I’ve called Colorado Springs home for the last four years, and I’m excited to finally share my perfect Colorado Springs weekend itinerary! While you could spend a week exploring Colorado Springs and not see the same thing twice, three days is ideal for experiencing all the highlights. Here’s exactly how to spend three days in Colorado Springs, from outdoor adventures to indoor activities and plenty of food and fun in between.
3-Day Colorado Springs Weekend Itinerary
Friday
Start your weekend in Colorado Springs on the right foot by exploring one of the city’s most iconic sights: Pikes Peak. Afterward, spend the afternoon exploring the adorable city of Manitou Springs. Catch sunset at Garden of the Gods before grabbing a casual dinner and preparing for an early start on Saturday.
Morning
You can’t visit Colorado Springs without going to the top of Pikes Peak! Known as America’s Mountain, it towers 14,115′ in the air. There are several ways to summit Pikes Peak: driving up via Pikes Peak Highway, taking the Cog Railway, or hiking.
If you’re comfortable tackling the steep and winding mountain road, I recommend driving. You’ll have plenty of flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way and spend as much time at the top as you like. The Summit Visitor Center opened in 2021 and is definitely worth seeing—make sure you try the freshly made donuts.
The Cog Railway is excellent for families who want an immersive Pikes Peak experience. It is a bit pricey, but you’ll get unique views and fun facts from the conductors. Keep in mind you will have limited time at the summit if you buy roundtrip tickets.
Hiking Pikes Peak is incredibly challenging but rewarding. The most popular route is the Barr Trail, which is over 12 miles one way. You’ll gain about 7,800′ of elevation during the hike, so I only recommend it for experienced hikers. This is also the most time-consuming option, as many break the hike up into two days and camp overnight.
Altitude sickness is very common, so watch for symptoms like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Consider turning back and descending in elevation if you start feeling ill and your symptoms don’t improve. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body!
Afternoon
After seeing Pikes Peak, grab lunch and spend the afternoon exploring Manitou Springs. This charming city has gorgeous views, Victorian architecture, quirky shops, and delicious restaurants. Some of the most unique activities in Manitou Springs include an old-school Penny Arcade and a castle built in the 1890s!
Evening
Once evening rolls around, it’s time to visit Garden of the Gods. The Visitor and Nature Center is a fantastic place to get information about the park’s history, trails, and wildlife. There’s also a top-notch gift shop with local goods and a tasty cafe where you can grab a coffee to refuel. They host lots of fun events like stargazing parties, ranger-led nature walks, and wildlife workshops.
There are many walking paths throughout Garden of the Gods, making it perfect for visitors of all ages and ability levels. You don’t even have to leave your car to see jaw-dropping views of the striking red rock formations! Watch for bighorn sheep, which you can periodically spot around the park.
Garden of the Gods is conveniently located near several delicious restaurants. Colorado Mountain Brewery and Trinity Brewing Co. are some of my favorites. Even if you don’t drink beer, their food is really yummy. I recommend turning in early so you can be fully rested for tomorrow’s morning hike!
Saturday
Get an early start if you want to embark on a weekend hike in Colorado Springs. Afterward, you can indulge in a tasty brunch before freshening up for an afternoon of shopping. Saturday night is also an excellent time to explore bars and restaurants in the downtown area.
Morning
There are many beautiful and unique hikes in and around Colorado Springs. Here are some of the best hiking areas, depending on how far you feel like driving.
1 Hour or Less
- Manitou Incline
- Paint Mines
- Mule Creek Trail
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park
1-2 Hours
- Devil’s Head Fire Lookout
- Crags Trail
- Rampart Reservoir
2+ Hours
- Blue Lakes (Breckenridge)
- Loch Lomond
- Lake Isabelle
- Mirror Lake and Crater Lake (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
- Flatirons Loop
- Dream Lake
- Crater Lake (Maroon Bells)
You’ve probably worked up an appetite after your morning hike. If you stayed local to Colorado Springs, I recommend Adam’s Mountain Cafe or Denver Biscuit Co. for brunch. The city has a fantastic variety of coffee shops, too. I love grabbing a cup at these spots:
- Wild Goose Meeting House
- Hold Fast Coffee Co
- Loyal Coffee
- Wayfinder Coffee Co.
- Homa Cafe + Bar – greenhouse-inspired coffee shop in a hip hostel.
- Story Coffee Company
- Third Space Coffee – lots of space to spread out.
- The Exchange on Tejon
Afternoon
Take a few hours to rest before going shopping around town. There are some great thrift shops, boutiques, and outdoor stores worth checking out. These are my favorite local shops (most of them are downtown and within walking/biking distance of each other):
- Cacao Chemistry Chocolatier – the kindest staff and tons of tasty treats.
- Eclectic CO.
- Mountain Standard Goods – excellent place to find local gifts.
- Rocky Mountain Soap Market
- Sparrow Hawk Cookware – careful: you’ll be tempted to buy all the adorable kitchen gadgets.
- Pikes Peak Lemonade
- Mountain Chalet
- Westside Stories
- Summerland Gardens – say hi to the shop cats!
Evening
Once you’ve shopped til you’ve dropped, spend the evening enjoying downtown Colorado Springs. The city has it all, from Italian to Mexican, Irish, Indian, and more. I personally recommend these restaurants and bars:
- The Rabbit Hole – great date night spot and super cool experience because it’s underground and Alice in Wonderland-themed.
- Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
- T-Byrds Tacos & Tequila – perfect for happy hour!
- Streetcar 520
- Westside Cantina – vegan and traditional options to make everyone happy.
- Lumen8 Rooftop Social – gorgeous views at sunset for snapping Instagram pics.
- Avenue 19 – specifically, The Joint.
- Cork & Cask
- Slice420 – don’t worry, the menu is family-friendly and DELICIOUS.
- Sherpa Garden Restaurant
- Monse’s Pupuseria
- Frozen Gold – A+ ice cream!
- Burrowing Owl – one of my favorite local vegan spots.
Sunday
You deserve a relaxing day after yesterday’s adventures! Sleep in and keep things low-key with an activity the entire family can enjoy. Then, explore one of my favorite Colorado Springs neighborhoods and visit a top-notch brewery.
Morning
For something fun to do that isn’t physically draining, visit a museum or the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Cheyenne Mountain is one of the country’s best zoos—it’s full of well-designed animal exhibits and habitats. If you’d prefer touring a museum, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum are top choices. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is another cool spot that brings history to life.
Afternoon
Spend your final afternoon in Colorado Springs strolling around Old Colorado City. This historic area has delicious restaurants and eclectic stores. It’s a good place to find farmer’s markets, seasonal festivals, live music performances, and art shows throughout the year.
Evening
End your weekend in Colorado Springs at a local brewery. They’re some of my favorite places to people-watch and catch up with friends. Many breweries are dog-friendly, and you’ll find everyone from families to couples and solo travelers enjoying a brew. Here are some can’t-miss spots:
- Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. – an awesome spot to enjoy apps, drinks, and a few rounds of pool.
- Cerberus Brewing Co.
- Red Leg Brewing Company – we didn’t love the beers last time we visited years ago, but the location and setup is incredible.
- Bristol Brewing Company
- Trails End Taproom and Eatery
I hope you have the best getaway with my ultimate Colorado Springs weekend itinerary! Let me know in the comments how you would spend three days in Colorado Springs.
Looking for more fun things to do in Colorado? Check out my other Colorado travel guides:
Wandering the Gap 
Amezing post, beautiful pictures I wish to be there
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