Things To Do
in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a vibrant city located at the base of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and skiing. The city is also home to the United States Air Force Academy and the stunning Garden of the Gods park.
With a mix of military presence, stunning landscapes, and a thriving arts scene, Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of entertainment and outdoor recreation.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by hiking through the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Don't forget to enjoy a picnic breakfast with breathtaking views.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Visitor & Nature Center for interactive exhibits and a short film about the park's history. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic trails to fully appreciate the natural beauty.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants with views of the park. Consider a sunset photography session to capture the vibrant colors of the rocks.
Catch the early morning train on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic ride to the summit. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain landscape along the way.
At the top, take some time to explore the summit and visit the gift shop. Head down for a late lunch in Manitou Springs.
Relax at a local brewery to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures. Taste some craft beer paired with delicious snacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
- Mild climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- Strong military presence, contributing to economic stability and community support.
- A growing economy with diverse job opportunities, particularly in tech and tourism.
- Rich cultural and historical attractions, including the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Colorado.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary for many residents.
- Rapid growth leading to infrastructural challenges and potential strains on resources.
- Potential for severe weather, including snowstorms and occasional wildfires.
Best Activities in Colorado Springs
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Colorado Springs offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of the mountains and rock formations.
The area around Colorado Springs provides excellent opportunities for rock climbing, catering to various skill levels.
There are many mountain biking trails in and around Colorado Springs, offering diverse terrains for riders of all abilities.
Explore the iconic red rock formations and enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing within this beautiful park.
The Arkansas River near Colorado Springs offers thrilling white water rafting adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Colorado Springs with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Colorado Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
This iconic park offers stunning rock formations and panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Drive or take the cog railway to the summit of Pikes Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Springs below.
This unique zoo boasts several overlooks with panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains.
Offers various hiking and biking trails with beautiful vistas of the city and the Front Range mountains.
Food in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple of Colorado cuisine, green chile is a spicy stew made with pork, green chile peppers, and other seasonings. It's often served smothered over burritos, enchiladas, or as a stand-alone dish. Try it at The Green Line Grill or Gray's Coors Tavern.
Must-Try!
Don't be deceived by the name - these are actually fried bull testicles and are a unique delicacy in Colorado. For an authentic experience, head to The Famous Steak House.
These fritters are a local favorite, filled with a tasty mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cheese. Visit MoZaic and The Villa Palmer Lake to sample this specialty.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Colorado Springs better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market showcases a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts. It's a great place to explore local flavors and pick up fresh ingredients.
This popular food truck offers classic Chick-fil-A dishes, including their famous chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, making it a hit for street food lovers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Colorado Springs residents value the natural environment and outdoor activities, so it's important to show respect for nature by practicing leave-no-trace principles and following designated trails.
Drivers in Colorado Springs appreciate courteous and patient driving behavior, including yielding to pedestrians and cyclists and using turn signals when changing lanes.
It's important to respect the traditions and customs of the local community, which may include being mindful of Native American heritage and local celebrations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Colorado Springs with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Colorado Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
In Colorado Springs, it is customary to tip between 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for other services such as haircuts, taxis, and hotel housekeeping. However, tipping practices may vary based on the quality of service received.
In Colorado Springs, the most common forms of payment accepted are cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Many establishments also accept contactless payments for added convenience. It is important to always carry some cash for places that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Colorado Springs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Peak tourist season with warm weather perfect for outdoor adventures, festivals, and events. Crowded tourist attractions.
Scenic beauty as the leaves change colors. Less crowded, comfortable temperatures, and great for hiking and viewing fall foliage.
Popular for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Cold temperatures, but beautiful snowy landscapes and festive events.
Colorado Springs at Night
Hiking in Colorado Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A public park featuring stunning red rock formations and numerous hiking trails, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
One of Colorado's most iconic mountains, offering several hiking trails with breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
A scenic area with trails that wind through red rock formations, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
A large park with multiple trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, showcasing beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.
A popular trail leading to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering a challenging hike with stunning views along the way.
A moderately easy hike that leads to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A series of waterfalls that can be accessed via a scenic hike, featuring stunning views and photo opportunities.
This trail offers a flat route through a scenic area, suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Colorado Springs through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Colorado Springs by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Colorado, located approximately 70 miles north of Colorado Springs.
The main airport serving Colorado Springs itself, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 45 miles south of Colorado Springs, this airport services smaller regional flights.
Located approximately 60 miles north, serving general aviation and limited commercial flights.
Located about 150 miles west, known for seasonal flights primarily catering to ski resorts.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest racial demographic group in Colorado Springs, making up approximately 70% of the population.
The second largest demographic group, representing around 17% of the population.
This demographic group comprises about 10% of the population.
Asians make up roughly 3% of the population in Colorado Springs.
Individuals identifying with two or more races account for approximately 4% of the population.
This group constitutes about 1% of the Colorado Springs population.
Individuals identifying as Pacific Islander make up a very small percentage of the population, less than 1%.
The Soul of Colorado Springs
Discover the essence of Colorado Springs through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Colorado Springs, featuring local high schools and the presence of professional teams nearby.
Youth and adult soccer leagues thrive in Colorado Springs, and the area supports professional soccer teams.
With numerous recreational facilities and school teams, basketball is widely played and enjoyed in the community.
Local leagues and summer camps for baseball attract many young athletes and amateur players.
Owing to the nearby natural landscapes, rock climbing is a popular outdoor activity in Colorado Springs.
With scenic trails and parks, running is a favorite pastime for both casual joggers and competitive runners.
Cycling enthusiasts enjoy the numerous bike trails, making it a popular sport in the area.
The breathtaking mountain scenery offers numerous hiking opportunities, making it a favored outdoor activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Colorado Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Colorado Springs provides a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, such as Shuga's and Coquette's Bistro. These establishments offer creative plant-based dishes and accommodating menus.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs can find accommodating options at places like Streetcar520 and Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe. These venues prioritize gluten-free choices and are attentive to specific dietary requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Colorado Springs with these cultural adventures.
