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Colorado Springs Is Overflowing With Outdoor Thrills—Here Are The Ones You Can’t Miss
Have you been staring at your phone so long that you’re starting to forget what trees look like? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, but it’s time to shake off the couch inertia and reconnect with the world outside.
And Colorado Springs is nature’s playground, overflowing with trails, rocks, and views so stunning they might just wrestle your attention away from memes for a second. Who needs a gym when you’ve got towering peaks ready to humble your cardio limits, right?
And the best part? The adventures here aren’t cookie-cutter; they’ll leave you with stories that are way better than, “I binge-ordered pizza again.”
Garden Of The Gods
This garden is a playground of red rock formations that look like they were sculpted by a bored giant with a flair for drama. This National Natural Landmark offers trails that are easy enough for your lazy days yet challenging enough to impress your fitness tracker.
And the real showstopper? The towering sandstone spires that could probably double as a set piece in a sci-fi flick. Bonus points for its history: it was gifted to the city in 1909 with one condition: keep it free to visit. Who knew rocks could come with such a sweet deal?
Pikes Peak
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is Colorado’s way of showing off to those lowly surrounding mountains. If you’re zooming up the winding roads or cozying into the historic cog railway, the peak rewards you with jaw-dropping views, provided you survive the altitude-induced panting.
And here’s a bit of quirky history. This is the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful.” Gazing at those panoramic views, you can almost hear the song echoing in the thin air (right before you notice your fingers are freezing off in July).
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Want a little dose of the wilderness without risking an accidental bear encounter? Cheyenne Mountain State Park is here for you. With its web of hiking and biking trails, you can roam among gentle rolling hills while channeling your inner explorer.
Spot deer grazing delicately or birds chirping like they’re auditioning for a nature soundtrack. And the park’s history? Built next to the famous Cheyenne Mountain Complex (yes, the one with military ties), it offers a mix of tranquility and intrigue.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Think of this as Garden of the Gods’ chill cousin, the one who skips the big parties but knows all the best speakeasies. This sprawling park is full of secluded trails, dramatic red cliffs, and the kind of peace that makes you forget your inbox exists.
Once the site of old quarries, the open space combines rugged natural beauty with a tingling sense of history. Plus, it’s less crowded, so you won’t have to dodge hordes of tourists. Score.
Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven cascading waterfalls packed into one stunning gorge? Yes, please! Climbing the 224 steps alongside the falls might have your legs howling in protest, but hey, cardio with a view, right?
And once you’re at the top, the overlook is worth every wheezing breath. Located conveniently near the Broadmoor resort, this spot connects rugged trails with a dash of upscale charm. Who knew cramming multiple waterfalls into one place could feel so extra?
Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline is a simple staircase, if that staircase had over 2,700 steps designed to make your thighs cry for mercy. Originally a cable car route, this leg-busting trail in Manitou Springs rewards your epic climb with breathtaking views at the summit.
Think of it as your rite of passage into Colorado’s outdoor culture, with equal parts pain and beauty. And if you’re wondering whether this challenge is worth the sweat-drenched selfies afterward, we hear it is (but were too chicken to do this one ourselves on our visit). Just remember, coming down is another adventure in itself.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is like stepping into a postcard where whimsy meets history, and maybe a copious amount of fudge. This quirky little town has everything your inner explorer craves, from naturally carbonated mineral springs to shops selling everything you never knew you needed (wooden lawn gnomes, anyone?).
Feeling peckish? Treat your taste buds at a local eatery, where everything is somehow both quaint and delicious. And be sure to stop by and taste the mineral water at several public fountains around town. That is, if you’re brave enough to enjoy water that smells faintly like eggs. Charming, right?
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
This place is a candy store for geology nerds. The pastel-hued clay formations look like they were painted by a watercolor-obsessed artist on a caffeine bender. Located in El Paso County, the Paint Mines mix natural beauty with human history, as evidence of ancient indigenous use dates back thousands of years.
Wandering through the maze of colorful hoodoos and spires feels a bit like stepping onto another planet. Who needs Mars when you’ve got this hidden gem an hour’s drive away?
Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park
Think you’ve got nerves of steel? This place is here to test that theory. Start with a guided cave tour where you’ll hear stories of how the caves were discovered by candlelight. Turns out, crawling into a dark, tight space with a fire hazard was apparently a good idea in the 1800s.
But the real thrill lies above ground, where zip lines and the aptly named Terror-Dactyl ride hurtle you over a canyon. It’s the closest you’ll get to feeling like an angry bird being flung into the abyss (only with slightly better harnessing).
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Welcome to engineering’s attempt to make heights extra terrifying. The Royal Gorge Bridge isn’t just a bridge; it’s a swing above a 1,250-foot canyon that dares you to look down. Built in 1929, the bridge is now accompanied by modern thrills like ziplining and a sky coaster.
Just don’t forget to take in the sweeping views. They’re majestic enough to distract you from the minor detail that you’re dangling above a spiritual abyss of rocks and river rapids. It’s equal parts jaw-dropping and leg-trembling.
Helen Hunt Falls
A short stroll up a charming path in North Cheyenne Canon leads you to Helen Hunt Falls (nature’s humble attempt at showing off). The rushing water cascades down moss-covered rocks, surrounded by a pine forest that smells like you’ve wandered into some overpriced candle store.
And unlike most hikes that demand you earn the view, this one politely delivers its beauty with minimal effort, making it ideal for those who love their stunning scenery without the sweat stains. Plus, there are plenty of photo ops that scream, “I go outside sometimes!”
Rita The Rock Planter
Tucked into the woods at America the Beautiful Park, Rita the Rock Planter is a giant troll sculpture that looks like she stumbled out of a fairytale and plopped down in Colorado. Sculpted by artist Thomas Dambo, Rita’s made entirely of recycled wood ( who says trolls can’t recycle?).
Her wild hair and goofy smile make her the unofficial guardian of whimsy, and spotting her feels like discovering a secret treasure. A secret that is 15 feet tall and impossible to miss (so maybe not so much a secret). Located a short walk from the historic American Eagles Mine, this is a two-for-one kinda stop.
Hunting For Humpty Dumpty Statues
If you thought fairy tales were just for bedtime, think again. Old Colorado City is home to a collection of bronze Humpty Dumpty statues casually hanging out. As if falling off walls hasn’t traumatized them enough.
These playful sculptures are joyfully scattered around the area, waiting for you to stumble upon them like you’re on some weird egg-centric scavenger hunt. It’s a quirky slice of public art that proves even nursery rhymes can have a sense of humor. Just try not to crack any yolk-related jokes; they’ve heard them all.
Skyline Drive
For those who think life is a little too comfortable, Skyline Drive offers the perfect cure. This narrow, ridge-top road outside Canon City is like driving on a tightrope, with dramatic views on either side and just enough room for your car (and your nerves).
The road itself winds like a roller coaster, leaving you white-knuckling the steering wheel as you pray the pavement holds. But hey, the views of the surrounding landscapes are glorious. Assuming you can unclench long enough to appreciate them.
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