TheHeartOF COLORADO


Here, Colorado’s true spirit comes to life
Pikes Peak beats at the heart of Colorado – literally and figuratively. Visible from over 100 miles away, this 14,115-foot giant serves as nature’s compass, drawing you toward experiences that define our state. Where historic mountain towns meet modern adventures, a ten-minute drive takes you from city streets to wilderness trails, and every season paints the landscape in a new palette.
Save as you explore
Find something you love? Save it. Attractions, trip ideas, and insider tips can be added to your personal trip planner with a simple tap of a heart icon. Build your perfect adventure as you explore.
Things to do
From heart-racing adventures to soul-refreshing moments, discover the attractions that make Colorado’s heart unforgettable.


Tried and tested trip ideas
Let our local experts guide you through perfectly planned adventures.


Plan your trip
A curated collection of local gems
What locals want you to know
Essential tips for making the most of your Colorado adventure


Get the pulse on what’s happening right now

Top Museums in Colorado
Where to Find the Best Museums in Colorado If you love adventure, hands-on learning and unique experiences, this list of museums in Colorado will provide you with hours of educational and memorable entertainment. The Centennial State is filled with some of the best museums in the country for learning more about history, science and technology,…

Top 5 Mountains in Colorado
Peak Mountains in Colorado's Rockies With more than 5,000 individual mountains, it wasn’t easy creating a list of the top 5 mountains in Colorado. Just narrowing the list down to mountains of 14,000 feet (4267 meters) still left us with 58 peaks to choose from! Ultimately, we decided to select the most iconic, beloved and…

Legacy Attractions: The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
As one of the oldest attractions in the Pikes Peak region, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings has been a staple visit for generations of visitors.

Top 5 Trains in Colorado
We love trains and Colorado is a great state to take unbelievable rides on routes that built the West. We hope this list of great scenic trains will help you create a memorable journey. Be sure to remember your phone. Your camera roll is going to get a workout!

About Cripple Creek
Learn all about Cripple Creek before you make your next trip to the Pikes Peak Region. We have tips, event info and more for a great visit!

Colorado Tarantula Migration
Hoards of tarantulas are descending on Southern Colorado? It’s not a nightmare -- it’s tradition. Well, migration.

Best Pumpkin Patches in Colorado Springs
If you’ve never experienced a day at the pumpkin farm, we’ve picked (pun intended) a few of the best pumpkin patches in Colorado Springs to help you out!

Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs
Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs is packed with music, food and activities for the whole family— you won’t want to miss it!

Pikes Peak Sunrise Openings
There’s something truly magical about watching the first beams break the horizon as the whole of the Pikes Peak region rolls out before you.

4th of July Fireworks in Colorado Springs and So Much More
We hope this list sets you up for a fabulous 4th of July, whether it’s spent barbequing, watching the fireworks, or all of the above!

Father’s Day Activities in Colorado Springs
Father’s Day is here already and we know you cannot wait to celebrate the dads in your life with a fun day out.

6 High-Altitude Tips for a Great Colorado Springs Vacation
Local tips to avoid altitude sickness and help you have an awesome healthy time! Drink water, wear sunscreen, and start slow!

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Reference Guide
We’re breaking down the basics to ensure you have a blast and stay safe during Colorado’s “Race to the Clouds”, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Hiking Tips to Help You Explore Like a Local in the Pikes Peak Region
We’ve hiked these trails, made the mistakes and lived to share our lessons learned so you can have the best hike ever.

New Year Fireworks Off Pikes Peak — The AdAmAn Club
The countdown to the new year has begun & us Coloradans like to ring it in style with fireworks off Pikes Peak!

Want to hike to the summit of Pikes Peak? Wait until summer…
Can I hike to the top of Pikes Peak while I’m there? (Short answer…NO). Keep reading…

Santa Claus is Coming to Town — Colorado Springs, That Is…
We’re sharing all the places you can meet Mr. Claus, share your gift list & let him know whether you’ve been naughty or nice (don’t lie, the dude knows all).

Best Places to See Christmas Lights Around Colorado Springs
Great places to see Christmas lights around Colorado Springs to get you into the holiday spirit!

