10 Day Trips from Colorado Springs That Locals Love [2024]

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Colorado Springs to visit this year, keep reading.

These destinations offer lots of things to do, many of which are free to visit and are great for kids or couples.

You can make a plan to have to visit multiple destinations or national parks, or make a fun weekend excursion out of it.

How? All of the day trips from Colorado Springs listed below are just a few hours away and can be considered half-day excursions.

What are the top day trips from Colorado Springs?

✔️ Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: Best for kids & families

✔️ Garden of the Gods Park: Best for outdoor lovers

✔️ Pikes Peak Highway: Best for epic sightseeing

Each one of these Colorado Spring day trips (and many more!) are listed below with details, including distance from the city.

Newsletter
FREE EBOOK: Consider Colorado

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Keep reading to learn about all of the options for fun activities to do on 4/20 this year.

1. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

One of the best day trips from Colorado Springs has to be the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. This must-visit destination is located in Canon City and sits about 1,200 feet off the canyon floor.

It is the highest suspension bridge in the country and home some of the most thrilling rides.

Get ready for the highest Zip Line and the Royal Rush Skycoaster, both of which can be quite hair-raising.

Tickets to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge cost about $30 per person for adults and a bit less for children. Kids under 5 years old get free admission.

The Gorge is in a valley so you’re surrounded by the Sangre De Cristo mountains and the Arkansas River below.

royal gorge suspension bridge

Some nearby attractions include hiking the Royal Gorge Overlook Loop or Arkansas River Canyon Rim Trail for free. And of course, the Royal Gorge Train Railroad that offers stunning views of the bridge below.

Or while in the Canon City area, drive over the famous Skyline Drive which is a historic and narrow one-way road.

It rises about 800 feet in elevation from the surrounding valley and does not have any guardrails or safety railings.

When visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge, get ready for some gorgeous views and sites that may literally take your breath away.

Why visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?

✔️ Highest suspension bridge

✔️ Aerial Gondola

✔️ Iconic Colorado views

✔️ Children’s playland

✔️ Distance: 58 miles

✔️ Travel: 65 minutes

Get a Ticket to the Royal Gorge Bridge
🤩 4.7/5 stars (100+ reviews)

2. Garden of the Gods

The absolutely best day trip from Colorado Springs is going to be Garden of the Gods.

Whether you are a frequent visitor (like we are!) or are visiting for the first time, Garden of the Gods is no less than stunning.

The park covers more than 1,300 acres but is unlike any city park you have ever visited.

The main attractions are the towering red rock spires that showcase breathtaking views of the nearby Rocky Mountains.

garden of the gods colorado springs

The rock formations are thousands of years old, and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

Because of the unique geology at Garden of the Gods, many visitors and locals alike will agree that it’s the prettiest place in Colorado.

There are 21 miles of hiking trails for walking and biking, plus several main scenic drives. Not to mention, horseback riding and rock climbing for the extra adventurous.

Or book a Segway tour around Juniper Loop, one of the park’s most scenic paved roads.

The Visitor and Nature Center at Garden of the Gods is also a fun and free attraction! It has a gift shop, a scenic overlook, a free museum, and free parking.

Why visit Garden of the Gods Park?

✔️ 1,300 acre city park

✔️ Free museum

✔️ Stunning scenic views

✔️ No entrance fees

✔️ Distance: 5 miles

✔️ Travel: 14 minutes

Book a Segway Tour at Garden of the Gods
🤩 5/5 stars (60+ reviews)

3. Pikes Peak Highway

In less than 30 minutes from our house in Colorado Springs is the Pikes Peak Highway. This 3-hour road loops back-and-forth all the way to the top of this 14,000+ foot mountain. 

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Pikes Peak Highway is a fun day trip near Colorado Springs.

pikes peak at garden of the gods

Not only that, but this is one of the highest roads in the country while also being one of the most scenic.

Once you’re at the top of Pikes Peak you will be stunned by the breathtaking views. Be sure to bring a camera! It’s a destination you don’t want to miss. 

