Colorado Springs: 10 Things To Do (+ Our 3-Day Itinerary)

Welcome to Colorado Springs! This is where you can walk among red-rock formations in the morning, eat lunch inside an airplane, and finish the day with a chuckwagon dinner in the mountains. There is a surprising amount to do here, and several of the places we visited were much better than I expected.

Colorado Springs is a big, spread-out city, so it feels different from the little mountain towns we love in Colorado. The draw is the variety: scenic drives, waterfalls, museums, animals, and a mountain summit you can reach without hiking. We think three to four days is a good amount of time to explore the area.

I’m Cheryl, and my husband, Matt, and I have been writing travel guides to our favorite places in the West since 2020. We spent about four days exploring Colorado Springs on our latest Colorado road trip. We paid our own way, so we can tell you honestly what we loved, what surprised us, and what we would skip.

Here are our favorite things to do, followed by a suggested itinerary, nearby day trips, and the details that will make your trip easier.

1. Visit Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is such a strange and beautiful place. You’re at the base of the Colorado mountains, but these tall, narrow walls of red rock suddenly stick out of the ground. It feels like two different landscapes have been put together! The best part? This is a free city park. You can drive the scenic loop, stop at viewpoints, and walk among the formations without buying an admission ticket.

Start with the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved route of about 1.5 miles through the main formations. We saw families with strollers, and there are restrooms at the main parking area. There are other dirt trails to explore, too, but the paved walk is a great introduction if you only have time for one. Check the official park map and visitor information when planning your stops.

HANDY TIP: There is very little shade on the main walk. Bring water and sun protection, even if the morning feels cool.

Don’t Skip the Trading Post

We started at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, and I think it might be the best gift shop I’ve ever seen. It’s huge, with the usual T-shirts and souvenirs, but also jewelry, locally made crafts, snacks, and so many interesting things to look at. There are places to get coffee or a meal and a lovely outdoor seating area. We arrived right when it opened, and it was practically empty. If you enjoy gift shops at all, this one is worth a stop.

The separate Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is also nicely done. We liked the exhibits, relief map, and views. I would allow about 30 minutes for a look around, in addition to your time in the park.

2. Go to the Top of Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is the big mountain overlooking Colorado Springs. At 14,115 feet, it’s one of Colorado’s famous “fourteeners,” and you can reach the summit without hiking all the way up.

We’ve driven the Pikes Peak Highway and ridden the cog railway. Both are beautiful, but they give you different experiences. Driving lets you make your own stops, while the train lets everyone enjoy the scenery without concentrating on a mountain road.

On our latest ride, I loved watching the scenery change from rock formations and pine trees to mountain lakes and open views above the tree line. The three-seat side had my favorite panoramic views as we climbed. The seats face each other and feel snug, so don’t expect a roomy lounge car.

GOOD TO KNOW: A summit ticket does not guarantee a clear view. We arrived in thick clouds, and I was very glad to go inside for hot chocolate. The clouds eventually parted for a few minutes, but the ride itself was beautiful even when the summit view disappeared.

Bring a warm layer. I had a sweater and still wished I had brought a coat. The summit building has restrooms, food, exhibits, and the famous doughnuts. I know people love those doughnuts, but they weren’t my favorite. The hot chocolate was much more appealing to me that day!

Allow roughly half a day, including parking and check-in. The Cog Railway currently advertises a 3.5-hour round trip; reserve ahead rather than counting on the last-minute seats we happened to find in September.

CHECK OUT: Our Pikes Peak Cog Train review and tips for driving the Pikes Peak Highway will help you choose.

Pikes Peak, Colorado: The Ultimate Guide (Driving vs Cog Train)

3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

We don’t normally make a point of visiting zoos when we travel. But Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was a highlight of this trip. The zoo is built into the mountainside, with views over Colorado Springs. The animal areas are large and thoughtfully designed, and you get some unusual perspectives. At one exhibit, we were looking up at a mountain lion above us. In another, we walked through an area with wallabies.

Feeding the giraffes was especially fun. Their tongues are so long! That was one of those experiences that made the visit feel different from an ordinary walk through a zoo.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. We spent about three hours here and did a lot of uphill walking. I loved the setting, but the hills are something to consider if you have limited mobility or little kids who tire easily. Check the zoo’s accessibility options before your visit.

We ate at Pizza with a View. The pizza was OK; the view was the memorable part.

There were plenty of restrooms and water-refill stations around the zoo, which I appreciated.

