10 Best Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pike’s Peak in Colorado, USA. Photo by David Shankbone. Wikimedia Commons.

10 Best Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, at an elevation of 6,035 ft., is a city in Colorado at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. It lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails and a cog railway leading to its 14,114-ft. summit. The city’s Garden of the Gods park features iconic red-sandstone formations and mountain views.

1. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

African elephants, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, March 30, 2016. Photo by Obeastly. Wikimedia Commons.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about sharing the wonders of the natural world with kids of all ages and providing memories for a lifetime at America’s mountain Zoo.

If you were to see everything at a fast pace, it would take about 1-1/2 hours. To stop and enjoy your favorite animals and have lunch or a snack, it takes an average of 3-1/2 hours. The Zoo is a wonderful relaxing place to wander through.

2. The Broodmoor

The Broadmoor is a legendary Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort with impeccable service and distinctive amenities. Here, the spirit of the West inspires the adventurer within, providing endless opportunities to explore the picturesque mountains, streams, and canyons that have inspired generations.

Experience an iconic Colorado Springs resort where personalized luxury offers an escape from the ordinary and modern details blend seamlessly with the timeless European elegance of our historic hotel.

3. Pikes Peaks

Pikes Peak is a 14,115 feet mountain. Its silhouette defines the region and frames the city of Colorado Springs below. There are three ways to reach Pikes Peak’s summit.

The Manitou & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, a favorite among armchair (or railcar) explorers; the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile paved road that snakes up the mountain, and Barr Trail, a 12.7-mile uphill route used by runners, hikers, and skilled mountain bikers. On a good day, the average hiker can make it up in about 6-8 hours. You can your picnic also at this place.

4. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is home to a plethora of geological and ecological rarities that make the park a prime site for nature lovers. From the discovery of a new species of dinosaur, to a subspecies of honey ant not previously recorded, this park is home to countless flora and fauna.

The Garden of the Gods Park & The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center are both free and open to the public.

5. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Photo by LittleT889. Wikimedia Commons.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is an icon for outdoor recreation enthusiasts in Colorado. It provides locals and Colorado visitors with one of the most versatile, beautiful and fun open spaces in the Pikes Peak region. There is not much of outdoor activities you can’t do at Red Rock Canyon.

This makes it a popular destination for athletes of all sorts of outdoor sports all year long. It’s also a pretty awesome place to simply chill out and let the fresh air and scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains wash over you as you relax. The space has an off-leash dog area where your pet can roam free.

6. North Pole Santa’s Workshop

The North Pole-Santa’s Workshop is an enchanting vintage amusement park nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Home to Santa’s Village and the jolly man himself –  the spirit of Christmas lives on all year long here at The North Pole. It is home to Santa and his Reindeer team.

7. Glen Eyrie Castle

The Glen Eyrie Castle in spring. Photo by Eazypeezyphotography. Wikimedia Commons.

Glen Eyrie is an English Tudor-style castle built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. There are 17 guest rooms in the castle, as well as 7 meeting rooms including the Castle Great Hall and 2 dining rooms.

Nestled on 750 breathtaking acres with 95 rooms, Glen Eyrie’s stunning beauty and rich heritage creates a place where guests can get away to rejuvenate and spend time in a safe setting. Guests can enjoy overnight stays, historical tours, Castle teas, enriching programs, retreats, group events or a conference.

8. U. S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium offers a diverse range of full-dome films, concerts, live talks and events, as well as host large gatherings during astronomical and NASA-related events. All shows are free and open to the public so military or Department of Defense identification is not required.

9. Stargazers Theater

Stargazers Theatre and Event Center is a multi-use indoor facility. The Stargazers Theater is a unique, domed concert venue bringing live entertainment to Colorado Springs.

This tiered auditorium provides a range of seating options depending on the event: rows of chairs or bar stools are available, as is a large open space for banquets or dancing. Some activities at the Stargazers Theater include Live Concerts, Tribute Bands, Music Festivals, Fundraisers, Corporate Events, Full-Service Bar, Casual Dining and Theatrical Productions.

10. The Incline

This is a shot of the Manitou Incline taken looking up towards the top. Photo by Jncraton. Wikimedia Commons.

The Manitou Springs Incline, also known as the Manitou Incline or simply the Incline, is a popular hiking trail rising above Manitou Springs, Colorado, near Colorado Springs. The Incline ascends on the east slope of Rocky Mountain which is itself on the eastern flank of Pikes Peak.

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 14 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Manitou Incline has been hailed as the holy grail of cardio for locals and athletes, alike. The once railroad track now consists of approximately 2,744 steps made entirely of railroad ties!