The Ultimate Colorado Springs Guide, Top 25 Things To Do
Things To Do Iris Burton August 5, 2026
Things To Do Iris Burton August 5, 2026
A city nestled right at the foot of Pikes Peak, where mountain adventure and small town charm somehow share the same zip code. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or just moved in down the street, figuring out things to do in Colorado Springs can feel a little overwhelming with so many options scattered across the region. Where do you even start? This guide breaks it all down for you, outdoor adventures, history and culture, family friendly stops, local coffee, local restaurants, and a few unique experiences you will not find anywhere else. Whether you have an afternoon or a full weekend, here is your go to guide.
Every listing below follows the same simple format so you can plan quickly. Each one includes the distance from downtown Colorado Springs, how much time to set aside, an estimated cost per person, the best time to visit, and a short note on what to actually expect once you get there. Use it to build a half day outing, a full day adventure, or a whole weekend itinerary, however much time you have to play with.
Ask any local why they love it here and outdoor adventure comes up within the first sentence, every time. This is the heart of what makes Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, red rock formations, mountain trails, and a river canyon close enough to make a spontaneous plan out of.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: Highway entrance in Cascade, about 25 minutes from downtown
Time to spend: Half day, 2 to 3 hours round trip driving
Cost: Around 18 dollars per adult, 8 dollars per child, plus a 2 dollar timed entry permit required Memorial Day through September 30
Best time to go: Early morning, and book your timed entry window in advance during summer since it sells out
What to expect: A winding 19 mile paved toll road climbing to the 14,115 foot summit, with dramatic views the whole way up. The Summit Complex has a visitor center and the famous high altitude doughnuts. Bring a jacket, it runs about 30 degrees colder at the top than at the base.
Good to know: Rates and hours change by season, and the highway can close temporarily for weather at any time of year. Confirm current pricing and the reservation calendar at coloradosprings.gov before you go.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town
Time to spend: 1 to 3 hours, or a half day if you hike
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Early morning for cooler temperatures and easier parking, year round
What to expect: Towering red rock formations set against a Pikes Peak backdrop, with paved paths for an easy stroll and rougher trails for a longer hike. The Visitor Center has maps, a cafe, and free guided nature walks in summer. Parking fills up fast on weekends, so an early start helps.
Good to know: The free guided nature walks run in summer only. The park itself is open and free year round regardless of season.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, south side
Time to spend: Half day
Cost: 10 dollars per vehicle for a daily park pass
Best time to go: Weekday mornings for the quietest trails, year round
What to expect: More than 20 miles of trails winding through foothills and prairie, with a good chance of spotting deer or wild turkey along the way. It is a calmer, less crowded alternative to Garden of the Gods, with a solid visitor center and camping available if you want to extend the trip.
Good to know: Shaded trails can hold ice well into spring, so winter and early spring visitors should check conditions and consider traction devices.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: South Colorado Springs, near The Broadmoor
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Around 20 to 28 dollars for adults, discounted rates for children, worth checking current pricing before you go
Best time to go: Fall for the foliage, or a summer evening when the falls are lit up
What to expect: Seven cascading waterfalls tucked into a narrow granite canyon, with an elevator and stairs leading to viewing platforms. There are additional forest trails above the falls for those who want to extend the visit into a longer hike.
Good to know: Pricing and evening illumination hours were not fully confirmed at time of writing and can shift seasonally, confirm current rates and hours before visiting.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, west side
Time to spend: 1 to 3 hours
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Early morning or evening for the best light and cooler temperatures, year round
What to expect: Red rock formations similar in feel to Garden of the Gods, but with a fraction of the crowds. An extensive trail network makes it popular for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, and it is dog friendly if you are traveling with one.
Iris Insight 💡
Out of town guests are always a little shocked at how much of the best stuff here is free. I tell people all the time, you could spend a full week exploring Colorado Springs and barely open your wallet for the outdoor adventures.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, south side
Time to spend: 1 to 3 hours
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Spring for peak waterfall flow, though it is a nice stop year round
What to expect: A forested canyon park with two waterfalls, Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls, both an easy walk from parking. It also serves as a trailhead for longer hikes further up the canyon, and it holds the distinction of being part of the city's original park system.
