Beyond Garden of the Gods: A Local's Guide to Unique Colorado Springs Adventures

Sure, you’ve seen the photos of fiery red rocks framing a snow-capped Pikes Peak. Garden of the Gods is magnificent, and you should absolutely go. But the real soul of Colorado Springs is found in the places just off the main tourist path—the spots that locals cherish and that offer experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else.

If you’re looking to build an itinerary that goes beyond the highlight reel, this is your guide. We’re talking about hand-feeding giraffes on a mountainside, exploring Victorian castles, and walking through the halls where Olympic dreams are forged. This is how you experience the real Colorado Springs.

Get Eye-to-Eye with Giraffes at America’s Mountain Zoo
Trade Red Rocks for a Red Castle in Manitou Springs
Feel the Olympic Spirit (Without the Crowds)
Hike the Other Red Rocks Park
Go Underground at the Cave of the Winds
Find Your Perfect Colorado Springs Home Base
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Colorado Springs

Get Eye-to-Eye with Giraffes at America’s Mountain Zoo

Let’s get one thing straight: the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is not just any zoo. It’s the only American zoo built on the side of a mountain, and the experience is as unique as the setting. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats, climbing up the mountainside and offering incredible views of the city below.

The absolute can’t-miss highlight is the giraffe herd. It’s one of the largest and most prolific in the world. For a few bucks, you can buy a bundle of lettuce and hand-feed these gentle giants. There’s something truly unforgettable about a 2,000-pound animal delicately plucking a leaf from your hand with its 18-inch-long tongue.

Pro-Tips for Your Zoo Visit:

Buy Tickets Online: Tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance on their website. They often sell out, especially on weekends, so don’t just show up expecting to get in.
Arrive Early or Late: The crowds are thinnest right at opening or in the last couple of hours before closing. The animals are also often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Don’t Skip the Sky Ride: The Mountaineer Sky Ride (an open-air chairlift) gives you a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and a stunning panorama of Colorado Springs and the plains beyond. It’s well worth the extra ticket.
Visit Will Rogers Shrine: Your zoo ticket includes admission to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a historic stone observation tower located further up the mountain. The drive itself is an adventure, and the 360-degree views from the top are arguably the best in the entire city.
Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Trade Red Rocks for a Red Castle in Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a quirky, bohemian town just west of Colorado Springs, famous for its carbonated mineral springs and the challenging Manitou Incline. But tucked away from the main drag of penny arcades and art galleries is a Victorian gem that feels like a trip back in time: Miramont Castle Museum.

Built in 1895, this “castle” is a fascinating mashup of nine different architectural styles, from Byzantine to Tudor. You can wander through 30 meticulously restored rooms, each filled with authentic period furniture and artifacts. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can take your time marveling at the intricate woodwork, stained glass, and bizarre historical oddities.

While You’re in Manitou:

Taste the Springs: Grab a cup and take a walking tour of the eight public mineral springs scattered throughout town. Each one has a unique taste due to its mineral content. Yes, they taste a little funky, but it’s a quintessential Manitou experience.
Find the Tea Room: Don’t leave Miramont without visiting the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room. It’s a charming spot for a traditional afternoon tea service, complete with scones, finger sandwiches, and an extensive tea selection. Reservations are highly recommended.
Miramont Castle Address: 9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Feel the Olympic Spirit (Without the Crowds)

Colorado Springs is officially Olympic City USA, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a stunning, state-of-the-art tribute to the athletes who represent Team USA. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, this place is incredibly moving and inspiring.

The museum is one of the most accessible and interactive in the world. You start at the top and spiral your way down through 12 different galleries, showcasing the history of the games, the science of sport, and personal stories from the athletes themselves. You can test your reaction time, try a virtual ski jump, and see a complete collection of Olympic torches.

Insider Tips:

Go on a Weekday: The museum is a popular spot. To avoid the biggest crowds and have more space to enjoy the interactive exhibits, aim for a weekday morning.
Don’t Miss the Final Film: The final exhibit is a powerful, dual-screen film that will give you goosebumps. It’s the perfect emotional capstone to the entire experience.
Check for Athlete Visits: The museum often hosts meet-and-greets with current and former Olympians and Paralympians. Check their events calendar before your visit.
Address: 200 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Hike the Other Red Rocks Park

Everyone knows Garden of the Gods, but locals often head to Red Rock Canyon Open Space for their daily dose of stunning sandstone formations. Located just south of Highway 24, this 1,474-acre park offers a similar landscape to its famous neighbor but with a fraction of the crowds and a more rugged, less-developed feel.

