Colorado's second-largest city at the foot of Pikes Peak combines a rich military history (home to the US Air Force Academy) with stunning natural scenery including Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Cave of the Winds. The Colorado Springs downtown has a revitalized food and arts scene.
Colorado Springs, Colorado's second-largest city with a population of approximately 478,000, occupies a broad valley at 6,035 feet elevation at the foot of Pikes Peak in El Paso County. The city was founded in 1871 as a planned resort community by railroad entrepreneur William Jackson Palmer, who envisioned a refined mountain destination served by his Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Palmer's original grid remains at the heart of the city, supplemented by extensive development across the Pikes Peak region.
The city's most celebrated attraction, Garden of the Gods, is administered as a free public park — a policy dating to 1909 when the original landowner's descendants donated it with the stipulation it remain free forever. The dramatic red sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods provide a backdrop visible from much of the city and are accessible within minutes from downtown. North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers 1,600 acres of mountain terrain with multiple hiking trails reaching Helen Hunt Falls and the Starsmore Discovery Center.
Colorado Springs hosts several active-duty military installations that shape the city's character, including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the United States Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy, on the city's northern edge, opens its grounds to visitors and features the 17-spire Cadet Chapel — a masterpiece of modern religious architecture completed in 1963 that remains one of the most visited man-made attractions in Colorado. Guided tours of the cadet area and chapel are available on weekdays.
The Broadmoor Hotel, on the city's southwest edge, has operated as a resort since 1918 and maintains a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond rating. The property encompasses golf courses, tennis facilities, a spa, multiple restaurants, and direct trail access into adjacent national forest — an institution within Colorado's tourism landscape.
Downtown Colorado Springs has undergone significant revitalization since the mid-2010s, with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and galleries concentrated along Tejon Street and in the adjacent Old Colorado City neighborhood. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, housed in a 1936 Art Deco building, maintains a respected regional collection and active performance schedule.
Good to know
- Hours
- City open year-round
- Best time
- Year-round
- Best for
- families, military history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, budget travelers
Location
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
38.8339, -104.8214 View on map
Highlights
- Garden of the Gods — free public park with 300-foot red sandstone formations framing views of Pikes Peak
- US Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel — 17-spire masterpiece of modern religious architecture, open to public visitors
- Pikes Peak (14,115 ft) accessible from the city via toll highway, cog railway, or the 13.2-mile Barr Trail
- The Broadmoor Hotel — a Forbes Five Star resort operating since 1918 at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and North Cheyenne Cañon within short drives of the city center
Tips for visiting
- Garden of the Gods is free and the top attraction
- The US Air Force Academy is open to visitors and worth stopping
- Colorado Springs gets significant snowfall in winter - comes with great skiing access
When to visit
May through October offers the best weather for outdoor exploration of Garden of the Gods, the Incline, and Pikes Peak. Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) provide mild temperatures ideal for hiking without summer afternoon thunderstorm risk. The city receives significant snowfall in winter, which makes Garden of the Gods photogenic in snow but requires careful driving.
Accessibility
Colorado Springs is a largely car-dependent city; most major attractions require driving between sites. Garden of the Gods has accessible paved trails and a fully accessible Visitor and Nature Center. The Air Force Academy visitor center and chapel are accessible. The Starsmore Discovery Center in North Cheyenne Cañon is accessible. Pikes Peak summit is accessible via the toll highway with an accessible Summit House; the cog railway accommodates mobility-impaired passengers with advance notice.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does Colorado Springs warrant as a destination?
A focused itinerary covering Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy, Cave of the Winds, and either Pikes Peak or the Royal Gorge can be accomplished in two full days. Visitors who also want to hike in North Cheyenne Cañon, tour the Broadmoor, and explore Old Colorado City shops should plan for three days. The city works well as a base for day trips to Canon City and Manitou Springs.
Is there a free day at the US Air Force Academy?
The Cadet Chapel and the visitor center grounds are free to visit during public hours on weekdays. The chapel interior — with its 17 aluminum spires rising 150 feet — is the primary draw and requires no admission fee. Access requires passing through a vehicle checkpoint at the north entrance gate.
What is the best area to stay for exploring Colorado Springs' attractions?
The downtown Tejon Street corridor places visitors within walking distance of restaurants and galleries, with Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy accessible in 15 minutes by car. The Broadmoor area on the southwest side provides direct access to hiking in Cheyenne Cañon but is further from downtown and Pikes Peak. Most major attractions are distributed across the city requiring a vehicle.