Colorado Travel Guide
Where the Rockies Meet Adventure at 6,035 Feet
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is one of America's most spectacular destinations — a city where red-rock canyons, alpine wilderness, and vibrant culture collide. Here are the ten experiences you absolutely cannot miss.
Nature & Scenery
Towering sandstone formations rising dramatically against the snow-capped backdrop of Pikes Peak — this free public park is one of the most visually stunning places in the American West. Hike the perimeter trail, rent a bike, or simply pull over and stare in disbelief.
Iconic Landmark
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is the most visited fourteener in North America. Drive the scenic highway, hop aboard the historic Cog Railway, or lace up your boots for the legendary Barr Trail hike. The summit panorama stretches from Denver to New Mexico.
Your Pick
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History & Culture
This quirky, artsy neighboring town feels like a different world. Stroll Ruxton Avenue past galleries and eclectic shops, sample mineral water from natural springs, and duck into the Manitou Cliff Dwellings for a fascinating look at Ancestral Puebloan history.
Family Favorite
America's only mountain zoo sits at 6,714 feet, making it the highest zoo in the country. Hand-feed giraffes, see African animals with Pikes Peak in the background, and ride the Sky Ride gondola for aerial views over the entire city.
History & Military
The stunning modernist Cadet Chapel, with its 17 soaring aluminum spires, is one of the most photographed buildings in Colorado. The visitor center offers free entry and fascinating exhibits on cadet life, military history, and aerospace technology.
Outdoor Adventure
Tucked into a box canyon in South Cheyenne Creek, these seven cascading waterfalls drop 181 feet through a dramatic granite gorge. Illuminated at night, the falls are especially magical. A staircase of 224 steps leads to an eagle's-eye overlook platform.
Arts & Culture
One of the most distinctive Art Deco buildings in the West houses an exceptional collection of Southwestern and Latin American art, touring Broadway productions, and rotating galleries. The architecture alone — designed by John Gray in 1936 — is worth the visit.
Food & Drink
The original heart of the region, Colorado Avenue is packed with independent restaurants, brewpubs, boutiques, and galleries. Grab a craft beer at one of the local breweries, browse artisan shops, and soak in the 19th-century brick streetscape that gives this district its soul.
Hidden Gem
Just 35 miles west, this underrated national monument preserves one of the world's most extraordinary records of ancient life — including massive petrified redwood stumps and thousands of exquisitely detailed insect and plant fossils from 34 million years ago.