Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state of Colorado. I first visited about four years ago and I really liked the city. After staying a month in Albuquerque, New Mexico, my boyfriend and I headed to Colorado Springs for a few days in 2020.
Colorado has always been one of my favorite places to visit in the states, as it is perfect for nature lovers and offers so many different outdoor adventures for every time of the year. And Colorado Springs is undoubtedly a small big-city with some of the best outdoor activities in the country.
It is frequently named one of America’s most healthy cities with more than 300 days of sunshine and mild weather.
GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND
Colorado Springs has its own regional airport and easy to navigate if you consider flying.
Because it is not an international airport, there is only one terminal. Consider flying into Denver. It is just a little over an hour’s drive south via I-25.
The best way to get around is to rent a car. You can rent a vehicle in town or at the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which is located about 11 miles east of central Colorado Springs.
Here are my 8 mind-blowing spots in Colorado Springs
1) Fuji Bistro
This modern restaurant serves sushi, Thai and Chinese food. Their food are fresh and delicious with fast and friendly service. With a great variety of different items on the menu, they have something for everyone. We also like their great atmosphere and ambiance.
2) Pikes Peak
One of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners, mountains more than 14,000 feet (4,267.2 m) above sea level. A National Historic Landmark and sitting in the Pike National Forest.
Currently, there is construction at the top of the peak and we decided not to go as the views are blocked.
You can hike, bike, take the cog railway and drive the 19-mile paved toll road up to the summit.
The peak was once given the apt name Mountain of the Sun and its summit inspired the first ever draft of America the Beautiful.
Prices
Adult (16+): $15 | Child (6-15): $5 | Carload up to 5 people: $50
Masks are required for ages 2 and up to enter gift shops. Due to construction at the summit the Mandatory shuttles leave from mile 13 and 16 of the total 19 mile drive, masks are required. Pets are not allowed on the shuttles.
3) Manitou Springs
This is a quintessential cute mountain town filled with little stores, restaurants and bars.
Explore this historic town approximately 6 miles west from Downtown Colorado Springs.
The downtown area has an array of dining, shopping, art galleries, unique antique shops and other attractions.
4) Manitou Cliff Dwelling
Located just west of Colorado Springs, these are 800–1000 year old dwellings from the Four Corners region that were moved to Manitou Springs from 1904 to 1907.
It was transported to this location via oxen, rail and horse to protect the dwellings and were assembled to closely resemble how they were found.
Walk through the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and get a glimpse into how the Anasazi lived. Often, there would be 2 or 4 families in just one structure.
Prices. Adult 12+: $12 | Senior (60+): $9 | Child (4-11): $7.50. *Please note you will need to wear mask and keep 6 feet distance apart.
Hours. 9 am – 5 pm daily.
5) Rainbow Falls
Located on Fountain Creek, about twenty minutes from Colorado Springs is Rainbow Fall. Designated a historic site in 2016. It is a short walk to the waterfalls and the historic bridge.
It is open from Friday to Monday, 10am to 4 pm until the end of August. Fall hours is Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. These hours are subject to change, so please check the website before visiting. There is no fee to enter but a donation of $1 is suggested. They are open in the summer and fall, but during the winter, it is closed to the public.
6) Garden of the Gods
There’s one place you cannot miss while you’re in the area, and this is it. It is free to enter and currently the hours are from 10 am to 3 pm.
It is registered as a National Natural Landmark and there are 15 miles of trails within the park and lots of opportunities for scrambling over and on rocks. You can also see the giant formations via Segway or on a horseback ride.
7) The Broadmoor Hotel & Resort
The grounds of The Broadmoor has it all, restaurants, pools, lake, golf course and hiking trails to spa. Opened in 1918, it is the longest consecutively running Five Star, Five Diamond property in the United States.
Book a room at their 784 rooms. In addition, enjoy their 18 on-site dining options, 3 championship golf courses and a luxury spa and 25 retail stores.
Currently the Broadmoor is closed to the public.
8) Rock Canyon Open Space
The park features several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. There are some more strenuous hikes if you’re up for a challenge, but most trails are relatively flat and wide, making them excellent for mountain biking or trail running. There is a little pond in the park.
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