Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by foxintheforest
While Colorado Springs is close to Denver, it’s a destination in its own right featuring the famous red rocks in Garden of the Gods, the iconic views of Pikes Peak, and the challenging Manitou Incline hike.
The fun things to do in Colorado Springs also include checking out the US Olympic Training Center, touring the US Air Force Academy, and exploring Cave of the Winds.
I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years, so I have spent a ton of time exploring Colorado Springs. It’s so close that it makes a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway from Denver.
If you’re looking to travel like a local, not a tourist, I’ve got the inside scoop on all the fun things to do in Colorado Springs for you.
About this Guide to Fun Things in Colorado Springs
Inside this local guide to the absolute most fun things to do in Colorado Springs, you’ll find:
- Location of Colorado Springs & how to get there
- The best things to do in Colorado Springs
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
Where is Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is just an hour and a half straight south of Denver on I-25. This convenient location makes Colorado Springs a great Colorado road trip stop or a lovely weekend getaway in Colorado.
You can also fly directly into Colorado Springs instead of Denver, or you can take the Bustang bus between Denver and Colorado Springs if you’re visiting Colorado without a car.
Click here to access the map below.
The Best Outdoor Activities in Colorado Springs
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities in Colorado Springs, and because it’s at lower elevation than a lot of places to visit in Colorado, you can do most of these outdoor activities in Colorado Springs year-round.
1. Stand on the Summit of Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most famous Colorado 14ers and is known as “America’s Mountain.”
You can take one of Colorado’s scenic drives to the top of it year-round or hike up it if you want to earn your summit – it’s 13.5 miles one way with nearly 7,500 feet of elevation gain along the Barr Trail.
Local Tip: Reservations ($2/vehicle) are required to drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30. I also find the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway to be one of the most overrated attractions in Colorado.
General admission to the Pikes Peak summit is $15/adult or $50/carload from May 1-November 30.
2. Explore Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is not only one of the prettiest places in Colorado, but also one of the best free things to do in Colorado.
You can check out the stunning sandstone formations in the park from the hiking trails or climb the red rocks if you’re an experienced climber (and have a free climbing permit).
Local Tip: Garden of the Gods is open 365 days a year, and admission is always free, putting it at the
3. Climb the Stairs of the Manitou Incline
Another one of the iconic things to do in Colorado is hike the Manitou Incline. This leg and lung-busting hike gains 2,000 feet of elevation in just under a mile up 2,744 steps. Luckily, you descend 3 miles down the gentler Barr Trail back to the trailhead.
Local Tip: Since this is one of the best hikes in Colorado, it is extremely popular, so free reservations are required.
4. Check Out Cave of the Winds
Featuring cool underground cave tours and an outdoor adventure park with thrilling rides, Cave of the Winds is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Colorado Springs.
You can also climb the rocks along a via ferrata and soar through the sky on a zip line.
5. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River
For an epic Colorado summer vacation, hit the rapids of the Arkansas River and go whitewater rafting!
Several guide companies in the area can help you find the perfect rafting trip through the Royal Gorge or Browns Canyon.
6. See the Seven Falls
Located at The Broadmoor, Seven Falls is a spectacular cascade of waterfalls over 180 feet high.
A short hike will take you up 224 steps to the top of the falls, or you can get a fantastic perspective from the Eagle’s Nest viewing platform.
Local Tip: Tickets are $18/adult and should be purchased in advance, if possible.
7. Adventure at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the US, and you can cross the wooden planks 956 feet above the Arkansas River.
The adventure park also features a via ferrata, a skycoaster, and a zipline, so you’ll discover lots of ways to get your heart racing!
8. Hike or Climb in North Cheyenne Cañon
For great hikes in Colorado Springs, head to North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Take a short trail to see Helen Hunt Falls or a longer hike to St. Mary’s Falls.
If you’re a climber, Cheyenne Cañon has lots of routes up the granite slabs, making it a good destination if the sandstone is too wet to climb in Garden of the Gods.
9. Balance on a Stand Up Paddleboard
Take your SUPing to the next level with paddleboard yoga! Dragonfly Paddle Yoga offers SUP yoga classes and lots of fun events on Quail Lake.
They also provide paddleboard rentals and lead alpine SUP excursions if yoga isn’t your thing.
The Coolest Unique Things to Do in Colorado Springs
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Colorado Springs, you can check out a castle, take a scenic ride on a railroad, find some fossils, and so much more.
10. US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
Colorado Springs is home to the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and you can take a tour to see where these world-class athletes train.
One of only two Team USA shops in the country is located here so you can grab a souvenir.
11. ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy
Another one of the unique things to do in Colorado Springs is pay a visit to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
See the Hall of Champions, featuring the best in each rodeo event, and Heritage Hall, showcasing the history of the sport. In the summer, you can get up close with retired rodeo bucking horses.
