Colorado Springs Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak, where sandstone fins at Garden of the Gods glow against the mountains and a cog railway climbs above 14,000 feet. Summer afternoons hover near 84°F (29°C), with quick storms rolling off the Front Range.
Airport
Colorado Springs Airport, southeast of downtown; Denver International up north
Language
English, with Spanish widely spoken
Currency
US dollar (USD, $); cards accepted, small cash helpful
Ideal trip length
Three to five days, longer for mountain day trips
Best time to visit Colorado Springs
September – October
Average temperature
37–77°F (3–25°C), Sunny days, crisp nights, and the driest stretch after summer storms.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Reason To Visit
September and October bring dry, sunny days near 77°F (25°C) easing to 65°F (18°C), with gold aspens on the high passes and thinner trail traffic than midsummer.
Fall eventLabor Day Lift Off
Memorial Park
Things to do
Hike the red sandstone paths at Garden of the Gods, ride the cog railway toward the Pikes Peak summit, and follow aspen color along the high roads west of town.
Popular events
Spring
Territory Days, Colorado Springs St. Patrick's Day Parade, Cinco de Mayo Festival
Summer
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Colorado Springs Independence Day Celebration
Fall
Labor Day Lift Off, Emma Crawford Coffin Races
Winter
Festival of Lights Parade, Electric Safari
Where to stay in Colorado Springs
Six Colorado Springs bases, from downtown blocks to mountain-facing streets near Pikes Peak.
Downtown Colorado Springs
The city center puts restaurants, galleries, and parks within a short walk of most stays.
Known for
Central location with walkable streets and city parks
Things to do nearby
Acacia Park, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, America the Beautiful Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, Briargate
Old Colorado City
A historic main street lined with shops and cafes sits close to the foothills.
Known for
Historic storefronts and quick access to red rock trails
Things to do nearby
Garden of the Gods, Bancroft Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Nearby neighborhoods
Manitou Springs, Downtown Colorado Springs
Manitou Springs
A small mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak, with an arcade and mineral springs downtown.
Known for
Mineral springs and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway base
Things to do nearby
Pikes Peak Bike Tours, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Old Colorado City, Downtown Colorado Springs
Broadmoor
Quiet streets on the southwest side sit near Cheyenne Mountain and its winding canyon roads.
Known for
Cheyenne Mountain views and quiet residential streets
Things to do nearby
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Nearby neighborhoods
Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City
Briargate
North-side residential area with shopping centers and parks, plus easy interstate access.
Known for
Shopping centers, parks, and quick highway connections
Things to do nearby
United States Air Force Academy, Palmer Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Downtown Colorado Springs, Peterson Air Force Base
Peterson Air Force Base
An east-side base area close to the airport, useful for early flights and short stays.
Known for
Airport proximity and straightforward east-side access
Things to do nearby
Colorado Springs Airport, Peterson Air & Space Museum, Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Nearby neighborhoods
Downtown Colorado Springs, Briargate
Must see places in Colorado Springs
Red rock fins, a 14,000-foot summit and museums that trace Colorado Springs history
Garden of the Gods
Red sandstone fins rise beside paved trails, with free parking near the main loop.
Things to do nearby
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
Time needed
2-3 hours
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
The 14,115-foot summit is reached by cog railway or highway. Expect wind and sharp temperature swings.
Things to do nearby
North Slope Recreation Area
Time needed
Half day
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A nine-mile rail climb carries you from Manitou Springs to the Pikes Peak summit house.
Neighborhood
Manitou Springs
Things to do nearby
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Time needed
3-4 hours
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
A mountainside zoo with animal encounters, varied habitats and long views over the city.
Neighborhood
Broadmoor
Things to do nearby
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Time needed
3 hours
US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Immersive exhibits trace Team USA's Olympic and Paralympic history through athlete stories.
Neighborhood
Downtown Colorado Springs
Things to do nearby
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, America the Beautiful Park
Time needed
2 hours
United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel
Seventeen aluminum spires define this modernist chapel. Check restoration status before visiting.
Neighborhood
Air Force Academy
Things to do nearby
Honor Court
Time needed
1-2 hours
Seven Falls
A series of falls tucked in a narrow canyon, with hiking trails and zip-lining nearby.
Things to do nearby
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Seven Bridges Trail
Time needed
2 hours
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Trails wind past red rock formations, with wide views toward Pikes Peak.
