A Colorado Springs Guide to Attractions

Here is our quick Colorado Springs guide to Attractions. The most popular in the area, these activities are tried and true FUN expeditions (We only wrote about the ones we've actually visited).

Follow the links to more in-depth info. This page is just the highlight!

Use our recommendations straight-away or think of them as a springboard for other ways to explore. One thing you won't have to worry about is being bored!

Most attractions in Colorado Springs will take up 2-3 hours of your time, so plan accordingly. Some travelers like to pack their days full, but we suggest choosing 2 of your favorites to give you time for travel, enjoyment, and altitude adjustment.

Some places will be quick visits, depending on your preference (ex: museums could be 1 hour or all day long if you like to stroll). Keep the weather in mind as well, a 3-hour trip driving to the summit of Pikes Peak and back can quickly lengthen if it's raining or snowing.

At any rate, be safe, have fun, and if you're so inclined, please share your experience, so we can add to our Colorado Springs attractions guide. Happy Trails!

One of the first things we suggest visiting is Pikes Peak. Did you know it’s the most visited mountain in North America? There’s a good reason. At over 14,000 feet, it’s literally a breathtaking experience. You can drive up the mountain, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for views all the way to Kansas.

Another must-see is the astounding Garden of the Gods. And it’s free! Drive through this beautiful city park filled with 300 foot tall sandstone fins. Or hike or horseback ride through miles of trails. It really feels like you’re in one of those Warner Bros. Road Runner & Coyote cartoons—see “Balanced Rock” and you’ll know what I mean. Start off at the Visitor & Nature Center across from the park's entrance, and don't forget to stop in to the Trading Post for a snack or souvenir.

Colorado Springs Attractions Garden of the Gods

If you love animals and mountains, but don’t necessarily want to tangle with a mountain lion, try visiting the only mountain zoo in America, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. That’s right, a zoo on a mountain!

You can hand-feed a herd of giraffes in the African Rift Valley, study the exotic Amur tiger, or watch cougars in their natural habitat at the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.

People don’t usually connect dinosaurs with the Rocky Mountains, but the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center would like to show you otherwise. Only a 15 minute drive to the city of Woodland Park.

See giant dinosaur skeleton exhibits, watch an IMAX movie about Sea Monsters, or feel dinosaur poop in the Children’s Learning Center. Yes, I said feel dinosaur poop.

For waterfall lovers, make your way to Seven Falls in South Cheyenne Cañon. Like the name implies, this attraction is made up of seven connected waterfall steps that plunge down a 181 foot granite cliff.

Climb the steps to the top, or take the elevator to the Eagle’s Nest. Quite a view up there. Or, stay down below and feed the rainbow trout. Stick around until evening, as they illuminate the falls with a colorful light show.

No Colorado Springs guide would be complete without information on shopping in Colorado Springs. Try downtown or Old Colorado City where locally-owned shops abound. If you prefer traditional chains, the Citadel Mall and Chapel Hills Mall are great choices.

Colorado Springs Attractions, Dowtown Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Attractions, Old Colorado City

The US Air Force Academy is an icon in Colorado Springs. Take a walk on their paved nature trail, wander around the visitor’s center, or step inside the stunning Cadet Chapel.

If mountains, trails, and sunshine aren’t enough, go underground!
Cave of the Winds offers “discovery” and “lantern” tours of underground caves, stalactites and all.

Colorado Springs Attractions, Cave of the Winds

If you find yourself hiking in Colorado Springs, you might pass an Olympiad or two in training. Wish them luck, then visit them at their headquarters. The US Olympic Training Center is located close to downtown and gives FREE tours! This center has two sports complexes, an aquatics center, shooting center, and nearby velodrome. Visitors welcome!

The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center is home to an art museum, theater, Museum gift shop, the high-end bistro "Amuze" and cool Deco lounge.

Colorado Springs Attractions, Colorado Springs Fine Art Center

Colorado Springs Attractions, Fine Art Center grounds

Royal Gorge is exactly what is sounds like—a steep canyon 1,053 feet deep. And you can visit the bridge that spans it. A short drive to Cañon City will take you to the world’s highest suspension bridge!

Colorado Springs Attractions Royal Gorge