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9 DAYS - 29 ATTRACTIONS
All Attractions
day 1
Start Small
Acclimate to the elevation with a chill day in Manitou Springs.
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Cave of the Winds
- Miramont Castle
- Historic Manitou Springs
day 2
Fly Over the Falls
The only thing better than hiking to Seven Falls is zip-lining over them!
- Broadmoor Seven Falls
- Broadmoor Outfitters
- Old Colorado City
day 3
Scenic Drives and Mountainsides
Head towards the mountains to enjoy a day in Historic Cripple Creek.
- Historic Cripple Creek
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
day 4
Experience the Royal Gorge
Check out the gorge from all angles, above and below.
- Echo Canyon River Expeditions
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
day 5
The Main Event
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for, time to head up Pikes Peak!
- Pikes Peak – America's Mountain
- Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Challenge Unlimited
- Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line
day 6
A Day in the Garden
Spend a calm day exploring the Garden of the Gods.
- Academy Riding Stables
- Garden of the Gods Trading Post
- Adventures Out West
day 7
Visit Santa's Workshop
Have fun playing at the North Pole, then settle down with dinner and a show.
- North Pole - Santa's Workshop
- Iron Springs Chateau
day 8
Creatures Big and Small
Visit one of the top zoos in the nation, then check out some unique creepy crawlies at the May Museum.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- May Natural History Museum
day 9
The Big Finale
Spend your last day learning about and experiencing our wild west history.
- Ghost Town Museum
- US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Space Foundation Discovery Center
- ProRodeo Hall of Fame
- Western Museum of Mining & Industry
- Flying W Ranch
Start Small
Acclimate to the elevation with a chill day in Manitou Springs.
Explore and Interact with the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is the perfect spot to spend your first morning in the Pikes Peak Region. Originally discovered in southwest Colorado, the structures were carefully relocated to Manitou Springs at the turn of the 20th century as a way to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy. Because of this, the dwellings aren’t considered an actual archeological site – that means you can get way closer, explore all the ins and outs, interact, and even climb in some spots.
Dive Deep into the Cave of the Winds
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-4 HOURS
Right next door to the Cliff Dwellings is one of the highest cave systems in the nation. Start off with an underground tour where you will discover stalagmites, stalactites, and all sorts of cool geological formations. Once you’re back on the surface, you can chill out at Caver’s Cafe with a snack or score a cool souvenir from the gift shop. If you’re feeling adventurous, the park offers everything from zip-lines to a high-ropes course suspended over William’s Canyon. Hopefully the Cliff Dwellings got your blood pumping, because some of these activities are no joke!
Tea Time at Miramont Castle
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
By this point, you’re probably exhausted, parched, and maybe even a little hangry. Why not refresh yourself with a spot of tea? Miramont Castle serves just about the fanciest and most unique meals you’ll find anywhere in the Pikes Peak Region. Once you’ve replenished your energy, take a leisurely stroll through the museum to learn all about this architectural marvel and experience life as it would have been in the Victorian era.
For tea reservations, call 719-685-1011
Wonder and Wander around Historic Manitou Springs
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-5 HOURS
When you’ve finished exploring the castle, head down the hill to enjoy a relaxing evening in Manitou Springs. This little mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak is the definition of quirky. On any given day you might see a few hand-painted cars, a biker with a parrot on his shoulder, or someone walking their llamas around town all while none of the locals bat an eye, that’s just how Manitou rolls. Find all 7 mineral springs scattered around town or play some games at the penny arcade. If tea didn’t sound appealing, grab dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants, you have so many options!
Food, drinks & more
Fly Over the Falls
The only thing better than hiking to Seven Falls is zip-lining over them!
Soar with Broadmoor Outfitters
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 3-4 HOURS
Broadmoor Outfitters is the quintessential Colorado adventure outfitter, offering everything from mountain biking to rock climbing and even some one-of-a-kind experiences like falconry and archery. For the sake of time, we’ve picked out one of their most popular excursions to start your day off: ziplines over Seven Falls. The falls and their surrounding canyons are beautiful from every angle, but there’s something extra special about soaring over them at 45mph. Hopefully your zipline tour will give you a good taste of Colorado adventure, but you might just have to come back to check out what else they have to offer.
