Exploring Colorado Springs: Attractions & Nature Wonders

Colorado is the Mountain West state in the US and it is known as the highest state in the entire country. Apart from its popular attractions like the Rocky Mountains and Denver another must-visit place in this state is Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of the Rockies it can impress every type of traveller. From picturesque beauty to challenging activities this state serves it all. If you are planning your trips to Colorado or looking for a perfect destination for vacation you should definitely consider this place. Follow along as this blog will help you explore Colorado Springs and all its attractions and natural splendour.

Why Visit Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs can be a wonderful place to visit for vacation if planned properly. As the second-largest city in the state it offers high-altitude thrills with relaxed, scenic exploration. It has natural sights and plenty of outdoor activities to offer its visitors every year. In this city in Colorado, you will find attractions such as the Garden of the Gods a wonderful park that visitors can explore for free. Another attractive thing about this city is that it has roots in the Olympics. Means the permanent headquarters of the two worldwide famous, preeminent international sports olympics and paralympics are here. It offers a variety of options to achieve immense joy.

Top Attractions in Colorado Springs

When visiting a place it is very important to understand the type of things you can find and experiences you can gain when you get there. Understanding the main charms of the place will always make your trip easier. Just like that in this section of our blog we will go through the topmost attractions of this place.

Visit Garden Of The Gods

Coming to the first charming attraction of the place and that is the Garden of the Gods. It is an open-air park easily accessible and free of cost. It is considered the National Natural Landmark of the city. Located 4.9miles away from the city centre it is a great place to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing. It stays open all days of the week. However the time varies depending on the seasons. Such as from Nov 1 to Apr 30 the timing goes like 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM and from May 1 to Oct 31 it is 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This place gets crowded indeed so to avoid the business try visiting on a weekday or visit before 9 AM in the morning. Here one can even enjoy the stunning views of Pikes Peak which is also one of its pros.

Explore Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak a very renowned and valuable place to visit especially when you are in Colorado. Pikes Peak towers 14,115 feet in the sky above Colorado Springs. It is really easy to access and stays open year-round. This is a significant portion of the Rocky Mountains. Only 10miles away from downtown Colorado Springs it is a place that can ensure you a better experience. From the top of it one can view five states like Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Kansas on clear days. One can also enjoy the view of Earth’s curvature from its peak. When you reach the peak you can also find a Pikes Peak Visitors Centre with exhibitions, outlook and also famous donuts. There are also other things to do nearby such as the North Slope Recreation Area for fishing and kayaking. Even picnicking during summer and fall. For motorsport lovers visiting Pikes Peak International Hill Climb during the summer is a must.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Known as the only mountainside zoo in the U.S. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a place that attracts many visitors. With interactive animal encounters and stunning city views it comes at the top of the city’s attractions. It has many charming features but its massive herd of reticulated giraffes is significant. One can even walk up to the elevated wooden platforms and feed them lettuce. Other attractive things are that this place has interactive species of Africa such as hippos, meerkats and rhinos. Visitors are also allowed to hand-feed them. One can go hiking here to get a chance to see grizzly bears, mountain lions, Canada lynx, moose and bald eagles. Here you can find the Mountaineer Sky Ride which will give you a wonderful view of Colorado Springs and the zoo exhibits below. For tickets, reservations, timing and many more one can visit their official site Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

5 miles away from West Colorado Springs there is a historical and educational place that you can view on your trip. Known as Manitou Cliff Dwellings this place is a gem for people with an interest in history. This place will offer you a wholesome permission. Unlike other places it allows its visitors to climb on the ladders or go inside those attached stone rooms. It also allows one to touch the building techniques used by the Ancestral Puebloans. One can even visit the Kiva known as secret underground chambers generally used for political meetings, spirituality and so on. 

Best Nature Wonders Around Colorado Springs

When visiting a place like this one gets to witness a lot of nature charms. In this section of our blog we will discuss the ultimate natural wonders of this city that one should not miss.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

7.4 miles away from the city centre there is this wonderful park named Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. It offers year-round activities and enjoyment to its visitors. A special thing about this here one can take an instructed underground tour of the Manitou Grand Caverns. There the temperatures remain a constant 54°F throughout the year and this underground tour can be a great adventure option for families. The adventure options do not stop here it goes beyond as we are about to introduce you to the Lantern Tour. This is a creepy one-and-a-half-hour evening show using handheld candles only and followed by ghost stories and local folklore based on the deep and dark corners of the caves. There is also Caving 101, a two-hour-long adventure in the undeveloped, muddy and flash-only areas of caves to get a unique experience.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park

4.5 miles away from the centre of Colorado Springs there is a beautiful place named North Cheyenne Cañon Park. With its popular 1,000-foot-deep granite canyon and other significant features, such as pretty waterfalls and diverse wildlife. In here one can experience activities such as waterfall strolls, horseback riding, rock climbing and challenging backcountry hikes. It has some popular trails such as Seven Bridges Trail, Gold Camp Road, Mount Muscoco, Mount Cutler and so on.

Seven Falls

If you are in Colorado Springs or planning to visit the city anytime soon then you should not miss these amazing waterfalls. Making their place on the National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls and known as ‘’The Grandest Mile of Scenery’’ these are too magnificent to be avoided. It is a stunning series of cascading waterfalls dropping a total of 180 feet and is based in a 1,250-foot box canyon. The attraction here is seven falls named after seven districts over the granite rock faces of the Pillars of Hercules. Those seven districts are Bridal Veil, Feather, Ramona, Weimer, Hill, Hull and Shortly. 

