This Convenient Colorado Hideaway Is Mountain Country’s Favorite New Weekend Getaway Spot

Colorado’s second-largest city isn’t just a beauty. Colorado Springs is also brawny (home to the the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center , no less) and bountiful—as the ideal launchpad for numerous wild adventures in the southern section of a state renowned for them. Just a quick zip south of Denver, here is your weekend base for whitewater rafting along the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge, waking up ahead of the sun at the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, exploring the aptly-named Garden of the Gods, and more. Whatever your inclination or preferred elevation, there’s no shortage of spectacular things to do in Colorado Springs.

Many cities can claim to be scenic. But only the Colorado Springs region can brag that its landscape is so striking and awe-inspiring that it was the muse for “America the Beautiful.” Katharine Lee Bates was a passenger on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in the late 1800s, a trip that inspired her to pen the song's famous lyrics. Today, visitors, too, can ride the world’s highest cog train, chugging up to the summit of Pikes Peak, nicknamed “America’s Mountain,” spotting bighorn sheep and Bristlecone pines along the way.

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When it's time to unwind, Colorado Springs has a walkable downtown, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants—anchored by Acacia Park, a cool green space that hosts pop-up concerts in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. Golf courses in the shadows of mountains and a growing roster of small-batch distilleries add to Colorado Springs’ appeal.

Ready for a three-day adventure in southern Colorado? This action-packed Colorado Springs itinerary will thrill, inspire, and swiftly introduce you to one of the Centennial State’s true beauties.

How to Get to and Around Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has its own airport , with nonstop flights between a dozen U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, San Diego, and Salt Lake City. Low-cost carrier Southwest operates several of the flights, so you can score pretty good airfare deals that deliver you directly to Colorado Springs Airport (COS), though some routes may be a couple hundred bucks cheaper if you fly into the state’s major airport, Denver International Airport (DEN). The advantage of flying into Colorado Springs versus DEN? Lines are short and it's a breeze to navigate.

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If you do touch down in Denver, rent a car and make the 70-mile drive south to Colorado Springs. The route is a pretty straight shot down I-25, and, without rush-hour traffic or snowstorms, the drive takes about 1 1/2 hours. If you need to break up your travel day and stretch your legs, stop at Castle Rock (a good midway point) and do nature’s stair stepper—a 200-stair incline called Challenger’s Hill. It's a quick, steep hike that gives a nice preview of Pikes Peak.

While in Colorado Springs, you won’t have to wait long for an Uber. But having a rental car comes in handy, especially since the city is a good jumping-off point for nearby adventures in the mountains, where rideshare and cell phone service aren’t as reliable.

When to Visit Colorado Springs

Snow (and an encore of the wet stuff in the spring), sunshine, fall colors—Colorado Springs gets it all, even if they’re thrown out of sequence every now and again. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the absolute best time to visit Colorado Springs is in late spring, summer, or fall. In May, whitewater rafting adventures are extra thrilling because the snowmelt translates to powerful, fast-moving river runs. The warmer months are also prime time for scenic outdoor adventures like rock climbing on the crimson red rocks in Garden of the Gods and hiking in the foothills. During the autumn months, leaf-peeping drives and adventures are abundant. Overall, shoulder seasons are ideal, because the trails and bars are less crowded.

Snow totals in Colorado Springs are skimpier than in Denver and some of the state’s famed mountain towns. Since the southern Colorado city isn’t very close to any ski resorts, it’s not the best spot for powder-hounds. But if your idea of winter fun is enjoying pints of porters, tackling an ice climbing route, and getting out on some snowshoes (when there’s some snow on the ground), you’ll have no problem filling up a long-weekend itinerary in Colorado Springs during the colder months.

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs

The swankiest stay in Colorado Springs—actually, make that the entire state—is at The Broadmoor . With 20 restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, movie theater, a cozy library with a fireplace, a spa, and an infinity pool that overlooks the resort’s lake, the historic resort is a luxurious enclave with European influence. Snag a tee time at the East or West course and show up to the Broadmoor Golf Club early to check out the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame museum. Splurge on the Sunday brunch at Lakeview Terrace, where the bubbly flows alongside an incredible spread with prime rib, omelet stations, and a raw bar.

