Pikes Peak Country: Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs & Cañon City

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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 more than 55 unique museums and cultural and natural attractions, including those in nearby Manitou Springs and Cañon City — from Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge.

Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute runs open community volunteer workdays most Saturdays and Sundays during the spring, summer and fall season in the Pikes Peak Region.

Day
1
front photo
Activity
ProRodeo Hall of Fame
The colorful history and equally colorful legends of professional rodeo live on at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy. Each…
Lunch
Spice Island Grill
Reminiscent of an exclusive tropical hideaway, guests enjoy dining in the ambiance of a fun, spacious, and relaxed setting whether indoors or on the…
Activity
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is located where many Olympic and Paralympic dreams begin – at 6,035 feet above sea level in Colorado Springs…
Dinner
The Rabbit Hole
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, The Rabbit Hole is one of the locals' well-kept secrets. Hidden underground, you can tuck away for some drinks…
Activity
Treat Yourself

Indulge in a spa treatment at Alluvia Spa and Wellness Retreat at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Lodging
Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort
6,200 feet closer to the stars, Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort is a multi-faceted, four-diamond gem of the Rocky Mountains…
Day
2
Breakfast
Cafe Red Point
Featuring local, organic and free range ingredients. Nutrient-dense, paleo-friendly, 100 percent gluten-free menu.
Activity
Pikes Peak Highway Tour
Join Gray Line touring coaches for a four-hour guided round trip tour of the spectacular Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,115 ft peak. Tours depart…
Lunch
Ivywild School
Home of Bristol Brewing Co., The Old School Bakery, The Principal's Office, The Ivywild Kitchen, Axe and the Oak Whiskey House, and Loyal Coffee…
Activity
Soaring Adventures at Seven Falls
Experience the exhilaration of Seven Falls with a high-flying adventure that rappels you across "The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado".  
Dinner
La Taverne at Broadmoor
The expansive dinner menu of La Taverne sizzles with the finest selection of hand-cut steaks, chops,prime rib, and raw bar. A wide variety of cold…
Activity
Distillery 291
Distillery 291 is a globally-acclaimed whiskey distillery nestled in the shadow of Pikes Peak. From grain to barrel to bottle, 291 Colorado…
Lodging
Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort
6,200 feet closer to the stars, Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort is a multi-faceted, four-diamond gem of the Rocky Mountains…
Day
3
Breakfast
Urban Steam
Chill coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & cocktails with salads, panini & creative waffles.
Activity
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Colorado Springs is home to America's mountain zoo. Located at 6,800 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views of the…
Lunch
The Winery at Pikes Peak
The Winery at Pikes Peak-Historic Events Venue with wine tastings, brunch, and dinner options.Creekside dining available. Please call ahead for…
Activity
Explore Manitou Springs

Enjoy the mineral drinking springs and our historic charm. Shops, galleries, museums, casual to fine dining, variety of lodging. Centrally located, close to attractions and hiking trails. Perfect for getaways/family vacations.

Dinner
Cliff House at Pikes Peak
10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The Cliff House Dining Room has gained national renown as one of Colorado's premier dining destinations…
Activity
Cave of the Winds Lantern Tour

Travel deep into the darkest part of the cave on our most adventurous tour!

Lodging
Cliff House at Pikes Peak
10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The Cliff House Dining Room has gained national renown as one of Colorado's premier dining destinations…
Day
4
Breakfast
Denver Biscuit Company Colorado Springs
Biscuit sandwiches, plates and homemade sides you can't get enough of.
Activity
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
A Segway, Jeep or Open Air Tour Vehicle is a great way to experience one of natures' greatest treasures: Garden of the Gods Park. Unobstructed…
Insider's Tip
Horseback Rides

Several outfitters also offer horseback rides through Garden of the Gods — a true way to experience the Wild West!

