Day Trip to Colorado Springs: Epic One Day Itinerary

Are you looking to maximize your one day in Colorado Springs, the land of Incline hikes and the Garden of the Gods?

Well, you’ve stumbled upon the ultimate guide for packing a day full of adventure and exploration in Colorado Springs. Years ago, when visiting a friend in Denver for New Year’s, we went on a Colorado road trip, including a stop at the iconic Garden of the Gods. This was one of my first forays into the incredible west USA. 

Even though my visit was short, I’ve teamed up with Sarah Simon of Mukikapup’s Travels. She used to have family in Colorado Springs and Denver and went there often for short trips. Combined, if we took a friend there today, we would know exactly where to go for the best experience.

I’ve outlined the perfect itinerary for you to see firsthand why people love Colorado Springs! This place may not sprawl like other cities, so one day is just enough time to hit the key sites and some hidden gems.

Let’s craft your day trip to Colorado Springs, which includes a venture to the summit of Pikes Peak and seeing the US Olympic Museum. I’ll also throw in a few pointers to help plan your trip.

Sample One Day in Colorado Springs Itinerary

Here’s a quick run-down of the day trip itinerary so you can come back and see it quickly:

Morning

• Start your day with breakfast at the Grand View Dining Room.
• Explore the photo-worthy rock formations at the Garden of the Gods.
• Optional: Adventure on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic train ride.

Afternoon

• Head over to Red Rock Canyon Open Space for more hiking and gorgeous views.
• Eat lunch at Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery and see the art while you’re there.
• Alternate Option: Tour the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

Late Afternoon

• Explore the Old Colorado City and see the Ghost Town Museum.
• Alternatively, or with extra time: Tour the Air Force Academy.

Evening

• Stop for dinner and live music at Armadillo Ranch. Alternatively, head to Coati Food Hall for multiple options!
• Go Stargazing at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
• (Summer months only) Go to Seven Falls and climb to the waterfall to watch the rainbow display.

Recommended Places to Stay in Colorado Springs: Downtown

• 📍Luxury: The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa
• 📍Mid-Range: Kinship Landing
• 📍Budget: ColoRADo Adventure Hostel

Quick Facts to Visiting Colorado Springs

Home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, you might just spot an Olympian in training while grabbing your morning coffee. And that view from Pikes Peak inspired the lyrics of the song we all know “America the Beautiful.” 

From scaling the rock formations at Garden of the Gods to chilling with a local brew while taking in the views of the Rockies, Colorado Springs is a mix of outdoor fun and chill vibes. 

Quick Facts	Colorado Springs Info
Location	In the shadow of Pikes Peak, in the east-central part of Colorado
Best Time to Visit	Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October)
Where to Stay	Downtown for nightlife & convenience; Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City
Best Hotels	📍Luxury: The Mining Exchange 📍Mid-Range: Kinship Landing 📍Budget: ColoRADo Adventure Hostel
Famous For	Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, US Air Force Academy, and the craft beer scene
Population	Roughly 480,000 (US Census)
Time Zone	Mountain Time (MT)
How to Get Around	Renting a car is your best bet for flexibility; biking is great in the city; public transport exists, but it’s not the most convenient. Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports (Distance from Downtown)	Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – about 11 miles southeast Denver International Airport (DEN) – around 85 miles north Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Invest in a National Park Annual Pass if you plan to hit up more than one national park!

What to Do in  Colorado Springs in One Day

Morning: Garden of the Gods

Start the morning off with breakfast at the Grand View Dining Room, part of the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. Besides the food, this is the best place for those early morning views of the Garden of the Gods, where you’ll be heading to next!

After breakfast, either walk or drive over to the Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark. This natural wonder of amazing rock formations is perfect for hiking, exploration, and capturing dazzling photos. When I visited, I couldn’t get over the amazing scenery, especially with the early morning light!

This public park is a series of towering red rock formations set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peaks. There’s a visitor center, and you can drive around the whole thing. For hiking, there are a bunch of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. If you’re short on time, the Perkins Central Garden Trail is a great option to see some of the most iconic formations in just one mile.

Optional: Pikes Peak Cog Railway

If you have some extra time and want to experience the beauty of Pikes Peak, take a ride on the famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the US, this train takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak, the highest mountain in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. 

The views from the top are just wow; you’ll get amazing views of the Garden of the Gods and the surrounding area.

Afternoon: Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Practically next door to Garden of the Gods, head over to the lesser-known Red Rock Canyon Open Space for some more hiking! You’ll get miles of trails winding through red rock formations similar to those at Garden of the Gods but with fewer crowds. The space comprises a series of interconnected canyons and ridges, with trails for all skill levels.

