🏞️ Discover Colorado Springs, Colorado
There’s a lot to say about Colorado Springs — a city rich in natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural charm. Sitting at an elevation of 6,035 feet, it offers stunning views and easy access to iconic landmarks like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. The city is served by Colorado Springs Airport (COS), just a short drive from downtown, with broader flight options available at Denver International Airport (DEN), about 90 minutes north.
I’d also like to mention Manitou Springs, a neighboring town often mistaken as part of Colorado Springs. It’s a small, artsy community nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, known for its mineral springs, quirky shops, and the famous Manitou Incline. Though technically separate, Manitou blends seamlessly into the local experience and deserves its own spotlight.
🚗 Getting There
The drive from Denver to Colorado Springs takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Traveling south on I-25, you'll pass through open plains and dramatic views of the Front Range, with Pikes Peak rising in the distance as you approach the city. For air travel, you have two solid options: Denver International Airport (DEN), located about 90 minutes north, and the more convenient Colorado Springs Airport (COS), just 20 minutes from downtown. Whether you're flying in or driving down, it's a smooth and scenic journey — perfect for a weekend escape or a basecamp for exploring southern Colorado.
🌟 My Personal Observation
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Garden of the gods: One of the most iconic destinations in Colorado Springs, this natural
“garden” of towering red rock formations feels like the earth reaching toward the sky. It’s a monumental
must-visit, whether you’re walking the trails, driving the scenic loop, or climbing the rocks (with a permit).
For rock climbers, it’s a paradise — and for everyone else, it’s a place to pause, breathe, and marvel.
📍 Garden of the Gods
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Seven Falls: Tucked into a narrow box canyon just outside downtown Colorado Springs, Seven Falls
is a breathtaking series of cascading waterfalls dropping a total of 181 feet. Visitors can walk the scenic trail
through the canyon, climb the 224 steps alongside the falls, or take the elevator to the Eagle’s Nest overlook
for panoramic views. At night, the falls are illuminated — turning nature into a glowing spectacle.
It’s a hidden wonder that blends adventure and serenity.
📍 Seven Falls
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Pikes Peak: One of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers, Pikes Peak rises to an elevation
of 14,115 feet and offers multiple ways to experience its grandeur.
Adventurers can hike the challenging Barr Trail from Manitou Springs, drive the scenic Pikes Peak
Highway with its sweeping mountain views, or take the historic Cog Railway — a
breathtaking train ride that climbs through forests, alpine tundra, and rocky slopes to the summit.
At the top, you’ll find the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, offering panoramic views, interpretive exhibits, and the famous high-altitude donuts. Whether you’re chasing elevation or simply soaking in the scenery, Pikes Peak is a must-visit — a place where the sky feels just a little closer.
📍 Pikes Peak
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The Incline: Located in Manitou Springs, this legendary trail climbs straight up the mountainside with an elevation gain of approximately 2,000 feet over just under 1 mile. It features a staggering 2,768 steps, originally built as a cable car track and now transformed into one of the most iconic fitness challenges in Colorado. The trail starts at around 6,500 feet and tops out near 8,590 feet, so altitude awareness is key.
Whether you're tackling it for training, adventure, or bragging rights, the Incline delivers a vertical punch and panoramic rewards.
📍 The Incline
🥾 Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs
- Cave of the Winds: A subterranean wonder tucked into Williams Canyon, offering guided cave tours, lantern-lit adventures, and adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Terror-Dactyl ride. It’s a blend of geology, thrill, and history — perfect for curious explorers and daring spirits.
- Helen Hunt Falls: Located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this accessible waterfall is a peaceful escape with a short trail leading to scenic views. It’s especially stunning in spring and fall, when water flow and foliage are at their peak.
- Rainbow Falls: Just outside Manitou Springs, this colorful cascade flows beneath a historic bridge and is known for its vibrant graffiti art. It’s a quick walk from the trailhead and offers a unique blend of nature and urban expression.
- Soaring Adventure Ziplines: Suspended high above Seven Falls, this zipline course delivers sweeping views of the canyon and a heart-racing ride through the treetops. It’s a thrilling way to experience Colorado Springs from a whole new angle.
- Miramont Castle: A Victorian-era mansion tucked into the hillside of Manitou Springs, filled with antique furnishings, hidden staircases, and stories of spiritualism and healing. It’s a quiet, quirky escape into Colorado’s layered past.
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Step into the preserved homes of the ancient Pueblo peoples, relocated and reconstructed in the early 1900s. Visitors can walk through 700-year-old rooms, touch the architecture, and explore two museums filled with Native American artifacts — all perched above Manitou Springs with stunning canyon views. It’s hands-on history with soul.
🛏️ Places to Stay in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers a wide range of highly rated accommodations that blend comfort, location, and mountain charm. Here are some top picks based on guest reviews from Expedia and Booking.com:
- Hotel Polaris Colorado Springs: Rated 9.8/10 on Expedia. A sleek, modern hotel with exceptional service and a central location — perfect for both leisure and business travelers.
- Garden of the Gods Resort and Club: Rated 9.4/10 on Expedia and 9.3/10 on Booking.com. This luxurious retreat offers panoramic views of the red rock formations, spa services, and fine dining — ideal for a romantic or restorative escape.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites South I-25: Rated 9.3/10 on Booking.com. Guests praise its cleanliness, friendly staff, and convenient location near major attractions and highways.
- The Broadmoor: Rated 9.6/10 by U.S. News Travel. A legendary 5-star resort with historic elegance, lakeside views, golf, and world-class amenities — the crown jewel of Colorado Springs hospitality.
- Cliff House at Pikes Peak: Rated 9.2/10 on U.S. News Travel. Located in nearby Manitou Springs, this historic boutique hotel offers Victorian charm, gourmet dining, and easy access to the Incline and downtown shops.
🎥 My Travel Videos
Here are some videos from Frisco.
Garden of the gods
Seven Falls
Helen Hunt Falls
The Incline
Pikes Peaks
Pikes Peaks 360