Unique Gifts from Our Attractions
Support local shops in Colorado Springs with some of the most unique gifts in the region for this holiday season.

Unique Event Venues in Colorado Springs
If you have a holiday party, birthday party, wedding or other event, check out these unexpected event venues in Colorado Springs!

Attractions & Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs
Celebrate turkey day with your loved ones by supporting these local attractions and restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Trolls: Rita the Rock Planter and Isak Heartstone
Meet Rita the Rock Planter and Isak Heartstone, two famous Colorado trolls constructed by recycling artist and activist Thomas Dambo!

About Cañon City
Cañon City is one of the best cities in Southern Colorado for outdoor recreation, geology, history and family fun. Learn about Cañon City ...

Your Emma Crawford Coffin Race Survival Guide
Thousands of people flock to the small town every year to participate as cheering fans, racing pallbearers and solemn Emmas.

Fall Leaves in Colorado Springs—and Beyond
It's time to leaf it up my fall foliage aficionados! We've got all the best places for outdoor autumn fun and photo ops.

About Manitou Springs
Learn all there is to know about Manitou Springs! This eclectic, historic town has been a hotspot for Colorado visitors more than 125 years!

Top Fall Events in Colorado Springs
You don’t want to miss even one of the amazing fall events happening in the Colorado Springs, so get ready to upload a massive list of fun!

15 Attractions Under $15 in Colorado Springs
Get the most out of your Colorado Springs vacation with these 15 attractions under $15. The more you save, the more you can do -- that's what we always say!

About Colorado Springs
Learn all there is to know about Colorado Springs before you make your visit. We've got all the facts you need for an amazing stay!

Top Caves in Colorado
Discover new scenic wonders when you take the adventure underground with this list of the top caves in Colorado.

How to Get Around in Colorado Springs
Getting around in Colorado Springs is a whole lot easier with this helpful guide to roads, traffic, e-bikes and shuttles. Let us help you find your way!

Top Bridges in Colorado
Explore the top bridges in Colorado! From scenic drives to fun adventures, a bridge is more than a crossing when it's built in Colorado.

Mother’s Day Ideas in Colorado Springs
Mother’s Day is nearly here and it’s time to celebrate the mother figures in your life. Find fun ideas in Colorado Springs here.

Dietary and Allergy-friendly Restaurants in Colorado Springs
Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly - it can be hard to find adaptable restaurants when traveling. Here are our favorites.

National Sasquatch Awareness Day
It's always "Where's Bigfoot?" But never "How's Bigfoot?" Support your local Sasquatch and help us build awareness for this beautiful being.

Best Pizza Places in Colorado Springs
Everyone has an opinion about what constitutes the perfect slice of pizza, thin crust vs. deep dish - our favorite slice is the LOCAL one!

Heights-Free in Colorado Springs
There's no shortage of mountain tops in Colorado, but if heights are not your jam, here are some grounded attractions just for you.

Date Night Restaurants in Colorado Springs
Don't take your special love to a mediocre restaurant! Checkout these carefully curated selections for fancy dining and cocktails.

Places for Western Food in Colorado Springs
Food is one of the most wonderful ways you can connect with a community! Colorado is often associated with “western” cuisine.

The Best Bakeries in Colorado Springs
The Best Bakeries in Colorado SpringsDoes the idea of downing a bakery bag loaded with carbs fill your heart with happiness? Are you a lover of cakes, tarts, cookies and pies? Is the answer to “would you like to order dessert” always yes? Are all meals only complete if they come with bread? Then this…

Breakfast Spots in Colorado Springs
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when that day is spent running all over Colorado.

Zebulon Pike Failed But You Won’t if You Follow These Pikes Peak Tips
Many a traveler has attempted to climb the peak and made the same mistakes as Zebulon Pike. We're here to save the day with 5 essential tips.

Top 5 Burgers in the Pikes Peak Region
With hundreds of great places to dine, it can be hard to know where to go to find your new favorite hamburger.

The Early History of Manitou Springs
As we cruise into a new decade for the town, we thought it might be fun to take a jaunt back in time to the early days of Manitou Springs.

