Top 10 Things to Do in Colorado Springs (2026 Guide)

Top 10 Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Planning a trip to Colorado Springs? This 2026 guide covers the top 10 things to do, from iconic outdoor experiences to local attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

Use this list to compare highlights, discover what makes Colorado Springs unique, and find tours that match your travel style.

Colorado Springs, Colorado — 1-Hour Coffee & Culture Art Walk

Highlights of "Colorado Springs"

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1. Explore Garden of the GodsView on map
2. Go up Pikes PeakView on map
3. Walk Old Colorado CityView on map
4. Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic MuseumView on map
5. Hike in Cheyenne Mountain State ParkView on map

About Colorado Springs

Location: Colorado Springs is in Colorado, United States.
Known for: Garden of the Gods, Go up Pikes Peak, Walk Old Colorado City, Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Hike in Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

1. Explore Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is Colorado Springs' signature landscape, with paved viewpoints and hiking routes among dramatic red sandstone formations. Arrive early for lighter traffic and softer light, and use the visitor center to orient yourself before choosing a walk.
2. Go up Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak rises above 14,000 feet west of the city. Depending on weather and seasonal operations, visitors can reach the summit area by the Pikes Peak Highway or Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. High altitude can affect anyone, so pace yourself and bring warm layers.
3. Walk Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City provides a human-scale historic district of shops, restaurants, galleries, and late-19th-century streetscape between downtown and Manitou Springs. It is an easy cultural stop after Garden of the Gods.
4. Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
The museum downtown connects Colorado Springs with its prominent Olympic and Paralympic identity through athlete stories, competition history, and interactive exhibits. It is a useful indoor option when mountain weather turns poor.
5. Hike in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
South of the urban core, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers foothill trails and broad views in a protected landscape separate from the city park system. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for fees, trail conditions, and current restrictions.

Travel tips

Treat Pikes Peak as a high-altitude outing, not simply a scenic drive.
Start exposed hikes early and watch the forecast for thunderstorms.
Garden of the Gods is free but can be crowded; early morning is usually easier.
Keep Manitou Springs and federal, state, and city-managed lands distinct when checking rules and access.

FAQs about Colorado Springs

How many days should I plan for Colorado Springs?

Three days gives enough time for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and a mix of city or foothill experiences.

Can I visit Pikes Peak without hiking?

Yes, when operating conditions allow, the highway and cog railway provide non-hiking ways to reach high elevations.

Is Garden of the Gods a national park?

No. It is a City of Colorado Springs park; nearby federal and state recreation lands have separate management and rules.

Learn More About Colorado Springs

Best Tours in Colorado Springs

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

Sightseeing & City Tours

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

This small-group day trip heads from Denver into the Front Range for a full day of mountain scenery and geologic landmarks.

From $179

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Jeep & Off-Road

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods Tour

Explore Colorado Springs' iconic Garden of the Gods on a guided sightseeing Jeep tour designed for travelers who want big scenery without…

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Foothills and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour

Jeep & Off-Road

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Foothills and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour

Foothills and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the…

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Garden of the Gods Segway Tour

Garden of the Gods Segway Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery…

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Air Tours

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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Adventure is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery…

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Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour

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Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and…

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Scenic Tour of the Pikes Peak Highway

Scenic Tour of the Pikes Peak Highway is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the…

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Private Red Rocks Concert Transportation

Private Red Rocks Concert Transportation is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the…

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Climbing

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South Platte Classic Climbs

South Platte Classic Climbs is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front…

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Climbing

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Colorado Springs Regular Climb

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Likely to sell out

Climbing

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Colorado Springs Full Day Climb

Colorado Springs Full Day Climb is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery…

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Climbing

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Denver/Golden Regular Climb

Denver/Golden Regular Climb is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front…

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Red Rocks Amphitheatre Shuttle

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Shuttle is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery…

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Climbing

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Grand Junction Regular Climb

Grand Junction Regular Climb is a guided outdoor experience based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front…

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See all Colorado Springs tours