Sophia May
Cool Things To See In Colorado Springs – Home page » Things to do » Weekend – 10 best things to do in Colorado Springs
During our year-long trip around the world, we will document our favorite places in these travel guides and travel blogs to serve as travel resources during our trips to these destinations. As you know, we left Austin for Colorado in early December.
Cool Things To See In Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting Austin, Texas, check out our upcoming travel guide for the best things to do in Austin!
The 17 Best Colorado Springs Hiking Trails (for All Levels) — She Dreams Of Alpine
One of the first places on our list was Colorado Springs, high in the Rockies at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s the perfect place for a long weekend getaway, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Colorado Springs!
Also known as “The Springs,” Colorado Springs is located almost in the heart of the state, halfway between Denver and Pueblo on Highway 25. It sits at an elevation of just over 6,000 feet.
After talking to the locals, we were very surprised to learn that Colorado Springs doesn’t get much snow. It’s also one of the sunniest cities in the country, perfect if you’re visiting Colorado and want pleasant, snow-free weather.
Springs is also called the Olympic City of the United States because it is home to the headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee and one of the largest Olympic training centers in the United States, as well as USA Hockey and more than 50 national sports organizations.
What To See And Wear In Colorado Springs, Co
You will find that there is a large military force (land and air troops) that almost a quarter of the population are military soldiers, civilians and their family members. Both Colorado Springs and neighboring El Paso County are headquarters for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
As the nation’s largest city by area, this sprawling metropolis is considered a high desert. It is largely adjacent to the snow-capped, tree-lined Rocky Mountains that border one side of the city.
We found there was so much to do. Let’s start with our favorite thing to do in Colorado Springs!
We called Cheyenne Mountain Resort home during our stay in Colorado Springs. No matter what time of year you visit the area, this resort is a great place to lay your head and explore all it has to offer.
Free Activities In Colorado Springs, Colorado
Set on more than 200 acres, there is an 18-hole golf course, more than 12 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a spa and a “wellness spot.” Explore the 35-acre lake and trails for swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing or rowing.
I liked this resort because there are many activities for the guests. Available for swimming, hiking, boating, exercise, yoga or crossfit, tennis or just relaxing by the pool. There is no lack of fitness opportunities here.
We found the room to be well equipped and we were lucky enough to have an amazing view of the mountains.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Colorado Springs, but if you’re traveling for a weekend or longer, you’ll need to choose a little more carefully than if you’re staying longer. So we’ve done the work for you and narrowed it down to a few gems that you can use while visiting Colorado Springs.
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The Garden of the Gods is a public park, a national natural landmark, and the most visited tourist attraction in the region. Watch for yourself and you will understand why. Beautiful green hills are juxtaposed with red rocks that seem to appear out of nowhere. It’s a place to explore and there are many ways to do it.
Fifteen miles of hiking trails are available, from winding concrete paths through the famous red rocks of the Garden of the Gods to full loops. The park also offers free guided tours daily. (Sign up at the visitor center.) Cyclists will enjoy the paved bike paths that run along all the one-way streets, and for the more adventurous, there are additional off-road trails.
Rock climbers flock to this mecca, offering climbing for all levels. Visitors wishing to climb the towering red rock will need appropriate equipment and a climbing permit (free of charge). Alternatively, Front Range Climbing Company offers private half-day and full-day tours for 1-4 people of all skill levels.
For the less adventurous, a fun way to get around the park is by Segway. There are daily tours of 90 and 120 minutes (note: there are also trolley and jeep tours, and you can walk around the park on your own).
Fun Things To Do In Colorado Springs For Adults
Visitor Center Garden of the Gods and Nature Center The Nature Center is more than just a hole in the wall. Indeed, it is a world-class high-tech museum that tells the story of the geology, ecology and cultural history of the region through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Suitable for all ages.
Come at sunrise or sunset to get the best photos. We arrived about 30 minutes before sunset and the light lit up the red rocks making it even more vibrant. We immediately parked and set off to explore the Garden of the Gods and take some great photos!
While driving through the Garden of the Gods, there are various parking lots and plenty of stops to stop and take pictures or park for a trip. There are many beautiful views throughout the park, so plan accordingly to avoid a lack of daylight.
Below is a link to a map of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs with information on roads, trails, routes and directions.
Fun Things To Do Near Colorado Springs, Co (2023): Best Places To Visit!
This 14,115-foot peak in the Pike National Forest is the most visited peak in North America, attracting more than 500,000 visitors a year. Located high in Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains, this is definitely a place worth exploring.
There are four reliable ways to see and explore Pikes Peak: on foot, by bike, by car, or by riding the Pikes Peak Cogwheel (closed in winter).
It’s a long hike to the top. In fact, the Bear Trail is 13.5 miles and climbs 7,510 vertical feet. That means 27 miles round trip. Certainly not for the faint of heart. If you decide to hike up and down the entire trail, you’ll need to get up before dawn to get started. You don’t want to be stuck up past the posted time because bailing out costs a pretty penny to get you back.
Whether you’re hiking all or part of the way, make sure you have the essentials in your backpack. Plenty of water, food, thick clothes (temperatures can drop more than 30 degrees from the bottom up) and rain gear (afternoon showers can often catch you off guard).
Interesting Facts About Colorado Springs
If you think hiking Peaks Peak is a challenge you want to take on, learn more here.
If you want to go around with two wheels, you have two options. You can ride the Pikes Peak Highway to the top (and away) or join the Challenge Unlimited bike tour (closed in winter, reopens in spring). The trip will take you in the morning by minibus to the summit, from where you can make a leisurely descent. Tour includes warm weather gear, helmet and lunch at Wines of Colorado.
You have to drive 19 miles to the summit on the Pikes Peak Highway. You’ll pass three lakes, picnic areas, the historic Glen Cove Inn, and the North Slope Recreation Area. Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring this magnificent mountain.
Built in 1891, the world’s highest cogwheel will take you to Pikes Peak in style. During the 3.5 hour round trip you will see waterfalls, poplar forests, snowy mountains and some truly spectacular views. It is recommended to reserve a place in advance.
Fun Things To Do In Colorado Springs If You Don’t Enjoy Hiking
Manitou Springs is a mountain resort just outside of Colorado Springs. Its name is a combination of the Native American word for “great spirit” and the eight sparkling mineral springs scattered around the town (reportedly having healing properties). These springs are free to anyone who wants to participate, and there are seven springs to explore around town. Click here to view a hot springs map.
In addition to being the starting point for the aforementioned Pikes Peak Cogwheel train, the city supports a vibrant artisan community, and the historic district is home to galleries, many unique independent shops, and a variety of restaurants.
For outdoor adventures, you can explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, go gold panning or fishing, river rafting, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
Manitou’s famous Inclined Trail is just over a mile long,
Things To Do In Colorado Springs This Weekend
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