Admission is $10/adult.
12. US Air Force Academy
The US Air Force Academy welcomes visitors to the campus where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views and learn about the Academy experience in the Visitors Center.
The planetarium also offers free showings of planetary displays and IMAX films to the public.
Local Tip: You must go through a security checkpoint to get on base, and valid ID is required.
13. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad for spectacular scenery along with a delicious dining experience. Each of the four departures each day offers a multi-course meal as you make your way through the Rockies.
Local Tip: Pair this with the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for a fun-filled day!
14. Glen Eyrie Castle
Visit a castle in Colorado Springs on a historical tour of Glen Eyrie Castle. Tours let you explore the Carriage House and first two floors of the castle.
You can also get fancy and enjoy a full afternoon tea service in the Castle Music Room (Wed-Sun).
15. Florissant Fossil Beds
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument contains one of the richest fossil deposits in the world.
The fossils found here range from tiny insects to giant petrified Sequoia stumps, and one of the most fun things to do in Colorado Springs is to check them out.
Local Tip: An entrance pass is $10/person (good for 7 days) or a National Parks annual pass can be used.
16. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Visit the animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which features one of the largest giraffe herds of any zoo in the country.
You can also spy Rocky Mountain goats climbing on cliffs, Nile hippos in the water, and snow leopards in the Asian Highlands.
Don’t miss theMountaineer Sky Ride for an awesome aerial view of the zoo terrain and the Colorado Springs area.
Local Tip: Advanced timed tickets are required, so be sure to purchase online before you go.
17. Flying W Ranch
Go back in time to the Old West at Flying W Ranch for one of the most unique things to do in Colorado!
Enjoy a chuckwagon spread followed by a musical performance by the Flying W Wranglers.
You can also explore the grounds to see the ranch animals, view a horseshoeing demonstration, and try your hand at axe throwing or archery.
18. Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Get a birds-eye view of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak on a hot air balloon ride with Adventures Out West.
Tours are offered during the summer months, and each ride leaves at sunrise for the most incredible views.
19. Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker
While you can’t actually tour Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker, you can spot the famous entrance to this classified site from the road (on CO-115 off of I-25).
Built in the 1960s, the bunker was the former headquarters for NORAD during the Cold War and has been featured in movies and tv shows, including Independence Day and Stargate SG-1.
20. Rocky Mountain Food Tours
Taste your way through Colorado Springs with Rocky Mountain Food Tours.
Choose from a coffee & art walk, a tour featuring cocktails and canapes, a lunch tour of local breweries, or the signature Colorado Springs Food Tour.
21. Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
Originally established in 1886 as a monastery by Benedictine monks, the monks decided to plant and cultivate a vineyard on the property and opened the winery in the early 2000s.
Visit the tasting room to sample a flight of their award-winning Colorado wines.
The Best Museums to Visit in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has a plethora of museums to learn more about everything from mining to bugs to aviation.
22. Western Museum of Mining & Industry
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry preserves the mining history of the American West.
On your visit, you can see working machinery, a walk-through mine drift, gold panning stations, and a collection of cool fluorescent minerals.
23. US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Opened in 2020, the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a showcase of more than 100 years of history of the incredible athletes who have represented the United States.
Exhibits include a complete collection of Olympic torches, interactive athlete training sport demonstrations, a full Olympic medal collection, and much more.
24. Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum
Dedicated to preserving classic motorcycles from the 1900s through the 1970s, the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum also features a hall of fame. Admission is free.
25. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Explore the history of the Pikes Peak region at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Learn from a variety of exhibits about the founding of the city, African American history, women’s suffrage, and more.
26. May Natural History Museum
The May Natural History Museum is really a bug museum! From beetles to scorpions, butterflies to spiders, if you want to see a certain creepy crawly critter, you can probably find it here.
27. Museum of Colorado Prisons
Housed in what was once a Women’s Correctional Facility built in 1935, the Museum of Colorado Prisons depicts prison life from the past 140 years.
Visit different cells to learn about life behind bars.
28. Penrose Heritage Museum
Philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose were instrumental in creating many attractions in Colorado Springs, and this museum showcases artifacts from their collection of the history of the city.
29. National Museum of World War II Aviation
The World War II Aviation Museum shares the role that military aviation played in the development of the United States. Marvel at the extensive aircraft collection on a self-guided tour.
30. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
This living history museum shares the cultural and agricultural history of the Pikes Peak region from 1775-1909. Learn about the daily lives of people in that era as you interact with historical interpreters on the grounds.
Additional Colorado Travel Resources
Looking to explore the best of Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Then check out these handy resources:
