There’s no doubt that the Mile High City is one of the most exciting places in Colorado. But for a day when you want to get out and explore more of what the area has to offer, a short road trip can take you to many great spots. About 70 miles south of Denver lies Colorado Springs, a place known for its outdoorsy community and slower pace. This is coupled with an enthusiasm for art, music, culture, and craft beer. Read on for a few recommended stops to include in your trip:
Getting there:
The fast route
Approx. 1 hour 12 minutes
The most direct route to Colorado Springs is to take I25 directly south. This will get you there in under an hour and a half, but without much scenery to take in.
The scenic route
Approx. 3 hours
If you have the time to spare, I’d recommend taking the scenic route down to get a taste of the Colorado mountains and rural towns. One route that takes about 3 hours is I-70 West to C-470 to 285 toward Fairplay, taking Highway 9 South then US-24 East to arrive in Colorado Springs.
Must-visits:
Pikes Peak
This one is a must for a visit to Colorado Springs. You can choose to have an adventurous day mountain biking or hiking or make the climb by car or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The drive up includes many switchbacks and drop-offs.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is another one that should make your list of must-see spots. Again, you can hike on some trails once you’re there or access the stunning rock formations from the comfort of your car.
Seven Falls
In southwest Colorado Springs, you’ll find this majestic spot. A visit to Seven Falls will leave you in awe of the rushing series of falls. You can either climb the 224 stairs to the top or take the in-mountain elevator up 14 stories. Be sure to come back at night when they light up the falls with LEDs for an even more stunning view. This attraction includes plenty to do, with a restaurant, gift shop, hiking trails, and even a zip-line above the falls.
Manitou Springs
This charming town is located in a canyon at the base of Pikes Peak. The main road that goes through Garden of the Gods will also get you there, so you can really pack a lot into your day. This is an artist’s paradise with plenty of eclectic galleries to check out as you walk through the town.
Eat + Drink:
Shugas
For great tapas, check out this hidden gem. It’s located in an unassuming converted space inside of which they’ve created an inviting atmosphere. Their patio is a great place to relax after a long day of hiking or outdoor adventuring, and it’s one of the most popular spots to grab a bite in Colorado Springs.
The Rabbit Hole
With a nod to Alice in Wonderland, this is truly an enchanting spot. It’s a great place to get drinks after a long day of exploring, and they have a whimsical dinner and small-plate menu as well. Their creative cocktail list spans from their signature White Rabbit Martini, complete with a flaming marshmallow, to their Queen of Hearts Bloody Mary served with pickled beets and a beer. They do get quite busy, so dinner reservations are recommended.
For the adventurous spirits:
The hiking options are plentiful in this area, so those looking to get their blood pumping will find a lot to explore. Cheyenne Mountain State Park has plenty of trails to choose from, as well as North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and, of course, Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. In addition to hiking, nature-lovers can take advantage of the fishing, mountain biking, rock-climbing, and even whitewater rafting options in the area.
Whether your ideal road-trip destination consists of streets lined with shops and galleries or the space to get lost in nature, Colorado Springs brings it all to the table. It’s no wonder this beautiful area draws many visitors to experience the stunning rock formations, the towering peaks, and the rich food and art culture.