Gaze at the Broadmoor Seven Falls
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-3 HOURS
Once your feet finally reach the ground, it’ll be time to explore Seven Falls from a new angle. If you’re feeling ambitious and weren’t already out of breath from your ziplining adventure, tackle the 224 steps to the top of the falls. There’s also an elevator that zips you to the perfect photo opp high on the canyon wall opposite the falls. If time allows, grab some Colorado cuisine at Restaurant 1858, right at the base.
Chill Out in Old Colorado City
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-5 HOURS
Strolling through Old Colorado City is a local favorite and is a great way to wrap up your day. Whether you’re looking for some unique retail therapy, a delicious meal, a cup of joe, or an artisanal cocktail, Old Colorado City has got you covered! And don’t miss visiting the Old Colorado City Heritage Center. That place is chock-full of antique displays, local stories, and history about the settling of this fascinating town.
Food, drinks & more
Scenic Drives and Mountainsides
Head towards the mountains to enjoy a day in Historic Cripple Creek.
Venture to Historic Cripple Creek
- Cripple Creek
- PLAN FOR: 1-4 HOURS
Start your morning off with one of the most beautiful drives in the Pikes Peak Region – and don’t forget the donuts! It’s a bit of a local tradition to make a quick pit-stop at the Donut Mill in Woodland Park before heading up to Cripple Creek (you’ll thank us later). Once you reach the little mountain town on the western slopes of Pikes Peak, you will be met with more breathtaking scenery, cute shops, interesting museums and best of all – free range donkeys!
Climb Aboard the Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Cripple Creek
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
One of the highlights of this little mining town is the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Winding through the hills above Cripple Creek, the train trip is 45 minutes of beautiful scenery, interesting history and loads of fun. Seats are first come, first served, so we recommend popping in to check on wait times before heading into town. If you have to wait for the next train, you’ll have an opportunity to scope out the town and track down those wandering burros!
Dive Deeper into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
- Cripple Creek
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
You can’t go to Cripple Creek without checking out the main activity that made up 90% of the town’s history. The tour through this historic mine brings you 1,000ft underground with live demonstrations of the history of mining technology. The tour guides are mostly former miners themselves, with lots of colorful but kid-friendly stories of their own to share. The “Pikes Peak or Bust” slogan from our early days was not in fact about reaching Pikes Peak, but getting to Cripple Creek – one of the largest gold deposits in the world.
Food, drinks & more
Experience the Royal Gorge
Check out the gorge from all angles, above and below.
Enjoy a Splash with Echo Canyon River Expeditions
- Canon City
- PLAN FOR: 3-6 HOURS
Rise and shine! Today you’ll need to get up bright and early for a long day in Canon City. If the drive didn’t wake you up, a splash in the Arkansas river certainly will! Echo Canyon has 3 different options for rafting tours, so you’ll be able to curate your experience to fit your comfort and experience level. When you’re deep into the canyon, look up and you might just catch a glimpse of your next destination – the Royal Gorge Bridge.
Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge
- Canon City
- PLAN FOR: 2-6 HOURS
You started your day at the mercy of the river, now you can take things at your own pace. Walk across the bridge or relax and let the gondola carry you across. If you still have some energy to spare, you can zip-line to the other side or swing 1,200ft over the gorge on the Skycoaster. We recommend planning your trip to line up with a concert day at the Royal Gorge Amphitheater. Listening to live music echo off the canyon walls while the sun sets in the background is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Food, drinks & more
The Main Event
It's the moment you've all been waiting for, time to head up Pikes Peak!
There are a ton of different ways to summit Pikes Peak, but you probably don’t want to go up the mountain more than once (Though you’re welcome to come back and try the others any time you like!) In order to make your decision a little easier, we’ve put together a pros and cons list for each option so you can decide based on what is most important to you.
Drive up the Pikes Peak Highway
- Cascade
- PLAN FOR: 3-5 HOURS
This first option is best for more experienced mountain drivers who want to be in charge of their own schedule. The Pikes Peak Highway is only $10 – $15 per person depending on the time of year and has several pull-offs, gift shops, and hiking trails along the way. Keep in mind, you might have to reserve a parking spot at the top if you go during the summer.
