Colorado Springs: 1st Time Visitor Guide

Colorado Springs is a destination where dramatic natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventure come together. From the soaring red rock formations of Garden of the Gods to the summit of Pikes Peak, this city is a dream for first-time visitors looking to blend exploration, relaxation, and stunning views, all in one trip. This guide covers everything you need to know for your first visit: top attractions, hidden gems, when to go, where to stay, and a flexible itinerary to make the most of your time.

Overview

Location: Central Colorado, roughly 70 miles south of Denver
Elevation: 6,000 feet
Known For: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Olympic Training Center, historic districts, and hiking trails
Vibe: Outdoorsy, laid-back, with a mix of history and modern charm

Colorado Springs combines urban convenience with access to some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re hiking through canyons, exploring caves, or learning about the U.S. Olympic movement, this city offers an unforgettable experience.

Photos

How to Get There

By Air: The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is just 15 minutes from downtown and offers direct flights from many major cities.
Alternatively, Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 1.5 hours away by car.
By Car: From Denver, take I-25 South. The scenic drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
By Train/Bus: Amtrak doesn’t go directly to Colorado Springs, but buses via Greyhound or Bustang from Denver are available.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April–June): Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Ideal for hiking.
Summer (July–August): Peak tourist season, great for outdoor activities. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Fall (September–October): Crisp air and beautiful fall colors in nearby mountain parks.
Winter (November–March): Less crowded. Snow in higher elevations, but often dry in the city itself.

Tip: Late spring and early fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds.

10 Best Things to Do

One of the best pieces of advice I can give for exploring the area (on top of this list) is to check out this Tripadvisor page on Colorado Springs for visitor recommendations on the area:

Garden of the Gods: Free public park is available to Garden of The Gods which features incredible red sandstone rock formations and scenic trails.
Pikes Peak Scenic Highway: Drive or take the Pikes Peak cog railway (a train ride) to the 14,115-foot summit with sweeping views. If you like places like this, then another option is to check out the Million Dollar Highway, a few hours away from Colorado Springs, making for an amazing road trip.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls: A series of seven cascading waterfalls in a dramatic canyon setting.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: The highest zoo in America. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals.
Manitou Incline: A challenging hike straight up an old railway line with 2,700+ steps and stunning views. The Manitou Incline is an awesome experience for hikers and trail runners.
Old Colorado City: Historic district with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: Interactive exhibits celebrating Team USA athletes.
Cave of the Winds: A blend of cave tours and adrenaline-pumping rides above Williams Canyon. Cave of the Winds is one of the highest rated attractions in Colorado Springs.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Underrated park for hiking and mountain biking with fewer crowds than Garden of the Gods.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park: Explore trails like Helen Hunt Falls and the scenic drive through the canyon.

5 Hidden Gems

Paint Mines Interpretive Park: About 45 minutes away, these colorful clay formations are otherworldly and largely unknown to tourists.
Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center: A peaceful starting point for hikes in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
May Natural History Museum: A quirky and educational stop featuring one of the world’s largest insect collections.
Phantom Canyon Road (Scenic Drive): A historic, unpaved road through a remote canyon that was once a railroad route.
Sunset at Palmer Park: Locals love this elevated city park with views of downtown and Pikes Peak.

1–5 Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive and explore Old Colorado City
Visit Garden of the Gods in the afternoon
Sunset at Palmer Park

Day 2:

Early hike on Manitou Incline or Red Rock Canyon
Afternoon at Cave of the Winds
Evening stroll through Downtown Colorado Springs

Day 3:

Drive or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Stop at North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Visit Seven Falls in the evening (beautifully lit at night)

Day 4:

Head to Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Lunch in nearby Calhan
Return for a relaxed evening at The Broadmoor Resort or local brewery

Day 5:

Visit U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Final walk in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Departure

Packing List

For the majority of items below, check out my Amazon gear list:

Lightweight hiking shoes
Layers (weather can change quickly)
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (high elevation = stronger sun)
Daypack with water bladder
Light rain jacket (especially in summer)
Camera or smartphone with plenty of memory
Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude)
Altitude sickness relief (optional but helpful)

Where to Stay

Hotel options in Colorado Springs

Things to Know Before You Go

Altitude Awareness: At over 6,000 feet, altitude sickness can hit unprepared travelers. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
Afternoon Thunderstorms: In summer, storms roll in fast, do hikes in the morning.
Wildlife: Expect deer, foxes, and even bears in some areas. Keep a safe distance and follow posted guidelines.
Entrance Fees: Most attractions like Garden of the Gods are free, but places like Seven Falls, Pikes Peak Highway, and Cave of the Winds require entrance or tour fees.
Traffic: Can get heavy in summer, especially on Pikes Peak Highway, go early!

Final Thoughts

Colorado Springs is the perfect introduction to Colorado’s wild beauty. You can climb a mountain, wander through ancient rock formations, or sip local brews, all in the same day. Whether you’re here for the adventure or just the views, your first visit won’t be your last.

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