Nestled at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, this Colorado city is home to over 465,000 residents. It's known for its proximity to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods park.
Colorado Springs, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, is home to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. As Olympic City USA, it houses the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and Museum. You can hike challenging trails like the Manitou Incline, visit the National Museum of World War II Aviation, and sample local brews at one of the city's many craft breweries.
Natural Areas
Garden of the Gods is a free public park with towering sandstone formations. You can hike over 15 miles of trails, go rock climbing, or drive through the park. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center provides panoramic views of the formations and surrounding landscape.
Pikes Peak, standing at 14,115 feet, is accessible by several means. You can drive the Pikes Peak Highway, which includes over 150 turns. For a unique experience, ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. If you're looking for a physical challenge, hike the Barr Trail, which climbs over 7,000 feet in elevation over 13 miles to the summit.
Olympic City USA
Colorado Springs is the headquarters of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. You can tour the Training Center to observe where athletes prepare for international competition. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, opened in 2020, uses interactive exhibits to present the history of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through canyons and rock formations. North Cheyenne Cañon Park includes waterfalls, hiking trails, and rock climbing areas. For an intense workout, try the Manitou Incline, a former cable car track that gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile.
Museums and Culture
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College has a collection of American art, focusing on works from the American Southwest. At the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, located in the restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, you can learn about regional history. The National Museum of World War II Aviation displays restored aircraft from the 1940s.
Food and Drink
Since 2010, Colorado Springs' culinary scene has expanded, now including over 30 craft breweries, many in the downtown area. For a unique dining experience, visit Ivywild School, a former elementary school converted into a community marketplace with a brewery, bakery, and restaurants. The Old Colorado City neighborhood has cafes and local eateries in a Victorian-era setting.
Getting Around
A car provides the most flexibility for exploring Colorado Springs and its surroundings. The city's Mountain Metro Transit operates bus routes throughout the area. For cyclists, Colorado Springs has over 100 miles of on-street bike routes and nearly 120 miles of urban trails. The city is expanding its network of bike lanes to improve cycling as a transportation option.
Best Times to Visit
Colorado Springs has over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summer (June-August) is warm and ideal for outdoor activities but is the busiest tourist season. Fall (September-November) has comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage in nearby mountain areas. Winter (December-February) is cold but popular for winter sports at nearby ski resorts. Spring (March-May) has variable weather and fewer crowds at popular sites.
