Colorado Springs is the state’s second-largest city, but it’s first in the hearts of many visitors as a place of astonishing beauty with natural attractions, historic and geologic marvels in all directions. Spend a few days exploring the city and the communities that surround it, including Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, Cascade, Florissant and Woodland Park.
Drop a few coins for Quarters for Conservation at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! By collecting quarters and other coins, the zoo funds new and existing wildlife-conservation projects.
Paravicini's has a more intimate, upstairs tapas bar called Sopra.
There are a few different hikes at the top of Seven Falls. Take one to keep exploring the area.
Hand-feed giraffes, elephants and even a rhino at the zoo for an added fee.
Keep an eye out for the intact vaults inside The Mining Exchange, which was built in 1902 as a stock exchange for local mining companies.
The excitement that drove the Gold Rush still lives in Cripple Creek, a historic gaming and mining town where treasure seekers and hooligans from near and far can still try their hands at poker, black jack, roulette, craps and slot machines. Watch for the donkey herd that roams the streets — they love carrots and apples! The town is an hour's scenic drive from Colorado Springs.
On your way back to Colorado Springs, hit up Woodland Park, known as The City Above the Clouds. Main Street has shops and restaurants, and is the perfect place for a stroll and to stretch your legs.
