Cradled at the base of Pikes Peak—“America’s Mountain”—Colorado Springs pairs frontier history with an easygoing mountain lifestyle. Ancient red rock formations glow at sunset in Garden of the Gods, while 19th-century storefronts in Old Colorado City whisper of mining booms and stagecoaches. Today, it’s a hub for outdoor adventure, military heritage, Olympic dreams, and a flourishing dining scene.

Founded in 1871 as a health resort, the city grew with the railroad, gold rush, and the birth of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Fun fact: Katharine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after summiting Pikes Peak in 1893. You’ll feel that same rush standing above the clouds, scanning miles of ranges and rolling plains.

Practical notes: The elevation is over 6,000 feet—hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take it easy on day one. Summer brings clear mornings and quick afternoon storms; winter can be brilliant and sunny with occasional snow. A car is helpful for day trips to Manitou Springs and the Royal Gorge, and timed tickets are often required for popular attractions in peak season.

Colorado Springs

Welcome to a mountain city that makes adventure effortless and downtime delicious. Start with Garden of the Gods, a free city park whose sandstone spires frame snowy Pikes Peak. Then go deeper: zip up the Pikes Peak Highway, hand-feed giraffes at America’s only mountain zoo, or trace Olympic triumphs at a world-class museum.

Neighborhoods to know: Downtown (walkable dining and bars), the Broadmoor area (grand architecture and Seven Falls), Old Colorado City (boutiques and bakeries), and Manitou Springs (bohemian, mineral springs, arcades, and Incline access). Each brings its own flavor—and plenty of coffee.

Where to Stay

• Search vacation homes on VRBO Colorado Springs for family-friendly houses near Garden of the Gods or cozy cabins close to North Cheyenne Cañon.
• Compare hotels on Hotels.com Colorado Springs—stay downtown for nightlife, near the Broadmoor for classic elegance, or in Old Colorado City for charm and convenience.

How to Get There

• Fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) or Denver International (DEN). Check fares and times on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Nonstops to COS from hubs often run 2–4 hours; typical roundtrips can range ~$180–$450 depending on season.
• From DEN to Colorado Springs is about 70–90 minutes by car via I‑25 (traffic dependent). Shuttle and rideshare options vary by season and demand.

Day 1: Arrival, Olympic Spirit, Downtown Flavors

Morning: Travel day. Hydrate and pack layers; mountain weather swings quickly. If you arrive early, start slow—walk a few blocks to get your bearings.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to the award‑winning U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (plan ~1.5–2 hours; tickets around $20). Skip the line by booking admission via Viator: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Admission.

Evening: Dinner at Four by Brother Luck for Southwestern‑leaning, inventive plates (try the green‑chile pork or elk when available). Nightcap at Brooklyn’s on Boulder St. for gin‑focused cocktails, or sample Colorado taps at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, the city’s oldest brewery with a rooftop patio.

Day 2: Garden of the Gods and Old Colorado City

Morning: Coffee at Loyal Coffee (downtown roaster) or Story Coffee (tiny‑house espresso that’s big on flavor). Then roll through the park on the Ebike Tour: Garden of the Gods—glide past Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock while your guide shares geology and folklore.

Afternoon: Lunch at Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe (scratch‑made soups, house‑baked breads, and great salads). Explore Old Colorado City’s art galleries and boutiques; pop into the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a caramel apple or artisanal truffles. If you want a short hike, Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers easy loops with classic red‑rock views.

Evening: Dinner at Paravicini’s Italian Bistro (Old Colorado City stalwart—order the veal parm or spicy fra diavolo). For a relaxed pint, Cerberus Brewing serves wood‑fired wings and hop‑forward ales; or try T‑Byrd’s Tacos & Tequila for creative tacos and a deep agave list.

Day 3: Pikes Peak Summit and Manitou Springs

Morning: Summit day! Let a pro handle the driving on the Pikes Peak Jeep Tour. You’ll ascend to 14,115 feet for sweeping views that inspired “America the Beautiful,” with storytelling on wildlife and history en route.

Afternoon: Refuel in Manitou Springs at Adam’s Mountain Cafe (global, veggie‑friendly) or Good Karma Cafe (river‑side curry bowls and espresso). Stroll the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade for vintage games, sample natural mineral springs around town, and browse independent shops. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings museum offers a quick, family‑friendly stop.

Evening: Back downtown, book The Rabbit Hole (an atmospheric, subterranean spot—prime rib bites and cocktails are favorites). For a creative nightcap, The Principal’s Office in the historic Ivywild School mixes seasonal drinks in a repurposed classroom.