Oh and we recommend stopping at the Pikes Peak Summit House to grab a donut or a pickle to snack on.

Why drive up Pikes Peak Highway?

✔️ America’s Mountain

✔️ Gorgeous valley views

✔️ 14,115 ft in elevation

✔️ Wildlife viewing

✔️ Distance: 14 miles

✔️ Travel: 27 minutes

Drive up Pikes Peak Highway in a Jeep
🤩 5/5 stars (150+ reviews)

4. Manitou Springs

Just 15 minutes west of Colorado Springs you can escape to the quirky mountain town of Manitou Springs

Spend some time shopping at local boutiques or enjoy playing at the vintage Penny Arcade

After walking through downtown and shopping for hours, stop off at one of the many local restaurants for a yummy bite to eat.

Then treat yourself at Patsy’s Chocolates for some classic treats. 

manitou springs colorado

Or if you’re looking for one of the best natural hot springs near Colorado Springs, check out the Sunwater Spa.

This is a relaxing hot springs spa using water from the nearby 7-Minute Spring. 

Or enjoy a casual walk through the city by going on a mineral springs walking tour. It’s free and each spring has a different taste with health benefits.

Or if you’re looking for something more thrilling, sign up for the Manitou Springs Zipline tour.

Why visit Manitou Springs on a day trip?

✔️ Historic downtown

✔️ Free springs walking tour

✔️ Quirky shops & restaurants

✔️ Vintage Penny Arcade

✔️ Distance: 6 miles

✔️ Travel: 13 minutes

Try the Manitou Springs Zipline Tour
🤩 5/5 stars (45+ reviews)

5.  Cripple Creek

If you’re looking for a day trip near Colorado Springs that features gold mining history and modern day gambling, check out Cripple Creek.

But it’s not a town for adults only as this small town is filled with tons of things for families to do, too. 

Kids will love riding the Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad or touring the Heritage visitors Center with interactive exhibits.

downtown cripple creek

We recommend grabbing some coffee at the Prospector’s Perk Coffee House or enjoying an ice cream break at the Crippled Cow.

On your way to Cripple Creek, check out the Phantom Canyon Road. This scenic drive runs through the town of Cripple Creek, along with the cities of Canon City and Florence. 

It winds along the walls of the canyon, stone tunnels, and up old narrow and twisting roads.

Why visit Cripple Creek on a day trip?

✔️ Gold rush & gambling

✔️ Historic downtown

✔️ Narrow Gauge Railroad

✔️ Phantom Canyon Road

✔️ Distance: 45 miles

✔️ Travel: 1 hour 2 minutes

Book a Cripple Creek Jeep Tour
🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

6. Estes Park

We can’t make a list of the best day trips near Colorado Springs without mentioning Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Estes Park is considered the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and is completely surrounded by all kinds of outdoor activities. 

During the summer it’s a great place to experience waterfall hikes and swim in some of the most beautiful Colorado lakes

things-to-do-in-estes-park-colorado

In the winter, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

And in the fall you can see hundreds of elk migrate through the city during the famous, Elk Fest event.

And we haven’t even mentioned one of the most iconic destinations, the Stanley Hotel, which was made popular for Stephen King’s book, The Shining.

It will take longer to drive to Estes Park for the day versus other destinations on this list, but once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s worth it!

Why visit Estes Park from Colorado Springs?

✔️ Rocky Mountain National Park

✔️ Quintessential mountain town

✔️ Stanley Hotel

✔️ Historic Riverwalk

✔️ Distance: 133 miles

✔️ Travel: 2 hours 27 minutes

Book an Ebook Tour of Estes Park
🤩 5/5 stars (low price guarantee)

7. Woodland Park

The drive up to Woodland Park is almost as grand as the destination itself.

Located less than 30 minutes northwest of Colorado Springs, is the small but pristine town of Woodland Park.

To locals who know it well, the town is also called “The City Above the Clouds” due to an elevation of nearly 8,500 feet.

It is one of our favorite mountain towns to visit and it’s a perfect day trip from Colorado Springs. There are so many things to do here!

city of woodland park colorado

Try some delicious food at the Friday Farmers Market, discover local artists at the Annual Arts Festivals, or learn about dinosaurs at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center.