Although you can purchase tickets at the gate, they actually limit how many people can enter, and the zoo may be sold out. The lady at the ticket booth said that most people get advance reservations, and you can do that at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo website.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are tons of experiences available where you can help feed the animals or watch them get trained. Many are for a fee, but some are free.

4. Spend an Evening at Flying W Ranch

We’ve been to a lot of chuckwagon dinners, and Flying W Ranch is one of my favorites. The food and show were great, but the activities and beautiful grounds made the whole evening special. There are red rocks, mountain views, animals, and plenty to do before dinner. We rode the little train through a rock tunnel, wandered around the grounds, and wished we had allowed more time.

HANDY TIP: Arrive when the gates open. We thought arriving at 5:30 would be early enough, but we missed out on some activities. The summer schedule starts at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 and the show afterward. Check the current Flying W schedule for your date.

Dinner was an enormous plate of food. We had brisket, chicken, a baked potato, a biscuit, applesauce, and spice cake. I was impressed by how efficiently they served such a large crowd.

Then the Flying W Wranglers performed Western music, with wonderful fiddling and talented musicians. The show was about an hour, which felt just right to me. This is a seasonal activity, so book ahead and check the calendar. I would plan on it taking the whole evening instead of trying to squeeze in another attraction afterward.

5. Explore The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Seven Falls is a paid attraction to a beautiful canyon with waterfalls, landscaped paths, and hiking options. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about paying to see nature, but I really enjoyed it. Entrance is around the same cost as a meal in town, so I was ok to make a sandwich so I could experience this!

You park off-site and take the included shuttle to the entrance. From there, the paved approach to the falls is about 0.8 miles, with a gradual incline. There are tall canyon walls, a creek, and pretty flowers along the way. It feels like a very polished version of a walk in the mountains.

Once you reach the falls, you have two different options that are easy to confuse:

• Eagle’s Nest viewpoint: An elevator takes you to a platform facing the waterfalls. I loved being able to see all seven in one view without climbing all those stairs.
• The staircase beside the falls: There are 224 steps to the top. This is how you reach the additional hiking trails; the viewpoint elevator does not take you to those trails.

Additional Hikes at the Top

Once you reach the top of the staircase, you have the option to do two additional optional hikes.

Midnight Falls was the easier option and my preference. We walked beside the creek to another pretty waterfall. Allow about 20 minutes round trip for this one, hiking at a relaxed pace.

Inspiration Point took us about 40 minutes round trip. Matt enjoyed the mountain views, but I found it strenuous and got pretty sweaty. If you love hiking, go for it. If you don’t, I give you permission to skip it!

Wear shoes with good traction and bring water. You can have a satisfying visit with the canyon walk and viewpoint, without doing every hike.

See Seven Falls’ visitor information for current tickets, seasonal hours, and shuttle parking instructions. Allow extra time for the shuttle in both directions.

GOOD TO KNOW: If walking is challenging for you, golf carts travel up and down the road to pick up people who need a lift. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal.

6. Visit the National Museum of World War II Aviation

I don’t have a huge interest in airplanes, so this was one of the biggest surprises of the trip. I spent about two hours here and found it fascinating.

Matt took the guided tour, while I explored on my own. The exhibits follow a timeline, and I loved the arrows that made it clear where to go next. The explanations helped me understand how the different events and battles fit together.

Some of the stories also felt personal. Reading about the air-bombing raids in England reminded me of my grandpa, who lived through the war there as a child. He told us about helping his deaf parents get to the bomb shelter when the sirens sounded. I wasn’t expecting an aviation museum to bring up such emotional memories.

The restoration work was another highlight. These aren’t simply old planes sitting in a building; many have been restored to fly. Seeing the work at WestPac made me appreciate the patience and skill involved in bringing them back. It usually takes 6-8 years!

Matt loved the additional stories on his guided tour. I enjoyed the self-guided option, so I don’t think you have to be an aviation expert to get something out of the visit. Check the museum’s tour options, including the separate WestPac tour times.

Have Lunch at The Airplane Restaurant

Nearby, The Airplane Restaurant lets you eat inside an actual airplane, with more seating in the attached building. There are model planes, photographs, and aviation memorabilia everywhere. Even the employees played along with the theme.

Matt ordered quesadillas and sweet potato fries, and I had egg rolls. The food was OK, but we went for the setting. Pairing it with the museum makes a fun aviation-themed half day.