Neighborhood
West Colorado Springs
Things to do nearby
Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
Time needed
2 hours
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Colorado Springs
The spots Colorado Springs hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Pikes Peak
- Reach the 14,115-foot summit by driving, hiking Barr Trail, or riding the Broadmoor Manitou Cog Railway for expansive mountain views.
- Prepare for extreme elevation: acclimate to reduce altitude sickness risk and expect temperatures 30–40 degrees colder at the summit.
- Bring heavy layers or a winter jacket, even in summer, since the summit can be freezing and may still get snow.
- Check the Pikes Peak website and road status before driving; hours vary by season, can close for weather, and timed-entry reservations may be required in summer.
- At the brand-new Summit Visitor Center, enjoy sweeping views and try their famous high-altitude donuts at the cafe.
Garden of the Gods
- Walk or hike among towering red sandstone formations with views of Pikes Peak and frequent wildlife sightings.
- Explore famous formations like Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels by hiking, biking, climbing, or scenic driving.
- Visit the Visitor & Nature Center for interactive exhibits, Geo-Trekker theater, maps, and a café with views.
- Take advantage of free admission and parking, then explore easy walking paths, family-friendly trails, and scenic drives.
Royal Gorge
- Add extra thrills with the gondola, zip line, skycoaster, or rock climbing at the bridge and park.
- Visit in summer if you want whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge.
- Explore hiking and biking in the Royal Gorge region, from challenging single-track to quiet riverside strolls.
United States Air Force Academy
- Visit the Cadet Chapel to admire its mid‑century modern design, striking spires, and photography‑friendly interior when open to the public.
- Explore scenic overlooks, walking trails, and mountain panoramas around the expansive campus for Colorado Front Range views and wildlife watching.
- Bring a driver’s license for entry, expect possible vehicle inspection, and note the Visitor Center’s stated daily hours.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
- Walk across one of the highest suspension bridges in the U.S, with dramatic views into Royal Gorge.
- Seek thrills on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, Royal Rush Skycoaster, or Via Ferrata along canyon walls.
- If you prefer not to enter the park, follow County Road 381B to a free overlook of the gorge and bridge.
- Families can enjoy Tommy Knocker Playland, plus shows at the Plaza Theater and unique Water Clock attraction.
Manitou Incline
- Challenge yourself on the Manitou Incline’s roughly 2,744 steep railroad-tie steps, climbing over 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile.
- Expect a very tough workout; this steep, stair-like trail is generally recommended for experienced or fit hikers, not beginners.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, and use the halfway bail-out point if you need to cut the climb short.
- Protect your knees by taking the scenic Barr Trail back down instead of descending the steep steps.
- Make a free online reservation for a time within posted hours; the hike itself is free, but nearby parking is paid.
Places to eat and drink in Colorado Springs
House-made beers, wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails across Colorado Springs
The Penrose Room
Ninth-floor dining room serving French-influenced tasting menus with Rocky Mountain views.
Highlights
Spirit tasting room
Why do locals love it
Tableside service and a dining room set high above Cheyenne Lake.
Shuga's
Small downtown cafe known for Brazilian coconut soup and a rotating chalkboard menu.
Highlights
Brazilian coconut soup
Why do locals love it
A compact bungalow setting where the menu shifts with the season.
Skirted Heifer
Griddled burgers finished with a crisped cheese skirt, a technique the shop is named for.
Highlights
Cheese-skirted burgers
Why do locals love it
Watch the cheese crisp on the flattop before it lands on your bun.
The Rabbit Hole
Subterranean dining room downtown with an Alice-in-Wonderland theme and shareable plates.
Highlights
Basement dining room
Why do locals love it
Descend a stairwell into a low-lit space beneath Tejon Street.
La Baguette French Bistro
Family bakery turning out croissants, baguettes, and quiche near Old Colorado City.
Highlights
Croissants
Why do locals love it
Morning baguettes come out of the oven before the shops open nearby.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co
A three-level brewery pouring house-made beers alongside elevated pub plates.
Highlights
House-made beers, rooftop patio with mountain views
Why do locals love it
Three floors of beer, ending on a rooftop facing the peaks.
Pizzeria Rustica
A small Italian kitchen turning out Neapolitan pies from a wood-fired oven.