Lunch
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
With over 25,000 square feet and nearly 90,000 different items to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect gift or souvenir for everyone on your…
Activity
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
Wolf and wildlife tours Tuesday through Sunday, year-round.
Dinner
The Home Cafe
The Home Cafe is famous for their 49 cent breakfasts, great hamburgers, fresh, delicious sandwiches, salads, mouth-watering daily lunch specials.
Activity
Bronco Billy's Casino
Bronco Billy's is your #1 stop for all of the fun in Cripple Creek. We offer fun, food, and fortune every day for the serious gamer, or let us be…
Lodging
Century Casino & Hotel Cripple Creek
Be sure to visit Century Casino Cripple Creek with state-of-the-art slot machines, exciting table games area and a top-rated hotel. The hotel's…
Day
5
Breakfast
Gold Camp Bakery
Bakery, cafe and deli. We do German and American baking, sandwiches, soups and special orders.
Activity
Mollie Kathleen Mine
Get a hands-on look at the gold mining era with a tour inside one of the Cripple Creek-area's mines.  Don a hard hat and descend a thousand feet…
Lunch
Side Door Restaurant
Exposed brick walls and a central location in downtown Victor make this a great spot to grab a meal.
Activity
Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway

The Gold Belt Tour is the perfect combination of fascinating history and gorgeous Colorado landscapes. Slap a "Pikes Peak or Bust" sign on your car and follow this scenic and historic byway as it winds through mountain towns and mining heritage sites — including the cities that were home to the state's two largest gold payouts.

Dinner
World's End Brewing Company
This locally loved Cañon City brew pub boasts a wide array of craft brews — from fruit beers and coffee stouts to ales and pilsners — as well as a…
Activity
Stroll Main Street Cañon City

Main Street Cañon City offers a diverse, historic downtown commercial district. Downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest intact historical districts in Colorado.

Lodging
Royal Gorge Cabins
Royal Gorge Cabins offers 9 luxury cabin rentals in 1- and 2-bedroom sizes, as well as glamping tent rentals. Located 1 hour from Colorado Springs…
Day
6
Breakfast
Happy Ending Caboose Cafe
Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, lunch or tasty treat, the Happy Ending Caboose Cafe will stoke the coals and get your engine…
Activity
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is open daily. Marvel at awe-inspiring panoramic views from one of the world's highest suspension bridges and enjoy more…
Lunch
Bunk House Burgers
Bunk House Burgers is a locally owned, family partnership that is proud of its ranching history.
Activity
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Step aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad to embark upon a breathtaking journey…
Dinner
Pizza Madness
One of the best pizza places and restaurants in Canon City! Come enjoy award winning, handcrafted pizza, fresh salads, made to order calzones and…
Activity
Colorado Jeep Tours
At Colorado Jeep Tours we pride ourselves on providing high quality, scenic, and informative jeep tours. Our tours offer a variety of information,…
Lodging
Royal Gorge Cabins
Royal Gorge Cabins offers 9 luxury cabin rentals in 1- and 2-bedroom sizes, as well as glamping tent rentals. Located 1 hour from Colorado Springs…
Day
7
Breakfast
Canon City Mugs
Our menu has just what you need to satisfy that appetite. Kids menu and senior discount.
Activity
Clear Creek Rafting Co.
Experience Colorado's whitewater! With FREE digital photos, FREE wetsuit use, FREE splash jacket use & helmets provided on all trips, Clear Creek…
Lunch
Bridge View BBQ
Bridge View BBQ, where a whole smorgasbord of southern cooking is at your fingertips. Stop in for a cut of their brisket, delicious sammies, cheesy…
Activity
Museum of Colorado Prisons
Cañon City in southern Colorado is the home of the Museum of Colorado Prisons, a showcase of the atmosphere and exhibits of days, staff and inmates…
Insider's Tip
Skyline Drive

Be sure to drive up Skyline Drive in Cañon City for breathtaking view and dino tracks.

Dinner
Bridge View BBQ
Bridge View BBQ, where a whole smorgasbord of southern cooking is at your fingertips. Stop in for a cut of their brisket, delicious sammies, cheesy…
Activity
The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
Experience the ultimate dinosaur adventure and home of the world-famous 'Bone Wars'! Come learn why our area is famous for dinos in a fun, guided…
Lodging
Lark Landing B&B
Lark Landing B&B is a luxury guest retreat offering an exclusive private suite overlooking the Arkansas River.