ll gain 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile.
Local Tip: You must make a reservation online beforehand; the rangers do check. Also, whatever you do, don’t hike back down the stairs (it’s hard on the knees and frowned upon). Take the Barr Trail back down for a scenic, winding descent through the pines.
3. Pikes Peak Summit and High-Altitude Donuts
You can drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway or take the newly renovated Cog Railway. Either way, once you hit 14,115 feet, the air gets thin and the views reach all the way to Kansas.
Local Tip: Go straight to the Summit House and buy the donuts. They are a special recipe designed to fry at high altitudes. If you take them down to the bottom of the mountain, they’ll deflate and get soggy, so eat them while they’re hot and the air is thin.
4. Feeding Giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This isn’t your standard flat city zoo. It’s built into the side of a mountain, meaning you’re getting a workout while you look at the animals. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country for a reason.
Local Tip: Buy the crackers to feed the giraffes. It sounds touristy, but standing eye-to-eye with a giraffe while its 18-inch tongue grabs a cracker from your hand is an experience that never gets old, no matter your age.
5. Hiking Red Rock Canyon Open Space
If Garden of the Gods feels too crowded, drive five minutes down the road to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. It has the same stunning red rock geology but is way more popular with the people who actually live here.
Local Tip: If you have a dog, this is the spot. There are two massive off-leash loops where your pup can run wild among the canyons. The Sand Canyon trail is my personal favorite for a quick midday reset.
6. Afternoon Sips at Ivywild School
This is an old elementary school converted into a brewery, bakery, and marketplace. Sitting in the old “Principal’s Office” (now a cocktail bar) with a drink in hand is the peak Colorado Springs vibe.
Local Tip: Head to Bristol Brewing inside the school and order a Laughing Lab Scottish Ale. It’s a local legend. If you’re hungry, the Bristol Smash Burger is arguably the best in the neighborhood.
7. The Historic Charm of Old Colorado City
Back in the 1800s, this was the original capital of the Colorado Territory. Today, it’s a stretch of West Colorado Avenue filled with art galleries, boutiques, and some of the best food in the city.
Local Tip: Skip the chain restaurants. Go to Pizzeria Rustica for authentic Neapolitan pizza or Front Range BBQ for southern-style smoked meats and live bluegrass on the patio.
8. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Colorado Springs is “Olympic City USA.” This museum is one of the most high-tech, accessible museums in the world. When you enter, you get a “creds” tag that customizes every exhibit to your interests and accessibility needs.
Local Tip: Even if you aren’t a sports fanatic, the “Miracle on Ice” exhibit and the simulation where you can race against an Olympic sprinter are worth the price of admission.
9. Chasing Waterfalls at Seven Falls
Located on the Broadmoor property, this is a series of seven cascading waterfalls tucked into a box canyon. You can take the 224 steps to the top or ride an elevator built into the mountain if you’re tired from the Incline.
Local Tip: Go in the evening. They light up the falls with multi-colored LEDs at night, which makes the whole canyon look like something out of a fantasy novel.
10. Spelunking at Cave of the Winds
This has been a local staple since 1881. You can take the standard “Discovery Tour” through the caverns, but if you’re looking for a rush, check out the Wind Walker Challenge Course, which sits on the edge of a 600-foot drop.
Local Tip: If you want a real scare, book the Haunted Lantern Tour. They take you into the undeveloped sections of the caves with nothing but a hand-held lantern and tell you the creepy folklore of the mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Colorado Springs?
September is the “sweet spot.” The summer crowds have thinned out, the aspens start turning gold in the mountains, and the weather is usually a perfect 70 degrees.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Colorado Springs?
Drink twice as much water as you think you need, limit alcohol for the first 24 hours, and don’t try to hike Pikes Peak on your first day. Give your body at least a day to acclimate at the city’s 6,035-foot elevation before going higher.
Is Colorado Springs a walkable city?
Not really. While Old Colorado City and Downtown are walkable once you’re there, the attractions (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, the Zoo) are spread out. You will definitely want a car or a reliable rideshare app.
Do I need a reservation for Garden of the Gods?
No, entry to the park is free and no reservations are required. However, for the Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, reservations are mandatory.
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