Beyond Pikes Peak: Your Guide to Colorado Springs' Other Adventures

Sure, you’ve seen the photos. The impossible red rock spires of Garden of the Gods, the majestic summit of Pikes Peak. And you should absolutely see them—they’re world-famous for a reason. But once you’ve checked those icons off your list, the real Colorado Springs adventure begins.

This is the guide for what to do next. It’s for when you want to hike where the locals do, experience the city’s unique spirit, and find the adventures that don’t always make the front page of a travel magazine. Forget the main tourist trail for a day; let’s explore the places that give this mountain city its soul.

Hike Like a Local at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Go Wild at America’s Only Mountain Zoo
Conquer the Ultimate Stair Master: The Manitou Incline
Find Your Olympic Spirit in Downtown COS
Get Weird and Wonderful in Manitou Springs
Where to Stay for Your Colorado Springs Adventure
Colorado Springs Adventure: Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Like a Local at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Think of Red Rock Canyon as Garden of the Gods’ slightly wilder, less-crowded cousin. While tourists flock to the paved paths of the Garden, those in the know head just a few miles south to this 1,474-acre paradise of towering sandstone, hidden canyons, and an extensive network of trails.

The beauty of this place is its versatility. You can choose your own adventure, from a leisurely stroll to a grueling trail run.

Trails for Everyone

For an Easy Walk: The Contemplative Trail is a gentle, accessible loop that offers fantastic views without a major workout. It’s perfect for families with young kids or those still acclimating to the altitude.
For a Moderate Hike: The Red Rock Canyon Trail to the Quarry Pass loop is a fantastic option. You’ll climb up through the old Kenmuir Quarry, where you can still see the marks of industrial history, and be rewarded with panoramic views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.
For a Challenge: Connect to the Section 16 Trail on the park’s southern edge for a tough climb that will get your heart pumping and deliver some of the best vistas in the area.

Local Tips for Red Rock Canyon

Parking: The main lot off Highway 24 fills up fast. For easier access to the southern trails and usually more parking, use the lot off 31st Street.
Dog-Friendly Fun: Unlike much of Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon has designated off-leash dog loops where your furry friend can run free. Just be sure to check the park map for the correct areas.
Rock Climbing: This is a popular spot for local climbers. It’s fun to just sit and watch them scale the rock faces, or if you’re experienced, it offers some great routes.

Go Wild at America’s Only Mountain Zoo

Calling the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo just a “zoo” feels like an understatement. Built into the side of a mountain, this is an experience. The elevation means you’re often looking down on the animals in more naturalistic enclosures, and the views of Colorado Springs and the plains below are worth the price of admission alone.

Must-Do Experiences

Giraffe Feeding: This is non-negotiable. Where else can you stand on a platform at eye-level with a herd of giraffes and hand-feed them lettuce? The iconic photos you’ll get are just a bonus. It’s a core memory waiting to happen.
Mountaineer Sky Ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and the city by taking this chairlift-style ride up the mountain. It’s a great way to rest your legs and get a sense of the incredible landscape.
The Animals: From the Amur tigers and snow leopards in the Asian Highlands to the grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit, the animal habitats are top-notch. The layout encourages a bit of a hike, so wear comfortable shoes.

Local Tips for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Book in Advance: Tickets, especially for a specific entry time, frequently sell out. Don’t risk it—buy them online a few days before your visit at their official site located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd.
Go Early: The animals are generally more active in the cooler morning hours. Arriving right when they open gives you the best chance to see them moving about before they settle in for an afternoon nap.
Hydrate: You’re climbing a mountain while you walk around! The altitude is no joke. Bring a water bottle and use the refill stations scattered throughout the park.

Conquer the Ultimate Stair Master: The Manitou Incline

If you’re looking for a serious physical challenge with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, the Manitou Incline is it. This is not a casual hike. It’s a grueling, one-mile ascent up the path of a former cog railway, gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over 2,744 steps.

It’s brutal, it’s breathtaking (in every sense of the word), and the view from the top is your reward for pushing your limits. Looking down at the tiny cars and buildings below, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.

What to Know Before You Go

Reservations are Mandatory: You cannot just show up and hike. You must make a free online reservation for a specific time slot in advance. They check.
This is Strenuous: Do not attempt this on your first day in town. Give yourself a day or two to acclimate to the 6,400-foot base elevation before tackling this beast.
Bring Water: At least one liter per person, maybe more on a hot day. There is no water available on the trail.
The Bailout Point: About two-thirds of the way up, there’s a “bailout” point that connects to the Barr Trail. There is no shame in taking it if you’re feeling lightheaded or exhausted.
The Way Down: Hiking down the Incline is not allowed. Once you reach the top, you’ll take a much more pleasant, 4-mile descent down the scenic Barr Trail, which switchbacks gently back to the base.

