So, you’ve decided to spend a week in Colorado Springs. Good choice. That first glimpse of Pikes Peak looming over the city is something you don’t forget, but it can also be a little paralyzing. With so many world-class parks, epic mountains, and quirky neighborhoods, where do you even begin?
Forget the generic top-ten lists. You need a real plan—a guide that tells you not just what to see, but how to see it without getting stuck in the tourist traps or wasting half your day in the car. This is that plan. We’re going to structure your week to maximize adventure and minimize stress, hitting the big-ticket items at the right times and weaving in the local spots you might otherwise miss.
Get ready to explore.
Table of Contents
- Day 1: The Red Rocks & Old West Charm
- Day 2: Conquering America’s Mountain
- Day 3: Quirky Manitou & Canyon Hikes
- Day 4: High-Altitude Wildlife & Waterfalls
- Day 5: A Day Trip to the Royal Gorge
- Day 6: Olympic Dreams & Downtown Vibes
- Day 7: Brunch, Art & A Final View
- Where to Stay for the Perfect Colorado Springs Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: The Red Rocks & Old West Charm
Your first day is all about diving headfirst into the iconic landscapes that define Colorado Springs. We’re hitting Garden of the Gods, but we’re going to do it like locals.
Morning: Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark
The Plan: Get here early. I’m talking 7:30 AM early, especially if you’re here between May and September. The light is softer, the crowds are non-existent, and you might actually find a parking spot at the main lot for the Perkins Central Garden Trail. This paved, 1.5-mile loop is non-negotiable. It winds you through the base of the most famous formations like Kissing Camels and Sentinel Spires.
Local Tip: Most people just do the main loop. Don’t be most people. Grab a trail map and hike the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail. It’s a slightly more rugged 3-mile loop that offers incredible perspectives of the park with Pikes Peak perfectly framed in the background. You’ll leave 90% of the crowds behind.
- Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Cost: Absolutely free!
Afternoon: Lunch and Exploring Old Colorado City
After a morning of hiking, you’ll be just a few minutes’ drive from Old Colorado City (OCC), the original capital of the Colorado Territory. It’s packed with historic charm, art galleries, and fantastic places to eat.
Lunch Spot: Head straight to Pizzeria Rustica. Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the real deal. The Funghi pizza with a glass of their house red is the perfect post-hike refuel.
After lunch, spend an hour or two wandering down Colorado Avenue. Pop into the art galleries and unique shops. Don’t miss Michael Garman’s Magic Town, a quirky and incredibly detailed miniature city that’s part history, part sculpture.
Evening: A Relaxed Dinner & Fireside Chat
For dinner, keep it casual at Front Range Barbeque. It’s a local institution with killer smoked meats and a great patio. Then, head back to your home base to relax.
If you’re staying near OCC, it’s the perfect time to kick back. A place like the Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets home is ideal for this kind of day. You’re literally two minutes away, so you can easily pop back after your hike, and then end the night around the fire pit, planning tomorrow’s mountain adventure.
Day 2: Conquering America’s Mountain
Today is Pikes Peak day. At 14,115 feet, this is the mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful,” and the views from the summit are genuinely breathtaking (in more ways than one).
Getting to the Top: Drive vs. Cog Railway
You have two main options for ascending the peak:
- Drive the Pikes Peak Highway: This 19-mile paved road is a stunning, white-knuckle drive with switchbacks and sheer drop-offs. It gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the way. Important: From late May to September, you must make a reservation online for a timed entry slot to drive to the summit. Don’t just show up.
- The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway: This is the stress-free option. The 3.5-hour round trip in a comfortable train car lets you focus entirely on the scenery, from lush forests to the alpine tundra. Book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out.
Local Tip: Whichever you choose, go in the morning. Colorado’s classic afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly at high altitudes.
At the Summit
The new Summit Visitor Center is incredible. Grab one of their world-famous high-altitude donuts (they have a special recipe that works up there) and walk around the observation decks. The air is thin, so take it easy. Drink lots of water today, starting the day before.
- Pikes Peak Highway Entrance: 4750 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
- Cog Railway Depot: 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Evening: A Well-Deserved Meal
You’ll be tired and hungry after your high-altitude adventure. Treat yourself to dinner at The Rabbit Hole, a unique underground restaurant downtown with creative New American cuisine and fantastic cocktails. The entrance is a subtle subway staircase—finding it is part of the fun.
