Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s most visited destinations, and for good reason. Perched at over 6,000 feet at the dramatic eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, this vibrant city is packed with world-class Colorado Springs attractions and outdoor activities year-round. From iconic natural landmarks and national monuments to adrenaline-fueled adventures just outside city limits, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Here’s our insider guide to the best things to do in Colorado Springs.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a full Colorado road trip, these are the activities and attractions that define the Colorado Springs experience.
For the ultimate Colorado outdoor experience, the Arkansas River is just about 1.5 to 2 hours west of Colorado Springs, and it’s one of the most iconic whitewater rivers in the country. Wilderness Aware Rafting has been running trips on this river for nearly 50 years, and visitors from Colorado Springs make the drive every summer for good reason. Head west on US-24 through Manitou Springs and Woodland Park, and the mountain scenery gets better with every mile.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our Colorado Springs rafting trips by ability level:
Before you head out, check our rafting packing list and review current Arkansas River conditions. Questions? Our team is happy to help you pick the right trip.
No list of Colorado Springs things to do is complete without a visit to Garden of the Gods. This free National Natural Landmark features towering red sandstone rock formations rising dramatically against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Explore the paved and unpaved hiking trails, try rock climbing with a local guide service, or simply stop at one of the many scenic overlooks for photos. It’s one of the most photographed places in Colorado and one of the few iconic natural attractions that costs nothing to enter.
Standing at 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America. Drive the scenic 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, ride the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs, or hike the challenging Barr Trail to the summit. The views inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” and they’re just as awe-inspiring today. The summit visitor center has famously good donuts, too.
Perched at 6,800 feet on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountain zoo in the United States. Home to nearly 170 species, including giraffes you can hand-feed. It’s a standout Colorado Springs attraction for families, and the views over the city from the upper exhibits are a bonus worth the trip alone.
Just a few miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, the eclectic mountain town of Manitou Springs deserves a solid half-day. Wander Ruxton Avenue and sip from the free natural mineral spring fountains scattered around town, explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, browse local art galleries and boutiques, or catch the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from the Manitou depot. The town has an artist-community vibe that feels unlike anywhere else in the Colorado Springs area.
Colorado Springs is the home of Team USA, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is one of the most innovative sports museums in the country. Interactive exhibits put you inside the athlete experience, from the starting blocks to the podium. Adjacent to the museum, visitors can sometimes catch U.S. national team athletes training at the Olympic Training Center on campus tours.
Cave of the Winds sits above Williams Canyon just west of Manitou Springs and packs a lot of adventure into one destination. Choose from guided cave tours ranging from easy walking tours to more adventurous lantern-lit spelunking experiences. Above ground, the park features a Via Ferrata mountain climbing route, zip lines, and a freefall attraction with canyon views. A great pick for groups with mixed interests.
Tucked into a private granite canyon in Cheyenne Canyon, Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls accessible via a short trail and wooden staircase. The canyon walls tower above on both sides, the stream runs with rainbow trout below, and the whole scene feels surprisingly remote for how close it is to the city. A beautiful spot for nature photography and a unique Colorado Springs attraction.
Beyond the headline attractions, Colorado Springs is one of the best outdoor recreation bases in the country. Here’s what adventurous visitors have on their radar:
With over 150 miles of trails within city limits and immediate access to Pike National Forest, Colorado Springs is a hiker’s paradise. Trails range from flat, paved walks at Garden of the Gods to the demanding 13-mile Barr Trail to the Pikes Peak summit. Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers well-maintained trails with excellent wildlife watching and mountain views just south of the city.
Garden of the Gods has hundreds of traditional and sport climbing routes ranging from beginner to expert. The Shelf Road climbing area near Cañon City, about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, is one of the premier limestone sport climbing destinations in Colorado, with over 900 bolted routes.
The Colorado Springs area has a growing mountain biking scene. Palmer Park offers fun singletrack right in the city. Cheyenne Mountain State Park and the Falcon Trail system offer longer rides with bigger views.
Spring and Summer
Fall and Winter
As a Colorado outfitter with nearly 50 years of experience in the region, here’s what we’d tell a friend planning a Colorado Springs trip:
What is the closest whitewater rafting to Colorado Springs? The closest whitewater rafting to Colorado Springs is the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River near Cañon City, about 45 minutes west. The world-famous Browns Canyon section is about 1.5 to 2 hours away near Buena Vista via US-24. Wilderness Aware Rafting runs trips on both sections and offers options for all experience levels.
What are the best free things to do in Colorado Springs? Some of Colorado Springs’ best attractions are completely free. Garden of the Gods (free park entry), the Manitou Springs mineral spring fountains, Bear Creek Regional Park, and the extensive trail network in Pike National Forest are all free to access and explore.
How far is Colorado Springs from Denver? Colorado Springs is approximately 70 miles south of Denver, about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive south on I-25. It makes a great day trip from Denver, though it really warrants an overnight stay to fully explore the area.
Is Colorado Springs good for outdoor activities? Colorado Springs is one of the best outdoor activity destinations in the American West. The city has over 150 miles of hiking trails, world-class rock climbing at Garden of the Gods and Shelf Road, mountain biking in Palmer Park and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and easy access to whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River just over an hour away.
Luxury:
The Broadmoor | 719-634-7711
The Lodge at Flying Horse | 719-487-2635
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club | 1-800-923-8838
Mid-Range:
The Antlers, a Wyndham Hotel | 719-955-5600
Drury Inn & Suites | 719-598-2500
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs | 719-265-9385
Budget-Friendly:
The Mining Exchange | 719-323-2000
Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods | 719-593-9119
La Quinta Inn Garden of the Gods | 719-528-5060
Choose from a variety of Colorado rivers, day trips, and multi-day trips to find just the right option for you and your crew. Better hustle, because they’re booking up quick!
