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The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs combines natural beauty with urban amenities, sitting at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. This guide covers everything visitors need to know, from accommodation to seasonal activities.

  • Getting There & Around

  • Airport Access


    Colorado Springs has an airport with flights to and from several airports throughout the US. However, Denver is an hour and a half away and may have more flight options from your home airport, and there are shuttle services between DEN and COS.

    Local Transportation

    • Mountain Metropolitan Transit (local bus system)
    • Rental cars (recommended for maximum flexibility)
    • Ride-sharing services readily available
    • Bike-sharing program in the downtown area - Pike Ride
  • Must-See Attractions

  • The United States Air Force Academy Graduation | usafa.edu

    Garden of the Gods


    This free public park centers around stunning 300-foot sandstone rock formations. There is also 21 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, and free guided nature walks. You’ll want to stop in the visitor center, which has interactive exhibits, a panoramic viewing deck, and educational activities. Don’t miss Balanced Rock, a massive rock formation that seems to be magically balancing atop another rock formation. The Scotsman Trail offers some of the best photography opportunities in the park. Explore the park hiking, on horseback, on a segway, or on a trolley.

    Pikes Peak


    One visitor was so moved by their visit to Pikes Peak, they penned one of the most well-known songs in the US- America the Beautiful. It is no wonder Pikes Peak is one of the most visited mountains in america. One of the easiest, and most popular ways to get to the top is on the Cog Railway, a three-hour round trip historic train. If you have a rental car, you may want to take the Pikes Peak Highway. This 19-mile scenic drive requires a reservation to drive, and costs $35 for a carful of up to 5 people. There are multiple pull offs and photo spots along the way, but there are no gas stations, so be sure to fill up before your trek. Hiking enthusiasts can try their hand at the Barr Trail, a 13 mile (one way) trail up to the top, which takes about 6-10 hours.

    United States Air Force Academy


    The United States Air Force Academy is an iconic aluminum, glass, and steel structure made up of 17 spires soaring 150 feet high, and is one of the most striking examples of modernist architecture in the US. Stunning architecture aside, you can see where future airforce and spaceforce officers train. You won’t want to miss the noon meal formation when school is in session. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits, a B-52 aircraft display, and 27 miles of hiking and biking trails.

    Cheyenne Mountain Zoo


    The highest elevation zoo in America, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses the largest giraffe heard held in captivity. Get access to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, which features a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey, the tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose (founders of the zoo), and the vibraharp that chimes every hour. The zoo also features an award-winning mountain lion exhibit, Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit, giraffe feeding opportunities, and behind-the-scenes tours.

    Olympic & Paralympic Training Center


    Take a tour of the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, guided by olympic hopefuls. See athletic training facilities, an olympic-sized swimming pool, shooting center, sports medicine center, olympic torches, medal displays, and interactive exhibits.

  • Downtown Colorado Springs Highlights

  • Colorado Mountain Brewery

    Fine Arts Center


    The Fine Arts Center offers art work and theatrical performances in one building.

    Pioneers Museum


    Learn about the history and culture of Colorado Springs through the many exhibits, programs and events.

    Local Breweries and Distilleries


    Colorado Springs is brimming with breweries and distilleries to wet your whistle. Breweries like Metric Brew, Bristol Brewing Company, and Colorado Mountain Brewery are perfect for trying out some craft beers with some delicious bites. You can also try a tour, which will include transportation and allow you to visit multiple breweries in one go. Beer not your thing? Don’t worry, there are plenty of distilleries, cideries and even a couple of wineries near by.

  • Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs

  • Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

    Paint Mines Interpretive Park

    Paint Mines Interpretive Park features stunning geological formations with colorful bands of clay used by Native Americans for millennia, creating an otherworldly landscape of white and pink spires and hoodoos.

    Gold Camp Road ghost towns

    Visit ghost towns from the gold rush in the late 19th century like Goldfield.

    Helen Hunt Falls

    Located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this is a dramatic 35-foot waterfall accessible via a short but steep trail that provides spectacular views of both the falls and the surrounding canyon.

    Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

    Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum that gives views of what life was like in four different time periods: the American Indian Era, Homestead Period of the 1860s, the 1880s and 1907.

