10 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Looking for what to do in Colorado Springs? Nestled at the foot of the mighty Rocky Mountains, this vibrant city is an open invitation to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West. More than just a gateway, Colorado Springs is a destination where ancient red-rock formations pierce the sky, 14,000-foot peaks dominate the horizon, and a spirit of adventure permeates the air. With its unique blend of unparalleled natural beauty, deep military heritage, and a rich tapestry of Western history, the city offers a perfect balance of outdoor exhilaration, cultural enrichment, and family-friendly discovery.

From exploring iconic geological wonders and conquering one of America’s most famous mountains to delving into historic districts, world-class zoos, and panoramic canyon hikes, here are the 10 best things to do in Colorado Springs. This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect trip to a place where every vista feels like a postcard and every trail leads to a new adventure.

1. Stand in Awe at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is not merely a park; it’s a geological masterpiece and the crown jewel of Colorado Springs. This public park, gifted to the city with the stipulation it remain free forever, features 300-foot towering sandstone formations of vibrant red and white, sculpted by millennia of erosion. Set against the majestic backdrop of Pikes Peak, the scene is nothing short of breathtaking. The park is exceptionally visitor-friendly, with a paved scenic drive and well-maintained trails for all abilities.

The must-do is the easy, paved Perkins Central Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that winds between the most iconic formations like the Kissing Camels and the towering Cathedral Spires. For a more immersive experience, join a guided nature walk, try world-class rock climbing (with a permit), or simply find a quiet perch to watch the changing light paint the rocks in brilliant hues at sunrise or sunset. The state-of-the-art Visitor & Nature Center offers fascinating geological exhibits and an unforgettable view from its terrace.

2. Conquer America’s Mountain: Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak, immortalized in the song “America the Beautiful,” is more than a mountain; it’s a symbol of the American West. As one of Colorado’s famed “Fourteeners” (peaks over 14,000 feet), reaching its 14,115-foot summit is a rite of passage. You have three spectacular ways to ascend. The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile scenic drive with endless switchbacks and jaw-dropping overlooks. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, one of the highest railways in the world, offers a narrated, historic journey on the world’s highest cog train.

For the truly adventurous, the Barr Trail provides a strenuous 13-mile hiking route to the top. Regardless of how you get there, the summit view is unparalleled—a 360-degree panorama of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the city below. Be sure to try the famous high-altitude donuts at the Summit House. Due to the extreme altitude, take it slow and stay hydrated.

3. Witness the Power of Seven Falls

Tucked into a steep, narrow canyon in the southwest foothills, The Broadmoor Seven Falls is one of Colorado’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls. As the name suggests, it is a series of seven distinct cascades plunging 181 feet down a solid cliff face of Pikes Peak granite. The experience begins with a scenic tram ride or a walk up the canyon, leading to a dramatic view of the falls from below.

From there, you can challenge yourself by climbing the 224-step staircase built alongside the falls, which leads to hiking trails and the inspiring Eagle’s Nest platform, accessible by an in-mountain elevator. The falls are stunning by day, but they transform into something magical after dark when they are illuminated by a colorful light show. The surrounding Box Canyon with its soaring walls adds to the majestic atmosphere.

4. Discover Pride and Precision at the U.S. Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is more than a military institution; it’s a national landmark with stunning modernist architecture set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The campus is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the life of America’s future Air and Space Force officers. The undisputed architectural highlight is the Cadet Chapel, an iconic structure with 17 spires soaring 150 feet into the sky. (Note: check the website for restoration progress and visiting access).

The Visitor Center features engaging exhibits on the Academy’s history, the admission process, and the lives of cadets. Don’t miss the dramatic film in the theater. You can also drive through parts of the beautiful 18,000-acre campus, stop at overlooks, and visit the Air Force Academy Planetarium or hike the scenic trails that wind through the grounds, offering peaceful reflection and great views.

5. Step Back in Time in Old Colorado City

Just west of downtown, Old Colorado City is the historic heart of the Pikes Peak region. Founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush, it was Colorado’s first capital. Today, its brick-paved streets and beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings house a vibrant community of independently owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants and breweries.