7. Drive North Cheyenne Cañon and Lower Gold Camp Road

You don’t have to go far from the city to feel like you’re in the mountains. The drive into North Cheyenne Cañon takes you between tall granite walls, pine trees, and a creek. We thought it was beautiful.

Helen Hunt Falls is right beside the road and parking area, so you don’t need to commit to a hike to see a waterfall. If you want more exercise, the trail to Silver Cascade Falls climbs above Helen Hunt Falls to canyon views. It’s short, but don’t mistake short for easy. There are steps and uneven ground, and I found the climb strenuous.

We continued beyond Helen Hunt Falls and returned toward town on Lower Gold Camp Road. This dirt-road section follows an old railroad route and passes through two rock tunnels. Matt put it on his list of favorite Colorado drives!

I thought it was beautiful too, but some of the drop-offs made me nervous. Take your time around narrow sections and blind curves. If you dislike exposed mountain roads, you can return on the paved canyon road instead.

GOOD TO KNOW: Lower Gold Camp Road and the closed upper railroad corridor are different routes. Check current park information and conditions before setting out; storms and repairs can affect vehicle access. Our experience describes the route we drove, not a promise that every section is open for your trip.

8. Wander Around Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is the smaller town next door to Colorado Springs and the departure point for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It’s a good place to spend some time before or after your train ride.

The Penny Arcade was my favorite discovery downtown. It fills several buildings with old games, pinball machines, and coin-operated rides. Despite the name, bring quarters! There were change machines when we visited. It’s a fun change of pace after hiking or sightseeing, and you can decide how long you want to stay. You don’t need another big-ticket activity to enjoy an hour wandering here.

9. Challenge Yourself on the Manitou Incline

This one is for people who want a hard hike. The Manitou Incline climbs about 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile, using more than 2,700 steps. It looks intimidating from the bottom, and it is a serious workout.

I had been preparing with hard hikes for a couple of months. Matt drank a Monster, ate a doughnut, and bought a Gatorade at the gas station. Somehow, we finished at the same time. There you go!

We started around 6:30 a.m., and for a little while the rising sun made the stairs glow. I kept a slow, steady pace, using my “wedding march” strategy: right together, left together. It took me about an hour and 20 minutes to reach the top.

That pace worked for me, but take breaks when you need them and use a bailout trail if the climb is too much. This isn’t a contest.

We took the Barr Trail back down, which added roughly another hour and a half for us. I appreciated the gradual switchbacks, but you need to plan for the descent as well as the climb. Allow a full morning, with extra time for parking or the shuttle.

I would do it again. Matt says he won’t. That probably tells you everything you need to know about our different opinions!

Find out current details through the official Manitou Incline page. Pets are not allowed. Check the current parking and descent instructions before going.

FUN FACT: The Manitou Incline used to be a cable car that went up the mountain. You are climbing on the old railroad ties.

10. Stop at the Air Force Academy’s Hosmer Visitor Center

The Hosmer Visitor Center is modern, beautifully designed, and free. Its exhibits focus on cadet life and the challenges of getting into and completing the Air Force Academy. I liked the videos featuring cadets, and the gift shop was impressive.

We spent about 15 to 20 minutes here. It’s worth considering if you have an interest in the Air Force, but I wouldn’t call it a must-see for everyone. The visitor center is outside the North Gate and does not require base access. Going onto the Academy campus is a separate visit with security requirements.

Our campus visit was on a Sunday, and it was very quiet. The planetarium was closed and the chapel was covered for restoration. We didn’t get to see the cadets marching either. Under those circumstances, I would have been happy just visiting the new visitor center.

If you want to explore the campus, check the Academy’s current visitor and access information before making plans. Access procedures have changed, so don’t assume that the pass process from someone’s earlier trip still applies.

Our Suggested Colorado Springs Itinerary

We fit a lot into our visit because we were researching. Even though there are 3-4 days’ worth of activities in Colorado Springs, I would only recommend spending one day here because I love the nature and other mountain towns in the surrounding areas.

Below I’ve created a sample itinerary for you. I put our favorite activities on Day 1 so you know what to do if you only have a day. Day 2 and Day 3 are nice if you have extra time or those activities interest you.

GOOD TO KNOW: It’s a 15- 20 minute drive from Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs. I grouped activities by priority, not efficiency. You may want to reorder what you do if you are spending a few days here.

Day 1: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Flying W Ranch

• Morning: Garden of the Gods, the Trading Post, and the visitor center.
• Afternoon: Pikes Peak, ride the cog railway or drive- you choose!
• Evening: Flying W Ranch. Arrive when the gates open.

Day 2: Animals or Waterfalls, Then Aviation

• Morning: Choose Seven Falls or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
• Afternoon: The WWII Aviation Museum and The Airplane Restaurant.
• Evening: An easy dinner and downtime.

Day 3: Manitou Springs and Scenic Drive

• Morning: Do the Manitou Incline, if that’s your thing!
• Afternoon: North Cheyenne Cañon and Lower Gold Camp Road, if conditions allow.
• Evening: Manitou Springs main street and the Penny Arcade.

Nearby Day Trips

If you have more time, Colorado Springs also works as a home base for exploring farther west. These are additional days, rather than stops to squeeze between the zoo and dinner.

Cripple Creek

We enjoyed this historic mining town, its mountain setting, and the donkeys that wander through town. There’s also a narrow-gauge train and casinos. It’s a different feel from Colorado Springs and a good option if you like mountain towns and mining history.

READ MORE: Our Cripple Creek train ride review covers the steam engine, seating, mining views, prices, and practical tips.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Matt visited this area on an earlier trip and enjoyed the fossils and enormous petrified tree stumps. It can be paired with a trip toward Cripple Creek. Use the National Park Service trip-planning page for current access and fees. Fossil collecting is not allowed in the monument; private fossil-dig attractions nearby are separate businesses.

Royal Gorge

Near Cañon City, you can see the gorge from the bridge and park above or ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad through the canyon below. We’ve explored the area on a previous trip. Think of the bridge park as a developed visitor attraction with nature around it, rather than a quiet national park experience.

Read our complete Royal Gorge review for train, bridge, gondola, cost, and planning tips.

Getting To and Around Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is south of Denver along I-25. You can fly into Colorado Springs or Denver, then compare rental-car options. Allow for traffic when planning an airport transfer, especially from Denver.

We recommend having a car. Attractions are spread around the city and into neighboring towns and canyons. Being able to stay in one place and drive to different activities is one of the advantages of using Colorado Springs as a home base.

If mountain driving makes you uncomfortable, the cog railway is a good alternative for Pikes Peak. Guided excursions are another option to investigate for scenic drives.

Where to Stay and Eat

One thing we appreciated about Colorado Springs was having lots of lodging and restaurant choices. You aren’t limited to the handful of places available in a tiny mountain town. Choose lodging based on the activities you plan to do. The west side is convenient for Garden of the Gods and trips toward Manitou Springs. A hotel farther north may suit an Academy visit, but adds driving for activities at the southern end of town. Check actual drive times before booking.

For meals, our memorable experiences were The Airplane Restaurant for the setting and Flying W Ranch for dinner and entertainment together. The Garden of the Gods Trading Post also had a lovely place to take a break. I wouldn’t plan my day around the zoo pizza, even though the view was wonderful!

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP: Our Colorado guides help you choose home bases, activities, and routes so you spend less of your trip backtracking.

Know Before You Go

• Book the popular activities ahead. Check the zoo, cog railway, Seven Falls, Flying W Ranch, and Incline before you arrive. Campus access at the Air Force Academy needs separate planning.
• Give yourself time to adjust to the elevation. Start with easier days and save your higher or more strenuous outing for later. Fitness does not guarantee protection from altitude illness. If you develop symptoms, stop ascending; worsening symptoms mean you should descend and seek medical care. The CDC’s altitude advice explains how to prepare.
• Pack for both sun and cold. We needed sun protection on exposed walks and warmer clothing on Pikes Peak. Conditions at the summit can be very different from town.
• Take thunderstorms seriously. Plan exposed hikes early, check the forecast, and change plans when storms threaten. If you hear thunder, move to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle; don’t wait on a viewpoint for it to pass. See the National Weather Service’s lightning tips.
• Check what is actually open. Seasonal attractions, road conditions, and military access can affect your plans. A little checking ahead saves a disappointing drive.

FIND OUT: Read our altitude-sickness article for more context about traveling in Colorado’s mountains.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Colorado Springs gives you a lot of variety without changing hotels every night. The hard part is choosing. I would start with the activities you are most excited about, but make time for the other cool towns and nature in the area.

EXPLORE MORE COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOWNS
Planning a longer Colorado road trip? Read our guides to one day in Aspen, Glenwood Hot Springs, things to do in Leadville, and one day in Ouray.

If this is part of a bigger Colorado trip, our Colorado trip-planning page is a good place to keep exploring. Our Colorado guides put the routes, home bases, and practical details together for you.