Good to know: Waterfall flow is strongest in spring from snowmelt and can slow to a trickle by late summer in dry years.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: About 35 minutes west, near Divide
Time to spend: Half day to full day
Cost: 10 dollars per vehicle for a daily park pass
Best time to go: Fall for elk activity and aspen color, summer for wildflowers
What to expect: More than 90 miles of trails and sweeping Pikes Peak views, with excellent odds of spotting elk or mule deer at dawn or dusk. It has a quieter, more remote feel than the in town parks, and camping is available for anyone wanting to turn it into an overnight trip.
Good to know: Some trails and campground loops have reduced access in winter, check current conditions before a cold season visit.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: About 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs
Time to spend: Half day to full day
Cost: Roughly 60 to 130 dollars per person depending on the outfitter and rapid class
Best time to go: May through August for the best flows
What to expect: This is a guest favorite, and for good reason. Browns Canyon National Monument offers a mix of scenic float and genuine whitewater, with beginner friendly Class III sections and more advanced Class IV runs further down. Reputable outfitters like Royal Gorge Rafting and Echo Canyon River Expeditions handle everything from gear to guides, so no experience is necessary to book a trip.
Good to know: River flows depend on annual snowpack and vary year to year, outfitters may adjust trip length or difficulty in low water years. Rafting only operates May through August.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: About 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs, Cañon City
Time to spend: Half day
Cost: Around 30 to 35 dollars for adults, 22 to 30 dollars for children, discounts for buying online in advance
Best time to go: Weekdays for smaller crowds, spring or fall for milder temperatures
What to expect: Walk across America's highest suspension bridge, 956 feet above the Arkansas River, then ride the gondola back for a different view of the canyon. General admission also includes the Plaza Theater and a playground area, with a zipline and Skycoaster available for an extra fee.
Good to know: Open year round, but online pricing and seasonal promotions change periodically, worth a quick check before booking.
Colorado Springs has a past worth slowing down for, gold rush fortunes, Victorian architecture, and a rodeo heritage that still shapes the city's identity today. This section is for the afternoons when you want a little less sweat and a little more story.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, off I-25 exit 148
Time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cost: 12 dollars for adults, 11 for seniors, 10 for military, 7 for youth ages 6 to 12, free under 5
Best time to go: Wednesday through Sunday, the Hall is closed Mondays
What to expect: The Hall of Champions honors more than 275 rodeo inductees, alongside exhibits tracing how saddles, chaps, and other gear have changed over the decades. There is a nice outdoor garden area too, and a seasonal exhibit in summer where retired rodeo bucking horses are kept on site.
Good to know: Hours are seasonal, open daily May through August, and Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, at Colorado College
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Roughly 10 to 15 dollars for adults, often free during First Friday gallery nights, worth checking current pricing before you go
Best time to go: First Fridays for the gallery walk energy, or a weekday afternoon for something quieter
What to expect: Home to a striking Dale Chihuly glass installation along with rotating regional and contemporary art exhibits. It is also tied to Colorado College's long running art school, so there is a real sense of ongoing creative work behind the walls, not just a static collection.
Good to know: Admission pricing was not fully confirmed at time of writing, and free First Friday access can vary by month. Confirm current details before publishing.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town
Time to spend: 1 to 3 hours
Cost: No charge to walk the grounds, dining varies by restaurant and reservations are recommended
Best time to go: Anytime, though the Sunday Lakeside Terrace brunch is a destination in its own right
What to expect: A historic five star resort built around Cheyenne Lake, worth a stroll even if you are not staying overnight. Dining ranges from casual patio spots to the acclaimed Lakeside Terrace, and the grounds alone make for a memorable walk with mountain views in every direction.
Good to know: Dining availability and the Lakeside Terrace brunch schedule can shift seasonally, reservations are recommended year round regardless of when you visit.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Free to browse, meals and shopping vary
Best time to go: Weekday afternoons for a quieter visit, or First Fridays for the gallery walk
What to expect: A walkable strip of Victorian era buildings turned into galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, with the mountains as a backdrop the whole way down the street. It has a lot more personality than a typical downtown shopping strip, and it is easy to pair with a coffee stop or an early dinner.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: Manitou Springs, about 15 minutes west
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Discovery Tour runs 29 dollars for ages 13 and up, 19 dollars for ages 4 to 12
Best time to go: Mornings in summer to beat both the heat and the crowds, since the cave stays a consistent cool temperature year round
What to expect: A guided 45 minute walking tour through an underground cavern formed 500 million years ago, covering about 15 rooms and a half mile of pathways. There are also extra adventure attractions on site, including a zipline, if the group wants to make a longer day of it.
