Exciting Day Trips from Colorado Springs
There’s plenty to do within the city limits of Colorado Springs, from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to hiking between the sandstone outcrops of the Garden of the Gods. Moreover, daytrippers from the city will find adventures on all sides, regardless of which direction they are drawn towards.
All manner of sights and hidden gems lie within an hour or two of the Springs, from mighty mountain peaks to the bustling bars and food halls of the Colorado capital. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak
When in Colorado Springs, the ascent to the top of Pikes Peak should be at the top of your list. The only question is, how will you make your way to the summit? Known as America’s Mountain, this peak inspired the poem that later became the song “America the Beautiful,” penned by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893. Standing tall at 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the Rocky Mountains and the distant outskirts of Colorado Springs and Denver.
The newly opened Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center provides an excellent starting point, and the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been transporting visitors to the summit since 1891. With a modernized infrastructure, the Cog Railway guarantees a scenic and enjoyable journey to the top, including wildlife spotting along the way. This three-hour round-trip features a 40-minute stopover at the summit, which is perfect for capturing memorable selfies. Ticket prices range from $58–$68, and it is advisable to reserve seating in advance.
Alternatively, you can drive along the Pikes Peak toll road, a scenic route to the summit that operates year-round, weather permitting. Take your time on the 19-mile stretch, making stops at numerous scenic viewpoints. A one-day pass costs $15 for adults, $5 for children, or $50 for a vehicle with up to five passengers. For those seeking a challenge, the Barr Trail offers a hiking route to the summit, starting just west of Manitou Springs. For a different experience, consider a guided biking tour on your return journey; Challenge Unlimited can assist with arrangements.
Getting to Pikes Peak: To reach the Pikes Peak Highway, head West on Highway US-24, turning left onto Fountain Avenue and following the signs. Ensure you have at least a half tank of gas, as there are no gas stations along the route. Bring an extra layer for cooler temperatures at the summit, and check the webcams on the Colorado Springs website for current weather conditions before you depart. The Cog Railway starts its journey at Manitou Springs, located six miles west of Colorado Springs.
Royal Gorge
While the Colorado Springs landscape is rich with peaks and valleys, there’s a remarkable canyon nearby in Cañon City. Here, you’ll find one of the world’s highest suspension bridges spanning the Royal Gorge, a breathtaking canyon carved by the Arkansas River. Following a revival post-wildfire in 2013, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has transformed into an outdoor playground, offering numerous ways to explore the gorge.
Walking across the Royal Gorge suspension bridge lets you feel it sway beneath your feet, 956 feet above the Arkansas River. During the summer months, keep an eye out for white-water rafters below, navigating the river’s thrilling rapids. If you’re eager for adventure, consider rafting with Raft Masters in Cañon City.
Another scenic way to traverse the canyon is via gondola, or you may opt for America’s highest zipline experience. For those after a unique thrill, the Royal Rush Skycoaster offers an adrenaline-pumping swing out over the gorge. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, enjoy the views from the Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which operates multiple daily departures from Santa Fe station in Cañon City, featuring carriages with ‘Vista Domes’ for spectacular views.
Getting to the Royal Gorge: To reach the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, it is roughly an hour and twenty-minute drive from Colorado Springs via Cañon City. The park is open year-round, with peak season from May through September. Trains on the Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad start from Cañon City’s Santa Fe depot, conveniently located just off Route 50.
Denver
If you’re on the lookout for a big city experience infused with Colorado spirit, a trip to the state capital is essential. Denver boasts a variety of interesting neighborhoods and landmarks, including the historic Denver Union Station and Larimer Square in LoDo, alongside shopping at Cherry Creek, which is Denver’s major shopping hub. If you find yourself in the city for a limited time, definitely explore the vibrant RiNo arts district.
Spend a few hours in this ever-evolving industrial zone, and you’ll grasp why this city attracts so many new residents. The colorful murals and street art are bound to catch your eye, guiding you toward the many artist studios and galleries available. The alleyway behind Central Market is a particularly great starting point for exploration, or you might opt for a walking tour with Denver Graffiti Tour, which provides ample photo opportunities along with intriguing local anecdotes.
