Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
With over 55 attractions and activities around Colorado Springs, narrowing down your options is no easy feat. To help streamline your planning, here are some of the top spots for first-timers to the city.
Garden of the Gods
No trip to Colorado Springs is complete without exploring the iconic red rock formations at Garden of the Gods. The free public park offers paved trails perfect for hiking and biking that wind through the unique sandstone features. Must-see formations include the Kissing Camels, Balanced Rock, and Gateway Rock. Bring your camera to capture postcard-perfect shots of dramatic cliffs and spires with Pikes Peak as the backdrop. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to catch the rocks at their most radiant during golden hour when the sun casts a warm glow on the landscape.
Pikes Peak
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak looms over Colorado Springs as one of the most famous summits of the Rocky Mountains. You can drive, hike, or take the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top to soak up panoramic mountain views. On a clear day, you may be able to see over 100 miles in every direction at the peak. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, yellow-bellied marmots, and other wildlife along the journey. Make sure to dress warmly as temperatures at the summit are often 30 degrees cooler than at the base.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Both kids and adults will enjoy an afternoon exploring the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, home to over 750 animals across 100 acres. See majestic giraffes, grizzly bears, meerkats, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and more. Visit the all-new Expedition Africa to get up close to rhinos, antelope, and African wild dogs in naturalistic habitats. The zoo also features an alpine village, petting zoo, carousel, chairlift ride, and the chance to hand-feed friendly giraffes for an unforgettable experience.
United States Air Force Academy
Located just north of Colorado Springs, a visit to the Air Force Academy offers the chance to immerse yourself in the life of an Air Force cadet. Join a guided tour of the expansive grounds led by a cadet to see facilities like the iconic Cadet Chapel and the Honor Court. You can also book a falconry demo to see the academy’s live mascot falcon or catch a sports game to cheer on an Air Force Falcons team. On graduation day in late May or early June, try to catch the flyover demonstrations put on by the graduating class.
Cave of the Winds
Descend into the chilly depths below ground at Cave of the Winds, an incredible limestone cavern just west of Colorado Springs. Daily walking tours let you explore chambers like Temple of Silence, Fantasyland Cavern, and thecession Cathedral Room as an experienced guide shares fascinating facts about speleology and cave history. For an extra thrill, try the candlelight tour offered select evenings. Make sure to bundle up as temperatures inside the cave remain a brisk 45°F year-round! A jacket, sweater, and closed-toed shoes are recommended to comfortably explore the caverns.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Step back in time at the fascinating Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This Pueblo Native American museum and archaeological site contains rebuilt Anasazi cliff houses, pit homes, and exhibits spotlighting the culture of ancient Pueblo peoples. Knowledgeable guides dressed in period clothing lead informative tours throughout the site. Visitors can climb ladders into the cliffside dwellings, peek into kivas, and browse a museum of artifacts. A gift shop stocks locally made Native American crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
One of the most spectacular natural wonders near Colorado Springs is Seven Falls, a cascading 181-foot waterfall flowing through a series of seven plunges in a box canyon. Hike the 224 stair steps to the Eagle’s Nest observation platform perched at the top for magnificent views. Continue along scenic paved and dirt trails through the 1,250 acres of the Broadmoor Seven Falls park to see more of the lush canyon. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a gazebo overlooking the falls for a quintessential Colorado Springs experience.
How to Get Around Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs spans nearly 200 square miles, so you’ll need to consider the most efficient ways to transport your group around the city’s top attractions and landmarks. Here are some of the main options for getting around town:
Public Transportation
The local public transit agency Mountain Metropolitan Transit offers bus routes throughout Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Buses generally run every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on weekends. While routes can get you close to major attractions, transfers are often required so travel times can be lengthy compared to driving.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available 24/7 for on-demand transportation in Colorado Springs. This option works best for smaller groups rather than large tour groups. Fares will vary based on factors like distance traveled and demand. Taxis can be hailed curbside, while rideshares require a mobile app to request a pickup. Be aware that wait times can be long during peak periods.
Charter Buses
For ultimate convenience exploring Colorado Springs, consider booking a charter bus to transport your large group or tour. Charter buses offer direct transportation between your hotel and chosen attractions around town. You’ll enjoy comforts like plush reclining seats, climate control, luggage storage, and even amenities like WiFi and entertainment systems. No need to worry about navigating or parking huge passenger vans or keeping track of public transportation schedules. Simply sit back and take in the scenery while our professional team navigates Colorado Springs.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this first timer’s guide gets you excited to start planning your upcoming Colorado Springs getaway! Traveling in a group? Be sure to call us at 303-225-4640 to check group charter bus rental availability and pricing for your next trip. We look forward to helping you explore the very best of Colorado Springs in comfort and style!