With so many fun free things to do in Colorado Springs, it’s among the best budget-friendly Colorado destinations. Whether you’re an outdoor lover, a history buff, or an art enthusiast, Colorado Springs has something for everyone to enjoy at no cost. Maximize your travel budget and plan the ultimate Colorado vacation with the top free things to do in Colorado Springs.
Old Colorado City is one of my favorite areas of Colorado Springs to explore. The historic neighborhood has tons of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops lining Colorado Avenue. It’s also a popular hub for free events, like farmer’s markets, holiday light shows, and concerts—not to mention an ArtWalk offered on the first Friday of each month.
2. Stroll through Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a must-see when visiting Colorado Springs. Park entry is free, and there are trails appropriate for hikers of all experience and fitness levels. The visitor’s center is also worth seeing if you want to learn more about the garden’s history, cultural significance, geology, and native wildlife.
3. Visit a Museum
Dive into the local history of Colorado Springs at one of the many free museums located throughout town. The Peterson Air & Space Museum boasts multiple aircrafts and missiles—perfect for those interested in aviation.
Colorado Springs has many scenic outdoor areas worth exploring on foot. Red Rock Canyon Open Space, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and Palmer Park are some of the most popular free places to go hiking. For more of a challenge, consider tackling Pikes Peak, an iconic Colorado 14er.
5. Explore Manitou Springs
About 20 minutes outside Colorado Springs lies the charming town of Manitou Springs. This quirky city features stunning mountain views and beautiful Victorian architecture.
Spend an afternoon wandering around Manitou Springs and browsing its various shops, galleries, eateries, and public parks. The Manitou Incline, a brutal hike that gains over 2,000′ of elevation in under one mile, is another free activity to add to your Colorado Springs itinerary.
I highly recommend visiting Colorado Springs during your next trip to Colorado, especially if you’re traveling on a budget!
Did you know the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s classic horror novel The Shining is in Estes Park, Colorado? I’m a huge Stephen King fan and have always wanted to spend a night at the supposedly haunted Stanley Hotel. Earlier this year, my husband and I finally had the chance to stay at the property, and it was incredible!
The historic Stanley Hotel has a rich and storied past, opening in 1909 as an upscale destination for visitors to the Estes Valley. Its reputation was beginning to falter in the 1970s until King’s fateful stay. After having a vivid nightmare while spending the night at the hotel, he was inspired to write The Shining, and the rest is history.
Nestled among Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel is a beautiful property. You’ll begin to understand the spooky legends surrounding the hotel as soon as you step foot into the lobby. It boasts plush furnishings and dark wood accents that pay homage to its over 100-year-old legacy. Upon check-in, my husband and I were given a sheet detailing some of the hotel’s most famous paranormal encounters, such as a ghostly cowboy spotted in Room 428 and an unwelcoming male presence in Room 401.
We had an attic room on the fourth floor that was comfortable and chic, with cozy, vintage-inspired furniture and large windows. After settling in, we decided to explore the property, which features a miniature hedge maze and a pet cemetery. It’s also home to the world’s first Cryonics Museum, which was sadly closed during our visit. Of course, we had to swing by Room 217, where King stayed during his visit.
Like King, we were also there during the offseason (in February), so the hotel was fairly quiet and partially snow-covered. The grand staircases, elegant rooms, and long hallways definitely have an eerie atmosphere after dark. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the hotel and imagine you’ve stepped back in time to when it first opened.
After grabbing dinner in Estes Park, we stopped by the hotel’s Whiskey Bar for a nightcap. We had fun chatting with the bartender, and he created some custom drinks for us which were uniquely tasty. The lobby had a roaring fire and ample seating, adding to the cozy vibes. Sadly (maybe luckily), we didn’t encounter any spirits that night…
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Brunch & Co., located in the Lodge next door to the main hotel. It has a stunning dining area overlooking the mountains, and the food was delicious—you must try the sourdough hotcakes! Then, it was time to head home and return to reality.
I loved staying at the Stanley Hotel. Even if you aren’t a fan of King or The Shining, it’s a beautiful place to spend a night or a weekend, and it’s conveniently located near Rocky Mountain National Park. I highly recommend visiting next time you’re in town!
I’m sharing the ultimate Colorado hiking guide to some of my favorite can’t-miss hikes in Colorado, ranging from easy to challenging. I recently relocated from Colorado after four wonderful years, and I was fortunate to tackle many unforgettable hikes during my time there. Colorado has trails for all ages, abilities, and experience levels, making it the ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Check out these essential Colorado hikes next time you’re in the Centennial State!
