Whether you’re a longtime local seeking new adventures or it’s your first-time visit to the city, Colorado Springs offers a wide range of experiences waiting to be discovered. From stunning natural wonders to cultural treasures rich in history, Colorado Springs has plenty of attractions and fun things to do for families, couples, singles, groups — everyone.
Top 15 Attractions in Colorado Springs
From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, here are some of the best must-see and must-do attractions in Colorado Springs.
Garden of the Gods
Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning red rock formations that define this iconic park. Explore winding trails, take in panoramic views of Pikes Peak, and marvel at the geological wonders that make Garden of the Gods a photography and hiking paradise.
With tons of trails to take, visitors can hike, bike, walk, run, climb and even join a horseback riding tour in the park. No matter which route you choose, each trail presents a unique perspective of the towering sandstone formations, from the iconic Kissing Camels to the popular Balanced Rock and Siamese Twins. The wide, paved pathways around the central, main Gateway Rocks formations are also wheelchair friendly and universally accessible. And if you don’t have enough time to explore the Garden of the Gods on foot, you can always enjoy spectacular views from the comfort of your car as you drive the roads through the park.
Pikes Peak
Ascend to new heights by journeying to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous Colorado 14ers. For those looking for a challenge, you can reach the 14,115-foot summit by taking the 13-mile Barr Trail from Manitou Springs or the shorter 7-mile Crags Trail from the west side of Pikes Peak near Divide and Cripple Creek.
However, you have multiple options for reaching those breathtaking vistas from the top. Instead, you can opt for a scenic drive to the top on the Pikes Peak Highway or hop on the historic Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a quicker, less intense approach.
A friendly reminder for everyone summiting America’s Mountain via foot or Cog Railway: The weather at the top is not the same as at the base. If it’s 60-degrees and sunny in town, it could be 28-degrees and snowy on the summit. Remember to check the weather to dress and pack accordingly.
Manitou Incline
If you’re up for a challenge, the Incline will get your legs moving and your blood pumping. Make no mistake: The Manitou Incline is an extremely rigorous trail boasting 2,744 steps that climb 2,000 feet of elevation in 0.9 mile, plus a 3-mile return hike along Barr Trail. Yes, the views are spectacularly steep — just pace yourself to be able to catch your breath and enjoy them. But standing at the top, you will have earned the satisfaction of accomplishment. Learn more about the trail and insider tips for making it to the top in our guide here: Climbing the Manitou Incline.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Immerse yourself in the spirit of athleticism and perseverance at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. The high tech, universally accessible museum is a national treasure where you can discover the stories of Olympic heroes and Paralympic champions and gain a deeper appreciation for the pursuit of excellence in sports. Plus, you can test your own Olympic and Paralympic abilities with a number of interactive exhibits like archery and track.
Pro visitor tip: Stop by the museum’s event space off of the Winter Olympics exhibit to see the scoreboard from the U.S. men’s ice hockey team win at Lake Placid in 1980 and stunning views of Pikes Peak. Learn more about the experience in our article Inside the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
As Olympic City U.S.A., Colorado Springs is full of Olympic spirit, including the flagship training center for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness greatness in action. During guided, year-round tours, visitors get a peek at the state-of-the-art training facilities where Team USA athletes hone their skills and push the boundaries of human performance. With more than 15,000 athletes training at the center annually, it’s not uncommon to catch athletes mid-workout during your tour. To double your Olympic spirit, you can bundle your ticket to get a special rate on access to both the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Delight in a day of family-friendly fun at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, home to over 750 animals from around the world. Get up close and personal by feeding giraffes. Feed hungry birds at the Encounter Africa exhibit and enjoy educational presentations that inspire a love for wildlife conservation. The unique mountain zoo also offers beautiful views from the hillsides above Colorado Springs, part of the reason it has been voted one of the Top 10 zoos in the United States for the past eight years by the USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also hosts special events, such as Dog Days at the Zoo when visitors can bring their furry friends to tour the exhibits or Tails, Tunes & Tastes for adults to explore the zoo, take in evening views of the city lights and enjoy live music, small plates and cocktails.
Seven Falls
This historic Seven Falls was long celebrated as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado” for its beautiful seven cascading waterfalls. Visitors can hike alongside them via a series of iron staircases built into the towering canyon walls. First established as a tourist destination in 1883, Seven Falls offers visitors a natural beauty, history and modern amenities like the Restaurant 1858.
In addition to hiking the falls on foot, visitors can soar above South Cheyenne Canyon on the Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip line. When you make your way to Seven Falls, don’t miss your chance to view the waterfalls from the Eagle’s Nest or to experience the site at night when it’s illuminated. Learn more about what to do during your visit in our article How to Make the most of Your Visit to Seven Falls.
Flying W Ranch
Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs is an enchanting blend of Colorado’s Western heritage and natural beauty. This working cattle ranch has been entertaining and feeding guests since 1953, reviving the spirit of the American West with its chuckwagon suppers and house band, the Flying W Wranglers.
Beyond the music and meals, guests can venture on a horseback ride, compete in axe-throwing, watch horseshoeing demonstrations, hang out with the ranch animals and take a ride on the Russell M. Wolfe Narrow Gauge Railroad. You can read more about the Flying W Ranch experience in our article Exploring History and Diversity in Colorado Springs.
