Attractions and Places To See around Colorado Springs - Top 20

Colorado Springs is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You can explore Three Graces rock formation — Garden of the Gods Park, known for its distinctive sandstone fins, or the iconic Siamese Twins rock formation, a natural monument offering a less crowded trail experience within Garden of the Gods. Other notable features include Pikes Peak, the majestic "America's Mountain," and the dramatic Seven Falls.

Yes, for a significant challenge, consider the Manitou Incline Trailhead. This former cable car track boasts 2,768 steps and an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet in less than a mile. A reservation is required to access this demanding climb.

Families have many options, including the Garden of the Gods Park, which is free to enter and offers easy trails and scenic drives. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the only mountain zoo in the U.S., provides unique animal encounters and stunning views. For a festive experience, visit North Pole, Colorado – Santa's Workshop, a Christmas-themed amusement park. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum also offers interactive exhibits for all ages.

To delve into the region's past, visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, housed in the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. Old Colorado City offers a glimpse into a historic district with unique shops. You can also explore Glen Eyrie Castle, an English Tudor-style castle built by the city's founder, General William Jackson Palmer, or the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum for an inspiring tribute to Team USA.

The Colorado Springs area offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the Palmer and Central Garden Loop Trail or the Gateway Trail to Palmer Trail and Scotsman Trail Loop. More challenging options include the Red Rock Rim and Greenlee Loop or the Cheyenne Mountain via Talon and Dixon Trail. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Colorado Springs guide.

Yes, beyond the central Garden of the Gods, you can explore North Gateway Rock, home to the famous "Kissing Camels" formation. Another unique spot is Keyhole Rock (Sleeping Giant), which offers fantastic views of other rock formations and Pikes Peak. Further afield, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park showcases distinctive geological formations blending natural and historical resources.

Cyclists can enjoy diverse routes, from the extensive Colorado Front Range Trail to the scenic Garden of the Gods Park loop. For road cycling, consider the challenging Pikes Peak Summit via Colorado Springs route or the moderate North Cascade to Pikes Peak Greenway loop. Explore more options in the Cycling around Colorado Springs guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Colorado Springs guide.

The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summer is also popular, but attractions can be busier. Winter provides opportunities for snow-related activities, though some higher elevation roads or trails might be closed or require specific gear.

Yes, several attractions in Colorado Springs offer accessibility. The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is accessible, and many of the paved trails within the park are suitable for wheelchairs. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed with accessibility in mind, recognized for its inclusive design.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and unique geological formations. For instance, the Siamese Twins rock formation is appreciated for its natural curiosity and less crowded trails. Many also enjoy the opportunity for photography at spots like Three Graces rock formation, highlighting the stunning red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Yes, the quirky town of Manitou Springs, located near attractions like the Manitou Incline and Cave of the Winds, is known for its unique shops and bohemian atmosphere, where you can find distinctive cafes and eateries. Old Colorado City also offers a variety of unique shops and dining options.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, while a bit further afield from central Colorado Springs, is a significant attraction featuring one of the highest suspension bridges in North America. It stands over 956 feet above the Arkansas River and offers gondola rides, zip-lining, and the SkyCoaster. It's located about an hour's drive southwest of Colorado Springs.