Pike National Forest is also on the doorstep of Woodland Park! It offers 1.1 million acres of trails, hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and outdoor recreation.

One of our favorite trails is the Red Rocks Trail which is an easy 3 mile loop that displays large red sandstone rock formations.

Or enjoy a day at Manitou Lake fishing, picnicking, or hiking around the lake with gorgeous views of Pikes Peak.

The Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center is also located in the Woodland Park area, which is a kid and tourist favorite.

Why visit Woodland Park near Colorado Springs?

✔️ Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center

✔️ Pike National Forest

✔️ Manitou Lake

✔️ Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Center

✔️ Distance: 19 miles

✔️ Travel: 28 minutes

Book a Zipline Tour in Woodland Park
🤩 5/5 stars (300+ reviews)

8. Paint Mines Park

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is another local gem that is within a short drive from Colorado Springs.

Located in Calhan, Colorado this is one of the more unique hiking spots in the state.

Instead of traveling west into the mountains, the Paint Mines Park is located east on the Colorado plains.

It features bulbous rock formations, called Hoodoos, that are made out of sandstone.

colorful paint mines interpretive park

Over the many thousands of years, the wind and weather has worked to peel back the layers of rock revealing many different colorful layers.

History states that many Native Americans used the colors of the sandstone to create beautiful pottery and other items.

This site is popular for the wealth of geological discoveries found here, as well as bird watching and unique wildlife.

Visiting the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is completely free with parking available at no cost.

You can also hike the Paint Mines Trail which is a 3.5 mile path that loops throughout the park and is a very easy walk.

Why visit the Paint Mines Park?

✔️ Local hiking gem

✔️ No admission fee

✔️ Colorado plains

✔️ Free parking

✔️ Distance: 37 miles

✔️ Travel: 48 minutes

9. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

If you’re looking to visit one of the top 4 best zoos in North America, check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Nestled into Cheyenne Mountain the zoo is just southwest of Colorado Springs and is one of the most unique zoos you will ever visit.

The zoo is open to the public 365 days a year and is solely supported by admissions, special events, membership costs, grants, and donations from citizens and guests.

cheyenne mountain zoo - elephants

Some of the special events that we enjoy visiting are Boo at the Zoo in October and the Electric Safari in December.

You can also feed the giraffes, check out the new Water’s Edge exhibit, or take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride.

The Sky Ride is only accessible when purchasing admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo but we promise it’s a worthwhile venture.

Slowly ascend up Cheyenne Mountain with a short stop at the top to take in the expansive views of Colorado Springs below.

Why visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?

✔️ Rated #4 best zoo

✔️ On top of a mountain

✔️ Open 365 days a year

✔️ Mountaineer Sky Ride chairlift

✔️ Distance: 37 miles

✔️ Travel: 48 minutes

10. Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of the lesser known state parks in Colorado but none-the-less gorgeous. It’s located just northwest of Denver, within a few miles of Boulder.

From beautiful rock formations to incredible scenery and great rock climbing, there is so much to do here. 

eldorado canyon state park

The park is full of pine trees, huge canyon walls, a small river, and winding trails that are perfect for exploring. 

Kids and adults will love to go hiking, fishing, and picnicking in these beautiful outdoors. Plus, there is lots of bird watching and wildlife to be seen.

Why visit Eldorado Canyon State Park?

✔️ Less touristy state park

✔️ Incredible scenery & views

✔️ 885 acres for recreation

✔️ Bird watching

✔️ Distance: 97 miles

✔️ Travel: 1 hour 42 minutes

The best day trips near Colorado Springs

These are just a few of our favorite day trip destinations that you can visit near Colorado Springs.

And all of them are perfect half-day trips that can be combined into full weekend excursions if you choose.

Plus, check out some of our other favorite day trips from Denver that include cities like Idaho Springs, Red Rocks, and Boulder.

There is always something historic to explore or adventure to discover near Colorado Springs.

Similar Posts