There really is something for every age, from children to adults! Whether you have a family full of nature lovers or thrill seekers, here’s the best activities and experiences in Colorado Springs.
1. Pikes Peak
Rising 14,107 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak dominates the scenery of Colorado Springs from every vantage point. There are five ways up America’s Mountain, the most unique being the “Pikes Peak or Bust” Jeep tour with Adventures Out West, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. For a more relaxing journey, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the most hands-off and family-friendly of all our options. Book your tickets in advance for this four-hour, 9-mile journey up to the summit, rumbling along Ruxton Creek, past Minnehaha Falls, through Deer Park and much more! If you're interested in hitting multiple spots on the way to the summit, take the Pikes Peak Shuttle, with stops at Crystal Reservoir, Glen Cove Inn, Devil’s Playground along the way. Tickets, available starting April 1, can be found at www.drivepikespeak.com. You can also set your own pace by driving up Pikes Peak in your car or hiking the 12-mile Barr Trail with 7,900 feet of sweat-inducing vertical gain! The view will be more than rewarding no matter how you get to the top.
2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
You don’t need to be a child to enjoy a zoo — not to mention the award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! This unique zoo experience guarantees genuine animal interactions. At its heart is one of the largest giraffe herds in North America, where you can view our long-necked friends face-to-face. The Zoo’s newest exhibit, Water’s Edge: Africa, displays impressive homes for Nile Hippos and African Penguins. Their beautifully taken care of animals inspire conservation, education and general family vacation memories.
3. United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum
When in Olympic City, one must visit the brand-new Olympic Museum! Located downtown, this museum is infused with modern technology, interactive exhibits and a rich history that celebrates mankind’s greatest athletic achievements. It will leave you in absolute awe. It’s also worth noting that when open again, the Olympic Training Center, where Team USA prepares for the iconic global games, offers tours giving you the opportunity to see how hard our athletes work.
4. Pete Dye’s First Golf Course West of the Mississippi
Re-imagine what it’s like to play golf. Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the glassy waters of the Curr Reservoir, Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s Pete Dye-designed golf course was created to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Grab your clubs and rise to the occasion — Colorado’s leading golf experience awaits. This private golf course is only available for Resort hotel guests and members of the Country Club of Colorado.
5. Garden of the Gods
This location boasts more than just an epic name. Colorado Springs’ god-sized playground is packed with miles of trails weaving around towering dusty-red formations that frame Pikes Peak perfectly. You can put on your hiking boots and explore on foot or you can pick up the pace by riding a Segway or an open-air Jeep. Adding to the full cowboy effect, horseback riding tours are also available. For a bit of retail therapy and relaxation, we recommend beginning or ending your adventure at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post where you can fuel up on Starbucks, enjoy lunch on the patio and shop local-made souvenirs to take home as a badge of honor.