Pros:
- Take things at your own pace
- Make as many stops as you want
- Cheaper tickets
Cons:
- Mountain driving
- Vehicle restrictions
- No guided tour or history rundown
All Aboard the Cog Railway!
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 3 HOURS
The Cog Railway gives you a more secluded view of Pikes Peak than you would get driving up the highway. The tickets are a bit pricier especially if you want to sit with your group, but the experience more than makes up for it. If heights and twisty mountain roads make you nervous, this is the best option for you.
Pros:
- Takes you on the path less traveled
- No need for mountain driving
- Learn interesting history along the way
Cons:
- Pricier tickets
- No stops along the way
- Limited time at the summit
Jeep Up and Bike Down with Challenge Unlimited
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 5-7 HOURS
This option is for all you thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. You will start with a tour up the Pikes Peak Highway in an open-air jeep. Once you’ve had your fill of high-altitude views and world-famous donuts, Challenge Unlimited will set you up with a bike so you can begin your descent. This tour is ages 12+ and you must be able to ride a bike.
Pros:
- 2 adventures in one with trusted drivers
- Gear and breakfast included
- Epic Adventure
Cons:
- Pricier tickets
- Limited time at the summit
- Age and ability level restrictions
Sit Back and Relax with Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 4 HOURS
This is the tour for all you laid-back chill chasers. Pikes Peak tour by Gray Line takes out all the stressful factors of summiting Pikes Peak and lets you relax in your comfy seat while someone else does the driving. The bus makes a couple stops along the way if you want to stretch your legs or snap some photos and they are much more lenient with time than the Cog Railway. Their bus drivers are all professional tour guides who will share stories and history all along the way.
Pros:
- Trusted drivers
- Learn interesting history along the way
- Stops along the way
Cons:
- Pricier tickets
- Limited time at the Summit
- On their schedule
Hike up Barr Trail
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 6-10 HOURS
This last option is only for the most experienced hikers. The hike is 13 miles uphill with an elevation gain of almost 8,000ft. We recommend starting as early as you can manage so you have plenty of time to reach the summit before it closes. Keep in mind, the elevation can make this feat dangerous even for extremely fit individuals.
Pros:
- Beautiful scenery you won’t see anywhere else
- Bragging rights
- Free
Cons:
- Extremely difficult
- Takes 6-10 hours on average
- Only one stop along the way (Barr Camp)
Food, drinks & more
A Day in the Garden
Spend a calm day exploring the Garden of the Gods.
Giddy-up with Academy Riding Stables
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
After your trip up Pikes Peak you must be thinking, “what could possibly top that?”
The Garden of the Gods is the #2 must-see of the region, and what better way to experience it than by horseback? On your tour with Academy Riding Stables, you will be immersed in unique geological formations and stunning views. It’s a wonderfully chill way to spend your morning.
Wander around the Garden of the Gods Trading Post
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-3 HOURS
After clip-clopping your way around the park, pop next door to check out the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. The Trading Post is way bigger than you would expect from outside. They have just about every Colorado-themed souvenir you could think of and even more cool art in the back. If you skipped breakfast, grab brunch at the Balanced Rock Cafe. Don’t forget to try some of their homemade fudge on your way out, you might just have to bring a box or two home with you.
Adventures Out West Segway Tour
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-3 HOURS
Adventures Out West is another one of those places that has just about every Colorado adventure you could ever want. You may have already taken one of their jeep tours if you chose the Challenge Unlimited option for your Pikes Peak day. Today, your tour will be a little more hands-on. Spend 30 minutes learning the ropes of segway riding and then you can live out your Paul Blart dreams!
Food, drinks & more
Visit Santa's Workshop
Have fun playing at the North Pole, then settle down with dinner and a show.
Unleash your Inner Child at North Pole - Santa's Workshop
- Cascade
- PLAN FOR: 3-6 HOURS
If you decided to take the highway to the summit of Pikes Peak, you might have caught a glimpse of this hidden gem. The North Pole is a charming, Christmas-themed amusement park tucked away in the trees at the base of Pikes Peak. Built in 1956, the North Pole is not only an exciting park for the kids, but a nostalgia-packed time capsule of vintage rides and good childhood vibes.
