While Colorado Springs may not be as well known as other areas of Colorado for outdoor recreation, there is still plenty to do here. You could easily spend a week exploring this small region and still not have time to do everything. From driving up 14,000 foot mountains to exploring other-worldly rock formations, here is your guide to the best outdoor activities to do around Colorado Springs.

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Explore Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is the highest of the mountains that form the backdrop of Colorado Springs, which stands at 14,115 feet high. You can explore this iconic mountains in several ways:

• Drive up to the top of the mountain on the Pikes Peak Scenic Highway. The road is full of incredible views, hairpin turns and also alpine wildlife. To visit by car, you must have a timed entry reservation as well as purchase a day pass ticket.

• Ride the historic cog railway to the top of the mountain. You can ride this train year round and the journey takes around 3 hours.

• Lastly, take a Jeep Tour of Pikes Peak that includes local guides and a unique history of the area. This is a great option if you want to ride on the scenic highway but don’t have your own car.

Walk or Bike in Garden of the Gods

This free park filled with other-worldly rock formations is only 15 minutes from the Colorado Springs downtown. Within the park, you’ll find hiking trails and biking pathways as well as a road that passes several overlooks. Additionally, you can take a guided E-bike tour of this area, which gives you unique views of the park and local information.

Enjoy Cheyenne Mountain State Park

You’ll find Cheyenne Mountain State Park 15 minutes south of Colorado Springs. This is a great spot to bring a picnic lunch or watch the sunset over the mountains in the evenings. There is also camping here, guided wildflower hikes and archery lessons! Favorite hikes include:

• Zook Loop Trail – An easy 1 mile loop with great views (also great for sunset!)
• Cougars Shadow & Blackmer Loop – A moderate 3.5 mile loop trail with lovely wildflowers in the spring!

Keep reading for the rest of the best outdoor activities to do around Colorado Springs!

Other Outdoor Activities

Other popular outdoor activities to do in this area include:

• Hike to the top of the Manitou Incline – This trail is probably the most popular in the Colorado Springs area. It’s famous because it is the remnants of an old cog railway, so the incline is incredibly steep (with a 45% grade and 2,000 foot elevation gain in 1 mile.) While it is a very difficult trail, the views are worth the effort!

• Explore the Cave of the Winds – A majestic cave system right outside of Colorado Springs with unique geology, an outdoor via ferrata and also zip lining. They also offer haunted cave tours, which explores the cave system only using lanterns.

• Visit Red Rock Canyon Open Space – A beautiful outdoor space that is similar to Garden of the Gods (but much less busy.) You’ll find lots of trails here that are suitable for all levels of hikers. For an easy, but beautiful option, check out the 1.8 mile Contemplative Trail.

• Drive to Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Located about 45 minutes east of Colorado Springs, these brightly colored rock formations are definitely one of the most interesting places in Colorado. The park is open year round and is free to visit as well.

When to Visit Colorado Springs

Most of the outdoor activities listed in this guide are accessible year round. However, the best times to visit are June and September/October. These times provide the best temperatures, as it isn’t too hot for hiking/exploring and it won’t be snowy (although it can snow year round in Colorado at high elevations.)

• If you only want to visit for Pike’s Peak, June – September are the best months as the drive to the top will be completely open. Otherwise, you’ll face road and train closures, as it frequently snows at the top (even in peak summer!)

Where to Stay near Colorado Springs

We recommend staying in the charming town of Manitou Springs or the historical Old Colorado City. Both of these spots are close to all of the activities listed in this guide, within 10 minutes of downtown CO Springs and very walkable with great restaurant options.

• Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – A fun bicycle themed hotel with great rooms, free bike rentals and pueblo style architecture. There’s also a cozy lobby bar, where you can unwind after a day of activities.

• Historic Manitou Springs Victorian Home – This gorgeous and colorful victorian style home is a fabulous vacation rental in this area. It’s within walking distance to downtown Manitou Springs, can sleep up to 6 people and also has a great patio to enjoy in the evenings.

Hope you enjoyed this guide to the best outdoor activities to do around Colorado Springs.

Caroline & Jonathan