In addition to the resort’s rooms and cottages, The Broadmoor operates an all-inclusive mountaintop “Cloud Camp” and 13 luxury cabins at its Ranch at Emerald Valley, which is tucked away in Pike National Forest. These are fantastic options for those who want to have a more remote stay, but with cushy amenities.

Adventurers will feel right at home at Kinship Landing . Suites at this downtown Colorado Springs hotel have garage doors that slide up for your own personal viewing deck of Pikes Peak. But the most fascinating “room” at this boutique hotel is outside: Pitch a tent, hang a hammock, and spend the night on a fourth-floor camping deck that has artificial turf and access to a bathroom and shower.

In summer months, Kinship Landing has an Ultimate Adventure Concierge package that includes perks like a customized itinerary crafted by the hotel’s cofounder and outdoorsman Bobby Mikulas, farm-to-table to-go meals, a private gear fitting at Fjällräven, and more.

Where to Eat: Best Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Colorado Springs

Grab a bourbon pecan tart and coffee to go or sit down and enjoy the full a.m. experience at Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe . Scratch-made menu highlights include seasonal pancakes, huevos rancheros, and the “Mountain Man Hash” that comes with smoked pork, eggs, and pork green chili. There’s plenty to fill you up here before a day of adventure.

PigLatin Cocina borrows food traditions from around the world for its creative takes on street tacos and other tasty lunch fare. The menu includes sticky serrano-tequila glazed wings, Korean-style kimchi tacos, Caribbean nachos with tostones (fried green plantains), and more. Save room for dessert in beverage form and try the coquito, a decadent rum-based Puerto Rican cocktail with cinnamon.

Colorado is a steak state. Explore this claim at Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop , a fine-dining spot with Western undertones (but not in a kitschy way). Steak options include cuts of bison as well as New York strips, ribeyes, and filet mignon. From there, pick your sauce—rich bearnaise, a biting horseradish, and herbaceous chimichurri are just some of the choices.

Best Bar in Colorado Springs

Shame & Regret is a back-alley, dim-lit watering hole with a well-stocked bar that includes 110 whiskey selections plus another 120 Scotch whiskies. The move here is to enjoy a nice dram, but there’s also a top-shelf cocktail menu with special-occasion drinks like a $42 Don Julio 1942 cocktail called “In This Economy” that comes with a mezcal rinse and is served with a macaron.

Don’t Miss: Top Attraction in Colorado Springs

It sounds like the setup of a joke: Two surveyors in 1859 came across the earthy sandstone spires and formations magnificently jutting 300 feet into the blue skies. One remarked that it would be a lovely place for a biergarten. The other replied: “Biergarten! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble.” Mere mortals are welcome, too, at Garden of the Gods , where famous rock formations will convince you erosion is an art form while the attraction's signature Balancing Rock will have you questioning everything you know about the laws of gravity.

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Savvy Tips for Visitors to Colorado Springs

Pueblo, just south of Colorado Springs, is famous for its green chile—so you’ll be spotting these homegrown peppers on menus throughout Colorado Springs accordingly. The most common ways to enjoy them are smothered on eggs at Omelette Parlor and blanketing burritos and enchiladas at local Mexican hotspots like Chile Colorado . At Bingo Burger , they grill burgers with the chopped peppers in the meat.

If you feel more winded than normal while hiking (or even climbing stairs) here, give yourself a break. You’re at a higher elevation (over 6,000 feet in downtown Colorado Springs) and there’s a reason Olympians love training here. Drink plenty of water to help ward off any potential altitude sickness—and don't forget sunscreen. Colorado Springs is drenched in sunshine, even in the winter, and the higher elevation puts you closer to those rays. Sunglass-shaped tan lines are a thing here.

Colorado Springs has a visitor information center and kiosks. But informally, you can grab a beer at any one of the city’s 30-plus breweries and a bartender or local will gladly point you to their favorite spots around town.

Things to Do in Colorado Springs Over 3 Days

Day 1: Explore Garden of the Gods and Get Inspired at the Olympic Museum

Before heading out for a day of sightseeing, stop at Denver Biscuit Co. , a beloved breakfast spot that has expanded south with its Colorado Springs outpost. While mulling over the menu, order a shareable cinnamon roll for the table. Then, go the savory route for a hearty main meal with something like a Biscuit Pot Pie, or the Franklin, a breakfast sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken and cheddar that’s smothered in sausage or mushroom gravy.