Here are some popular trails, but of course, you can just do a part of it to save time. 

The Red Rock Canyon Trail Loop

• Length/Duration: 5.6 miles/3 hours (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate

This one is a bit longer, but I love this hike since you’ll find yourself meandering through open meadows, dipping into cool, shaded forests, and navigating around and through red rock canyons.

To start the trail, head to the north end of the parking lot and follow signs for Roundup Trail. This trail will lead you through a meadow and up to the first rock formation.

Once you get there, take a right on Red Rock Rim Trail to climb up one of the ridges! Afterward, head down into the canyon and take a left on Red Rock Canyon Trail. This trail will lead you through the valley floor, across a small pond, and back to the parking lot.

The Contemplative Trail 

• Length/Duration: 1.4 miles/45 minutes (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy

This one is much shorter but still goes through great views of the rock formations that give this area its name. This quiet and peaceful trail is a wheelchair-accessible loop that takes you through a scenic natural area with beautiful views of the cliffs, canyons, and the city. 

Lunch at Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery

This can be before or after lunch, and I then really recommend you go over to Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery to try their delicious food. This eclectic restaurant creates innovative dishes with solely fresh ingredients and locally sourced, seasonal products. There’s also an on-site gallery showcasing regional art!

Alternative: Tour the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum 

In the same area as our recommended lunch spot, go for a tour of the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum. As someone who has always been into extreme sports, it was so interesting seeing the world of elite athletes, their training regimens, and the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games here!

Right from the moment you step inside, this state-of-the-art facility has a sleek and modern architectural design, which sets the stage for the exhibits inside. The museum explains the history of the Games, and you can participate in some hands-on experiences. 

Late Afternoon: Old Colorado City

About a 7-minute drive from lunch, Old Colorado City is a really cute part of town with some cool local shops and restaurants! The neighborhood, lovingly preserved, has beautiful Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. You can find some awesome vintage stores, boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops here.

Ghost Town Museum

I’m always a fan of weird museums, so while you’re here, stop at the Ghost Town Museum to see artifacts and exhibits that recreate the atmosphere of an 1800s frontier town.

You actually get to walk through an authentic ghost town that has been brought indoors. Interactive displays, including an antique arcade and a real gold panning station, make the visit educational and fun.

You can see the rustic buildings firsthand, peer into the daily lives of the town’s former inhabitants, and even try your hand at cranking a butter churn or playing a tune on the honky-tonk piano. 

US Air Force Academy Tour

Alternatively, if you’d prefer an off-the-beaten-path activity, schedule a tour of the Air Force Academy. 

The United States Air Force Academy not only trains future Air Force officers but also hosts landmarks such as the Honor Court, Cadet Chapel, and Arnold Hall, which you can see with your guide. Walking tours of the campus also show cadet life and the rigorous training process. You may even see some cadets in action!

Evening: Nightlife

After a full day, I can recommend dinner at Armadillo Ranch, a 10-minute drive from Old Colorado City that’s a mix of southwestern and American cuisine. If you want more options or just love visiting food halls, Coati Food Hall has all kinds of cuisine here, from tacos to sushi, and the decor is perfect for Instagram.

Downtown Colorado Springs has a decent nightlife scene with trendy bars, live music venues, and microbreweries. Tejon Street has a number of pubs and breweries.

Stargazing: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

If you don’t feel like staying up late, I would skip the nightlife and suggest a trip to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument instead. About 45 minutes away from Colorado Springs, this monument has one of the most diverse fossil deposits in the world!

While it may be too dark to see the fossils, the dark skies are perfect for stargazing. It’s even a designated International Dark Sky Park.

Head to the Hornbek Homestead area for night sky viewing. The visitors center, parking lot, and trails are closed after 5 p.m., except when Night Sky programs are hosted through the US National Park Service.

Budget Tip: General admission also includes the night sky programs, as well as any America the Beautiful interagency pass. Children ages 15 and under get free entry.

The Broadmoor Seven Falls (Summer Only)

If you’re here during the warmer months, Seven Falls is seven cascading waterfalls, tucked away in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon. You can hike here any time of day, but during the summer nights,  the falls are lit up with rainbow displays created by the water mist.

Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown, you have two options to reach the base of the falls, a scenic 0.8-mile trail or a shuttle service. There’s also this optional zipline tour that goes above the falls.

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs

Staying near Downtown Colorado Springs should be the go-to neighborhood for its nightlife and central location.

Alternatively, the Old Colorado City neighborhood has cool Victorian architecture with lots of specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants as well. Otherwise, Manitou Springs, positioned at the base of Pikes Peak, is great to be closer to nature. 