Good to know: A seasonal Haunted Lantern Tour runs around Halloween, and operating hours are shorter in winter months.
Iris Insight 💡
The Broadmoor is one of those places I tell newcomers to visit even before they have a reason to, no wedding, no special occasion, just go walk the grounds. It gives you a real sense of the elegance this city holds onto without ever feeling stuffy about it.
Traveling with kids, or just still a kid at heart? This is where Colorado Springs really shows off, a mountain zoo, a working Air Force base you can actually tour, and enough space to let everyone run around without anyone asking you to be quiet.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, about 10 minutes from downtown
Time to spend: Half day
Cost: Around 30 to 40 dollars for adults depending on season and time of day, discounted rates outside peak summer weekends
Best time to go: Weekday mornings in shoulder season for smaller crowds
What to expect: The only mountain zoo in the country, built right into the slope of Cheyenne Mountain. Hand feed the giraffe herd, ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride for sweeping views of Pikes Peak, and expect a fair amount of walking given the elevation changes throughout the park.
Good to know: Pricing shifts by season and time of day, and hours run shorter in winter. Confirm current rates before visiting.
Iris Insight 💡
This is one of the first places I send families who are relocating here with kids. Nothing tells you more about a city's personality than watching how locals spend a Saturday morning with their kids, and here, it usually involves a giraffe.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: North Colorado Springs, about 20 minutes from downtown
Time to spend: Half day
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Weekday mornings, and check ahead for the cadet parade schedule for a bonus
What to expect: A working military academy with a public visitor center open to the community. The iconic Cadet Chapel, with its seventeen aluminum spires, is the highlight for most visitors, along with scenic overlooks across the campus. As an active base, expect basic security screening at the gate.
Good to know: Public access can close on short notice for security reasons or military operations, and the cadet parade schedule changes by semester. Worth checking current access status before visiting.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: Manitou Springs, about 15 minutes west
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Around 12 dollars for adults, 8 dollars for children, worth checking current pricing before you go
Best time to go: Anytime, it is a self guided visit so timing is flexible
What to expect: Ancestral Puebloan dwellings relocated and reconstructed from McElmo Canyon, with rooms visitors can actually walk through themselves. A small museum and gift shop round out the stop, making it an easy, low pressure history lesson for kids.
Good to know: Pricing was not fully confirmed at time of writing, and hours run longer during peak season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Confirm current details before publishing.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: Manitou Springs, about 15 minutes west
Time to spend: About 3 hours round trip
Cost: Reserved tickets start at 67 dollars for adults, 57 dollars for children, with premium Engineer's View seating available for more
Best time to go: Book well in advance, especially for summer weekends, this one regularly sells out
What to expect: A scenic rail journey to the same 14,115 foot summit as the highway drive, without anyone in the group needing to white knuckle the switchbacks. It is a comfortable, kid friendly way to reach the top, with the same sweeping views and summit visitor center waiting at the end.
Good to know: Schedule and pricing shift seasonally, with a reduced winter timetable. Book well ahead for any summer weekend.
No guide to this city would be complete without a coffee stop or two. Locals take their mornings seriously here, and these are the spots worth building a slow start around.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, 408 S Nevada Ave
Time to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: Around 4 to 7 dollars per drink
Best time to go: Weekend mornings for the full patio experience
What to expect: A barista owned specialty coffee shop built around what they call a five senses experience, with a genuinely strong community feel behind the counter. The breakfast menu holds its own too, so it is an easy stop to turn into a full morning rather than a quick grab and go.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, near Acacia Park, 120 E Bijou St
Time to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: Around 4 to 7 dollars per drink
Best time to go: Weekday mornings for a quieter visit, given how small the space is
What to expect: Often called the coziest coffee shop in the city, and it is easy to see why once you realize it is literally set up inside a tiny house. The deck seating is a nice bonus in summer, and the pastries come from a local Colorado Springs bakery rather than a distributor.
Good to know: Deck seating is a warm weather perk, indoor seating is limited given the size of the space, so winter visits may mean a shorter stay.
