How do you narrow down 10 favorite articles from a couple thousand stories during the past 10 years? It’s not easy. Looking back through our archives is like opening a time capsule of the pulse of life in Colorado Springs during the past decade. And for us at Springsmag, it’s a rewarding reminder of the amazing stories we’ve been able to tell about this city, the Pikes Peak region and the state of Colorado that we love. Of course, we’re not taking all the credit — we have been honored to work with an incredible group of exceptional writers who have shared their talents and voices to help create the best city magazine in Colorado Springs. (Yep, we’ll claim it.)
That said, here are our Top 10 standout stories. There are many more that got left on the sidelines, but when it comes to entertaining, insightful, meaningful storytelling about the city we call home, we’re going with these. Check them out and let us know what you think by voting below, and if you have ideas for the topics and types of stories you want more of in the next 10 years, give us your input here.
Top 10 Springs Magazine Stories for 10 Years
Paralympic Swimmer Elizabeth Marks Is Fit for Duty — Olympic Special
Paralympic swimmer Elizabeth Marks has won medals at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Paralympic Games, not to mention world championships and ESPN Espy Awards. When T.D. Mobley-Martinez wrote this insightful profile, the then-local athlete was just getting started. This was part of a fantastic cover package featuring Springs athletes preparing for the 2016 Rio Games. Photographer Aaron Anderson wore SCUBA gear to capture incredible underwater photos of Marks for the magazine’s cover and feature. It’s one of our best profiles ever.
Rescue on Amalgre
A quick-thinking pilot, skilled medical team and nervous fiance beat the odds to save a life after a freak mountain biking accident. This one is a crazy survival story. None of us hit our favorite local trails thinking anything will go wrong. It’s a good thing there are local heroes when it does.
Taking It All Off: A First-Timer’s Guide to Clothing-Optional Hot Springs
Want a good laugh? Read some Steven Hayward. Our Contributing Editor has captured so many funny, poignant pieces on life in the Springs — but that one time he bared it all to explore Colorado’s clothing-optional hot springs? Hands down our favorite. And still one of our most-read stories. Enjoy!
Big Ideas for Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has seen a lot of change in the last 10 years. In 2017, many of the place-making projects like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, a new Pikes Peak Summit House, Children’s Hospital and Weidner Field were all still dreams. Some of the 23 visionary projects we highlighted have become reality. Others still sound like pipe dreams (skiing on Ormes Peak?). We liked this story so much, we revisited the concept again last year for an update in 17 Big Ideas Shaping the Future of Colorado Springs. How many of these will be reality in the next decade?
Dolphus Stroud & the American Dream
Racism derailed Dolphus Stroud’s Olympic dream in 1928 ,but he never gave up. Instead he walked, ran and hitchhiked from Colorado to Boston to reach the spot he had earned in the Olympic Trials. Jonathan Toman beautifully captures Stroud’s resolve, resilience and legacy passed on through his family who still call Colorado Springs home.
Where the Spirits Lead on the Colorado Spirits Trail
Hit the road with a group of friends to sample, photograph and explore stories about Colorado’s craft spirits. Tough assignment, right? Jason Fleming took it beyond just a good time, uncovering the heart and soul of the artisans creating Colorado whiskey, gin, rum and other fine spirits. And, yes, you can still follow the Colorado Spirits Trail.
Dr. Vinh Chung’s Refugee Experience Fuels Gratitude and Giving
As a child, his family was miraculously rescued after being abandoned at sea as refugees fleeing South Vietnam. Today Dr. Vinh Chung is one of Colorado Springs’ leading dermatologists, finding joy in giving back to others. You won’t find a more inspirational American story than Chung’s.
Remembering Kimball Bayles
This was the story we wish we didn’t have to tell. But when Kimball Bayles, owner of the iconic Kimball’s Peak Three Theater succumbed to cancer, we knew Warren Epstein was the one to write it. The moving tribute to his long-time friend captures a life well lived and its impact on the local community. Bayles is gone but not forgotten.
Modern Architecture Roots in Colorado Springs
This feature highlights some of the most interesting architecture in the Pikes Peak region, tracing the lines of the Bauhaus School to the international and local influence of architects Jan Ruhtenberg and Elizabeth Wright Ingraham, the granddaughter of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. If you have any interest in home design and style, this one is a fascinating read about the places we live and the history of our city.
Get Out and Explore
We have always aimed to bring a sense of discovery to our readers, offering new places and activities to explore. This feature package remains one of our all-time favorite travel stories — not to mention its cover featuring the cute canine influencer Explore With Ollie. Actually, it’s a three-in-one combo that includes getaways to Crested Butte, Crestone and a classic road trip in a VW Bus through Southwest Colorado. It still makes you want to get out and go.
Our Most Popular Articles
These are the ones that continue to be our most read articles ever.
The 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs
Each year our food writers and team revisit the best spots to eat in the Springs. It’s become the definitive list in the Springs and a delicious checklist of where to eat next.
15 Hot Springs Closest to Colorado Springs
There’s never a bad time for a soak in Colorado. Whether you’re looking for a day trip soak or hot springs getaway, this guide delivers all your options for hot springs near Colorado Springs.
Free Summer Concerts in the Springs 2025
If you’re a lover of live music, Colorado Springs has you covered. Here’s your guide to outdoor concerts for almost every day of the week during summer. Bring your chair and join the fun.
5 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Weekend
Each week we update the list with the best of what’s going on around town. We hear from many people who use it to plan their weekend.
Vote for Your Favorite Springs Article
OK, you’ve seen our picks. What’s yours? What do you think is our best article from the past 10 Years?
