Searching for some of the best things to do for a weekend in Colorado Springs? If you’re looking for the popular locations, hiking spots, and beautiful views, then this short list will give you a great idea of where to start. Colorado Springs is an amazing destination for spending some needed time in nature and breathing in the fresh, outdoor air. Recently, we visited in the month of August, when the weather was still hot during the day but cool at night. Most of our weekend was spent outside, hiking and taking in the majestic scenery. If you’re ready for gazing upon mountainous views and hiking among towering rocks, then Colorado Springs will have everything you need. It’s a perfect destination for families, friends, or traveling solo. That said, just keep reading to find out how to have a perfect weekend in Colorado Springs:
1. Stroll through the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a park composed of 300 foot sandstone rock formations. It draws a lot of tourists each year, but the crowd during August wasn’t too bad. The walking and hiking paths throughout the park were clean and easy to navigate. If you’re traveling with little ones, they would definitely have a blast visiting this park. Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. We left in the morning, so finding parking wasn’t too difficult. Overall, the Garden of the Gods is a must-see while in Colorado Springs, so be sure to add it to your list. For more info, check out their website here.
2. Summit Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Colorado Springs without adding Pikes Peak to your agenda. If you’ve never heard of Pikes Peak (aka America’s Mountain), it’s the highest summit of the southern front range of the Rocky Mountains. There is a fee of $15 per adult to enter; however, it may be lower if traveling with children or seniors. We opted to drive to the summit, which offered some of the most amazing scenic views. The road has many twists and turns on the way to the top adding to the thrill of the adventure. Not to worry though, the speed limit is quite slow during the entire drive. Remember to stay hydrated while ascending the summit, as the elevation may cause light-headedness. Read more about Pikes Peak on their website here!
3. Morning hike at Red Rock Canyon
Ready for a morning hike!? It’s one of the best ways to start the day in Colorado Springs. We tried to fit as many hikes in our weekend as possible, since Colorado Springs offers some of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes. Head out to Red Rock Canyon where you’ll find a number of different hiking trails with views of the canyons and rock formations. There were some uphill sections along the path, so be sure to bring your water and stay hydrated.
4. Warm up with a bowl of phở
After a long day of outdoor adventure, what could sound better than a warm bowl of delicious phở ? It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a satisfying meal of noodles, meat, veggies, and broth. We ate at a restaurant called Phở Lưu, which had a good amount of Vietnamese dishes on the menu, as well as wonderful hospitality. Give it a try on your next trip to Colorado Springs!
5. Satisfy your sweet tooth
I’m a lover of all things boba. 😍 And if you’re craving a sweet drink (always in moderation, of course), then give Teapioca Lounge a try. You can find this boba tea franchise in more cities than just Colorado Springs, but it happened to be our first time at this joint. There was a wealth of different flavors on the menu, and I’d recommend the chai milk tea with boba. After all that hiking, grab your drink, relax, and sip away.
6. Hotel Accommodation
Looking for a place to stay during your trip? If you have a little room to splurge, there’s some great locations by Marriott, such as the Springhill Suites near the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. It’s just north of the city and there’s a nice view of the mountains in the distance. Our hotel room was cozy, clean, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. It also came with complimentary breakfast. Check out the website here for more info!
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that a weekend in Colorado Springs is a definite must if you’re looking to hike, relax, and breathe in the refreshing mountain air. I hope this short list sparked some ideas for your own Colorado Springs adventure. Let me know in the comment section what ends up being the best part of your trip; I can’t wait to hear!
Searching for more outdoor travel inspiration? Check out my post all about Zion National Park. Happy wandering! ✈