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Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Colorado, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The natural landscape surrounding Colorado Springs creates a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Easy Trails

Garden of the Gods: Perkins Central Garden Trail (paved, accessible). Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Red Rock Rim Trail (scenic, minimal elevation).

Moderate Trails

Palmer Park: Interconnected trails with moderate elevation changes.

Strenuous Trails

Barr Trail (to Pikes Peak summit): Challenging 13-mile one-way hike (7,800+ ft elevation gain). Manitou Incline: Extremely steep, 2,000 ft elevation gain in under a mile.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Fishing: Quail Lake, Prospect Lake, Rampart Reservoir, and Eleven Mile Reservoir offer good fishing opportunities (trout, bass).
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Permitted on Quail Lake and Rampart Reservoir. Rentals from local outdoor shops are available.
  • Whitewater Rafting: The Arkansas River, notably in the Royal Gorge area (~1-1.5 hours south), has excellent rafting.
  • Boating: Non-motorized boating is popular on many local lakes and reservoirs.

Adventure Sports

  • Zip-lining at Cave of the Winds or Royal Gorge.
  • Bouldering in Garden of the Gods (permit or guided tours).
  • Mountain Biking on extensive trails at Red Rock Canyon.
  • Via Ferrata at Cave of the Winds and Royal Gorge.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Interactive animal experiences, giraffe feeding.
  • Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keenesburg): Rescue sanctuary, view animals from elevated walkways.
  • Birdwatching: Excellent at Fountain Creek Regional Park and Big Johnson Reservoir.
  • State/National Parks: Deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous types of birds are often spotted.

Cycling & Mtn Biking

  • Paved Trails: Pikes Peak Greenway Trail (scenic, flat).
  • Mountain Biking: Red Rock Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Ute Valley Park.
  • Bike Rentals: Rent from local shops for optimal trail experience.
  • Trail Resources: Utilize apps like AllTrails for detailed maps.

Safety Considerations

When adventuring outdoors, always check weather conditions, carry sufficient water, and tell someone your plans. Altitude sickness is a concern on high-elevation hikes like Barr Trail or Pikes Peak; hydrate and ascend slowly. Respect wildlife by maintaining distance.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with local customs through workshops, performances, and community events.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts: Often offers a range of art classes and workshops (painting, pottery).
  • Local Studios: Community centers and art studios host drop-in workshops or short courses in crafts, music, or dance.
  • Performing Arts: The The Gateway to the rockies Fine Center For the arts at Colorado College has theatrical and dance productions.
  • Language Learning: Local language schools or community colleges offer classes, notably in Spanish.

Cultural Performances

Pikes Peak Center

The city's premier venue for large-scale performances, hosting touring Broadway shows, symphony concerts by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and other live performances.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

Stages theatrical and dance productions, alongside its art exhibitions. Check their calendar for diverse cultural shows.

Springs Ensemble Theatre

A local professional theater company offering diverse plays in an intimate setting, showing regional talent.

Major Festivals

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off (early September): An annual hot air balloon festival with spectacular visual displays.

Heritage Celebrations

Territory Days (Old Colorado City, late May): Celebrates the area's Western heritage with live music, food, and artisan vendors.

Rodeo Events

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (July): An annual professional rodeo event demonstrating Western traditions and competitive rodeo sports.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to relax and rejuvenate amidst your adventures.

Spa & Natural Therapy

  • Spa at The Broadmoor: A Forbes Five-Star spa offering luxurious treatments, massages, facials, and body therapies.
  • Manitou Springs Mineral Springs: Taste different mineral waters from public spigots for an unique wellness experience. Not hot springs for bathing.
  • Day Spas: Numerous day spas and wellness centers throughout the city provide various services for relaxation and rejuvenation.
  • Hot Springs Resorts: Closest developed hot springs for bathing are 2-4 hours away in towns like Salida, Buena Vista, or Pagosa Springs.

Mind & Body Pursuits

Yoga & Meditation

Local yoga studios offer drop-in classes for various styles of yoga. Some longer retreats focusing on yoga or meditation may be found in the wider Colorado mountains.

Parks for Serenity

Parks like Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon Open Space offer tranquil settings for quiet walks and mindful reflection amidst natural beauty.

Water Relaxation

Many hotels, especially mid-range and luxury options, feature swimming pools. Quail Lake permits swimming seasonally in designated areas.

Additional Wellness Activities

Mindful Walks

Enjoy peaceful walks along urban trails or within quiet sections of parks, allowing for thought and link to nature.

Wellness Centers

Discover different local wellness centers offering services like acupuncture, reiki, or holistic health consultations.

Outdoor Yoga

Some local studios or community groups organize outdoor yoga sessions in scenic park locations during warmer months.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Colorado Springs has a variety of entertainment and nightlife options, from live music to casual pubs.

Live Performances

  • Pikes Peak Center: The city's largest venue, hosting major concerts and touring acts.
  • The Black Sheep: A popular venue for local and national rock, indie, and alternative music acts.
  • Local Breweries & Bars: Many feature local bands, open mic nights, or live acoustic performances.
  • Colorado Springs Fine Performing Arts center: Stages theatrical productions and dance performances.

