Colorado Springs in Winter: What You Need to Know

October 17, 2021
By foxintheforest

Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by foxintheforest

Fun filled outdoor activities and a few unique wildlife experiences make Colorado Springs a treat to visit year-round. Just because the temperatures drop and the days get shorter doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways to enjoy Colorado Springs in winter. In fact, Colorado Springs is an excellent place to visit in the winter months.

It doesn’t have the big-city vibes of Denver, but with amazing scenery and few unique attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Colorado Springs in the winter. From meeting a wolf to taking a scenic trail to the top of an iconic Colorado 14er there is something for everyone.

As a long-time Colorado local of over 12 years, I’m on a mission for you to visit Colorado like a local, not a tourist. If you want to learn how to enjoy the best of Colorado Springs in the winter, then you’re in the right place. You won’t find better info about how to make the most of your Colorado Springs adventure anywhere else on the web.

About this Guide to Colorado Springs in Winter

Inside this local’s guide to Colorado Springs in winter you’ll find:

Info about winter weather in Colorado Springs
Things to do in Colorado Springs in the winter
What to pack
Additional local Colorado travel resources

Does it Snow in Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Yes! Snow is possible anywhere in Colorado during the winter and Colorado Springs is no exception. You can expect snow in Colorado Springs anytime between October and May. With an average of 57 inches of snowfall per year, snow is certainly common. However, when it snows in Colorado Springs it typically melts quickly thanks to the abundant amount of sunshine.

How Bad Are the Winters in Colorado Springs?

Compared to places in northern America and New England, Colorado Springs in winter is quite mild. But don’t be fooled – it’s definitely cold and snowy throughout winter. Wild temperature swings are quite common in Colorado with daytime highs in the winter between the teens and the 50s (yes – it’s really that intense).

February and March tend to be the coldest months, with the average temperature in the low 30s and overnight lows in the 20s. However, if the sun is out and the wind isn’t blowing, it can feel quite mild in Colorado Springs in winter. Either way, it’s best to be prepared for variable weather and pack cold-weather clothing.

What is There to Do in Colorado Springs in the Winter

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Colorado Springs in the winter. From seeing the holiday lights at the famous Broadmoor resort to visiting the wolf wildlife sanctuary you won’t get bored. In fact, with so much to do in Colorado Springs in winter, you’ll find yourself with a season of snowy fun!

Visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Nearby Manitou Springs is home to a lot of Colorado Springs winter activities. With constant 54-degree temperatures inside, visiting the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park will feel like a balmy spring day. Explore the wide variety of tours from the Caving 101 tour where you’ll get to try spelunking (crawling through undeveloped parts of a cave) to the Lantern Tour that’s focused on folklore, ghost stories, and the cave’s history.

Local Tip: Advanced bookings are required.

Take the Cog Railway

Looking to make your way to the top of one of the best Colorado 14ers near Denver, but don’t want to slog it out in the snow? Take the Cog Railway to the summit of Pike’s Peak a 14,115-foot peak that dominates the Colorado Springs skyline.

As one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs in winter, a trip up to the top of this iconic summit is a must-do Colorado activity. It’s the only train that summits a mountain and you’ll get a bird’s eye view from the top! Just be aware that some people consider this one of the most overrated attractions in Colorado.

Go on a Jeep Tour

Head out on an enclosed, heated Jeep tour to get outside in Colorado Springs this winter without freezing your butt off! Jeep tours are an excellent way to experience the wild side of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. You’ll learn the unique history of Fremont County, visit all the Colorado Springs hot spots, and enjoy the snowy road less traveled.

Visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

Located in nearby Divide, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center participates in the Species Survival Progam to create a safe space for Mexican Grey Wolves and Swift Foxes. Rescuing and rehabbing these incredible animals allows the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center to run education tours of its facility. You can meet these endangered creatures on a paid tour that helps to support the center’s mission.

Local Tip: Advanced reservations are required and tours are more limited during the winter months.