Remember gazing up at the sky as a kid and seeing intricate images in the clouds? You can essentially do this at Garden of the Gods, but with enormous, wildly shaped red rocks. The park is five miles outside of downtown Colorado Springs, and is truly a must-see when visiting this part of the state. The imagination-stirring rock lineup includes Kissing Camels and the Sleeping Giant, but there’s no bounds to what those rocks will conjure up through your lens.

When it comes to exploring Garden of the Gods, there’s a sliding adventure scale. On the mild side, go for a hike along the 21 miles of trails in the park. For a real thrill, scale the rocks on a guided rock climbing excursion with Front Range Climbing , which offers trips that run from two to six hours. Somewhere in the middle is a guided horseback ride with Academy Riding Stables .

In the afternoon, set aside a couple hours to explore the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum , which has a dozen galleries focused on things like the science and technology involved in training, official Olympic artwork and paintings, and medal ceremonies. A highlight is the interactive exhibits where you can clock your speed on a track and try out your aim with a virtual archery bow and target.

Day 2: Summit Pikes Peak, Muse About Local Mining Lore, and Gobble Schnitzel

One of the most epic day trips from Colorado Springs is to Pikes Peak, which is among Colorado’s collection of fourteeners (i.e., mountains that tower 14,000-plus feet in elevation). Pikes Peak claims to be the second-most visited mountain in the world, after Japan’s Mt. Fuji.

It’s a beast of a hike that could take 6 to 10 hours to summit depending on ability levels and conditions. Rocky Mountain Ride runs shuttles back down to the trailheads, but you’ve got to book the shuttle in advance. You could also take a more leisurely route to the summit, corkscrewing up the mountain aboard the The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway . Once you’ve made it, grab one of the famous high-altitude doughnuts from the Summit Visitor Center and then take in the views of Colorado Springs 8,000 feet below.

If you’ve got some extra time in the afternoon, check out the Western Museum of Mining and Industry to see fluorescent minerals glowing in the dark, try panning for gold, and check out the historic mining equipment.

Grab dinner at Edelweiss German Restaurant , furnished with indoor fireplaces to keep things cozy in the winter and a biergarten that’s open in warmer months. The homey European restaurant specializes in schnitzel, bratwursts, and German beers on tap, with live German music on many nights.

Day 3: Howl at Wolves, Brave the Royal Gorge, and Raft the Arkansas River

Let today be a choose-your-own adventure, influenced some by what’s happening with the weather.

In colder months, venture out to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center , which is 30 miles from Colorado Springs. The sanctuary is home to wolves, coyotes, and foxes—and the center’s mission is to educate the public about the importance of these creatures in the ecosystem. Winter is the ideal time to take a tour because the animals are most active in cooler months. If your trip syncs up with a Saturday night full moon tour, there’s a chance to howl at the moon—and wait for the wolves to howl back.

Another option? Give ice climbing a try with Front Range Climbing Company , which has a private park with a frozen, manmade waterfall you can scale alongside a guide. The South Platte Ice Wall is in Eleven Mile Canyon, 45 minutes outside of Colorado Springs. If you’re an experienced climber, reserve a spot for “ Friday Night Ice ,” choosing from 10 routes with varying difficulty levels.

About 1 1/2 hours southwest of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge is an adventurous pocket of Colorado that’s best experienced in the warmer months.

During late spring, throughout the summer, and into early fall, several outfitters offer guided rafting trips along the Arkansas River. You’ll paddle through Class III to V rapids, taking in views of the surrounding canyon walls. Most outfitters run half-day and full-day trips. Some will lend you wetsuits, which is a must if you’re going in the spring when the water is especially chilly.

Popular with family travelers, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (also in the area) features a bridge that’s suspended 956 feet above the river, so walking over it is a thrill in itself. Other ways to conquer your acrophobia include a ride on a Skycoaster (you’re harnessed in and feel like Superman as you swoop at 50 miles per hour over the gorge) or on the seated “Cloudscraper” zipline. The park also has year-round via ferrata routes that range from beginner to expert, so you can clip into cables and climb the granite rock walls with the help of steel rungs high above the Arkansas River rumbling below.

Back in Colorado Springs, sink your teeth into a burger or grab a pizza at Colorado Mountain Brewery . Names of the beers on the flagship list double as fun Colorado Springs area trivia that will tide you over until your next visit.