Easy
Paint Mines Trail
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is an underrated hiking area near Colorado Springs. It’s easy to see where the location got its name—the park is full of colorful clay deposits and rock formations. Wandering through the park feels like stepping onto another planet, and all of the trails here are beginner-friendly.
Zapata Falls Trail
Just 20-30 minutes outside Great Sand Dunes National Park (another Colorado spot worth exploring) is Zapata Falls. The trail is easy and short, taking you to a partially hidden, 25-foot waterfall. In the winter, the falls freeze over, creating a magical icy wonderland.
Blue Lakes Trail
Blue Lakes Trail is an excellent option if you’re short on time or looking for a casual all-ages hike. This stunning outdoor area is located near Breckenridge, making it the ideal afternoon activity.
You’ll be blown way by the scenery, with serene lakes framed by jagged peaks. Watch for mountain goats in the parking lot and on the trail!
Perkins Central Garden Trail
There are tons of hiking options in Garden of the Gods, but you can’t go wrong with the Perkins Central Garden Trail. This paved walking path takes you through picturesque meadows in the heart of the garden’s iconic formations. Garden of the Gods is beautiful any time of year and a must-visit when in Colorado Springs.
Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch Trail
The Rainbow Gulch Trail is an easygoing hike that takes you to Rampart Reservoir, a popular outdoor spot for fishing and kayaking. Admire the striking landscape blanketed in snow during the winter, or visit in summer to see blooming flowers and watch fishermen casting lines to try their luck at snagging a fish.
Moderate
Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail
Lake Isabelle is one of my favorite hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness. It has a little bit of everything, from lakes to wildflower fields, forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. If you’re lucky, you might see a moose along the way.
The Crags Trail
I highly recommend tackling the Crags Trail in fall to see the golden aspens. There are some steep sections at the beginning and end of the hike, but it’s overall fairly moderate. The aspen groves, rock formations, and sweeping views make this hike 100% worth the effort.
Crater Lake (Maroon Bells)
You’ve probably seen photos of the Maroon Bells even if you didn’t realize it. These iconic peaks are incredibly popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The hike to Crater Lake is less than four miles with a couple hundred feet of elevation gain, making it appropriate for hikers of all experience levels. Seeing Crater Lake with the Maroon Bells in the background is insanely beautiful, and pictures truly don’t do it justice.
Loch Lomond Trail
Loch Lomond is a short but somewhat challenging hike near Empire. The trail is technically a 4×4 road you can drive on, but hiking is much more fun (in my opinion). I didn’t get to see the lake in summer while living in Colorado, but it was an unforgettable winter adventure.
Rogers Pass
Rogers Pass is far less popular than other hikes in the Winter Park area but is just as beautiful. It provides the perfect amount of challenge for beginners and is a fantastic introduction to the Colorado mountains. From the old train trestle to the aspens and scenic overlooks, there’s a lot to love about this underrated trail.
Diamond Lake Trail
Diamond Lake is another classic Indian Peaks Wilderness trail. The hike gains over 1,000′ of elevation, so it’s definitely a good workout. Diamond Lake itself is picture-perfect, with lots of room to spread out and explore.
Bluebell, Royal Arch, Flatiron, Bluebell-Baird, and Meadow Trail Loop
Get up close and personal to Boulder’s famous Flatirons on the Bluebell, Royal Arch, Flatiron, Bluebell-Baird, and Meadow Trail Loop (try saying that five times fast). Don’t underestimate this under-2.5-mile-long hike—there’s enough elevation gain to make you break a sweat. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the distinctive rock formations, downtown Boulder, and the surrounding mountains.
Dream Lake Trail
If you only have time for one hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, make it the Dream Lake Trail. This is my go-to when hosting friends and family who want to do some hiking in the park. I’ve only experienced it in winter (which is gorgeous and dramatic), but it’s a great option any time of the year.
Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse
Discover an abandoned mine tucked among the mountains along the Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse. The trail follows an old wagon road to a historic mining site, and you can add mileage by hiking around what remains of the log cabins and wooden structures. Summer is an excellent time to hike Mayflower Gulch because all the flowers will be in bloom.
