Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a city where the outdoors feels close enough to touch at every turn. From red rock formations and alpine hikes to historic landmarks and cultural gems, it’s a place that offers far more than a quick stop on a mountain road trip. Living here means constantly rediscovering the balance between natural beauty and local character. Here are some of the best experiences that define Colorado Springs.
Also Read: 25+ Fun Day Trip Ideas from Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
Towering sandstone spires rise dramatically against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks at Garden of the Gods. Trails wind past massive red rocks, popular with both climbers and photographers. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is the easiest way to see the heart of the park, but quieter paths lead into hidden corners where mule deer often appear.
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Driving the Pikes Peak Highway or taking the Cog Railway brings you to the summit of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains. At 14,115 feet, the view stretches as far as Kansas on a clear day. Don’t miss the new Summit Visitor Center, where you can warm up with fresh donuts while looking out over alpine tundra.
The Broadmoor
More than just a luxury hotel, The Broadmoor is an institution in Colorado Springs. Its sprawling campus includes golf courses, fine dining, art galleries, and a lakefront promenade that feels timeless. Even if you’re not staying overnight, visitors often come for afternoon tea, a fine meal, or simply to stroll its manicured grounds. The Broadmoor Seven Falls is also a great attraction.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, this zoo combines close animal encounters with unbeatable city views. Hand-feed giraffes at the Africa exhibit or ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride for sweeping vistas. The steep, winding paths make it unlike any other zoo, giving the sense that you’re exploring both a wildlife park and a mountain trail.
Old Colorado City
This historic district once served as the first capital of Colorado Territory. Today, its brick buildings house galleries, antique shops, and locally owned restaurants. Weekends bring art walks, farmers markets, and lively street events. Strolling these blocks feels like stepping into the city’s Wild West roots while still enjoying a modern, walkable neighborhood.
Manitou Springs
Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is known for its natural mineral springs and eclectic downtown. You’ll find bubbling fountains where locals still sip the water, believing in its health benefits. The town’s arcade, filled with vintage pinball and skee-ball machines, adds a nostalgic charm that pairs well with its bohemian atmosphere.
The Incline
A former railway bed turned stair-climb, the Manitou Incline is one of the most iconic workouts in the state. With 2,744 steps rising nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, it’s not for the faint of heart. But reaching the top rewards you with sweeping views of the city below and a sense of accomplishment that sticks with you.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Often overlooked in favor of Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon offers equally striking formations with fewer crowds. Trails weave through canyons, ridges, and old quarry sites, making it a favorite among hikers, bikers, and climbers. Its central location makes it a quick escape into nature, right at the city’s edge.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Opened in 2020, this museum celebrates athletes who have trained in Colorado Springs and beyond. Interactive exhibits let you test your reflexes against Olympians or explore stories of perseverance from Paralympic champions. The modern design of the building itself is striking, with sweeping lines that mirror the grace of athletic movement.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
This rugged canyon is shaded by tall evergreens and cut through by tumbling streams. Popular trails like Seven Bridges. Mt. Cutler Trail, Helen Hunt Falls, and Columbine Trail all have stunning views. Wildlife sightings are common, from black bears in summer to flocks of wild turkeys strutting across the road.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Discovered in the late 1800s, Cave of the Winds invites you underground into chambers filled with stalactites and limestone formations. Guided tours range from lantern-lit history walks to more adventurous spelunking routes. Above ground, adrenaline seekers head straight for the cliffside rides overlooking Williams Canyon.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Located in the historic El Paso County Courthouse, this free museum tells the story of the region through exhibits on Native cultures, early settlers, and the growth of Colorado Springs. Its collection includes Van Briggle pottery and artifacts from General William Jackson Palmer, the city’s founder. The domed courtroom is a highlight worth pausing in. On some days, you will find plenty of food trucks outside the building.
Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Academy sits just north of the city, open to visitors who want to explore its striking grounds. The Cadet Chapel, with its soaring spires and stained glass, is the most iconic landmark. Walking the campus offers both scenic mountain views and a glimpse into the life of future officers in training.
Palmer Park
Right in the middle of town, Palmer Park is a surprising wilderness escape. Its sandstone bluffs and twisting trails give panoramic views over the entire city, Pikes Peak, and the Front Range. Locals come here to hike, bike, or even horseback ride, making it a true community favorite for a quick nature fix.
Colorado Springs blends outdoor adventure with a sense of history and culture that’s rare for a city its size. Days here can shift from hiking mountain trails to exploring art galleries, or from sipping spring water in Manitou to catching sunset over Garden of the Gods. That balance of rugged landscapes and rich heritage is what keeps both locals and visitors coming back again and again.