Strolling along Colorado Avenue is a delight, with friendly shopkeepers, local artisans at work, and the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods in the air. The district is particularly lively during the First Friday Art Walks and seasonal farmers’ markets. It’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs, enjoy a craft beer in a historic saloon, and soak up the authentic, laid-back Western atmosphere.

6. Meet Wildlife with a View at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers an experience unlike any other. Perched on the side of a mountain at an elevation of 6,800 feet, it is America’s only mountain zoo. The setting provides not only incredible views of the city below but also expansive, naturalistic habitats for the animals.

The zoo is renowned for its world-leading giraffe herd; you can hand-feed these gentle giants, an unforgettable encounter. Other highlights include the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit featuring grizzly bears and mountain lions, the immersive African Rift Valley, and the Mountaineer Sky Ride, a scenic chairlift that offers breathtaking aerial views of the zoo and the surrounding landscape. It’s an engaging, educational, and visually stunning attraction for all ages.

7. Explore Ancient History at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Located just a short drive from downtown in nearby Manitou Springs, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings provide a fascinating and accessible glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi). While the dwellings themselves were originally located in the Southwest, they were carefully relocated and preserved here in the early 20th century for educational purposes.

Visitors can walk through, touch, and explore the authentic stone-and-mortar rooms, kivas (ceremonial chambers), and towers that date back 800 to 1,000 years. An on-site museum displays tools, pottery, and weapons, offering context about the daily lives and sophisticated culture of these early inhabitants. Set against a beautiful red-rock canyon backdrop, it’s a hands-on history lesson that connects you to the deep human history of the region.

8. Uncover Local Lore at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Housed in the elegant, neoclassical 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, this excellent museum tells the rich and diverse story of the Pikes Peak region. The building itself, with its restored stained-glass dome and ornate clock tower, is a historic treasure. Inside, engaging exhibits cover the area’s history from the Indigenous Ute and Plains peoples, through the era of pioneers, miners, and ranchers, to the founding of modern Colorado Springs by General William Jackson Palmer.

Key artifacts include a vintage Van Briggle pottery collection, a beautifully restored 1913 touring car, and exhibits on the city’s health resort era and its role in the Olympic movement. The museum offers a vital, well-curated context that enriches your understanding of every other site you visit in the area, and best of all, admission is free.

9. Hike Among the Red Rocks at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Often considered the sister park to Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a more rugged, intimate, and equally stunning experience. Once a quarry, this 1,474-acre park is now a labyrinth of towering salmon-colored sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, serene ponds, and rolling meadows. Over 20 miles of multi-use trails cater to hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and climbers.

Popular trails like the Contemplative Trail and Sand Canyon Trail lead you through dramatic rock formations and offer spectacular views of both the city and the Garden of the Gods to the north. The park’s varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife, and its historical remnants, like old quarry equipment, add an interesting layer to the natural beauty. It’s a local favorite for escaping the crowds and immersing in the Colorado landscape.

10. Take in the Cityscape from Palmer Park

Donated to the city by its founder, General William Jackson Palmer, this 730-acre park is a treasured urban wilderness right in the heart of Colorado Springs. Unlike the manicured parks of other cities, Palmer Park is a preserved piece of the high desert, featuring unique rock formations, dense stands of ponderosa pine, and wide-open meadows. Its extensive trail network is perfect for a quick hike, a mountain bike ride, or a peaceful trail run.

The park’s crowning feature is the Grandview Overlook. As the name promises, it offers one of the most comprehensive and impressive views of the entire city, with Pikes Peak looming majestically to the west and the eastern plains stretching to the horizon. It’s an ideal spot for a sunrise view, a sunset picnic, or simply to gain perspective on the beautiful city nestled between mountain and plain.

In conclusion, Colorado Springs is a destination that stirs the soul and invigorates the spirit. It is a place where you can touch ancient rock, summit a legendary peak, walk through living history, and gaze upon vistas of staggering beauty—all within a short drive. These ten experiences are your passport to discovering why this city at the base of Pikes Peak remains one of America’s most beloved and awe-inspiring destinations.