Day 4: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Seven Falls, and Broadmoor Traditions

Morning: Head to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (plan ~2–3 hours; tickets from about $30). Hand‑feed giraffes, ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride for alpine vistas, and visit grizzlies and mountain lions along winding hillside paths.

Afternoon: Continue to The Broadmoor Seven Falls (timed entry recommended; shuttle service may be required in peak season). Climb 224 steps alongside the cascades to reach Inspiration Point, or take the elevator to an overlook if you’re saving your legs.

Evening: Dine at The Golden Bee, a lively English‑style pub with sing‑alongs and Scotch eggs, or La Taverne for classic steakhouse fare. Stroll the landscaped Broadmoor grounds at dusk—architecture buffs will love the lakefront colonnades and historic photos.

Day 5: Royal Gorge Day Trip (Cañon City)

Morning: Drive ~1 hour 15 minutes to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (one of the world’s highest suspension bridges). Walk across for vertigo‑inducing views of the Arkansas River far below; adventurous travelers can add the Via Ferrata (seasonal) or a zip line.

Afternoon: Lunch with a view at Bridge View BBQ or head into Cañon City for craft coffee at The Bean Pedaler. Consider the Royal Gorge Route Railroad (2‑hour scenic ride) to witness canyon walls from river level—especially nice for multigenerational groups.

Evening: Return to Colorado Springs for dinner at Cerberus Brewing (smoked pork green‑chile mac, brisket sandwich, and hazy IPAs). If you still have energy, catch a show at Pikes Peak Center or a casual game night at a board‑game cafe downtown.

Day 6: Falconry, North Cheyenne Cañon, and Cocktails

Morning: Experience a centuries‑old partnership between humans and raptors in a hands‑on session: Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration. You’ll meet hawks and falcons, learn handling basics, and feel the power of a bird landing on your glove.

Afternoon: Lunch at Shuga’s (Mediterranean stews, spicy Brazilian coconut soup, and killer cocktails even at noon). Hike North Cheyenne Cañon to Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade—choose the short overlook path or tackle the moderately steep Columbine Trail for shade and stream crossings.

Evening: Progressive cocktail crawl: start at The Archives for spirit‑forward classics, then Brooklyn’s on Boulder St. for a gin riff, and finish at Shame & Regret for rare whiskeys. Dessert at Josh & John’s—order a scoop of Colorado Cookies & Cream or Purple Mountain Majesty.

Day 7: Air Force Academy, Ute Valley, and Farewell

Morning: Grab breakfast at Urban Egg (blue corn pancakes, Benedicts, stellar coffee). Drive to the U.S. Air Force Academy; stop at the visitor area to learn about cadet life and the Academy’s modernist architecture (bring ID and check current access rules). If time allows, stretch your legs on the Ute Valley Park trails—rolling singletrack with views of Pulpit Rock and the Front Range.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. If flying, check prices on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; COS security is typically efficient, but allow extra time during peak seasons.

Optional Swaps and Seasonal Tips

• Manitou Incline: A legendary stair climb up a former cog railway bed; free reservation required. Best at sunrise—downhill via Barr Trail.
• Palmer Park and Red Rock Canyon: Excellent sunset loops close to town; watch for mountain bikers and mule deer.
• Pikes Peak Highway self-drive: If you prefer to drive yourself, check weather and potential summit parking shuttles; highway fees from about $15 per adult in high season.
• Winter: Trails can be icy—microspikes help. Many sunny days still deliver great hiking and museum time.

Dining Hit List (for whenever hunger strikes)

• Breakfast & Coffee: Loyal Coffee, Switchback Coffee Roasters (house roasts, toasts, and pastries), Mountain Shadows Restaurant (hearty plates in a converted house).
• Lunch: Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe (scratch kitchen), Shuga’s (eclectic small plates), The Skirted Heifer (Butcher‑style burgers with crispy cheese “skirts”).
• Dinner: Four by Brother Luck (inventive regional cuisine), The Rabbit Hole (playful new American), The Margarita at Pine Creek (seasonal menus in a garden setting).
• Breweries & Bars: Phantom Canyon Brewing, Cerberus Brewing, Goat Patch Brewing, The Archives, Brooklyn’s on Boulder St., Shame & Regret.

More Bookable Experiences (if you want to add or swap)

• Combo red rocks + town vibes: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Old Stage Road Jeep Tour

Colorado Springs rewards the curious: one minute you’re sipping a cortado, the next you’re tracing bighorn tracks below sandstone fins or peering from a summit into distant ranges. With this 7-day plan, you’ll taste its kitchens, hear its stories, and stand in its big western light. Come hungry for views and leave with mountain air still in your lungs.