Beyond the Summit: A Local's Guide to Colorado Springs' Underrated Gems

Look, you’re coming to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. We get it. They’re world-famous for a reason, and you absolutely should see them. But the real Colorado Springs, the one that locals cherish, unfolds in the spaces between those iconic landmarks. It’s found in the quirky museums, the sprawling open spaces that aren’t on every postcard, and the restaurants tucked away in historic buildings.

This isn’t your average checklist. This is your guide to experiencing the Pikes Peak region like you’ve been here a dozen times. It’s for when you’re ready to move beyond the summit and discover the heart of the city.

Ditch the Crowds: Find Your Own Red Rocks
Experience History You Can Actually Touch
Discover Colorado Springs’ Unique Culture
Fuel Your Adventure: Unforgettable Local Eats
Where to Stay for Your Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions

Ditch the Crowds: Find Your Own Red Rocks

Garden of the Gods is magnificent, but on a busy summer day, the loop road can feel more like a parking lot. If you want that same jaw-dropping red rock experience with a fraction of the people and a lot more room to roam, these two spots are your answer.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Literally next door to Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is its wilder, less-manicured sibling. It offers 1,474 acres of the same stunning sandstone formations, but with a network of trails that cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and even rock climbers (with a permit).

Why it’s great: You can choose your own adventure. Want a gentle, dog-friendly 1-mile loop? The Contemplative Trail is perfect. Looking for a more challenging hike with rewarding views? Link up the Red Rock Rim and Greenlee trails for a 5-mile journey that will get your heart pumping. The sheer number of interconnected trails means you can hike for an hour or an entire day and rarely feel crowded.
Local Tip: Park in the lot off of Highway 24 and take the trail leading up to the quarry. It’s a bit of a climb, but it opens up to a massive, secluded amphitheater-like space with incredible acoustics and views back toward the city. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet picnic.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

About a 45-minute drive east of Colorado Springs lies a landscape that feels like another planet. The Paint Mines are a geological wonderland of pastel-colored clay and sandstone spires, called hoodoos. The vibrant layers of pink, gold, white, and purple clay were used by Native Americans for pottery and ceremonial paint.

Why it’s great: There is simply nothing else like it in the region. The 4-mile loop trail winds you through canyons and gullies, bringing you up close to the fragile, colorful formations. It’s an easy hike, making it fantastic for families, but the surreal scenery is captivating for everyone. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the golden hour just before sunset.
Local Tip: Go on a weekday if you can. The park has gained popularity, but it’s still far less trafficked than the in-city parks. Also, please stay on the marked trails. The clay formations are incredibly fragile, and a single misplaced footstep can cause damage that lasts for decades. Respect the signs and “leave no trace” principles. The drive out here is through open plains, a beautiful contrast to the mountain scenery you’ll find elsewhere.

Experience History You Can Actually Touch

History in the Pikes Peak region is more than just plaques and old photographs. It’s about the boom-and-bust cycle of the gold rush and the ancient cultures that called this land home long before.

Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Forget stuffy exhibits behind glass. This place is all about getting your hands dirty. Located on the north end of the city, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry is dedicated to Colorado’s rich mining heritage.

Why it’s great: The exhibits are incredibly interactive. You can see massive, functional steam engines, explore a recreated mine drift, and even try your hand at gold panning in the creek outside (and yes, you can keep what you find!). It’s a fantastic way to understand the grit, ingenuity, and sheer force required to pull precious metals from the Rocky Mountains.
Local Tip: Don’t skip the guided tour. The docents are often retired engineers or geologists who are deeply passionate about the subject. Their stories and demonstrations bring the machinery to life in a way that just reading a sign never could.
Address: 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

While these are a reconstruction and not in their original location, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer an incredible, hands-on opportunity to understand the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people. These structures, preserved for over 800 years, were carefully relocated from a site in southwestern Colorado in the early 1900s to protect them from looters.

Why it’s great: Unlike national parks where you can only view similar dwellings from a distance, here you are encouraged to walk through and touch the rooms. You can climb the ladders, peer out the windows, and feel the cool stone walls, giving you a tangible sense of what life was like in these cliffside villages. The museum on-site also has a fascinating collection of pottery, tools, and artifacts.
Local Tip: Go early in the day to avoid the afternoon sun and crowds. After you explore the dwellings, spend some time in the gift shop—it’s a three-story Pueblo-style building with a surprisingly great selection of authentic Native American jewelry and crafts.
Address: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Discover Colorado Springs’ Unique Culture

Beyond the natural beauty, Colorado Springs has a unique cultural pulse, from its Olympic legacy to its quirky, independent art scene.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Opened in 2020, this is not just a museum; it’s an experience. The state-of-the-art building is an architectural marvel, and the exhibits inside are deeply personal and inspiring. It’s a world-class tribute to the athletes who represent Team USA.

Why it’s great: The level of immersion is unparalleled. You can try your hand at a virtual ski jump, race against digital versions of Olympic athletes, and hear incredible stories of perseverance directly from the athletes themselves through interactive displays. The “Parade of Nations” exhibit is particularly powerful. The entire museum is designed with accessibility at its core, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Local Tip: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here; there’s a lot to see. Buy your tickets online in advance to select a specific entry time, which helps manage crowd flow and ensures a better experience.
Address: 200 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

Step into a different world in the heart of Old Colorado City. Michael Garman’s “Magic Town” is a miniature city sculpture filled with gritty, hyper-realistic, and often humorous scenes of urban American life. It’s a 1/6th-scale world that blends sculptures, holograms, and illusions.