Find Your Olympic Spirit in Downtown COS

Colorado Springs is officially Olympic City USA, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is the stunning, modern heart of that designation. Even if you’re not a die-hard sports fan, this museum is an incredibly moving and inspiring place to spend a few hours.

Located downtown at 200 S Sierra Madre St, the architecture alone is worth seeing. Inside, the exhibits are highly interactive and personal. You can trace the history of the games, test your reaction time on a 30-meter dash simulator, and hear the powerful stories of perseverance directly from the athletes themselves. The highlight for many is the immersive Parade of Nations exhibit, where you walk through a tunnel and emerge into a stadium filled with cheering fans—it’s surprisingly emotional.

This is the perfect activity for a rest day from hiking, or for when the unpredictable Colorado weather decides to rain on your outdoor plans.

Get Weird and Wonderful in Manitou Springs

Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs, is the quirky, bohemian town of Manitou Springs. It’s a world away from the structured suburbs of COS. Here, the vibe is artsy, eclectic, and a little bit weird (in the best way).

Spend an afternoon wandering through the historic downtown, which is packed with independent art galleries, funky boutiques, and new-age shops. The main attraction, however, is the water. The town is famous for its eight naturally carbonated mineral springs, each with a unique taste. Grab a cup and take a self-guided tasting tour—some taste sweet, some metallic, but it’s a quintessential Manitou experience.

Don’t leave without a visit to the Penny Arcade. It’s a massive, rambling collection of vintage and modern arcade games, from classic skeeball to horse-racing games that still operate on dimes. It’s pure, old-school fun for all ages.

Where to Stay for Your Colorado Springs Adventure

After a day of conquering mountain trails or exploring quirky towns, you need a comfortable, convenient home base to relax and recharge. Forget a cramped hotel room; a spacious vacation rental gives you the room to spread out, cook a meal, and truly feel at home.

For larger families or groups who want the fun to continue long after the sun goes down, the Epic Family Home is a destination in itself. Centrally located and sleeping up to 11 guests, this property takes amenities to the next level with a private mini-golf course, a relaxing sauna, a game room, and a hot tub perfect for soaking sore muscles. The 19 Clover Springline Stays property isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s part of the vacation.

If your group is a bit smaller or you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, you can’t beat the location and scenery of this pet-friendly home with stunning views. Just two minutes from the charm of Old Colorado City, this home offers incredible mountain vistas right from the deck. Imagine ending your day gathered around the fire pit, sharing stories of your adventures under a sky full of stars. The Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets Springline Stays home, located at 1112 Arch St, is an ideal launchpad for everything the Pikes Peak region has to offer.

Choosing the right Colorado Springs vacation rental sets the stage for a memorable trip, giving you the space and comfort to make the most of your adventure.

Colorado Springs Adventure: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Colorado Springs?

While summer (June-August) is the most popular time, the “shoulder seasons” are arguably the best. September and early October offer pleasant, sunny days, golden aspen leaves, and fewer crowds. Late May and early June are also fantastic, with green landscapes and comfortable hiking temperatures before the peak summer heat arrives.

Do I need to worry about the altitude in Colorado Springs?

Yes. The city sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. The best advice is to take it easy on your first day. Drink significantly more water than you usually would, avoid heavy alcohol consumption, and listen to your body. If you plan to tackle strenuous hikes like the Manitou Incline, give yourself at least 24-48 hours to acclimate first.

Is Colorado Springs a walkable city?

Certain neighborhoods like Downtown, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs are very walkable. However, to get between these areas and to major attractions like Red Rock Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the trailheads for Pikes Peak, you will absolutely need a car.

What are some good things to do in Colorado Springs besides hiking?

Colorado Springs offers plenty for non-hikers! The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a world-class attraction. You can explore the historic and artsy towns of Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, drive the scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the summit without hiking, or visit the fascinating Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.

Ready to explore the authentic side of Colorado Springs? The best adventures start with the perfect home base. Book your Colorado Springs vacation rental directly with Springline Stays to get the best rates, avoid extra fees, and get personalized recommendations for your trip. We can’t wait to host you!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.