Sing Along at the Iron Springs Chateau
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-3 HOURS
After a long day of play, head back into Manitou for dinner and a show. The Iron Springs Chateau hosts all kinds of fun, interactive melodramas throughout the year. Enjoy a delicious meal, grab a snack at the concessions stand, then take a seat in this historic theater to catch the show. Participation is encouraged, so cheer for the hero, boo the villain, and sing along to your heart’s content.
Food, drinks & more
Creatures Big and Small
Visit one of the top zoos in the nation, then check out some unique creepy crawlies at the May Museum.
Watch the Wildlife at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-6 HOURS
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a local favorite and was ranked the #3 best zoo in North America by USA TODAY. The zoo showcases animals of the Rocky Mountain region in addition to everyone’s favorites from around the world. Feed the giraffes, howl with the wolves, and marvel at the size and sweetness of our new baby hippo!
Marvel at the May Natural History Museum
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
The May Natural History Museum showcases animals of a creepier and crawlier classification. This quirky museum is the result of 80 years of world travel and dedicated insect collection by its founder, James May. From outside, you would never expect this little cinderblock building to hold such an impressive collection of over 8,000 butterflies, beetles, spiders, and other cool bugs. Because the collection is so old, a few of their species are now extinct or the only of their kind to ever be found!
Food, drinks & more
The Big Finale
Spend your last day learning about and experiencing our wild west history.
Time Travel at the Ghost Town Museum
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
Now that your vacation is almost over, it’s time to wind down and check out a few local museums. This first one is all about the wild west. The Ghost Town Museum is filled with real buildings and artifacts from actual old west ghost towns from the late 1800s! Try your hand at churning butter, operate a printing press, and in the summer months, even pan for gold!
Get Inspired at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2-4 HOURS
You may have noticed this futuristic-looking building in downtown Colorado Springs on your way into town. The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum was an impressive $91,000,000 project aimed at showcasing our inspiring history as Olympic City USA. The museum has tons of artifacts from past Olympics and Paralympics, and interactive games so you can test your skills at different sports. You might even be lucky enough to meet one of your favorite athletes, since so many of them work and train in Colorado Springs!
Explore the Universe at the Space Foundation Discovery Center
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
Ever dream of visiting the moon or driving a rover on Mars? Now you can…kind of. The Space Foundation Discovery Center is an interactive museum and science center where you’ll find an array of historical artifacts from our time as space travelers like space suits, satellites and rocket boosters. You can also try your hand at driving a mini-rover in a mars simulation or enjoy a virtual simulation of all known planets and moons on the Science on a Sphere™.
Learn some Modern Wild West History at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
Because of our Wild West heritage, the rodeo is kind of a big deal here in the Pikes Peak Region. As the only heritage center in the world devoted to professional rodeo, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is a standout. Take a look at some of the outfits and equipment used in the past and learn about the evolution of this very American sport. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the animals out back if you come in the summer!
Check Out the Western Museum of Mining & Industry
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
Mining is another super influential part of southern Colorado history. The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is full of all kinds of old machines and mining equipment from the 1800’s. The best part is – they still work! You can catch demonstrations of the different machines periodically throughout the day and during the summer you can even see them run the big ones outside.
Dance at the Flying W Ranch
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 2 HOURS
The Flying W Ranch is the perfect, most classically Colorado spot to wrap up your vacation. First you’ll grab yourself an authentic cowboy meal complete with a tin cup, then sit down to enjoy the show. The Flying W Ranch Wranglers are an award-winning musical group and the second oldest western band in the US. Their lively tunes will have you two-stepping all the way home.
Food, drinks & more
More ways to enjoy your days
Thrill Seeker
If your idea of vacation is getting out, trying new things, and making yourself feel truly alive — then this is the itinerary for you!
History Buff
This itinerary will take you all of our historic districts and the best museums in our region. You’ll get a taste for everything from architecture to mining, with more than our fair share of ‘characters’ along the way.
5 Day Family Adventure
We’ve put together a 5-day family itinerary in Colorado Springs to help you and your crew enjoy your vacation in all its glory!