Iris Insight 💡
You can learn more about a neighborhood from its coffee shop than almost anywhere else. If a place has a line out the door on a random Tuesday morning, that tells you something real about the people who live nearby.
Every good trip needs good food to anchor it. These are the spots I actually recommend to friends and clients, not just the ones that show up first in a search.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, downtown Tejon Street
Time to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Cost: Around 12 to 20 dollars per person
Best time to go: Sunday from 11am to 2pm for the Margarita Brunch special
What to expect: A Colorado Springs institution since 1974, serving Tex Mex comfort food in the heart of downtown. The green chile smothered breakfast burrito is the dish locals order on repeat, and Sunday brunch comes with a built in perk, three dollar house margaritas with any brunch entree.
Good to know: The Margarita Brunch special is a Sunday only offer and could change, so confirm it is still running before building a visit around it.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town
Time to spend: About 1 hour
Cost: Around 12 to 18 dollars per person
Best time to go: Weekday lunch to avoid the wait
What to expect: Run by a French chef and his American wife, Marigold leans into fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a bistro style menu of sandwiches and salads. It has a genuine neighborhood cafe feel, the kind of place locals return to on repeat rather than saving for a special occasion.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: In town, downtown
Time to spend: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Cost: Entrees roughly 30 to 50 dollars, with a four course tasting menu around 75 to 95 dollars per person
Best time to go: Evenings, reservations strongly recommended
What to expect: Led by James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef alum Brother Luck, this is seasonal, regional cooking that changes with what the Four Corners area is growing and foraging. The room manages to feel casual and elegant at the same time, and it is the pick for a dinner meant to be an occasion.
Good to know: The menu changes seasonally by design, so specific dishes are not guaranteed to be on the menu year round.
Iris Insight 💡
If you only make one reservation ahead of your trip, make it here. Everything else on this list you can decide on the fly, but a table at Four is worth locking in before you land.
And then there are the experiences that do not fit neatly into any other category, the ones that make people say they did not expect that from Colorado Springs. These are my favorites to recommend.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: Manitou Springs, about 15 minutes from downtown
Time to spend: 1 to 3 hours depending on fitness level
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Early morning, cooler months are more comfortable given the intensity of the climb
What to expect: A relentless staircase of old railway ties climbing nearly 2,000 feet in under a mile. It is genuinely tough, locals treat it as a badge of honor, and the view from the top is the reward. The Barr Trail offers a gentler way back down.
Good to know: Conditions vary heavily by season, expect ice and snow in winter and early spring, traction devices are strongly recommended during colder months.
Distance from downtown Colorado Springs: About 55 minutes west of Colorado Springs
Time to spend: Half day
Cost: 25 dollars per vehicle, valid for 7 days, free with an America the Beautiful pass
Best time to go: Spring through fall, trails may be snow covered in winter
What to expect: A quiet, educational stop built around one of the richest fossil beds in the world, including giant petrified redwood stumps. It is a slower paced outing compared to most of this list, well suited to families or anyone who wants a break from the more physical activities.
Good to know: Entrance fees are set by the National Park Service and subject to change without notice. Some trails may be snow covered or closed in winter.
This itinerary comes from personal experience. I know what it feels like to land somewhere new and have no real plan, just a scattered list of links and reviews that never quite add up to an actual day. I did not want visitors coming to Colorado Springs to feel that same way, so here is the itinerary I wish someone had handed me.
So here is a three day itinerary built for a first time visiting family, DIYers, or honestly, anyone who just wants someone else to have already figured out the plan. It leans toward what has worked well for families with older kids or teenagers, a mix of easy mornings and a little real adventure, without needing a single guided tour to pull it off.
Iris Insight 💡
This itinerary is exactly the kind of thing I wish had existed the last time I was the one figuring out a trip somewhere unfamiliar. Feel free to stretch it into four days by adding Florissant Fossil Beds, or compress it into a long weekend by cutting day three short. The point is not to follow it exactly, it is to give you a real starting plan instead of a blank page.
Colorado Springs has something for everyone, families, solo adventurers, foodies, and nature lovers alike. Whether you have an hour to spare or a full weekend to explore, this guide is built to help you make the most of your time here. Planning a trip? Bookmark this guide, and come back to it every time you are searching for things to do in Colorado Springs.
And if somewhere in the middle of exploring all of this, you find yourself thinking this could be home, I would love to help you make that happen. Reach out anytime.
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