Much of the appeal of Colorado Springs lies in its scenic surroundings, which include the towering Rocky range and the unique red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods park. A great place to start a visit to Colorado Springs is at Pikes Peak, one of the area’s most popular attractions. The famous mountain is closely linked to the nation’s early history and was a famous symbol of the 1859 gold rush to Colorado. Hike up the popular Barr Trail to Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot (4,302-meter) summit. Or, from March through December, catch the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a leisurely ride to the top. After you descend the mountain, stop into the Garden of the Gods city park. This park sits at the foot of Pikes Peak and is known for its jagged red rock cliffs. Other outdoor leisure activities include golf and white-water rafting on the nearby Arkansas River. This part of the Rockies is also home to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a favorite destination for families.Delve into the frontier heritage of the area at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum or at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, both located in the city.Finding your way around Colorado Springs is relatively simple. The city is built on a grid system, and buses and taxis are plentiful. Many visitors choose to drive, as parking and roads are good and many of the top sites, such as the Garden of the Gods, are only accessible by car. Colorado Springs is generally mild and sunny, as the mountain range protects the city from harsh weather. However, there is still plenty to do if you need to stay indoors. Stop by the United States Air Force Academy, where you can see the striking modernist Cadet Chapel, or enjoy art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
Colorado Springs, CO
Where to stay in Colorado Springs
Central Colorado Springs
While visiting Central Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like United States Olympic Complex and Monument Valley Park.
Downtown Colorado Springs
Travelers come to Downtown Colorado Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Pikes Peak Center and Monument Valley Park while you're in town.
West Colorado Springs
While visiting West Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Garden of the Gods and Glen Eyrie Castle.
Southwest Colorado Springs
While visiting Southwest Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Broadmoor
While visiting Broadmoor, you might make a stop by sights like Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Old Colorado City
Now a tourist area, Old Colorado City boasts a shopping district with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, as well as attractions like Simpich Showcase and Magic Town at The Michael Garman Museum and Gallery.
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Getting around Colorado Springs
The primary form of public transit in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area is the Mountain Metro Transit, a bus network with routes that cover the city and out to nearby towns like Manitou Springs and Widefield. The best way to get around in Colorado Springs, though, is to rent a car, as many of the most popular tourist attractions are natural sites, like Pikes Peak, which aren’t always reachable by bus. Visit the Mountain Metropolitan Transit website.Browse Colorado Springs rental cars.
Best time to visit
Colorado Springs sees mild temperatures from the spring to the fall. The height of summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so you may prefer to visit in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall when you’ll get more of the place to yourself and temperatures are a little easier to deal with. However, festival spirit is definitely in the air during the summer months.
Popular places to visit
Pikes Peak
The second-most visited mountain in the world is an easy day trip from Colorado’s capital.
Garden of the Gods
Get a taste for the Colorado landscape as you explore this huge city park on your own or during a guided bus or Segway tour.
US Air Force Academy
Enjoy a free tour of the military campus where young men and women are trained to be officers in the United States Air Force.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Tour the mountainside zoo to see hundreds of animals in replicas of their natural habitats. Feed giraffes and look down on the animals from a chairlift.
Glen Eyrie Castle
Visit the English castle-like home and extensive grounds that once belonged to the founder of Colorado Springs and his family.
Seven Falls
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Seven Falls, a lovely green space in Colorado Springs. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area, or seek out the hiking trails.
Things to do
Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour
Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour
EBIKE Mountain Adventure in Colorado Springs: Gold Camp Road
Reviews of Colorado Springs
4/5 - Good
Fun places to eat in downtown Colorado Springs. We could have eaten at the Grille but chose a little cheaper version. Visit to Royal Gorge a must.
3/5 - Okay
It just felt fake all around
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing time and plenty to see, even if tou just hang out in the hotel all day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
4/5 - Good
It is a nice area to visit. Our visit was during the Covid crisis and almost no one was wearing masks so it was uncomfortable.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful beautiful city! Love the mountains
4/5 - Good
Nice geographical location with interesting sites to visit. We do not find the city particularly interesting.
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Colorado Springs
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Other places like Colorado Springs
- Pikes Peak
- Garden of the Gods
- US Air Force Academy
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Peterson Air Force Base
- Broadmoor World Arena
- Glen Eyrie Castle
- Seven Falls
- Cave of the Winds
- Colorado College
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway
- Red Rock Canyon
- Pikes Peak Center
- Manitou Incline
- University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
- Broadmoor Golf Club
- United States Olympic Complex
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Memorial Hospital Central
- Pikes Peak International Raceway
- Chapel Hills Mall
- Double Eagle Casino
- The Paint Mines Interpretive Park
- Mueller State Park
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Colorado Springs Convention Center
- Memorial Park
- Century Casino
- Norris Penrose Event Center
- Focus on the Family Welcome Center