Colorado Springs Vacation Guide

• Garden of the Gods – Iconic red rock formations with world-class hiking, biking, and rock climbing. A must-see.
• Pikes Peak – Drive, bike, or hike the “America’s Mountain” summit at 14,115 feet. The Cog Railway is another fun way up.
• Manitou Incline – A legendary hike with 2,744 steps straight up a former railway bed. Popular with fitness enthusiasts.
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park – Offers beautiful trails, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly picnic areas.
• Arkansas River – Excellent white-water rafting and kayaking in nearby Canon City 1.5 hours away.

• The Rabbit Hole – An underground New American bistro with a speakeasy vibe. Known for its creative cocktails and wild game dishes. The Colorado lamb and truffle fries are local favorites.
• Shuga’s – Eclectic café with a funky, artsy atmosphere. Perfect for tapas, cocktails, and their famous almond butter cake.
• Edelweiss German Restaurant – A local institution serving authentic Bavarian fare with live music on weekends. Don’t miss the jägerschnitzel.
• Four by Brother Luck – Elevated dining with a southwestern flair, from Chef Brother Luck of Top Chef fame. The tasting menus highlight locally sourced ingredients.
• Phantom Canyon Brewing Company – Great spot for hearty American fare paired with craft beer, right in downtown Colorado Springs.

• U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum – A state-of-the-art, interactive museum dedicated to America’s greatest athletes.
• National Museum of WWII Aviation – Features one of the largest collections of WWII aircraft, many fully restored and flying.
• Pioneers Museum – Local history museum located in a historic courthouse downtown.
• Air Force Academy Chapel – Stunning architecture and an iconic symbol of Colorado Springs.
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings – Preserved ancient homes of the Ancestral Puebloans, open for exploration.

• Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street – A hidden speakeasy known for its gin-focused cocktails and intimate atmosphere.
• The Principal’s Office – Located in an old schoolhouse at Ivywild, this bar is beloved for its inventive craft cocktails and laid-back hipster vibe.
• Oskar Blues Grill & Brew – High-energy spot with live music, beer brewed onsite, and a lively crowd—great for a more amped-up night.

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – America’s only mountain zoo, with giraffe feeding and chairlift rides (great for all ages).
• North Pole – Santa’s Workshop – Christmas-themed amusement park in Cascade, geared toward younger children.
• Dinosaur Resource Center (Woodland Park) – Interactive fossil exhibits, perfect for kids ages 6–12.
• Space Foundation Discovery Center – Hands-on exhibits about space exploration, suitable for school-age kids.
• Cave of the Winds – Family cave tours and thrill rides, fun for older kids and teens.

• Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (“The Race to the Clouds”) – Legendary auto race each June up Pikes Peak.
• Territory Days (Old Colorado City) – Memorial Day weekend festival with live music, food, and vendors.
• Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off – Hot air balloon festival that fills the skies each September.
• Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo – Historic rodeo held every July with parades and family activities.
• Commonwheel Artists Festival (Manitou Springs) – A long-running Labor Day weekend art fair.

• Best Airport: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is closest, but Denver International (DEN) is about 1.5 hours away and often cheaper.
• Hidden Gem: Green Mountain Falls – a small mountain town with a beautiful lake and hiking trails, perfect for a quiet day trip.
• Scenic Drives: Highway 24 west through Ute Pass to Woodland Park and Cripple Creek is especially beautiful.

4-Night Stay

• Day 1: Explore Garden of the Gods' iconic red rock formations, hike a few scenic trails, then head to Phantom Canyon Brewing Company for dinner and craft beer in downtown Colorado Springs.


• Day 2: Drive up Pikes Peak via the scenic highway or ride the Cog Railway. In the afternoon, tour the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Cap the evening with cocktails at The Rabbit Hole.


• Day 3: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride. Spend the afternoon at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park, then enjoy dinner at Four by Brother Luck.


• Day 4: Take a morning hike up the Manitou Incline, then explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Relax afterward with a drink at Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street or enjoy live music at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew.

5-Night Stay

• Add Day 5: Head to nearby Canon City for white-water rafting on the Arkansas River. On the way back, stop at the Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park, then wind down with dinner and dessert at Shuga’s.

6-Night Stay

• Add Day 6: Visit the National Museum of WWII Aviation in the morning, then explore downtown shops and galleries. End your trip at the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off or Commonwheel Artists Festival (if visiting in September), or enjoy a laid-back evening at The Principal’s Office with craft cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

From red rock trails to rooftop cocktails, from mountain peaks to family-friendly zoos, Colorado Springs offers endless ways to adventure, unwind, and experience the spirit of the Rockies.

Read more travel tips from our blog for even more in-depth recommendations.