Colorado may be known for its Rocky Mountain snow, but insiders know summer is prime time for a trip to Colorado Springs — or just local fun. But with so many options and great things to do in Colorado Springs, where do you start? We’ve got an itinerary that’s sure to deliver lodging, enlightenment, adventure and, of course, some of the best local craft beer in Colorado Springs. Time to start planning!
Where to Stay
Golden Eagle Campground
Adventure is a way of life in Colorado, and camping is the way to experience the best of Colorado Springs’ natural beauty and all the entertainment the city has to offer. You can find the best of both worlds at the Golden Eagle Campground. “Camping at Golden Eagle feels like you’ve driven deep into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, but it’s only minutes from downtown,” says Diana Fruh, Vice President of Golden Eagle Campground. “You’ll love the mountain vibe.
Since 1961, the May family has owned the Golden Eagle, a quiet camping oasis on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain. “The May family has loved hosting campers here in the Pikes Peak region for over 70 years,” Fruh says. “Whether you just want to hang out at Golden Eagle and enjoy our beautiful property or explore the local attractions, we’re here to help you make the most of your camping trip.”
The 1,200-acre, family-friendly property offers fishing lakes, more than 12 miles of hiking trails, mountain vistas, wildflowers, wildlife and natural beauty all only 10 miles from the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Top local attractions like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, Seven Falls and more are all within a 30- to 40-minute drive.
The Golden Eagle Campground offers 200 campsites catering to RVs and trailers, including 125 pull-through sites with 30/50-amp electrical full hookups and 75 electric/water hookups for small RVs and trailers. Every campsite includes a campfire ring. There are two accessible restroom and shower houses. Kids can enjoy the playground, and groups can gather in the two covered pavilions. The fishing ponds are stocked with trout, and guests can try their hand at catching them with a $10 daily permit (no expensive state license required). Reservations are required.
710 Rock Creek Canyon Road
719-576-0450
campingincoloradosprings.com
Where to Blow Your Mind
The May Natural History Museum
You can’t miss Herkimer! He’s the world’s largest beetle that has been a trademark of the May Museum since 1952. Standing on the roadside, Herkimer marks the entrance to the May Natural History Museum. He’s actually 48 times larger than an actual Dynastes Hercules beetle, but you can find the real thing inside.
The one-of-a-kind May Museum, aka the Bug Museum, is home to one of the world’s largest private insect collections. With more than 7,000 arthropods, it’s a fascinating place to discover vibrant butterflies, squishy beetles, gigantic spiders, deadly scorpions and more, all perfectly preserved. Name a bug, and you can probably find it here.
“People are most surprised by the sheer number of specimens and the stunning colors found in the May collection,” says Diana Fruh, Director of the May Natural History Museum.
Five generations ago, James May began collecting bugs as a boy in Brazil, then Africa, Canada and all around the world. His son, John, began building airtight display cases for the exotic collection and began touring it in tents and pavilions around the country. In the 1950s, he built the permanent home of the Bug Museum, and it has been fascinating visitors ever since. Located just outside the Golden Eagle Campground, campers there receive a discount on museum admission. But the May Museum is worth a visit of its own for locals and visitors alike.
710 Rock Creek Canyon Road
719-576-0450
coloradospringsbugmuseum.com
Where to Play
Pikes Peak America’s Mountain
Pikes Peak is not only Colorado Springs’ icon — it’s America’s Mountain. Standing on its lofty 14,115-foot summit, Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to to write “America the Beautiful” in 1893, and it’s easy to see why. No perfect day in Colorado Springs is complete without a trip up the towering peak.“There are so many ways to enjoy this local and national treasure,” says Mackenzie Carder, Marketing Director for Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. “Whatever your style, there is a way to reach the summit and be awed by the natural beauty on and around Pikes Peak.”
The Pikes Peak Highway offers a scenic 19-mile drive to the top with about 156 twists and turns. Personal vehicles are allowed. But those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else while they take in the scenery can ride a Pikes Peak Shuttle — or take the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Reservations are required for all options during the summer. Of course, those looking for an extreme challenge can ride a bike up the Pikes Peak Highway or hike via the 13-mile Barr Trail or 7-mile Crags Trail (distances one-way).
However you reach the top, your reward is a famous Pikes Peak donut — or a dozen! The unique treats are baked on-site daily with a special high-elevation recipe at the state-of-the-art Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. Here you can pick up souvenirs in the gift shop, eat in the cafe and immerse yourself in the history and environment of Pikes Peak. Universally accessible boardwalks and overlooks let you take in the jaw-dropping views, and large windows provide the indoor version of that top-of-the-world feeling.
“For more scenic adventure, be sure to plan time to visit the North Slope Recreation Area, just 6 miles up the Pikes Peak Highway, for some fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding or hiking with amazing views of Pikes Peak,” Carder says.
However you choose to enjoy America’s Mountain, there’s an adventure for all.
5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade
719-385-7325
drivepikespeak.com
Where to Grab Colorado Springs Best Craft Beer
Goat Patch Brewing Co.
Want to drink like the locals? Goat Patch Brewing Company was voted the No. 1 Best Brewery in Springmag’s People’s Choice poll, and it’s no surprise why. Since 2017, the local, veteran-owned small business has been brewing award-winning craft beers with a long list of World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival and other honors to its credit. “At Goat Patch, we’re all about great beer, good people and a little adventure,” says Avaree Dilday, Events and Marketing Manager. “Whether you’re here for a pint, live tunes, a community hangout or a private party to celebrate life’s milestones, we’ve got something brewing for everyone.”
You can find Goat Patch’s creative and balanced brews, like its uber popular Hazy Unfiltered IPA, all over town, but the best way to experience Goat Patch is to sample its full lineup at one of its three locations. Lincoln Center is the original in the Old North End of downtown with large patio space, food trucks and welcoming community vibes. Northgate is the newest location and home to the Grazing Goat Kitchen, which serves lunch and dinner with a menu centered on delicious Neapolitan pizzas. And in Monument, Goat Patch has recently acquired the popular Pikes Peak Brewing Company, continuing the brand and its popular brews
No matter where you find it, you can count on Goat Patch’s easy-drinking brews and community spirit. “Community is at the heart of everything we do,” Dilday says. “We’re proud to support a wide range of local organizations each year. For us, being community-focused isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment we live out by giving back whenever we can.”
Weekly Bleating Heart Nights highlight local organizations to receive a portion of each sale. The annual Bleating Heart Initiative donates a percentage of Red Ale sales to two selected nonprofits. And there’s always a full schedule of events bringing people together for good times and good beer, including trivia, Music Video Bingo, live music and more.
Lincoln Center
2727 N. Cascade Ave.
(719) 471-GOAT (4628)
Northgate
12245 Voyager Parkway
719-300-8870
Pikes Peak Brewing Co.
1756Lake Woodmore Dr.
719-208-4098
More Summer in the Springs
Don’t miss our special Summer in the Springs section with more articles about all sorts of summer fun in Colorado Springs.