Mule Creek Trail
Mule Creek Trail is a must when visiting Woodland Park. It follows the creek along seven miles of forests and canyons, making you feel like a rugged wilderness explorer. This hike is moderately challenging if you tackle the entire route, but you can always shorten it for a less intense adventure.
Devil’s Head Lookout
I love every step of the trail to Devil’s Head Lookout, a picturesque fire tower in Pike National Forest. The tower is staffed by forest rangers, and it’s fascinating to see where they work and live while on duty. Devil’s Head Lookout is less than three miles roundtrip but steadily gains elevation, with an intense final push up a set of stairs leading to the tower.
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail
See two stunning alpines lakes along the Silver Dollar and Murray Lake Trail. This was one of the first hikes I ever stepped foot on in Colorado, so it holds a special place in my heart.
You’ll travel through a forest before ascending above the tree-line, eventually arriving at Silver Dollar Lake. Continue up and over a saddleback to see Murray Lake, which is equally beautiful.
Challenging
Mount Democrat via Kite Lake Trail
Mount Democrat is one of four 14ers that make up the DeCaLiBron, an intense loop that summits multiple peaks in one strenuous hike. While Mount Democrat is relatively moderate compared to other Colorado 14ers, it isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. Regardless if you do the entire DeCaLiBron or turn back after the summit of Democrat, you’re in for a stunning high-altitude adventure.
Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from Long Lake Trailhead (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
The trail to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle in Indian Peaks Wilderness might be my all-time favorite Colorado hike. It’s around 15 miles to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from the Monarch Lake Trailhead, so many camp overnight to tackle it over two days.
My husband, dog, and I hiked the entire route in one day, which was very challenging and exhausting. However, the views of Mirror and Crater Lakes and Lone Eagle Peak were absolutely breathtaking and made every step feel worthwhile.
Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) via Summit Lake
Mount Blue Sky is a popular pick among hikers eager to summit their first Colorado 14er because it’s an easily accessible and fairly short trail. It gains around 2,000′ of elevation over 5.5 miles, which is pretty doable if you’re up for the challenge.
Some portions of the hike are steep, but I found the rocks leading up the final stretch to the summit to be the hardest part. You have to watch where you’re walking and step carefully to avoid going off trail or slipping.
Mount Bierstadt Trail
Mount Bierstadt is the first 14er I ever attempted in Colorado. Spoiler alert: I didn’t successfully summit it the first time due to weather. Thankfully, I got to return a few years later and finish the hike with my husband!
This peak is another top choice for those interested in hiking their first 14er, as you’ll gradually ascend Mount Bierstadt over roughly seven miles. Mountain goats and moose are frequently spotted along the trail, adding to its appeal.
Barr Trail
Summiting Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is one of the most difficult hikes I’ve tackled in my lifetime. The route is over 12 miles one-way and almost entirely uphill, gaining around 7,300′ of elevation. It’s an incredibly intense yet fulfilling experience, giving you a new appreciation for America’s Mountain.
Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road
Last but certainly not least is the Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road—my first successful 14er! The roughly 5-mile route winds through some abandoned mining structures before turning into a rocky stretch of terrain leading to the summit. Mount Sherman isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s pretty straightforward and less technical than many other 14ers throughout Colorado.
What are your favorite hikes in Colorado? I’m already missing this beautiful state and will definitely return for more hiking adventures in the future!
I’ve called Colorado home for a little over a year now, and I’ve embarked on some pretty amazing adventures since moving to the Centennial State. Colorado is known for being an outdoor-lover’s paradise, and there are tons of activities to enjoy year-round. Today, I want to share my list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado. This list is definitely not comprehensive, and I’d love to do an even more in-depth post in the future, but it can be a great starting point as you plan your next visit to Colorado! This guide is also especially helpful if you have limited time to visit and want to hit some of the most unique and iconic Colorado activities that the state has to offer.
Hit the slopes – first up on my list of Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado is hitting the slopes! Colorado is home to some incredible ski resorts and is known as one of the best destinations for winter sports in the U.S. I think everyone should try skiing or snowboarding at least once in their life, regardless of age or background! I’ve skied at Monarch Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone, and thoroughly enjoyed my time at each. Skiing and snowboarding can be pretty intimidating as a first-timer, but once you get the hang of it, you’re going to have an amazing time! I recommend researching ski schools or lessons if you’ve never been and want a professional to show you the ropes.