Best Hotels in Colorado Springs

Hotel Name	Benefits
📍Luxury: The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa	– Historic vintage decor meets modern luxury – On-site spa and stellar dining options – Right in downtown with access to everything
📍Mid-Range: Kinship Landing	– Super social vibe, great for meeting fellow travelers – Modern boutique hotel with dorms or private rooms – Amenities including full size fridge and kitchen
📍Budget: ColoRADo Adventure Hostel	– Insanely affordable – Community-driven atmosphere with friendly travelers – Good breakfast and lounge that brings people together

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in  Colorado Springs

• Miramont Castle Museum: Check out the Victorian architecture and themed rooms inside this castle, which is just a short drive from Seven Falls.
• Rock Ledge Ranch: An authentic experience of a 19th-century working farm and homestead with costumed interpreters.
• Pulpit Rock Park: A great spot for additional trails and views of the city.
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Visit America’s only mountain zoo, home to over 750 animals and interactive experiences like giraffe feeding.
• Manitou Springs: A historic town known for its natural mineral springs, unique shops, and the Manitou Incline.
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Go on cave tours and outdoor adventures.
• Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum: Delve into the history of the Pikes Peak region with exhibits on the area’s cultural and natural history.
• Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum: Located in the beautiful former El Paso County Courthouse, this museum displays the history and culture of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

Best Day Trips from Colorado Springs

• Pikes Peak (1 hour drive): Known as America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak has breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the famous Pikes Peak Highway.
• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (1 hour 15 minutes drive): Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, with adventurous attractions like a zipline and sky coaster.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (2 hours 45 minutes drive): Experience the tallest dunes in North America, perfect for sand sledding against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Cripple Creek (1 hour drive): A historic gold mining town with casinos, museums, and the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (3 hours drive): Experience dramatic views and some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Scenic drive to Estes Park for a day at Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
• Denver: Take a short drive to the Mile High City for a day filled with cultural attractions, shopping, and culinary delights in Colorado’s capital.
• Eldorado Canyon State Park: A state park with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and gold panning in a canyon.

Is 1 Day Enough for Colorado Springs

One day in Colorado Springs gives you a pretty solid taste of town. My recommended day trip itinerary efficiently covers the popular attractions, such as the Garden of the Gods, the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, and downtown highlights, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the city.

Extending your visit to two days gives you enough time to make it to all the activities on this list, or you can tack on some of the nearby day trip destinations mentioned above.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Colorado Springs really does depend. Come in late spring through early fall (May to October) for outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking trails, with warm and sunny days. You’ll get beautiful late falls (October and November) with snow-capped mountains and colorful foliage. 

Winter (December to February) is great if you’re coming to Colorado for snow sports. Otherwise, the weather is very cold, and many of the usual trails and roads may be closed due to snowfall. 

How to Get Here

The city may be well-connected, but it is not a major hub for air traffic. If you’re trying to come to Colorado Springs, you’ll definitely want to rent a car. 

Find great rental car deals with DiscoverCars and score the best flight prices using Expedia.

By Air: The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) serves as the primary gateway to the city. It’s about 11 miles southeast of downtown. For international visitors or those coming from cities without a direct flight to COS, Denver International Airport (DEN) is a more popular and probably cheaper alternative.

By Road: Driving is a popular option. The city is positioned along Interstate 25, which runs north to south through Colorado, making it accessible from cities like Denver to the north or Pueblo to the south. Scenic routes such as Highway 24 give great views of the Rocky Mountains for those coming from the west, while Highway 94 serves as a direct route from the east.

By Train and Bus: Amtrak’s train services connect to Denver, from where you can catch a bus or rent a car to reach Colorado Springs. Bus services, including Greyhound and several regional bus lines, take you on routes to Colorado Springs from cities across Colorado and neighboring states.

Final Thoughts: Colorado Springs Day Trip Itinerary

Colorado Springs totally caught me off guard in the best way possible! I really wished I had more time at Garden of the Gods, and I really wanted to go back during my vanlife trip. But alas, will have to save it for next time. 

Craving more Colorado? Don’t just stop at Colorado Springs. Check out our other guides to discover even more gems in this stunning state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Colorado?

I’ve vanlifed south to the north all of Colorado in the dead of winter to early spring. Let me tell you, it was cold, but turn on that buddy heater, and let’s hit the slopes. If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Itinerary
• Unbeatable One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• One Day In Boulder Itinerary: What Not To Miss On A Day Trip
• Perfect One Day In Denver Itinerary For First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.