Discover Colorado Springs - Gateway to Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods

Day 1: Red Rocks Wonders & Old West Charm

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Colorado Springs adventure at the magnificent Garden of the Gods Park. Start at the Visitor & Nature Center (30-60 min, Free) to learn about the geology and history, then head out for the iconic views. Drive the 1.5-mile scenic loop road, stopping at various pull-offs like the North Main Parking Lot to access the Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5-mile paved loop, flat, 1 hour), offering unparalleled views of the towering red rock formations like Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock.
  • Distance from Downtown COS: ~15-20 minutes drive.
  • Cost: Free (park entry and parking).
  • Practical Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially in peak season. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) After soaking in the rock formations, enjoy a casual lunch. Consider a packed picnic lunch from home or a quick bite at the Garden of the Gods Cafe (approx. $25-35 for 2). Following lunch, explore more of Garden of the Gods. Consider the Siamese Twins Trail (0.5-mile loop, moderate, 30 min) for a unique photo opportunity framing Pikes Peak. Afterwards, head to Old Colorado City (5-minute drive from Garden of the Gods). Spend time strolling through the historic district, browsing unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
  • Cost: Lunch ($25-35), shopping as desired.
  • Practical Tip: Parking in Old Colorado City can be found along the streets or in small lots; some may be metered.
• Evening Enjoy dinner in Old Colorado City.
  • Dining Recommendation: Paravicini’s Italian Bistro (Classic Italian, mains $20-35, approx. $70-100 for 2 with drinks, reservations recommended) or Front Range Barbeque (Casual, delicious BBQ, mains $15-25, approx. $50-70 for 2). After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll or grab a drink at a local pub before heading back.

Day 2: Pikes Peak Summit & Manitou Magic

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Embark on the journey to the summit of Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain. For the most scenic and relaxing experience, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs. Book tickets well in advance, as they often sell out. The round trip journey is approximately 3 hours 10 minutes, with about 30-40 minutes at the summit.
  • Location: Pikes Peak Cog Railway Depot, Manitou Springs (approx. 15-20 min drive from downtown COS).
  • Cost: Cog Railway tickets are approx. $58-69 per adult (seasonal pricing), so ~$116-138 for 2 people.
  • Practical Tip: Dress in layers! Temperatures at the 14,115-foot summit are significantly colder than at the base. Hydrate well to help with altitude. Snacks are available at the summit visitor center.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) After descending Pikes Peak, head into Manitou Springs (adjacent to Cog Railway). Grab lunch at a local spot.
  • Lunch Recommendation: Adam’s Mountain Cafe (Eclectic, healthy options, mains $15-25, approx. $40-60 for 2) or Manitou Brewing Company (Pub fare, good beer, mains $12-20, approx. $30-50 for 2). Spend the afternoon exploring the unique town of Manitou Springs. Walk along Manitou Avenue, sip from the free mineral springs, and browse quirky shops. Consider visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum (approx. 1-1.5 hours, $12.50 per adult, ~$25 for 2) to explore ancient Puebloan ruins.
  • Cost: Lunch ($30-60), Cliff Dwellings ($25), shopping as desired.
• Evening Enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
  • Dining Recommendation: Stay in Manitou Springs for a charming experience at Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant (a romantic splurge, approx. $100-150 for 2, reservations recommended) or head back towards Colorado Springs for more options like Phantom Canyon Brewing Company (Historic building, great craft beer and pub food, mains $15-25, approx. $60-80 for 2).

Day 3: Wildlife, Olympic Spirit & Departure

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (approx. 3-4 hours). Perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, it offers stunning views of Colorado Springs and unique animal encounters, including the chance to feed giraffes! Allow plenty of time to explore the various exhibits and enjoy the mountain setting.
  • Location: South of Colorado Springs, towards The Broadmoor. (approx. 15-20 min drive from downtown COS).
  • Cost: Tickets are approx. $30-35 per adult (seasonal pricing), so ~$60-70 for 2 people. Parking is $5 per car.
  • Practical Tip: The zoo is built on a mountain, so be prepared for hills and walking. There’s a sky ride if you want to avoid some uphill climbs.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After the zoo, grab lunch nearby or head towards downtown.
  • Lunch Recommendation: Consider a casual spot near the zoo or downtown. Urban Steam Coffee + Bar (Great coffee, brunch-style food, approx. $30-45 for 2) or Skirted Heifer (Award-winning burgers, approx. $25-40 for 2). Next, immerse yourselves in athletic excellence at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (approx. 2-3 hours). This modern, interactive museum celebrates the history and achievements of Team USA athletes.
  • Location: Downtown Colorado Springs. (approx. 15-20 min drive from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo).
  • Cost: Tickets are approx. $20-25 per adult, so ~$40-50 for 2 people. Parking is available nearby (metered or garage, ~$5-10).
• Evening Enjoy a final Colorado Springs dinner before heading to the airport or continuing your journey.
  • Dining Recommendation: Shuga’s Restaurant (Eclectic, international small plates, great cocktails, mains $15-25, approx. $60-90 for 2) or Brewer’s Republic (Gastropub, good beer selection, mains $15-25, approx. $50-70 for 2).