  • Where to Stay

  • Garden of the Gods Resort and Club | Oyster

    The Broadmoor


    Best for: Luxury Vacations
    Nearby Attractions: Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and The Broadmoor World Arena

    This historic 5-star resort opened in 1918, and is six miles from downtown on Cheyenne Lake. Choose from classic rooms with mountain or lake views, suites, cottage suites, or the luxurious estate house or townhouses. There is a golf course, outdoor pool, two indoor pools, on-site spa, and several on-site restaurants, bars and cafes.

    Garden of the Gods Resort and Club


    Best For: Luxury Vacations, Couples, Wellness
    Nearby Attractions: Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs

    Perched on a mesa overlooking the Garden of the Gods, the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has stunning views of the rock formations combined with luxury accommodations at their finest. Rooms range from classic rooms to casitas that have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Amenities include a wellness spa, golf course, three pools, and tennis facilities.

    The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel


    Best For: Couples
    Nearby Attractions: Pikes Peak Center, Pioneers Museum, Downtown shopping and dining

    Housed in a former stock exchange building, The Mining Exchange is in downtown Colorado Springs, making it a prime location for your Colorado Spring vacation. Choose from classic rooms to presidential suites with multiple rooms. There is an on-site spa, on-site restaurant, and fitness center.

    Hyatt Place Colorado Springs


    Best For: Budget Travel
    Nearby Attractions: World Arena, Broadmoor World Arena, Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Hyatt Place offers reliable, comfortable accommodations centrally located for easy navigation throughout Colorado Springs. There is free breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and fantastic mountain views from most rooms. Choose from standard rooms to mini suites.

    Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods


    Best For: Families
    Nearby Attractions: Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, Manitou Springs

    Outside of the center of the city near the Garden of the Gods, this Quality Inn provides pleasant accommodations with basic amenities that make for an enjoyable stay. Choose from standard rooms to family suites with multiple configurations that suit every family’sneeds. It offers free breakfast, an outdoor pool (seasonal), and pet-friendly rooms.

    Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites


    Best For: Budget Travel
    Nearby Attractions: Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Palmer Park

    From standard rooms to mini suites, Best Western offers the basics you need for a place to lay your head during your Colorado Springs vacation. You’ll enjoy a free breakfast, and a heated outdoor pool.

    Cliff House at Pikes Peak


    Best for: Couples
    Nearby Attractions: Manitou Springs Downtown, Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station, Manitou Incline

    This victorian hotel has a more intimate atmosphere was named one of Colorado’s most romantic hotels. Guests love the wrap around porch, fine dining at the on-site restaurant, and wine cellar dinners. Choose from classic rooms to celebrity suites that feature gas fireplaces and two person spa tubs.

  • When to go To Colorado Springs

  • white water rafting | Arkansas River Tours

    Spring (March-May)


    Temperature Range: 35-65°F

    Spring can be pleasant in Colorado Springs, perfect for Seven Falls waterfall viewing, Garden of the Gods walks, Old Colorado City art walks, and exploring the Cave of the Winds.

    Summer (June-August)


    Temperature Range: 60-85°F

    The area is brimming with things to do in summer, with gorgeous weather perfect for outdoor activities. Head to PIkes Peak for some hiking, or the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The Colorado Spring Philharmonic has outdoor concerts you can bring a picnic to and enjoy. Adventurers will love trying their hand at the Manitou Spring Incline challenge, or going white water rafting on the Arkansas River.

    Fall (September-November)


    Temperature Range: 40-70°F

    While the weather starts to get chilly, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous in Colorado Springs in autumn. Drive through North Cheyenne Canon for spectacular fall foliage. THere are plenty of spooky events in October, like the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs, and ghost tours of historic districts. You may even want to try a hot air balloon ride to get a birds eye view of the multi colored trees.

    Winter (December-February)


    Temperature Range: 20-45°F

    Winter is for the ski lovers! Try skiing at nearby Breckenridge or Monarch Mountain, or ice skating at Acacia Park. Hot springs visits are perfect this time of year to warm up on a cold day.

  • Dining in Colorado Springs

  • Fine Dining

    Casual Favorites

  • Tips for Visitors

  • Altitude Adjustment


    Colorado Springs has an elevation of 6,035 feet, so you will want to prepare before your trip to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If you have had issues with altitude sickness in the past, talk to your doctor about medication before your trip. Don’t plan on big hikes the first two days of your trip so your body can adjust to the change in altitude. Be sure to limit your physical activity, and listen to your body when doing more vigorous activities.