Nightlife Hotspots

Bar Districts

Downtown The City of millionaires: A concentrated area with a variety of bars, pubs, and breweries. Easy to walk between establishments.

Old Colorado City Pubs

Offers an assortment of unique taverns and bars with a historic ambiance, providing a different feel from downtown.

Brewery Scene

Colorado Springs has a thriving craft brewery scene with many taprooms throughout the city, numerous provideing a lively and social atmosphere.

Local Brews

  • Many breweries offer unique craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
  • Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. Operates in a historic downtown building.
  • Bristol Brewing Company is located in a former elementary school, offering an unique setting.
  • The local craft beverage scene has greatly influenced food and fun.

Late-Night Scene

  • Traditional nightclubs focused solely on dancing are limited.
  • Some bars may have DJs or small dance floors, especially on weekends.
  • Most bars typically close around 2:00 AM.
  • Late-night dining options are limited outside of fast food chains.

Music & Arts

  • Check the Pikes Peak Center schedule for major touring acts and symphony performances.
  • The Black Sheep hosts a variety of local and national rock, indie, and alternative music acts.
  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts and The Gateway to the rockies Fine Arts Center present various artistic performances.
  • Area coffee shops and smaller bars often feature open mic nights and acoustic sets.

Nightlife Planning

Downtown Vibe
  • Concentrated area with diverse bars and pubs.
  • Easy to walk between establishments for a pub crawl.
  • Review local event listings for events, happy hours, and live music schedules.
Manitou Springs Charm
  • Unique pubs and bars with a distinct historic ambiance.
  • Offers a quieter, more quaint evening experience.
  • Parking can be a challenge; consider rideshare or shuttles.

Evening Enjoyment Tips

For popular venues or special events, booking passes or making reservations in advance is advisable.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs, local crafts, and diverse retail experiences in Colorado Springs.

Traditional & Local Markets

  • The Springs Farmers Markets: Multiple locations seasonally (May-Oct) offering fresh produce, local foods, baked goods, craft products. Great for experiencing local life.
  • Old Colorado City: Many unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops housed in historic buildings, displaying a charming shopping experience.
  • Artisan Workshops: Numerous art galleries and studios showcase local artists, potters, jewelers, and craftspeople. Find unique, handcrafted items.
  • Local Support: Look for "Made in Colorado" or "Local Artist" tags to support local businesses and artisans directly.

Souvenirs & Specialty Items

Local Minerals & Geology

Items made from local minerals (fluorite, amazonite) reflect the region's geology, making for unique keepsakes.

Themed Merchandise

Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods themed merchandise (apparel, artwork, keepsakes) is widely available at visitor centers and shops.

Handcrafted & Artisan Goods

Handmade goods from local artists and artisans offer unique, authentic gifts. Colorado-themed apparel or specialty food products also exist.

Luxury & Boutiques

  • The Broadmoor shops: high-end boutiques and specialty stores.
  • Select independent boutiques in the city center and Old Colorado City.
  • Explore unique fashion, jewelry, and home decor.
  • A refined shopping experience for discerning tastes.

Shipping & Customs

  • Standard U.S. Shipping regulations apply for sending items home.
  • International travelers: Know your home country's's customs regulations.
  • Declare purchases correctly to avoid issues during customs inspection.
  • Consider professional packing for delicate or valuable purchases.

Shopping Districts

  • Downtown Colorado Springs: Mix of local boutiques and national retailers.
  • Old Colorado City: Quaint, historic district ideal for unique gifts, art, and antique finds.
  • Manitou Springs: Eclectic shops with a bohemian vibe, offering quirky souvenirs.
  • North Colorado Springs: Dominated by modern shopping centers with more extensive chain stores.

Nightlife Planning

Downtown Vibe
  • Concentrated area with diverse bars and pubs.
  • Easy to walk between places for a pub crawl.
  • Check local calendars for events, happy hours, and live music schedules.
Manitou Springs Charm
  • Unique pubs and bars with a distinct historic ambiance.
  • Offers a quieter, more quaint evening experience.
  • Parking can be a challenge; consider rideshare or shuttles.

Evening Enjoyment Tips

For popular venues or special events, booking tickets or making reservations in advance is advisable.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventure Planning

  • Check trail difficulty before setting out, especially for strenuous ways like Barr Trail or The Incline.
  • Monitor weather conditions and prepare with appropriate layers for mountain activities.
  • Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes, to mitigate potential altitude sickness.
  • Familiarize yourself with local regulations and licenses for specific activities like rock climbing in Garden of the Gods.

Cultural & Leisure Planning

  • Explore local art galleries and studios for unique handmade goods and a glimpse into the local art scene.
  • Check event calendars for cultural performances, festivals, and live music schedules.
  • Experience the thriving craft brewery and distillery scene through tours and tastings.
  • Seek out relaxation at spas, wellness centers, or by enjoying tranquil scenic environments like thekes and parks.