This place is perfect if you are fond of adventure, nature or even experiencing the extraordinary. It showcases a 224-step staircase that climbs alongside the waterfalls to the peak with panoramic canyon views. It also has a 14-story mountain elevator straight to the mesmerizing beauty of the falls and valleys. However for updates on tickets, parking updates you can visit the Boardmoor Seven Falls.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

4.2 miles away from the main area and on the western edge of Colorado Springs there is Red Rock Canyon Open Space. With its landscapes beauty and coppery sandstone hogbacks it has huge popularity for hiking, mountain biking and dog walking. It showcases many multi-use trails that are more than ten miles long. has also become ideal for a variety of birds. It also has diverse plant life such as pear cactus, cottonwood and so on. One can also try rock climbing and bouldering for extra adventure.

Outdoor Activities In Colorado Springs

While visiting a mountain state like this many want to know what can be the outdoor adventures one can do during their vacation. In this section we will discuss the ultimate outdoor activities one can perform while being here.

• Winter Activities: If you are planning to visit this city in winter you can enhance your overall experience by going on activities such as ice skating, hiking, and Snowshoeing. Here you can also do things such as skiing, sledding and tubing.

• Sceric Drives: One can take a long drive towards the zero-energy Submit Complex. It holds some wonderful views worth visiting and getting lost in. This mesmerizing beauty will amaze you and will be very picturesque. You can also explore the Gold Camp Road, Pikes Peak Highway and other mountain points.

• Nature & Wildlife Photography: Many of us are fond of capturing the ultimate beauty of wildlife and nature’s beauty. If you are one of them and are planning to visit this city anytime soon then here is how you can enlarge your photography collection. And enjoy the beauty of nature and its elements to the fullest. You can capture the state mammal the bighorn sheep and the yellow-bellied marmots in the Peaks Pikes. One can also spot mule deer, red fox, raptors, elk, black bears and wild turkeys in the Mueller State Park or Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area.

• Hiking & Mountain Trails: If you love adventure then you will not regret choosing your next destination as Colorado Springs. This place features a good amount of adventure options including hiking in mountain trails. For world-class hiking experiences here you can explore options like red rock formations, lush alpine canyons and epic high-altitude trails in the base of the Rocky Mountains.

Additional Information For Visiting Colorado Springs

In this section of our blog we will discuss the ideal season, things to carry while having a vacation time in this city. It also includes the best dining and staying places here.

Best Season To Visit

Let’s start with exploring every so that it will be easier for you to choose one among them.

• Spring: From late April to early June means the springtime is known as the waterfall season. At this time you will be able to witness melting snow creating local cascades and rivers and this is perfect to photograph. The Colorado Springs weather stays cool with a temperature of 15°C to 25°C during the spring. However always prepare yourself for late-season snows and occasional spring showers.

• Summer: Coming to summer well this is most ideal if you are seeking outdoor activities mainly. From June to August you will find the weather getting really sunny and with a moderate temperature of 20s°C. This is the ideal time to do whitewater rafting, cycling and many more things. To enjoy this city more plan your activities in the early morning without parking issues.

• Fall: As the fall comes with the warmth of the sun during daytime and the cool nighttime it is often loved by the visitors. It is also the time of changing leaves which brings focus to anyone. At this time one can also get good deals before the wintertime arrives. People who are seeking peace also prefer this season because of the less crowded, cozy overall environment. In addition you can also experience the festive mood of the city during the fall.

• Winter: In the winter season this city stays cold with irregular snowfall. The temperature goes beyond bearable and stays freezing yet sunny days are seen. With fewer crowds, comparatively affordable pricing and a variety of winter activities this season is also preferred by many.

Things To Carry

Here are some things that one should definitely carry while visiting Colorado Springs during your vacation to ensure a better comfort experience.

• Essentials For Travel: For your initial travel essentials, one should carry proper essentials such as proper and official documentation like ID, driver’s license, printed travel and hotel reservations and health insurance cards. It is fine to carry cards since they work everywhere and alongside that carry some cash since many small mountain places do not accept cash.

• Toiletries: If we compare Colorado with other sea-level areas it is drier. So obviously to be ready for its climate travellers should carry long-lasting body lotion, preferable moustirizing face cream and eye drops to retain hydration.

• Sun & Altitude Protection: When you are visiting a place like this city that has an elevation of 6,035 feet which takes you closer to the sun with thin air. Sun protection should be your concern for maintaining SPF and also for hydration of your skin.

• Clothing & Footwear: The type of things one needs to carry while visiting are long sleeves, wool sweaters, waterproof rain jackets and comfortable bottoms for hiking, waterproof hiking boots and comfortable shoes for strolling.

Where To Stay

 Here we are listing a few notable places one can browse for their stay purposes in the city.

• For first-time visitors it is better to stay near downtown and the central part of the city and the best options are Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs and The Antlers A Wyndham Hotel.

• If you are planning to stay near historic hubs, want a cozy feeling then it will be better to choose Holden House 1902 Bed & Breakfast Inn, Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort located on the west side and in Old Colorado City.
• In the southwest there is The Broadmoor a well-known premier location and 5-star resort in the region. It provides facilities such as a private lake, sources for golf courses and quality spas.

• Even if your choice is to stay on the northern side then The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs will be a good choice.

Dining Choices

This city will definitely not disappoint you with its food. Rich with flavour, taste and an authentic touch it will amaze your experience of the trip. So If you are looking for dining options here are some.

• Carlos’ Bistro for a high-class experience
• The Rabbit Hole for elevated American cuisines
• Denver Biscuit Co for breakfast 
• Alfonso’s Mexican Food to explore local food
• Front Range Barbeque to experience a casual pub vibe

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

As we are about to be done with today’s travel tip we would love to recommend that choosing a place like Colorado Springs will enhance your quality of vacation for sure. Therefore choose to plan your Colorado Springs trip with BUSXOXO by booking our charter bus Colorado Springs service. Hereafter we hope we can help you out to ensure a proper guide before starting your trip.