Colorado Springs · Pikes Peak region
What to do around COS — for a weekend visit or the long haul.
Curated places and practical guides for visitors and locals.
Featured places
Start here if you only have a day or two.
Parks & outdoorGarden of the Gods
Iconic red sandstone formations and free city park trails with classic Pikes Peak views. Easy walks, serious photos, and a visitor center that helps first-timers get oriented.
Parks & outdoorPikes Peak
America’s Mountain above Colorado Springs—summit views, alpine weather, and access by highway, Cog Railway, or long hard trails like Barr Trail. Plan for altitude and rapid weather changes.
Parks & outdoorRed Rock Canyon Open Space
Local favorite open space with red rock formations, multi-use trails, and fewer tour-bus crowds than Garden of the Gods. Great for everyday hikes and mountain biking.
NeighborhoodsManitou Springs
Mountain-town district west of Colorado Springs: mineral springs, walkable downtown, trail access, and a classic base for Pikes Peak and the Incline. Equal parts visitor hub and local hangout.
AttractionsCheyenne Mountain Zoo
Mountain-side zoo with big views, giraffe feeding, and a full day of family-friendly exhibits. One of the region’s most popular paid attractions.
Museums & cultureU.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Modern downtown museum celebrating Olympic and Paralympic sport with interactive exhibits. Strong indoor option when weather or altitude says “not a trail day.”
Latest guides
Practical write-ups for planning a visit or a local weekend.