Fora’s Take
Colorado Springs is a great destination that combines city, nature and adventure travel. It is a city with a little bit to do for almost every person. Colorado Springs has breathtaking scenery and is at the very base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains, making a day trip to the mountains very accessible.
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Things to do in Colorado
Garden of the Gods
Great for easy hiking and walking on paved or unpaved trails. Beautiful rock formations that shoot out of the ground in vibrant shades of red. Several tours are available from biking, to horseback or walking. This is a great spot for people who enjoy rock climbing. It also has a visitor and nature center with plenty of resources to learn about the history of the area.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
A beautiful waterfall with tours and resources available to learn about the history of the area. Hiking trails can be found in the area where you can access the top of the falls.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
A cave in the mountains with tours available to learn about the cave. Plenty of adventure experiences await, such as a Zipline, a swing in a canyon called the Terror-dactyl, haunted lantern tours, climbing walls, a ropes obstacle course and Geronimo's leap.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Historical Dwellings in the sides of the mountains with tours and plenty of history about the area.
Manitou Incline
Great for experienced hikers. This hike is a hard one at 0.88 miles long, with a 2,000-foot elevation change from the bottom to the top. There is a point a little above the halfway mark to connect you to Barr Trail to get down, or you can get to Barr Trail at the top and come down then. This hike can take over two hours round trip, but the view from the top is so worth it.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Definitely make sure to book this at least two weeks before your visit. This is a train that will take you to the summit of Pikes Peak with plenty of beautiful scenery along the way.
Hot Air Balloon Festival and Hot Air Balloon rides
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is perfect if you are planning to be in Colorado Springs over Labor Day weekend. The balloons take off early in the morning in Memorial Park, and after dark they light up the balloons for an incredible light show. There are also hot air balloon rides that can be booked through Rainbow Ryder. Keep in mind that hot air balloons are dependent on weather conditions, so wind can cause rescheduling. They are also dependent on the season.
Pulpit Rock
A hiking spot in the city center with a great view. At the top of the rock, you will enjoy views of the entire city.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This is a park with plenty of hiking through canyons and red rocks. This spot is also great for biking or rock climbing.
Barr Trail
This trail gives you the option to hike to the Pikes Peak summit. Plan on starting the hike early so you can be back down at a decent time.
Day trips
Great Sand Dunes National Park
In the mountains of southern Colorado lies the tallest sand dune in North America. Amazing scenery. There is a creek that flows through the park at certain times of the year. Camping is available, and sand sledding is also a fun activity option. About two and a half hours from Colorado Springs.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Coaster, zipline, gondolas and a theater available as well as other events and adventures. About one hour from Colorado Springs.
Bishop Castle
This is an ongoing project hand-built by one man. Visitors can do a self-tour of the castle. This castle is super unique, tucked away in the mountains. About one and a half hours from Colorado Springs.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado's most well-known national park. It is located in northern Colorado and has gorgeous mountain views and plenty of hiking and wildlife. About two and a half hours from Colorado Springs.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Beautiful clay formations in the ground in eastern Colorado. About one hour from Colorado Springs.
Places to eat & drink in Colorado
Coffee
Wild Goose Meeting House: Great coffee in downtown Colorado Springs. There are plenty of food options, as well as patio sitting and open garage doors to let fresh air into the restaurant.
Story Coffee Company: Another great coffee option in downtown Colorado Springs, also with an option in Old Colorado City. Originally a house that was turned into a coffee shop.
Loyal Coffee: This coffee shop has locations in downtown Colorado Springs and North Colorado Springs.
Switchback Coffee Roasters: They have two locations near downtown Colorado Springs.
Wayfinder Coffee Co.: Great coffee with food as well. They host local events and are located in northeast Colorado Springs.
Food
The Rabbit Hole: Open for dinner. This is an underground restaurant in Downtown Colorado Springs that you can access through an English phone booth. Reservations are required.
Urban Egg: An amazing brunch spot with four locations throughout the city.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company: Located in downtown Colorado Springs. Open for lunch and dinner. There are billiards and bar games on the top floor, as well as a trivia night.
TAPAteria: A great tapas restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating in Old Colorado City. Completely gluten-free.
Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant: Downtown Colorado Springs spot that hosts live music and local events like five-kilometer runs and trivia nights.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Katie Anderson guide, A Local's Guide: Colorado Ski Resorts & Hotel Pairings.