United States Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Academy invites visitors to explore its 18,500 acres and offers visitors a glimpse into the rigorous training and commitment of the cadets who call it home. You can admire the unique midcentury modern architecture and stunning spires of the Cadet Chapel, Colorado’s most visited manmade tourist attraction before it was closed for a massive renovation project. Note that the chapel is currently closed until 2027, but there are many other things to see at the Academy. And it’s brand-new visitor center is scheduled to open in early 2025. You can read more about it in our New U.S. Air Force Academy and Sunset Amphitheater Are Coming Soon.
The Air Force Academy welcomes visitors to take advantage of the outdoors on its scenic grounds for hiking, biking, fishing and seasonal hunting activities. And while the Academy is probably best known for educating and preparing cadets for service in the United States Air Force and Unites States Space Force, it’s also home to 27 men’s and women’s Division 1 NCAA teams. So try and catch an Air Force Falcons football game at Falcon Stadium, the women’s basketball team at Clune Arena, a men’s ice hockey game in Cadet Arena or another Mountain West leading team in season.
Be sure to visit the USAFA website for instructions on base entry, maps and other pertinent visitor information.
Old Colorado City
The past meets the present in a delightful blend of history and charm in Old Colorado City. Spend an afternoon strolling the quaint streets and discover art galleries showcasing local talent, eclectic boutiques and cozy restaurants all situated in beautifully preserved architecture dating back to the 1800s. Old Colorado City’s unique history includes a short time as the Territory of Colorado’s first capital and a Wild West center of saloons and brothels during the Pikes Peak or Bust gold rush.
Don’t forget about some of Old Colorado City’s signature events like Territory Days, when the streets come alive with hundreds of unique vendors, live music performances and Old West culture every Memorial Day Weekend.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Both perched above and tunneled beneath the limestone cliffs of Williams Canyon, this natural wonder turned visitor attraction has been fascinating people since its discovery in the late 1800s. Tour the network of subterranean trails with a guide, and choose from a family-friendly discovery expedition of electrically lit portion of the caves to a spooky haunted lantern tour of the Grand Caverns.
Above ground, visitors can enjoy more than a breath of fresh air as they free fall over 150 feet into Williams Canyon on the TERROR-dactyl. Or you can take an equally exhilarating — but less terrifying—flight above the canyon on the Frontier Zip Line.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Originally located near McElmo Canyon in the southwest corner of Colorado, near Mesa Verde and Dolores, these remarkable cliff dwellings have a rich history dating back over 700 years. The 40-room dwellings were relocated and opened to the public in 1907 to offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the region. Now located in Manitou Springs, you can wander through the well-preserved structures and marvel at the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans who once called these cliff dwellings home.
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor encapsulates the essence of a bygone era of grandeur, seamlessly blending its rich history with modern luxury to create an unparalleled guest experience. Founded in 1918, The Broadmoor is the world’s longest-running Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond resort. Book your stay to fully experience its amenities, and read about the experience in our Luxury, History and Adventure in Colorado Springs. But you don’t have to stay at the resort to experience it. Day visitors can walk around the beautiful resort grounds and lake, visit the 20 specialty retail shops and eat at the hotel’s collection of restaurants, some of which we recommend in our list of the 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Glen Eyrie
In 1871, General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, built a stately castle named Glen Eyrie for his wife Mary “Queen” Palmer. Now, over 150 years later, English Tudor-style castle and sprawling estate next to Garden of the Gods serves as a conference center and hotel. The castle welcomes visitors for castle tours, afternoon tea, overnight stays and events like holiday dinners and concerts. Reservations are required, and drop-in visitors may be admitted depending on availability.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Saddle up and ride into the rich history and culture of the American West at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. The museum celebrates the sport of rodeo and honors the legendary cowboys and cowgirls who have made significant contributions to the sport. Explore exhibits showcasing rodeo artifacts and memorabilia that bring the history of rodeo to life. Colorado Springs has a rich Western heritage. You can experience it and celebrate at these 7 Western Heritage Events and Rodeos in Colorado Springs.
A Few More Attractions in the Pikes Peak Region
The broader Pikes Peak region is filled with interesting and entertaining attractions and things to do just beyond the city boundaries of Colorado Springs. These spots make perfect day trips or short getaways, and they are worth the trip.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
About an hour south of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City is a stunning 1,200-foot deep canyon spanned by the highest suspension bridge in the United States. The views are breathtaking. Down below, the Arkansas River flows through as a favorite spot for whitewater rafting, though its big rapids can be advanced at certain times of year. Visitors can walk across the bridge for a direct view down to the river. The Royal Gorge Park is also home to unique activities, such as the Royal Rush Skycoaster, the Cloudscraper Zip Line and more. Visitors can also embark on a scenic journey aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, offering a unique perspective deep within the Royal Gorge as the train follows the river through the scenic canyon.
Cripple Creek
Just an hour’s drive into the mountains from Colorado Springs, this historic mining town is brimming with charm and character. Cripple Creek is known for its lively casinos, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. You can take a stroll along the town’s charming streets and visit local shops and eateries in the restored Old West buildings. Or pop into the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to learn more about the town’s mining history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. You can even tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, riding an elevator 1,000 feet deep into the earth. The annual Donkey Derby Day is an annual favorite when you can join the burro races and festivities to celebrate the town’s free-roaming donkey herd. Learn more about that and other things to do in Cripple Creek in our article A Full Summer of Fun in Cripple Creek and Victor.
