Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you're planning to visit Colorado Springs, it's good to know the lay of the land. Here is an overview of the city known as "the Springs" in Colorado...

Colorado Springs is the 2nd largest city in the state of Colorado, with a population of approx. 380,000 people.

Located 70 miles south of Denver, it's about an hour's drive along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

The altitude is 6,035 feet above sea level, so take it easy when you first arrive, and drink plenty of water.

You can fly into the city by way of the Colorado Springs Airport (COS) which is a smaller, quieter aiport than its big brother up north, Denver International (DIA). COS offers shuttle service and car rentals, and is right on the eastern edge of town.

Colorado Springs enjoys an enviable location, right next to the mountains. In fact, many homes here are up on the foothills and mountainsides overlooking the city below.

This beautiful proximity makes Colorado Springs the most popular tourist attraction in Colorado.

Many people enjoy the mountains by way of hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, geocaching, golfing, fishing, hot air ballooning, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Pikes Peak is the most prominent of the mountains near the city, with an elevation of 14,110 feet. It's visible almost everywhere you go.
Colorado Springs

You can drive up to the summit by way of the Pikes Peak highway, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. You can also hike to the top by way of the Manitou Incline and the Barr Trail.

The city is spread out over 185 square miles. About 17 miles north to south and 11 miles east to west.

The main thoroughfares are I-25 running north and south and Hwy 24 running east and west. Main roads running north/south through the city are Nevada , Union , Academy and Powers. Main roads running east/west are Research, Woodmen, Garden of the Gods-Austin Bluffs, Fillmore-Circle-Constitution, and Platte.

The locals often refer to the city as “The Springs.”

The city's most popular attractions include:

Other attractions nearby include the Florissant Fossil Beds and the Dinosaur Resource Center, as well as several National Parks, including Great Sand Dunes and Rocky Mountain.

The weather is another big draw for visitors and residents alike. Over 300 sunny days per year shine down on the city, and the low humidity makes for comfortable days and mosquito-free nights. While it can get in the 90s on summer days, termperatures drop to the 50s and 60s every evening.

In winter, not much snow falls on the city, and when it does, it usually melts away due to all the sun and mild temps. Drive up in the mountains, of course, and there's plenty of snow all winter long.

Colorado Springs has 3 State Parks in close proximity. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is right on the edge of town. Mueller State Park and Eleven Mile State Park are 30 and 35 miles away respectively. All parks offer excellent opportunities to enjoy unspoiled wilderness.

Colorado Springs is home to the US Olympic Center, where Olympiads train for swimming, weightlifting, and cycling. The campus includes two sports complexes, an aquatics center, shooting center, and nearby velodrome.

Well-known for its military bases, Colorado Springs is also home to the US Air Force Academy, Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD — the North American Aerospace Defense Command inside Cheyenne Mountain, and the Army's Fort Carson.

The Downtown area is relatively small compared to bigger cities, but has an active nightlife, including several restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Most of the activity seems to revolve around Tejon Street.

Colorado Springs Another hot spot is Old Colorado City, which is an historic neighborhood on the west side of town. You'll find plenty of shopping there, as well as places to eat and a coffee shop or two. You'll likely see a horse-drawn carriage making its rounds as well.

Other shopping possibilites include the Promenade Shops at Briargate and Chapel Hills Mall on the north end, and the Citadel Mall in the central part of town.

Lodging options are plentiful, with hotels and motels running along the I-25 and Hwy 24 corridors. There are also cabins for rent in the foothills. See our lodging picks page for our personal favorites.

One resort of particular note is The Broadmoor, a 5-star resort with three championship golf courses. In 2008, the Broadmoor hosts the Senior Open.

Given all the Springs has to offer, it's received many awards, including: