You have two days, a rental car, and a long list of red rocks, waterfalls, and one 14,115 foot mountain. That is why the best things to do in Colorado Springs can feel hard to sort out. This guide gives you a clear plan for this weekend, with real prices, opening times, and the small details that save you an hour in a parking lot. You will also see what to skip, what to book early, and how to enjoy the city on a tight budget.
Key Takeaways
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Best first stop | Garden of the Gods. It is free, so go early, before 9 am |
| Biggest paid highlight | Pikes Peak Highway. $18 per adult, plus a $2 permit in summer |
| Best free picks | Garden of the Gods, Helen Hunt Falls, Manitou Springs mineral fountains, the Money Museum |
| Best time to go | May to October for easy driving. September is calmer than July |
| Days you need | Two days cover every major highlight |
| Budget for two adults | About $140 to $160 for paid activities, and food and hotel come on top |
TL;DR
- Spend Saturday morning on Pikes Peak, then Manitou Springs in the afternoon. Spend Sunday at Garden of the Gods, then downtown.
- Many of the best things to do in Colorado Springs cost nothing, and the park that most people come for is free, with free parking.
- Book Pikes Peak (summer only), Cave of the Winds, and the zoo ahead if you travel on a summer weekend.
Most visitors from the US, UK, and Europe fly into Denver and drive south for about 90 minutes. Others land at Colorado Springs Airport, which is smaller and quicker. Either way, you need a car, because the main sights sit far apart. In short, this is a driving weekend, so plan your stops by area and not by a random list.
Also, Colorado Springs is not Denver, and it is not Aspen. It feels more relaxed, more outdoorsy, and much cheaper than a ski town. If you want to compare, our things to do in Aspen guide shows how different the two trips are. Colorado Springs wins on value, and Aspen wins on luxury.
The Short Answer: Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Weekend
Here is the quick version. If you only read one section, read this one.
The best things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend are:
- Walk the red rocks at Garden of the Gods. Entry and parking are free, and the main loop takes about two hours.
- Drive or ride up Pikes Peak. The paved highway climbs 19 miles to 14,115 feet.
- Wander Manitou Springs. This small town has mineral springs, old arcades, and good coffee.
- Explore Cave of the Winds. Guided cave tours start from about $29 per adult.
- Visit the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. It sits downtown and suits rainy days.
- Hike to Helen Hunt Falls. This short free stop sits inside North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
- Stroll Old Colorado City. You get shops, patios, and an easy lunch.
For a wider list of ideas, the official Colorado Springs visitor site sorts attractions by type, and the Colorado Tourism channel for Colorado Springs adds regional context. Another useful list comes from the Weidner blog, which covers 14 family friendly stops. Use these as backups, and use this guide as your main plan.
Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs
The best time to visit Colorado Springs depends on what you want to do. Summer gives you full access, long days, and every attraction open. However, summer also brings afternoon thunderstorms and the biggest crowds. Fall is quieter, and the aspen trees on the mountain turn gold in late September.
Here is a simple season guide. Temperatures are typical averages, so always check the forecast.
| Season | Typical daytime temperature | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | 55 to 68°F (13 to 20°C) | Low to medium | Cheaper hotels, green hills, quick snow in the mountains |
| Summer (June to August) | 80 to 86°F (27 to 30°C) | High | Full access, shuttles, cave tours, outdoor dining |
| Fall (September to October) | 62 to 76°F (17 to 24°C) | Medium | Fall color, clear skies, easy parking |
| Winter (November to March) | 42 to 52°F (6 to 11°C) | Low | Snowy red rocks, quiet trails, low prices |
My advice is simple. Pick September if you can. The weather stays warm, the summer permit rules on Pikes Peak have ended by October 1, and the parking lots feel calmer. If you must travel in July, start every day before 9 am, because storm clouds often build by early afternoon.
Also, remember altitude. Colorado Springs sits at about 6,035 feet, which is higher than most UK and European cities. Drink more water than usual, go easy on alcohol the first night, and save the summit of Pikes Peak for day one or two, not day one evening. Most people feel fine, but some feel tired or get a headache.
Weekend Weather Checklist
- Pack layers. The summit of Pikes Peak is often 25 to 30°F colder than the city.
- Bring sun cream and sunglasses. The air is thin, so the sun feels strong.
- Carry a light rain jacket from June to August.
- Wear shoes with grip. The red rock trails get slippery after rain.
Colorado Springs Itinerary 2 Days
A good Colorado Springs itinerary for 2 days groups stops by location. That way you spend less time in the car and more time outside. This plan puts Pikes Peak first because mornings are the clearest and the road gates open at 9 am in the cooler months. Then it saves Garden of the Gods for the second day, when you can arrive early and walk without the midday crowd.
Day 1 (Saturday): Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs
8:00 am. Breakfast in Manitou Springs. Park near the main street and grab coffee and a pastry. The town is small, so you can walk everywhere.
9:00 am. Drive the Pikes Peak Highway. The gateway sits in Cascade, about 30 minutes west of downtown. Cars climb 19 paved miles to the summit. Plan for about 3 hours round trip, including stops at Crystal Reservoir near mile 6 and a donut at the summit visitor center.
12:30 pm. Late lunch in Manitou Springs. After the mountain, you will want a real meal. Choose a patio on Manitou Avenue and watch the foot traffic.
2:00 pm. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. The cave sits a few minutes from town. Book a guided tour online, because summer slots fill quickly. If caves are not your thing, walk the mineral spring fountains instead, because they are free.
5:30 pm. Sunset at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This free park sits on the west side of town. The trails are easy, and the light on the rock is excellent.
7:00 pm. Dinner in Old Colorado City. This historic district has local pubs, a few good restaurants, and a relaxed pace.
Day 2 (Sunday): Garden of the Gods and Downtown
7:30 am. Garden of the Gods. Arrive before most tour groups. The park opens at 5 am, so you have plenty of light. Walk the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved 1.5 mile loop that works for strollers and wheelchairs.
10:00 am. Visitor and Nature Center. Stop in for a free map, a short film, and the clean restrooms. The center is free and runs guided walks.
11:30 am. Brunch near the park. Several cafes sit within five minutes of the main entrance.
1:00 pm. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Plan on two to three hours. The interactive exhibits let you test your reaction time and balance against athletes.
4:30 pm. Downtown stroll. Walk around Acacia Park and the shops near Tejon Street. Pick up a souvenir before you leave.
What If You Only Have One Day?
Choose Garden of the Gods in the morning and Manitou Springs in the afternoon. Skip Pikes Peak unless the sky is clear, because the summit view matters and cloud ruins it. Alternatively, ride the cog train, which runs in more weather than many people think.
Garden of the Gods Tips That Save Time
This is the number one attraction in town, so a few Garden of the Gods tips will make your visit smoother. The park covers more than 1,300 acres of red sandstone formations, and the original donation required that it stay free to everyone. That promise still holds. You pay nothing to enter, and you pay nothing to park.
Here is what matters most.
- Go early. The park opens at 5 am. Sunrise is quiet and cool, and the rocks glow orange.
- Know the hours. The park stays open until 10 pm from May 1 to October 31 and until 9 pm from November 1 to April 30. The Visitor and Nature Center opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer.
- Use the free shuttle in summer. It usually starts on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and runs daily from 9 am to 4 pm until the third week of August.
- Park at the overflow lot. The main visitor center lot has fewer than 200 spaces, and it fills fast. The lot across Gateway Road has a tunnel and a shuttle link.
- Bring water. The park is dry, and there are few places to buy drinks inside the loop.
- Stay on marked trails. Rangers want visitors off the fragile rock and away from the climbing walls.
For current maps and updates, check the official Garden of the Gods page on Visit COS. Construction work can change parking, so check it the night before.
Best Short Walks in Garden of the Gods
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perkins Central Garden Trail | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) | Easy, paved | Best views for the least effort |
| Siamese Twins Trail | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) | Easy | A famous rock window that frames Pikes Peak |
| Scotsman Trail | About 2 miles (3.2 km) | Moderate | Quieter, with long views |
You can also book a guided open air jeep tour or a bike rental near the Visitor Center. Prices change by season, so check the operator before you go. If you prefer a self guided day, the free walks are more than enough.
Pikes Peak: Highway, Cog Railway, or Skip It?
Pikes Peak is the one big decision of the trip. You can drive up, take the cog railway from Manitou Springs, or skip the summit and enjoy the lower mountain views. Each choice works, but each suits a different traveler.
Here is what to know about the 2026 rules. From late May through September 30, you need a $2 timed entry permit if you drive past mile 7. The shuttle from mile 7 costs $40 per adult and $12 for children ages 6 to 15. From October 1 to late May, you do not need a permit for the road. Adult admission to the highway stays at $18 for ages 16 and up and $8 for ages 6 to 15, with a carload option that covers up to five people.
For two adults, paying per person ($36) costs less than the carload rate ($65). For four or five people, the carload price wins. Always check the official Pikes Peak hours and rates page before you leave, since prices and gates can change.
| Option | Best for | Cost (adult) | Time needed | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive the highway | Photographers, flexible travelers | $18 plus $2 permit in summer | About 3 hours | Steep road, nerves on switchbacks |
| Cog railway | Visitors who dislike mountain driving | Check cograilway.com for current fares | About 3 to 4 hours | Higher price, fixed schedule |
| Skip the summit | Short trips, small kids, bad weather | Free | Saves 3 hours | You miss the 14,115 foot view |
My view: Drive the highway if the weather looks clear and you feel comfortable on mountain roads. The summit is cold and thin on oxygen, so keep your stay to about 30 to 45 minutes. If you travel with a toddler or anyone with heart or lung trouble, skip the top and enjoy Crystal Reservoir at mile 6 instead.
Also, the uphill gates open at 9 am in winter hours and close at 3 pm, and the summit closes at 4 pm. Because of that, a late start can end your plan. Aim to pass the gateway by 9:30 am.
Free Things in Colorado Springs
Some of the best free things in Colorado Springs rival the paid ones. You can fill a whole weekend without a ticket, and still see the city’s best views. Here are the picks worth your time.
- Garden of the Gods. Free entry, free parking, free visitor center. Nothing else in town comes close.
- Helen Hunt Falls. A short roadside waterfall in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- Manitou Springs mineral fountains. Bring a cup and taste the naturally fizzy water. It is odd and fun.
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Walk, jog, or watch the sunset on the west side.
- The Money Museum. The American Numismatic Association museum offers free entry, which makes it a fun rainy day stop.
- Old Colorado City. Browse small shops and public art without spending a cent.
- Acacia Park and downtown murals. Easy, central, and good for a quick walk.
If you want to dig deeper, the Visit COS things to do page lists seasonal events and free festivals. Many are held on weekends, so check the calendar for your dates.
Free vs Paid: A Quick Cost Comparison
| Attraction | Cost for 1 adult (USD) | Rough GBP | Rough EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden of the Gods | $0 | £0 | €0 |
| Helen Hunt Falls | $0 | £0 | €0 |
| Pikes Peak Highway | $18 | About £14 | About €16 |
| Cave of the Winds (tour from) | $29 | About £22 | About €26 |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (from) | About $20 to $26 | About £15 to £20 | About €18 to €23 |
Currency figures are rough guides, so check a live rate before you budget.
Paid Attractions That Are Worth Your Money
Not every ticket deserves a spot in a short weekend. After the free sights, I would spend money on three things: Pikes Peak, one cave or waterfall stop, and one museum or zoo visit. That mix gives you nature, a little adventure, and a rainy day backup.
Prices below come from recent official and attraction price lists. They change by date and season, so confirm them before you book. The attraction reservations guide also explains which places sell out first.
| Attraction | Adult price (USD) | Time needed | Book ahead? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikes Peak Highway | $18 (plus $2 permit in summer) | 3 hours | Yes, in summer | Big views |
| Cave of the Winds | From about $29 | 1 to 2 hours | Yes, in summer | Families, hot days |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | From about $20 to $26 | 3 to 5 hours | Yes, tickets sell out | Kids, giraffe feeding |
| The Broadmoor Seven Falls | About $19 on one recent price list | 1 to 2 hours | Recommended | Waterfall views |
| U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum | About $22 to $30 | 2 to 3 hours | Optional | Rainy days |
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Cave of the Winds if the weather is hot or stormy, since the cave stays cool all day. Choose the zoo if you travel with kids under 12, because the giraffe feeding is the main draw. The zoo sits at about 6,700 feet, so it is the highest zoo in the country, and it has a mountain setting that you will not find in most cities.
Choose the Olympic museum if you love sport or need an indoor plan. The city has trained athletes for decades, and the museum gives that story some depth. Skip it if you only have one rainy afternoon and little patience for reading.
Seven Falls has a seasonal schedule, and one recent price list showed it closing in late November and reopening in March. Because of that, check the dates if you visit in winter.
Chart: Cost Per Adult for the Main Paid Attractions
This simple chart uses the lowest recent adult price for each attraction. Each block is about $2.
| Attraction | Price | Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Pikes Peak Highway | $18 | █████████ |
| Seven Falls | $19 | ██████████ |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | $20 | ██████████ |
| Olympic and Paralympic Museum | $22 | ███████████ |
| Cave of the Winds | $29 | ███████████████ |
Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City: Two Easy Walking Towns
Many visitors skip the small towns, and that is a mistake. Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City give you food, shops, and a break from driving. You can park once and walk for two hours.
Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak. It has a creative, slightly quirky feel, with old arcades, candy shops, and natural mineral water fountains along the street. The Manitou Incline, a steep stair climb, starts nearby. It is a serious workout with a huge elevation gain over under a mile, so only try it if you are fit and have time to adjust to the altitude. Check the city website for any current permit or parking rules.
Old Colorado City is the original 1859 settlement area on the west side. Today it has brick buildings, small galleries, and relaxed patios. It works well for dinner after a long day, because the streets are quiet and the parking is simple.
If you want to extend the trip into the Rockies, our Colorado travel guide for 2026 shows how to link Colorado Springs with Denver, Boulder, and the high country. In particular, Rocky Mountain National Park makes a good next trip, but it sits a long drive north, so treat it as a separate vacation.
Things to Do in Colorado Springs With Kids or in the Rain
Families often ask what to do when plans fall apart. Colorado Springs has solid backups. First, the zoo and the museum both have indoor areas. Also, the cave stays dry and cool.
Here is a simple plan for each situation.
- Rainy morning: Start at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum, then eat lunch downtown.
- Rainy afternoon: Book a Cave of the Winds tour, then warm up in a Manitou Springs cafe.
- Toddlers and strollers: Walk the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail, then visit the zoo in the morning.
- Teenagers: Try the adventure rides at Cave of the Winds, or rent bikes near Garden of the Gods.
- Short attention spans: Stop at Helen Hunt Falls, because it needs only 20 minutes.
One warning for parents. Pikes Peak is a long drive with little in the way of rest stops, and the altitude can make small children tired or cranky. If your child is under five, you may enjoy the lower mountain more than the summit.
How Much Does a Weekend in Colorado Springs Cost?
Here is a sample budget for two adults, using the prices in this guide. It shows how far a modest plan can stretch. Food and hotels vary a lot, so I list only the activities.
| Item | Cost for 2 adults |
|---|---|
| Garden of the Gods (entry and parking) | $0 |
| Pikes Peak Highway ($18 each) | $36 |
| Pikes Peak timed entry permit (summer only) | $2 |
| Cave of the Winds tour (from $29 each) | $58 |
| Olympic and Paralympic Museum (about $22 each) | $44 |
| Helen Hunt Falls and Red Rock Canyon | $0 |
| Total for activities | About $140 |
Add about $15 to $25 per person for lunch and $25 to $45 per person for dinner at a casual restaurant. In many US restaurants, tips run 18 to 20 percent, and the menu price does not include sales tax. So a main course that shows $20 may cost about $25 by the end.
Getting There, Getting Around, and Where to Stay
The easiest plan for most overseas visitors is to fly into Denver International and drive south on Interstate 25. The trip takes about 90 minutes in light traffic, but Friday evenings can be slow. Colorado Springs Airport has fewer flights, yet it saves the drive.
You need a rental car. Public transport works for a few downtown routes, but it will not reach the major sights in a single weekend. If you do not like driving, book the cog railway and use taxis or ride share apps for the rest.
For hotels, think about location first.
- Near Garden of the Gods: Best if you want early morning walks and quick access to the west side.
- Manitou Springs: Best for charm, walking, and a short drive to Pikes Peak.
- Downtown: Best for restaurants, nightlife, and the Olympic museum.
Book early for summer weekends, because rooms fill up. In short, Manitou Springs gives you the best atmosphere, and downtown gives you the best choice of restaurants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple errors cause most of the stress on this trip. Avoid these and you will save time and money.
- Arriving at Garden of the Gods at 11 am. The lot is full by then. Go at 7 or 8 am instead.
- Forgetting the Pikes Peak rules. In summer, you need a $2 timed entry permit for the upper mountain.
- Starting Pikes Peak late. The gates close, and storms build in the afternoon.
- Skipping layers. The summit can feel like winter on a July day.
- Overbooking. Three big attractions in one day leave you tired and rushed.
- Ignoring the altitude. Drink water and take it easy on the first day.
What the Numbers Tell Us
A few facts help explain why Colorado Springs works so well for a short trip. Use this table to decide how to spread your time.
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Elevation of Colorado Springs | About 6,035 feet (1,840 m) |
| Elevation of the Pikes Peak summit | 14,115 feet (4,302 m) |
| Length of the Pikes Peak Highway | 19 miles, fully paved |
| Size of Garden of the Gods | More than 1,300 acres |
| Cost to enter Garden of the Gods | $0 |
| Drive from Denver | About 90 minutes |
One clear lesson stands out. The most famous place in town costs nothing, so your money can go to the experiences you actually want. That is why a 2 day trip here often costs less than a single day at a big theme park.
Expert Take: Why Order Matters
Based on how the road, the weather, and the crowds work, the order of your stops matters more than the stops themselves. Mornings are clear and calm at altitude. Afternoons bring clouds and storms in summer. So put the mountain and the outdoor walks before lunch, and put caves, museums, and cafes after.
This simple switch can turn a stressful day into an easy one. It also keeps you off the road during the busiest traffic hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Colorado Springs for a first visit?
Start with Garden of the Gods, then drive or ride up Pikes Peak. Add Manitou Springs for food and a short walk. Those three stops show you the best of the area in about two days.
How many days do you need in Colorado Springs?
Two days cover the main highlights. Three days let you add the zoo, Seven Falls, and a slower pace. One day works only if you pick Garden of the Gods and one more stop.
Is Garden of the Gods really free?
Yes. Entry, parking, and the Visitor and Nature Center are all free. You only pay if you book a tour, rent bikes, or buy food and gifts.
Do I need a reservation for Pikes Peak?
In summer, yes, if you drive past mile 7. The permit costs $2 and runs from late May through September 30. From October 1 until late May, you do not need one, but check the official site because rules can change.
When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?
September is my pick. The weather stays warm, the crowds fall, and the mountain looks great. Late spring and early fall also work well.
Is Colorado Springs worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes. It is compact, it has free sights, and it costs less than most Colorado resorts. The weekend pace also fits the main attractions well.
Can I visit Colorado Springs without a car?
It is hard. The main sights sit far apart, and public transport is limited. A rental car makes the trip simple, and a cog railway ticket helps if you do not want to drive the mountain.
Is Colorado Springs better than Denver for a short trip?
It depends. Denver has more nightlife and museums. Colorado Springs has stronger scenery and easier access to red rocks and a 14,000 foot peak.
Test Your Knowledge: 5 Quick Quiz Questions
1. How tall is the Pikes Peak summit?
- A. 9,115 feet
- B. 14,115 feet
- C. 19,115 feet
2. How much does it cost to enter Garden of the Gods?
- A. $5 per person
- B. $10 per car
- C. It is free
3. How long is the paved Pikes Peak Highway?
- A. 9 miles
- B. 19 miles
- C. 29 miles
4. Which stop is best on a rainy day?
- A. The Olympic and Paralympic Museum
- B. Red Rock Canyon trails
- C. The Pikes Peak summit
5. When do you need a timed entry permit for the upper Pikes Peak Highway?
- A. In winter only
- B. Late May to September 30
- C. Never
Answers: 1. B, 2. C, 3. B, 4. A, 5. B
Conclusion
Colorado Springs is one of the easiest and best value weekend trips in the American West. You can see red rock towers for free, climb a 14,115 foot mountain by road or rail, and still have time for a cave, a museum, and a good dinner. The main secret is timing. Go early, book summer tickets ahead, and keep your plan simple.
If you remember one thing from this guide, make it this: put the outdoor stops in the morning and everything else after lunch. Follow that rule and your weekend will feel calm, not rushed. For more ideas on the wider region, read our Colorado travel guide for 2026, or browse more trips on TravelWice.
References
- Visit Colorado Springs, Things to Do: https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/
- Visit Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods: https://www.visitcos.com/garden-of-the-gods
- Visit Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Highway: https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/pikes-peak/pikes-peak-highway/
- City of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak hours and rates: https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/hours-and-rates
- City of Colorado Springs, 2026 timed entry permits and shuttle tickets: https://coloradosprings.gov/node/163271
- Colorado Tourism, Colorado Springs channel: https://www.colorado.com/colorado-springs-channel
- Weidner, 14 fun things to do in Colorado Springs: https://www.weidner.com/blog/2021/11/01/14-fun-things-to-do-in-colorado-springs-co/
- Pikes Peak Region attractions and prices: https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions-reservations-in-colorado-springs