Highlights
Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, patio seating
Why do locals love it
Local ingredients meet a proper wood-fired crust.
The Archives
An underground speakeasy reached through an alley door, with craft cocktails and late bites.
Highlights
Craft cocktails, hidden alleyway entrance
Why do locals love it
Finding the alley door is half the evening.
Explore Colorado Springs: The best travel itineraries
Two routes through Colorado Springs, one built for a single full day and one for a five-day stay with room for canyons and summits.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Colorado Springs
2,010+
Places to stay in Colorado Springs
3,610+
Things to do in Colorado Springs
50+
Verified guest reviews in Colorado Springs
259,250+
1 Day trip
Red sandstone fins in the morning, downtown history in the afternoon, and a three-level brewery with a rooftop patio to close the day.
Morning
Sandstone at first light
Free parking sits near the main loop and fills up by mid-morning.
Afternoon
Team USA downtown
Interactive exhibits reward a slower pace, so allow two hours.
Evening
Beer with a mountain view
Ask for the rooftop patio when the weather cooperates.
3 Day trip
Red sandstone fins, a cog railway to 14,115 feet and downtown dinners, arranged so each day stays in one corner of the city.
Morning
Red rock up close
Free parking sits near the main loop, and paved trails suit most walkers.
Afternoon
How the rocks tilted
Head to the viewing deck before the exhibits if the light is good.
Evening
Neapolitan pizza
The patio fills first on warm evenings, so ask about it when you arrive.
Morning
Cog railway to the summit
Book ahead and pack a warm layer for the summit house.
Afternoon
Cliff dwellings and exhibits
Interactive museums here add context before you walk the dwellings.
Evening
Margaritas in an adobe room
The giant margaritas are meant for sharing.
Morning
Team USA stories
Immersive exhibits mean a slower pace than the floor plan suggests.
Afternoon
Regional history
Start with the Native American heritage and mining galleries.
Evening
House beer on the roof
Three levels here, and the rooftop patio has mountain views.
5-7 Day trip
A five-day loop through Colorado Springs: sandstone fins and cave tours near Manitou Springs, a cog railway to Pikes Peak, canyon waterfalls and downtown museum days.
Morning
Red rock first light
Free parking near the main loop fills early on weekends.
Afternoon
Wood-fired lunch
The patio is the seat to ask for in warm weather.
Evening
Golden hour on the mesas
Trails are exposed, so carry water even for a short walk.
Morning
Cog railway to 14,115 feet
Book ahead and pack a warm layer for the summit.
Afternoon
Cliff dwellings and Victorian rooms
Wear shoes with grip for the stone stairways.
Evening
Margaritas in adobe walls
Expect a wait at peak dinner hours.
Morning
Team USA stories
Allow two hours for the interactive galleries.
Afternoon
Regional history
Housed steps from the downtown lunch spots.
Evening
Rooftop pints
Head to the top level for mountain views at sunset.
Morning
Canyon waterfalls
The scenic drive has limited pullouts, so park before walking.
Afternoon
Views from the shrine
The tower road climbs through the zoo entrance gate.
Evening
Beer in an old school
Order pub fare at the counter, then find a table.
Morning
Seventeen spires
Check restoration status before visiting the grounds.
Afternoon
Gold pans and gears
Ask about demonstrations of the antique machinery.
Evening
Cheese-skirted burgers
A quick, casual stop on the north side.
Family travel
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets kids hand-feed giraffes, and Cave of the Winds adds guided underground passages nearby.
Couple travel
Ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit, then linger in Manitou Springs for dinner.
Solo travel
Wander Garden of the Gods trails at sunrise, then browse the shops and coffee bars along Tejon Street in downtown.
How to get around Colorado Springs
Metro and train
Rail options are limited here. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a scenic climb, so book seats ahead in summer and confirm times with the operator.
Bus
City buses link downtown with shopping centers and the university, plus a seasonal shuttle to Garden of the Gods. Check the transit agency for current routes.
Rental car
A car helps for Manitou Springs and canyon drives. Mountain roads climb fast, so watch the fuel gauge and afternoon summer storms.
Walking
Downtown streets are flat and walkable, and the Pikes Peak Greenway trail follows Monument Creek. Carry water; the air is dry at 6,035 feet (1,839 m).
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.
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