Explore Garden of the Gods

Home to some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado, Garden of the Gods is a must-see. With over 21 miles of hiking trails (all beginner-friendly, and a few paved routes) you can experience the magic of this red rock garden. Seeing these sandstone monoliths dusted in snow is a real treat, certainly one of the most scenic places in Colorado.

Local Tip: This is one of the top attractions in Colorado, if you want some solitude, consider showing up before 7 am or visiting during the week.

Things to do in Colorado Springs in winter

Snowshoe Near Colorado Springs

One thing is for certain, there are countless amazing Colorado Springs hikes. Just because the snow has fallen doesn’t mean you can strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails. In fact, winter is a great time to go for a gentle hike in Colorado Springs. A few noteworthy winter trails include:

Garden of the Gods hike
Trails in Muller State Park
Hiking near the Royal Gorge Bridge

Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

About an hour and 20 minutes from Colorado Springs is the small town of Canon City. Here you’ll find the famous Shelf Road climbing area (suitable in winter), and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Hiking around the park is totally free and provides stunning views of the Arkansas River Gorge. You can also walk across America’s highest suspension bridge sitting 956 feet above the canyon floor. There is also a via Ferrata (one of the top via Ferrata in Colorado), cable car, zipline, and more.

Local Tip: Visiting the Park is a $24 fee ($19 for kids 6 – 12) and other activities cost extra.

See the Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are home to the Ancestral Puebloan people whose civilization mysteriously disappeared in 1200 AD. Found throughout the American Southwest, this living museum is a replica of the Mesa Verde ruins found in the southwest corner of the state. This interactive museum allows everyone to crawl and explore the awe-inspiring structures that you otherwise could never enter. It’s an excellent way to learn about the unique and often overlooked history of the American Southwest.

Enjoy Horseback Riding

Prance through the snow on horseback in the iconic Colorado Springs landscape. From horse rides through Garden of the Gods Park to Pikes National Forest there are several ways to go for a western winter trail ride. There are rides that vary from a few hours to a full-day excursion. Just be sure to dress warmly, wear jeans, gloves, and sturdy boots. Notable stables in Colorado Springs include:

Acedemy Riding Stables
Stables at the Broadmoor
M Lazy C Ranch
Red Trail Ranch

Soak in a Hot Springs

Located between Manitou and Colorado Springs you’ll find the famous Manitough Hot Springs, one of the top hot springs in Colorado. Sunwater Spa lets you relax and recover the Manitaugh Springs Pools allow you to dip in the mineral-rich, healing waters. There’s something magical about visiting hot springs in winter. It simply warms your soul!

Visit the Broadmoor and Seven Falls

Each year the Broadmoor Resort puts on a holiday display unlike any other. From giant gingerbread displays to impressive lights that make the gardens twinkle, it’s worth a visit to this resort – even if you aren’t an overnight guest. You can also catch a free bus to Seven Falls (one of the best waterfalls in Colorado), a beautiful canyon that features seven distinct falls.

What to Wear in Colorado Springs in Winter

Colorado Springs in winter has variable weather and the air feels quite dry. You’ll certainly want to bring along plenty of water for your adventure-filled time in the Springs, especially if you plan to snowmobile in Colorado. Not to mention, you’ll want to dress the part. Here’s what you should wear in Colorado Springs this winter:

Dress in layers! Wear long sleeves and pants with strudy footwear that won’t get wet if there’s snow on the ground.
Beanie
Sunglasses
Scarf
Gloves
Warm wooly socks
Fleece layer
Puffy layer
waterproof layer for the wind and snow

Additional Local Colorado Travel Resources

Headed to Colorado this winter? Check out these amazing local travel resources.

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Planning to visit Colorado Springs in winter? If you're headed to this beautiful Colorado destination, here's your ultimate guide to Colorado Springs, including what to do, what to pack, things to know about visiting Colorado Springs in winter, and more!

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.