Top Coffee Shops and Cafes in Colorado Springs
Whether you take your coffee black, iced or loaded with foam and flavor, these local cafes have you covered with a yummy bite to match!

The History of the Pikes Peak Highway – 75 Years of High Elevation Fun
It’s the 75th anniversary of the day the highway moved under the care of Colorado Springs, cementing our relationship with America’s Mountain.

Pride Month in Colorado Springs
We are so excited for this special time of year, where we have the honor of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community here in the Pikes Peak Region.

Where the Wildflowers Are
The beauty of Colorado is not restricted to mountain ranges and blue skies. If you look down, you’ll discover something equally gorgeous.

Legacy Attractions: May Natural History Museum
The May Museum has been a favorite place for unique fun since the founding family first put down roots in the early 1940s.

Fishing in the Pikes Peak Region
Welcome to Colorado, a dream location for those of you who always keep a tackle box in the backseat (you know, just in case).

5 Great Parks near Colorado Springs
We are fortunate to be home to an amazing amount of land dedicated solely to the purpose of communing with the great outdoors.

Legacy Attractions: Adventures Out West
For five decades, Adventures Out West has been Colorado Springs’ premiere outfitter for memorable Rocky Mountain excursions.

Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities in Colorado Springs
The Pikes Peak Region has lots of volunteer groups dedicated to maintaining the pristine open spaces that make our home spectacular.

Colorado Springs 150th Anniversary
Once a tiny resort and pit stop during the Gold Rush, Colorado Springs has grown to become the 39th largest city in the U.S..

5 Trails You Can Hike Without Leaving Colorado Springs
Our city is filled with incredible parks and ample open space, each packed with trails of all lengths for hikers of every experience level.

Easter Events in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
There will be loads of activities going on Easter weekend and we’ve got the breakdown of the hoppiest happenings in Colorado Springs.

Legacy Attractions: Flying W Ranch
There are few places in the Pikes Peak Region that have as much iconic Wild West flair as the Flying W Ranch.

Spring Break Activities in Colorado Springs
Why spend hours in the blazing sun on a too-crowded shore when there is a veritable paradise right here in the Rocky Mountains?

Ghost Stories in the Pikes Peak Region
When your city is so old it can celebrate a sesquicentennial, you’re bound to collect a few ghost stories and urban legends over time.

What to Pack for Colorado Springs
Not sure what to pack for your trip to Colorado Springs? Check out this local advice by season and month to keep you playing like a native!

Influential Women of the Pikes Peak Region
March is Women’s History Month and Colorado Springs has plenty of ways for you to honor exceptional women of the past, present and future.

Wildlife of Colorado Part Four: Elusive Edition
Now we’re introducing the elusive animals that evade our gaze when we are out amongst the trees and trails of the Pikes Peak region.

Unique Wedding Venues around Colorado Springs
We’ve gone the extra mile to show you some of the coolest, most memorable locations around for your big day.

The Best Places to Take Engagement Photos in Colorado Springs
Are you newly betrothed and on the hunt for a great engagement photo site? We have a list of local favorites to inspire you.

Manitou Mineral Springs Tour
Follow along as we take a tour of the springs, detailing where to find them, the mineral properties and the general “flavor” you can expect.

Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
Whether it's a special evening with your partner or a celebration with your BFF, there’s no shortage of Valentine’s Day fun to be had.

Black History Month in Colorado Springs
Our city has been home to influential Black educators, activists, artists and other important individuals since the West became the West.

Wildlife of Colorado Part Three: Mischievous Misfits
We're talking about the pests, the punks and the occasionally creepy creatures that lurk (or swoop) in the dead of night.

Legacy Attractions: North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
Built in 1956, the Christmas-themed amusement park has been a beloved attraction for visitors from the day the gates first opened.

Top 5 Things to Do around the Pikes Peak Region
There are so many amazing things to do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region, but here are a handful of our favorites!

Wildlife of Colorado Part Two: Danger Edition
Learn about some of the feistier friends of the Pikes Peak region, plus tips for navigating a dangerous animal encounter.