Why it’s great: It’s wonderfully weird and utterly captivating. You’ll spend ages peering into tiny hotel rooms, back alleys, and storefronts, discovering new details and characters at every turn. It’s a nostalgic, sometimes satirical, and always fascinating look at city life. This isn’t your typical art gallery; it’s a playful, imaginative experience.
Local Tip: This is the perfect activity before or after dinner in Old Colorado City. It doesn’t take long to go through (an hour is plenty), but it’s a memorable stop. Afterwards, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the historic district’s shops and restaurants.

For groups who love the unique vibe of Old Colorado City, basing your stay nearby is a game-changer. Our Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets property is just a stone’s throw away. After a day of exploring Magic Town and the historic streets, you can head back to enjoy the mountain views from the deck and gather around the fire pit.

Fuel Your Adventure: Unforgettable Local Eats

You’ve hiked, explored, and learned. Now it’s time to eat. Colorado Springs has a burgeoning food scene that goes way beyond standard pub fare.

Shuga’s

A long-time local favorite, Shuga’s has a funky, global-inspired vibe and a menu to match. It’s housed in a converted 1920s grocery store and feels like you’ve stepped into a cozy, eclectic living room.

What to order: You can’t go to Shuga’s without trying the “Samba” Spicy Shrimp Soup. It’s legendary for a reason—creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive. Pair it with one of their inventive cocktails. The “Café Shug” with its infused spirits is the perfect way to warm up on a cool evening.
The Vibe: Casual, artsy, and always buzzing. It’s a great spot for a date night or a fun dinner with friends. The patio is fantastic in the summer.
Address: 702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

The Rabbit Hole

For a truly unique dining experience, head downtown and look for a small glass kiosk on the sidewalk. That’s your entrance. You’ll descend a flight of stairs into a whimsical, “Alice in Wonderland”-themed subterranean restaurant.

What to order: The menu is upscale New American, but with playful names. Start with the “Mad Hatter” appetizer plate. For a main, the Elk Hanger Steak is a fantastic taste of Colorado. The cocktail list is creative and expertly crafted—don’t be afraid to try something new.
The Vibe: It’s moody, imaginative, and perfect for a special occasion. You absolutely need a reservation, often weeks in advance, so plan ahead for this one. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Address: 101 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Ivywild School

This isn’t one restaurant—it’s a community hub. The Ivywild School is a beautifully restored 1916 elementary school that now houses a brewery (Bristol Brewing), a coffee shop (The Principal’s Office), a cocktail bar (The Teacher’s Lounge), and several food concepts.

What to order: The beauty here is choice. Grab a “Laughing Lab” Scottish Ale from Bristol Brewing, then head over to one of the food stalls. Lazo Empanadas and Salad or Bust offer delicious, casual options that you can enjoy in the brewery’s main hall or on the spacious patio.
The Vibe: Energetic, communal, and family-friendly. You’ll see locals meeting up after work, families grabbing a bite, and friends playing board games. It’s a true neighborhood gathering place that perfectly captures the innovative spirit of the city.
Address: 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Where to Stay for Your Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

After days spent exploring the hidden corners of Colorado Springs, you need a comfortable, convenient, and amenity-rich home base to return to. A great Colorado Springs vacation rental isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s part of the experience.

For large families or groups who want non-stop entertainment right at home, the Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games is a destination in itself. With a private mini-golf course, a relaxing sauna, and a bubbling hot tub, it ensures the fun doesn’t stop when your day’s adventure ends. It’s the ultimate home base for a multi-generational trip where everyone has something to enjoy.

If your group’s priority is soaking in those classic Rocky Mountain views after a long hike, the Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room property delivers. The expansive deck and private hot tub are perfectly positioned to watch the sunset paint Pikes Peak in hues of orange and pink. Inside, a game room keeps everyone entertained, making it the perfect blend of relaxation and fun.

Choosing the right place to stay elevates your trip from a simple tour of attractions to a truly memorable getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most underrated thing to do in Colorado Springs? While it’s subjective, many locals would point to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. It offers the same stunning geology as Garden of the Gods with far fewer crowds and more extensive, challenging trails for hiking and mountain biking, giving you a more authentic outdoor experience.

Is it better to stay in Manitou Springs or Colorado Springs? It depends on your vibe. Manitou Springs is a small, quirky, and very walkable town with a bohemian feel, but it can get very congested. Colorado Springs is much larger and more spread out, offering a wider variety of restaurants, neighborhoods, and easier access to attractions on the north and east sides of the city. Staying in a central Colorado Springs vacation rental often provides the best of both worlds—a quiet neighborhood base with easy driving access to Manitou, Garden of the Gods, and downtown.

How many days do you really need to see Colorado Springs? To see just the “big three” (Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls), you could rush it in 2-3 days. But to truly experience the city and explore some of the underrated gems mentioned here, a 5-7 day trip is ideal. This gives you time to hike, visit museums, enjoy the food scene, and even take a day trip without feeling rushed.

What is the best time of year to visit Colorado Springs to avoid crowds? The shoulder seasons—September/October and April/May—are fantastic. You’ll miss the summer rush and the holiday crowds. In the fall, the weather is typically mild and sunny, and the changing aspen leaves in the mountains are spectacular. Spring offers beautiful weather and blooming wildflowers, though be prepared for the occasional surprise snowstorm.

Ready to explore beyond the summit? Your perfect adventure basecamp is waiting. By choosing to book direct with Springline Stays, you skip the extra fees from third-party sites and get the best possible rate for your trip.

Browse all of our Colorado Springs properties and book your adventure today!

The Broadmoor — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.