Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a city of about 490,000 in south central Colorado, located 63 miles south of Denver at the foot of Pikes Peak (14,115 feet). The seat of El Paso County, it is Colorado's second-largest city and home to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Olympic Training Center, and the iconic Garden of the Gods park. The city sits at about 6,035 feet elevation on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Springs enjoys a semi-arid climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm with highs in the 80s-90s°F, while winters are mild compared to mountain towns, with highs in the 40s-50s°F and occasional snow. The city's location at the base of Pikes Peak provides dramatic scenery and easy access to outdoor recreation. The area has a strong military heritage, with multiple installations nearby, and a growing tech industry.

By Plane

Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) is 11 miles east of downtown, served by American, Delta, Frontier, United, and Southwest. Denver International Airport (DEN) is 80 miles north, with Groome Transportation offering hourly shuttle service to Colorado Springs.

By Car / Road

Interstate 25 is the main highway running north-south through the city. Denver is 70 miles north on I-25 (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Albuquerque is about 380 miles south on I-25. US Highway 24 connects the city with mountain communities to the west and Limon to the east.

Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains, running north-south along I-25. Mountain Metro Transit provides bus service with a single ticket costing $1.75. A free shuttle bus (THE ZEB) runs through the city center year-round. Summer transit is free from June to August since 2022. A car is essential for exploring the surrounding attractions.

• Garden of the Gods (1805 N 30th St): Dramatic sandstone formations in a free city park. Excellent for hiking and technical rock climbing. Open 5AM-11PM. Free.

• Pikes Peak: The most famous peak in Colorado, inspiring "America the Beautiful." Drive to the top or ride the Cog Railway. May-Sept 7AM-7PM. $10 per person/$35-$50 per car.

• United States Air Force Academy (I-25 Exit 156B): The main officer cadet school for the US Air Force, featuring the iconic Cadet Chapel. Tours available year-round. Free.

• United States Olympic Training Center (1 Olympic Plaza): Major Olympic training facility with tours. $12 adults, $10 seniors/military, $8 children.

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd): Small, scenic mountain zoo with exotic animals. 9AM-6PM. $12.

• Cave of the Winds (100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs): Cave tours near Manitou Springs. 9AM-9PM. About $20.

• Seven Falls: Privately owned series of falls and nature trails. $9 adults, $5.50 children.

• Hiking: Garden of the Gods, Barr Trail up Pikes Peak, and the Incline (a strenuous 2,744-step climb).

• Rock Climbing: Garden of the Gods offers world-class technical climbing.

• Cog Railway: Ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak.

• ProRodeo Hall of Fame (101 ProRodeo Dr): Heritage center devoted to professional rodeo. $6 adults, $3 children.

• Ghost Town Museum (400 S 21st St): Step back to Colorado's gold-rush days. $6.50 adults, $4 children.

• Western Museum of Mining and Industry (225 North Gate Blvd): Hands-on exhibits and gold panning.

• Budget: The Airplane Restaurant offers meals in a converted B-17 bomber. Mountain Shadows Restaurant serves American fare.
• Mid-range: The Famous Steak House serves Colorado beef. Front Range BBQ offers smoked meats.
• Upscale: The Broadmoor Resort's restaurants offer fine dining. Shuga's serves creative cuisine in a converted gas station.

Colorado Springs has a growing craft beer scene. Bristol Brewing Company and Cerberus Brewing are popular breweries. Most restaurants serve alcohol. Tap water is safe and clean.

• Budget: Various motels along I-25 and Tejon Street.
• Mid-range: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak offers Victorian charm. The Mining Exchange offers downtown lodging.
• Upscale: The Broadmoor Resort is Colorado Springs' premier luxury property, a historic Five-Star resort at the base of Cheyenne Mountain.

• Garden of the Gods Trading Post (south end of Garden of the Gods): The largest art gallery and gift shop in Colorado. +1 719 685-9045.
• Old Colorado City: A historic district with antique shops, galleries, and boutiques.
• Downtown Colorado Springs: Various shops and galleries along Tejon Street.

• Manitou Springs (6 miles west, 15 min): Charming town with natural mineral springs and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
• Pikes Peak (10 miles west, 20 min): Drive or ride the Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit.
• Garden of the Gods (in Colorado Springs): Free park with dramatic red rock formations.
• Canon City (50 miles west, 1 hour): Royal Gorge Bridge and whitewater rafting.
• Denver (70 miles north, 1 hour 15 min): The state capital with world-class museums and dining.