Regardless of where you venture in the Mile High City, refreshing beverages abound. The outdoor patio at Ratio Brewworks is an ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere with a beer or visit Death & Co, nestled within the stylish lobby of the Ramble hotel for a craft cocktail. Over on Brighton Boulevard, you’ll discover trendy food halls like The Source, Zeppelin Station, and the new addition, Number 38—all boasting expansive spaces and impressive selections of local brews on tap.
Alternatively, set out on your own brewery crawl; the Denver Beer Trail offers a comprehensive list of over 100 brewpubs, breweries, and taprooms in the metro area. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Beer Spa for a soak in a bubbly beer bath paired with a soothing chair massage.
Getting to Denver: Denver is conveniently located just a short drive north from Colorado Springs on I-25. The journey typically takes around an hour, although traffic or adverse weather can extend travel time. Be mindful of construction work along the Gap Project, a road improvement initiative between Castle Rock and Monument, which is expected to continue through November 2022.
Pueblo
Located an hour south on I-25, the town of Pueblo is home to the Colorado State Fair and the renowned green Pueblo chile. Food enthusiasts can purchase this spicy ingredient directly from many local farm stands just a short drive from downtown. It is nearly a requirement while visiting Pueblo to try a Pueblo Slopper, an open-face hamburger smothered in Pueblo chiles. Asking locals will lead you to the best spots to sample this local delicacy.
The main highlight in town is the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, which begins across the street from the Pueblo Welcome Center. In addition to riverside walks, you can embark on a 25-minute boat ride to discover the history of Pueblo and the flood of 1921. During summer, locals gather along the mile-long channel for refreshments or to rent paddleboats. A pedestrian suspension bridge connects both sides of the levy, complementing the walking and biking trails that feature unique leaf-shaped structures for shade.
Before departing, take a moment to visit the Pueblo Whitewater Park, where you can watch paddle-boarders and kayakers navigating eight drops along the Arkansas River. Plan to stay late to admire Neon Alley, boasting the largest collection of neon signs east of Las Vegas and west of New York City. For a scenic view, Mister Tandoori is a delightful option to enjoy your meal on the patio.
Getting to Pueblo: Pueblo is just an hour’s drive south from Colorado Springs on I-25. Alternatively, consider taking a longer and more scenic route back through Bishop Castle, an impressive and unique structure built entirely by one individual.
Cripple Creek, Florissant, Divide, and Woodland Park
Venture west into the mountains from Colorado Springs for a plethora of exciting adventures. You can transport yourself back to the gold mining era in Cripple Creek, where casinos abound and donkeys roam freely. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Cripple Creek District Museum before boarding the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for a four-mile roundtrip journey past historic mines.
If fossils intrigue you, head to Florissant, CO, where you’ll find the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This area features a unique stone forest of enormous petrified redwood stumps that illustrate Colorado’s prehistoric past. The Petrified Forest Loop offers an easy one-mile hike, while the Ponderosa Loop makes for a pleasant walk through pine woodland. Don’t miss the historic Hornbek Homestead, established in 1878.
If you’re keen to see some wildlife, visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center located outside Divide, which provides an exceptional opportunity to observe timber wolves. The hour-long walking tour is particularly enlightening during mealtime. Nearby, the quaint Main Street of Woodland Park features locally-owned shops and restaurants, and the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Center offers insights into the awe-inspiring reptiles that once roamed the Rockies.
Getting to Cripple Creek, Florissant, Divide, and Woodland Park: Woodland Park is approximately a thirty-minute drive northwest of Colorado Springs on Highway 24, with Florissant just another twenty minutes further west. A further thirty-minute journey along Teller County Road 1 will take you to Cripple Creek. Be prepared for significant elevation changes; bring warm clothes for this beautiful mountain adventure.