What You Need to Know About the Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Cripple Creek Ice Festival, a celebration of ice, chisels and the occasional chainsaw, all hosted in the beloved historic mining town of Cripple Creek.

Wildlife of Colorado Part One: Cute (But Never Cuddly) Critters
We’d like to kick off this series with a look at the cute-but-not-cuddly creatures you might see around Colorado Springs.

The Best Sledding Hills in Colorado Springs
Our favorites plus a few beloved hills recommended by sledding enthusiasts to help you have an excellent day sledding in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Brewery Tour by Bicycle
Explore the westside via bicycle and sample beers from a variety of local breweries with this handy brewery tour itinerary.

Dressing for Winter Weather in Colorado
In the span of a week, it can go from 70 to -14, from sunshine to blizzard, and everything in between. Learn how to dress for winter in Colorado!

Places to Eat with Kids in Colorado Springs
Fortunately, the chefs in our list of locally owned family restaurants have not forgotten the wee ones when creating their delicious menus.

5 Ways to Reach the Summit of Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain is unique in that it is a mountain that is surmountable by people of many different ages and abilities.

Colorado Springs Ghost Stories
Westside Ghost Stories When your city is so old it can celebrate a sesquicentennial, you’re bound to collect a few ghost stories and urban legends over time. The older a city is, the more likely it is to have a haunt or two settled into its bones. In honor of our official entry into October—…

Halloween Events in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is rife with Halloween traditions built for families, scare fanatics, lore lovers and anyone else who loves to dress up!

The Best Views in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
Every view is a good view when it comes to Colorado Springs. However, there are a few that stand above the rest, sometimes quite literally.

Colorado Springs Fall Farmers Markets
Colorado Springs Fall Farmers MarketsAre you on the hunt for fresh fruits and vegetables from local Colorado growers? The chill in the air and the changing of the leaves are signaling that the days of leisurely strolls through the local farmers market are coming to an end … but it ain’t over yet! There are…

The Ute and Pikes Peak
Long before the towering fourteener west of Colorado Springs was referred to as Pikes Peak, it was known as Tavá Kaa-vi — the Sun Mountain.

Top Attractions for Teens in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region offer several unique and entertaining experiences that appeal to teens (and adults).

7 Attractions and Activities for Small Children in Colorado Springs
There are a variety of little-kid-friendly activities ranging from fun and frivolous to fun and educational — fun being the operative word.

Top Colorado Springs Attractions for Adults
Gather your favorite adults and discover the fun that awaits at these top Colorado Springs spots for grown-ups.

Sustainable Travel in the Pikes Peak Region
Sustainable travel isn’t just about carbon offsets & transportation choices; they're lots of ways that you can be conscious when you visit Colorado Springs

10+ Reasons Manitou Springs is the Best Little Town
Manitou Springs is the best little town in Colorado! From unique festivals to homemade custard and mineral water, it's fun for everyone!

10 Unique Museums in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the proud home of a variety of museums, many of them with unique features you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Best Time of Year to Visit Colorado Springs
There’s no shortage of fun to be had anytime you visit Colorado Springs and each season offers its own special benefits to visitors.
Meet your local guides
Get local insights from people who know this region like no one else
PK McPherson
Executive Director of Pikes Peak Region AttractionsThird-generation Colorado Springs native and mom, sharing the secrets that turn good trips into unforgettable adventures.
Peter Cole
Digital Ads Manager, Pikes Peak Region AttractionsPeter is always looking - looking for an answer to a question he doesn't know, looking for something new to learn or looking for the best place to try some new cuisine.
Ryan Kost
Visual Assets Manager at Pikes Peak Region AttractionsLocal influencer, photographer, videographer and adventurer, Ryan has long been the face in front of Pikes Peak Region Attractions as well as the genius behind the camera.
Cole Powell
Creative Operations Manager, Pikes Peak Region AttractionsFourth-generation Colorado Springs native, Cole loves to find quieter adventures and places to soak in that Colorado sunshine.
Experience the heart of Colorado from anywhere
Feel the sights, sounds, and spirit of the region
- Greatest hits
- Seasonal spotlights
- Bigfoot adventures
- Behind-the-scenes