Day 3: Quirky Manitou & Canyon Hikes
After conquering a fourteener, today is about exploring the funky, free-spirited town at its base: Manitou Springs.
Morning: Explore Manitou Springs
Start your day by walking through the historic downtown of Manitou Springs. The main drag is lined with art galleries, bohemian boutiques, and psychics. But the real draw is the town’s namesake: the eight naturally carbonated mineral springs. Grab a map and a tasting cup from the Visitor Center and go on a self-guided tour to taste the unique mineral water from each font.
Afterward, unleash your inner child at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. It’s a massive collection of vintage and modern arcade games, with many still costing just a penny to play.
Afternoon: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
For your afternoon hike, skip the crowds that might be at Garden of the Gods and head to Red Rock Canyon Open Space instead. It features the same stunning red rock fins but is much larger and less congested. The Red Rock Canyon/Hogback Valley Trail is a great 2.5-mile loop that gives you a fantastic tour of the park’s geology.
For the Adrenaline Junkies: If you’re feeling extremely ambitious, today is your day to tackle the Manitou Incline. This is not a hike; it’s a challenge. You’ll gain 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile up the ties of an old funicular railway. It’s brutal, but the bragging rights are forever. Reservations are required.
Evening: Dinner with a View
Head to The Keg Lounge in Manitou for great burgers and a laid-back local atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Day 4: High-Altitude Wildlife & Waterfalls
Today we head south to explore the Cheyenne Cañon area, home to two of the city’s most beloved attractions.
Morning: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This is not your average zoo. Built into the side of a mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is America’s only mountain zoo, offering incredible views of the city below.
Must-Do: The giraffe feeding experience. You get to stand on a platform at eye-level with the world’s largest giraffe herd and feed them lettuce right from your hand. It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages. Book your tickets and your giraffe feeding time slot online in advance. Wear comfortable shoes; the hills are no joke.
Afternoon: The Seven Falls
Just down the road from the zoo is The Broadmoor Seven Falls. This series of seven cascading waterfalls is situated in a stunning 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. You have to park at the Broadmoor Hotel and take a dedicated shuttle to the entrance.
Once there, you can climb the 224 steps alongside the falls to reach hiking trails at the top, or take the in-mountain elevator for a fantastic view from the “Eagle’s Nest” platform.
Local Tip: The ticket for Seven Falls is a bit pricey. If you want a similar (and free) canyon waterfall experience, head to the nearby North Cheyenne Cañon Park and hike the short trail to Helen Hunt Falls instead.
Evening: Group Dinner and Games
After a full day of family-friendly fun, a big group needs a basecamp that can accommodate everyone. This is where a spacious Colorado Springs vacation rental shines. For larger families or groups of friends, the Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games is a destination in itself. Instead of a crowded restaurant, you can grill out, soak in the hot tub, play a round of mini-golf in the backyard, and relax in the sauna. It turns a simple evening into a core vacation memory.
Day 5: A Day Trip to the Royal Gorge
Ready to see one of Colorado’s most mind-boggling man-made wonders? Today we’re taking a day trip about an hour southwest to Cañon City.
The Main Event: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge is America’s highest suspension bridge, hanging 956 feet above the roaring Arkansas River. Walking across it is a thrill, but the park offers so much more.
- Aerial Gondola: A silent, breathtaking ride across the gorge. Do this first for the best photos of the bridge.
- Cloudscraper Zip Line: For the truly brave, this sends you soaring 1,200 feet above the river.
- Royal Rush Skycoaster: Essentially a giant swing that launches you out over the edge of the canyon.
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here. The ticket includes the bridge, gondola, and a few other attractions. The thrill rides are extra.
Lunch in Cañon City
After the park, head into the small town of Cañon City for lunch. The Owl Cigar Store (it’s a diner, not a cigar shop) is a classic spot for burgers and milkshakes.
Alternative: Whitewater Rafting
If heights aren’t your thing, the Arkansas River that carved the Royal Gorge offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the state. Numerous outfitters in Cañon City offer half-day and full-day trips through Bighorn Sheep Canyon (family-friendly) or the Royal Gorge itself (more advanced).
