Colorado.com
5 Days
Colorado Springs' Year-Round Outdoor Adventure

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.

Sustainability Activity

How to Give Back to These Special Places

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.

Day 1

activity

Manitou Springs Mineral Springs Tours

Taste the waters that brought Native Americans and early settlers here for centuries to “Take the Cure.” Enjoy a self guided tour anytime of the year…

lunch

Crystal Park Cantina

Crystal Park Cantina is a unique, home-style Mexican restaurant in Manitou Springs serving delicious food made with the finest ingredients available…

activity

Cave of the Winds

Cave tours, spectacular scenery, rides & activities from mild to wild. Discovered in 1881, a must-see Colorado attraction for travelers for more…

dinner

Paravicini's

Paravicini's offers the city's best Italian, bar none! Lofty claim, yes, but the award-winning food and service backs it up!

Insider's Tip

Looking for Romance?

Paravicini's has a more intimate, upstairs tapas bar called Sopra.

activity

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Explore architecture representing the Ancestral Puebloan culture (1100-1300 AD). Museum displaying artifacts. Retail store with Native American and…

lodging

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Best place to stay for cyclist & outdoor enthusiast.  100 year old lodge with bicycle themed rooms, walking distance to Garden of the Gods.  4 acre…

Day 2

breakfast

The Principal's Office

We simply love beverages, people, and the process of crafting phenomenal libations. Our goal is that each drink is presented in an environment steeped…

activity

The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Seven Falls, where authentic Colorado awaits. Envelope yourself in a geological wonder of seven distinct falls cascading down between steep canyon walls…

Insider's Tip

Don't Stop at the Top

There are a few different hikes at the top of Seven Falls. Take one to keep exploring the area.

lunch

Restaurant 1858

Restaurant 1858 is a unique Broadmoor dining venue situated at the banks of Seven Falls. Taking its name from the Gold Rush era and the famous motto,…

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 city…

Insider's Tip

Get to Know the Wildlife

Hand-feed giraffes, elephants and even a rhino at the zoo for an added fee.

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dinner

Arceo's Mexican Family Restaurant

activity

Cheyenne Cañon Segways

While touring on a Segway X2, you see historic buildings, kinetic outdoor art, and the incredible scenic beauty of Cheyenne Cañon (even going off-road…

lodging

The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa

The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa is a boutique 4 Diamond hotel & spa located in downtown Colorado Springs; within walking distance…

Insider's Tip

Live History

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.

Day 3

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breakfast

Marigold Cafe & Bakery

The upscale contemporary cuisine, coupled with Marigold's in-house bakery, has brought guests back time again for over 15 years.

activity

PikeRide Bike Share

PikeRide, a community bike share program in downtown Colorado Springs, allowing visitors and locals to hop on a bike, ride to their destination, and…

lunch

T Byrds Tacos & Tequila

Urban, Street Style Taco Bar in Downtown Colorado Springs.

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activity

Battlefield Colorado

Colorado's first and only outdoor laser tag adventure, rated 5-stars by virtually all our visitors, and winning the coveted Certificate of Excellence…

dinner

Four by Brother Luck

The four corners region has been influenced by Western European, Spanish Colonial, Native American and Latin American cuisine. Brother Luck's showcase…

activity

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

With four miles of trails and interpretative signage, the Paint Mines offers a journey through time, past fascinating geological formations and remnants…

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. Located…

Day 4

breakfast

La Baguette

French-inspired cuisine that is simple and elegant in Old Colorado City. Each entree is prepared from scratch daily and made from locally grown fresh…

activity

Head West to Cripple Creek

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…

lunch

Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino

The Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino is home to one of the most well-appointed gaming rooms in Cripple Creek. It features Victorian era surroundings…

activity

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric…

dinner

BierWerks Brewery

Serving primarily German style lagers and ales along with a few hoppy brews, BierWerks has been a local hangout since 2010.BierWerks also serves Colorado…

activity

Hang on Main in Woodland Park

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…

lodging

The Outlook Lodge

A luxury historic vacation woodland retreat hotel with waterfall hiking and charming lake in Green Mountain Falls, near Colorado Springs. See more pictures…

Day 5

breakfast

Shining Mountain Golf Club

What is commonly known today as "Pikes Peak" was originally named " Shining Mountain" by the Ute Indians because of how brightly the sun reflected off…

activity

Dinosaur Resource Center

Where do dinosaurs come from? They come from here! One of the most interesting destinations you will find is the Dinosaur Resource Center. More than…

lunch

Wines of Colorado

Your destination for complimentary wine tasting, excellent creekside dining and gifts.

activity

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon is characterized by a series of canyons and ridges sculpted by erosion of the area’s uplifted rock strata. The ridges and canyons offer…

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dinner

Bingo Burger - Colorado Springs

Bingo Burger prides itself on using locally sourced food and products from Colorado farms and breweries.

activity

Trails End Taproom

Welcome to the home of Colorado Springs first self-serve taproom. Basecamp your adventure at Trails End and enjoy local beer from 40 of our taps.

lodging

Garden of the Gods Collection

Perched high atop a mesa in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods Collection is a private club, luxury resort, Health & Wellness Center, & Wellness…