Travel Guide to Colorado Springs
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
General
Colorado Springs is a wonderful destination off the beaten track for many travelers—ideal for nature and landscape enthusiasts, as well as adrenaline seekers, thanks to plenty of options for jeep tours, rafting, rock climbing, and more, but also for culture and history lovers.
It is the largest city in Colorado in terms of area, spanning 504 sq km with a population of 480,000, making it the second most populous city in the state of Colorado.
Colorado Springs sits at an elevation of 1.6 km above sea level at the foot of the American Rockies and Pikes Peak, known as "America's Mountain," which rises to a height of 4.3 km.
The city was founded in 1871 with the declared intention of making it a city with a high quality of life that would attract tourists thanks to the nearby geological attractions: Pikes Peak, "Garden of the Gods," and the hot springs for which the city is named.
During the 20th century, several large military bases were established near the city, influencing its demography and lifestyle, and some have become fascinating tourist sites that can be visited.
Every year, about five million tourists arrive in the area and travel among the 55 attractions that the city and its surroundings have to offer. Every year on Labor Day (early September), a hot air balloon festival takes place at Memorial Park called: Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off.
More information about the city and its sites can be found on the official Colorado Springs tourism website
Recommended Nature Tours in Colorado Springs:
♦ Recommended Hotels in Colorado Springs
Staybridge Suites Colorado Springs North
A suite hotel with spacious units in a variety of sizes from studios to two-bedroom apartments with a living room suitable for 6 people. The hotel features a pizzeria, jacuzzi, fitness center, and BBQ. The price includes breakfast. Free internet and parking.
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
A 4-star spa hotel with a golf course, Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, playground, and kids' game room. The hotel features a restaurant and bar. Spacious rooms and suites are available, many with fireplaces and impressive mountain views. The hotel is located adjacent to Garden of the Gods.
A 4-star hotel near the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in an excellent location within a short drive of most leading attractions in the Colorado Springs area. The hotel features two pools (one indoor and one outdoor), jacuzzi, gym, two restaurants, and a bar. Free internet and parking.
Residence Inn by Marriott Colorado Springs First & Main
A modern suite hotel (opened in 2020) located near Palmer Park (5 km from the park) and 8 km from the local airport. The hotel features a swimming pool and fitness center. It offers spacious studios and one-bedroom suites suitable for 4 people. All apartments have an equipped kitchen. Price includes breakfast. Free internet and parking.
Circular Itinerary Combined with Colorado Springs starting in Denver or Albuquerque
Below is a sample itinerary; there are other wonderful and diverse options depending on the season, duration, and personal preferences.
This route is excellent for lovers of cultures, towns, and cities combined with recommended nature parks: a combined trip in the states of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico:
From Denver via Glenwood Springs, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the nature parks of Utah Arches and Canyonlands, Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the Indian tribes in southern New Mexico, up to Colorado Springs and finishing in Denver in central Colorado. (The links lead to my articles on these destinations). Of course, you can do the route in the opposite direction or start it in Albuquerque.
Location and Transportation:
Colorado Springs is located 110 km (about 1:10 hour drive) south of Denver in central Colorado.
Colorado has a local airport: Colorado Springs Airport with flights from five American airlines to destinations primarily in the Western US: Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, and Los Angeles, as well as Chicago in the Eastern US.
The nearest international airport is Denver International Airport, located about 130 km north of Colorado Springs, which receives many flights from all over the US as well as many international flights from neighboring Mexico and Canada, and various destinations in America and Europe.
The most convenient and cheapest way to travel in Colorado Springs is by rental car. Colorado Springs integrates perfectly into a trip in the American Rockies and neighboring states: New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Weather and When to Visit:
Colorado Springs is a sunny city with 243 sunny days a year. The annual precipitation is about 420 mm, with the wettest months being the summer months: July and August. However, the weather can be unpredictable and change significantly from day to day.
Did you know? Colorado Springs is one of the cities with the most lightning strikes in the USA. This is what led Nikola Tesla to build his research laboratory there.
The coldest month is December, with an average temperature of -0.7°C. In winter, the average snowfall in the city is 97 cm, while in the mountains west of the city, the snowfall is three times that amount. Snow months are between mid-October and early May.
The summer months are warm and pleasant, with the hottest month being July with an average temperature of 21.6°C, but there are on average about 18 days when the temperature climbs to 32°C or even higher. Due to its distance from the sea and the city's altitude, the difference between day and night temperatures is significant, and even in peak summer, the temperature at night usually does not exceed 21°C.
The most recommended months to visit Colorado Springs and its surroundings are May-June and September-October. The busiest and most expensive season is, of course, the summer.
♦ Attractions and guided tours in Colorado Springs:
Tourist Sites in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
A public nature park with red rocks in interesting and unique formations created by nature 300 million years ago.
There are archaeological findings in the park indicating that ancient man visited the site as early as 1330 BC. The park has plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as horseback riding options. It is especially recommended to visit in the early morning hours or towards sunset. The site is located about 10 km northwest of Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak
This is the highest mountain peak in the southern range of the Rocky Mountains, standing at 4,302 meters. A 19-mile scenic road leads from Colorado Springs to the dramatic Pikes Peak mountains located nearby.
Along the road are many viewpoints as well as three lakes where you can relax.
From the summit, you can see 5 different US states on a clear day: Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. You can also reach the peak via an ancient cog railway called: Pikes Peak Cog Railway
"Cave of the Winds"
At Cave of the Winds, a tour is conducted among unique geological formations, and in the afternoon, there is a flashlight tour in the dark. Nearby is an abundance of attractions for adrenaline seekers like a ropes course, zipline, and the coolest and most unique attraction: Terror-dactyl—a plummet at a dizzying speed of 160 km/h from a 61-meter cliff edge into a deep canyon.
"Seven Falls"
At Seven Falls, you can climb 224 steps to the top of a 181-foot waterfall, or take an elevator carved into the rock to a height of 14 stories to reach the top. There are also cool "zip line" courses on-site. This is a private site established in the late 19th century.
U.S. Olympic Training Center
This is the primary training center for American athletes preparing for the Olympics. The complex has a large and impressive visitor center. A free tour is conducted on-site, including a short video and a visit to various sports and training facilities.
On the balcony of the main building's roof, there is a display of the Olympic torch, and it offers a panoramic view of the entire facility and Colorado Springs.
The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame at the Olympic Center:
The United States Air Force Academy
The active academy has a visitor center with extensive information on the lives of the studying soldiers, including a fascinating film. You can tour the giant complex, walk between some of the buildings, and follow several hiking trails independently.
The site also features a very unique large church building:
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
A museum dedicated entirely to professional rodeo competitions, with 5 displays featuring over 300 exhibits.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The highest zoo in America, at an altitude of 2,046 meters above sea level. The zoo has over 700 animals from 150 different species, 30 of which are endangered. The zoo boasts the largest giraffe herd in the world. It has been voted by major travel magazines as one of the best zoos in the US. The zoo also features a chairlift and a carousel for children. For an additional fee, you can participate in feeding a wide variety of animals (including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, goats, and parrots).
Glen Eyrie Castle
This is an English-style castle built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. The house served as the dream home for the General and his wife and included 17 guest rooms, seven meeting rooms, and two dining rooms. The house is located adjacent to the impressive rock formations of "Garden of the Gods," which serve as a dramatic backdrop. The castle currently serves as a hotel, tea house, hosts various events, and guided tours are available.
Museums
Colorado Springs also has several recommended museums. The most popular are the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.