Day 6: Olympic Dreams & Downtown Vibes
After a big day trip, we’ll stay local today and explore the legacy of “Olympic City USA.”
Morning: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
This is one of the newest and most impressive attractions in Colorado Springs. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a stunning piece of architecture filled with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the stories of the athletes are incredibly inspiring. You can race against a virtual Jesse Owens, try your hand at alpine skiing, and see a massive collection of Olympic torches. Plan for 2-3 hours.
Afternoon: Explore Downtown Colorado Springs
The museum is conveniently located on the edge of downtown. Spend the afternoon exploring the area. Tejon Street is the main north-south artery, lined with local shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Shopping: Stop by Poor Richard’s, a beloved local complex that includes a bookstore, toy store, restaurant, and wine bar all in one.
- Coffee Break: Grab an expertly crafted latte at Story Coffee Company, a tiny home that was converted into one of the city’s best coffee shops.
Evening: A Taste of the New West
Downtown Colorado Springs has a fantastic and growing food scene. For dinner, make a reservation at Four by Brother Luck. Chef Brother Luck (of Top Chef fame) creates dishes inspired by the Four Corners region, and the food is both inventive and delicious. Afterward, catch a craft cocktail at the speakeasy-style Shame & Regret.
Day 7: Brunch, Art & A Final View
It’s your last day. Let’s make it a relaxing and memorable one before you head home.
Morning: The Ultimate Brunch
You can’t leave town without having a great brunch. Head to Urban Egg for an amazing selection of pancakes, benedicts, and morning cocktails. The Rocky Mountain Harvest pancake is a local favorite. Get there early or join the waitlist online; it’s always busy for a reason.
Afternoon: Culture or Scenery
Choose your final adventure:
- For the Art Lover: Visit the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. It has a fantastic collection of American, Native American, and Spanish Colonial art, all housed in a beautiful Art Deco building.
- For One Last View: Drive up to Palmer Park. This city park is a geological oddity, with rock formations and scenic overlooks that provide a panoramic view of the entire city with Pikes Peak as the backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your incredible week.
Evening: Final Sunset
Grab a casual pizza and a beer at Colorado Mountain Brewery at the Roundhouse, and watch the setting sun paint the mountains in alpenglow. It’s the perfect farewell.
Where to Stay for the Perfect Colorado Springs Trip
The right home base can make or break your vacation. While hotels are an option, a Colorado Springs vacation rental gives you the space, amenities, and local feel you need to truly settle in. Having a full kitchen for lazy breakfasts, a comfortable living room to relax in after a long hike, and private outdoor space is a game-changer. For a trip this epic, you need a home that matches the adventure.
If you have a larger group and want amenities that feel like a resort, the Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room property provides exactly that. The hot tub is a lifesaver for sore muscles after a day on the trails, and the game room keeps everyone entertained. This is the kind of place that makes your trip feel truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Colorado Springs?
For pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing, June through September are ideal. The fall months (September and October) offer beautiful autumn colors and fewer crowds. If you’re interested in winter sports, January and February are best, but be prepared for snow and colder temperatures.
Do I need a car in Colorado Springs?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. While you can explore specific neighborhoods like Downtown or Old Colorado City on foot, the main attractions like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Cheyenne Cañon are spread out. A car will give you the flexibility to follow this itinerary and discover hidden gems.
How many days are enough for Colorado Springs?
While you can see the main highlights in a long weekend (3-4 days), a full week allows you to explore the area at a more relaxed pace, take a day trip like the one to the Royal Gorge, and discover some of the local favorites beyond the big-ticket attractions. This 7-day Colorado Springs travel guide shows just how much there is to do!
Is Colorado Springs expensive to visit?
Colorado Springs can be a very affordable destination. Many of its best attractions, like Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and North Cheyenne Cañon Park, are completely free. You can save a lot of money by choosing to book direct in Colorado Springs with a vacation rental that has a kitchen, allowing you to prepare some of your own meals.
A week in Colorado Springs is a week of pure adventure. From the heights of Pikes Peak to the charm of Old Colorado City, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.
Ready to find your perfect home base for this incredible journey? Explore our homes and book your Colorado Springs stay directly with Springline Stays for the best rates and local service.
Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets — Book your stay →
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