This is the spot for a real hike or trail run. The trail network is a spiderweb of interconnected loops, allowing you to create a route of any length or difficulty. You can wander through a stunning natural amphitheater, scramble up to ridges with views of Pikes Peak, or explore the old quarry sites that gave the park its start.

Key Info for Red Rock Canyon:

Dog-Friendly: Unlike Garden of the Gods’ main trails, Red Rock Canyon has designated off-leash dog loops where your furry friend can run free. It’s one of the best dog-friendly spots in the city.
Great for Mountain Biking: The park has a dedicated area with technical free-ride bike trails, making it a playground for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Find the Quarry: The main quarry area has a beautiful pond and is a fantastic spot for a picnic. It’s an easy, relatively flat walk from the main parking lot off Highway 24.
Main Parking Address: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Go Underground at the Cave of the Winds

While most of the area’s adventures involve looking up at mountains, this one takes you deep inside of one. The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers a fascinating look at the world beneath the surface. Discovered in 1881, these caves are a labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, and otherworldly formations.

There are two main cave tours to choose from: 1. Discovery Tour: This is the standard 45-minute walking tour that takes you through the main passages. It’s well-lit, paved, and great for families and first-timers. 2. Lantern Tour: For something a bit more adventurous, this 90-minute tour takes you into undeveloped sections of the cave by candlelight. You’ll navigate narrow passages and hear spooky folklore and ghost stories. It’s my personal favorite.

Know Before You Go:

It’s Always Cool: The cave stays at a constant 54°F (12°C) year-round. No matter how hot it is outside, you will need a jacket or sweatshirt inside.
Above-Ground Thrills: The park also has several surface-level attractions, including the “Wind Walker Challenge Course” (a ropes course on the edge of the canyon) and the “Bat-a-Pult” zip line that sends you flying across the canyon at nearly 40 mph.
Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Find Your Perfect Colorado Springs Home Base

After a day of exploring castles, caves, and canyons, you need a comfortable and fun place to relax and recharge. The right Colorado Springs vacation rental can turn a good trip into a great one, giving you the space and amenities to make lasting memories.

For larger families or groups, finding a place with enough space and entertainment can be a challenge. The Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games solves that with its own 9-hole mini-golf course, a dry sauna, a bubbling hot tub, and a fully-stocked game room. It’s an entertainment destination in itself, perfect for keeping everyone happy after a day of sightseeing.

If waking up to a panoramic view of the Rockies and soaking in a hot tub under the stars is more your speed, the Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room home is an incredible choice. It’s centrally located for all these adventures and provides that quintessential Colorado mountain-living feel, with plenty of space for groups of up to 11 to spread out and relax.

Choosing the right home base makes all the difference, giving you a private, comfortable space to plan your next unique adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Colorado Springs

What is the best month to visit Colorado Springs?

September is arguably the perfect month. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is still warm and sunny, and the aspen trees in the mountains begin to turn a brilliant gold. However, summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather for high-altitude activities like visiting Pikes Peak.

Do you need a car in Colorado Springs?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. Colorado Springs is a sprawling city, and its best attractions (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo) are spread out and not easily accessible by public transportation.

Is Colorado Springs a walkable city?

While specific neighborhoods like Downtown, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs are very walkable, the city as a whole is not. You will need a car to get between these different areas.

How many days do you need to see Colorado Springs?

To see the main highlights and a few of the unique spots on this list without feeling rushed, plan for at least 3 to 4 full days. If you want to add a day trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge or explore more hiking trails, a 5-day trip is ideal.

Colorado Springs has so much more to offer than what you see on a postcard. By venturing just a little bit beyond the famous landmarks, you’ll discover a city rich with history, adventure, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Ready to plan your unique Colorado Springs adventure? Book your stay directly with Springline Stays for the best rates, local service, and the perfect home base for your journey.

Red Rock Canyon — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.