Visit all 4 national parks – did you know Colorado is home to not one but four national parks? Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can all be found in the state of Colorado. I’ve only been to Rocky Mountain myself (click here to read my post about Dream Lake) but I definitely plan on visiting the other three while I still call Colorado home. All of the parks are uniquely beautiful, and I can’t wait to fully explore them so I can check this off my list of Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado!
Soak in a hot spring – next up on my list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado is visit one of the state’s many beautiful hot springs. There are a bunch of hot springs throughout the state of Colorado that vary in price, aesthetics, and amenities offered. From low-key resorts to luxurious mountain spas, there is definitely a Colorado hot spring for everyone to enjoy. My personal favorite so far has been Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort! This is one activity that is great year-round, and a good option if you want to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty without embarking on a physically strenuous activity.
Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater – this is one item on my Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado list that I have yet to experience, but am really looking forward to. Red Rocks Amphitheater is known for having awesome acoustics and being a super cool concert venue in general. I have tickets to see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in April and I cannot wait to check it out for myself!
Summit a Fourteener – last but certainly not least on my list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado is summit a Fourteener. Colorado is home to a whopping 58 Fourteeners, aka mountains with a summit above 14,000 feet. Each Fourteener is a challenge in and of itself, but there are definitely some mountains that are more beginner-friendly than others. I personally have summited Mount Bierstadt (14,065′), Mount Sherman (14,043′) and Pike’s Peak (14,115′), and they were all incredible experiences. Check out my video “How to Summit Your First 14er” for a ton of info on how to train and prepare for your first Fourteener!
I hope this list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado is helpful as you plan your next Colorado trip! What activities and experiences are on your list of the top things to do in Colorado?
Hello friends! My parents recently came in town for a visit and we decided to check out some iconic Colorado Springs sights: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, these are two beautiful spots well worth a visit.
First up was Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. My dad and I actually hiked Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail several years ago, which was quite the adventure. This time around we decided to take the easy route and just drive up. There are lots of pull-off and viewpoint areas along the drive up so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Pro tip: pay for your tickets online in advance for a small discount! It’s also helpful to call before making the drive over to ensure entire road up is open, as they sometimes close it for poor weather or high winds.
Pikes Peak recently opened a brand new visitors center which is super nice and modern. You must try the famous fresh donuts and coffee, and make sure you take a stroll through their small museum as well. The visitor center is also a great opportunity to take a seat and drink some water which will help you avoid getting altitude sickness. It’s super common to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous when you gain elevation so quickly, so it’s really important to listen to your body and stay hydrated.
Pro tip: it is typically very cold and windy at the summit, even if the weather in the city of Colorado Springs is mild. Make sure you bring layers!
This was my first time driving myself down the mountain, as I’ve always pawned the task off to my husband or parents in the past. Pikes Peak Highway can be a bit stressful because of how steep and curvy it is, and if you’re not a fan of heights you may be a bit wary of the sheer drop-offs. If you don’t feel like taking on the task of driving yourself, there’s also the option of taking the Cog Railway. I haven’t taken it myself, but I’ve heard it’s another beautiful way to experience the mountain.
Next up was Garden of the Gods, an iconic outdoor area featuring dramatic spires and formations of vibrant red rock. Garden of the Gods offers tons of opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and rock-climbing, so there’s really something for everyone! Even if you just drive through the garden, it’s a stunning area any time of year.
Another perk of visiting Garden of the Gods is how close it is it’s location and proximity to other activities. I would recommend visiting the garden earlier in the day, grabbing lunch at a nearby brewery (I personally recommend Trinity Brewing – we loved it so much we went twice in one week!) and then doing some late afternoon shopping in downtown Colorado Springs or the nearby Manitou Springs.
Colorado Springs is a beautiful town with so many activities and sights to offer. We’ve had a lot of fun hosting friends and family over the past year since moving here, and we’re always discovering new spots. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Colorado Springs area?
Diamond Lake Trail, located in Indian Peaks Wilderness, is a moderately challenging out-and-back hike with beautiful views of Diamond Lake and the surrounding peaks. Altogether, the hike is about 5.4 miles in length and gains roughly 1,220 feet in elevation.
Pro tip: make sure to check the weather frequently, as it can change very quickly in the mountains. The forecast the night before we hiked was clear but we ended up getting rained on about a mile into the hike and again during the last quarter mile! Which reminds me…
Pro tip: ALWAYS pack rain gear (if space/weight in your pack allows) – even if the forecast is clear.
The hike begins on Arapaho Pass Trail which departs from the end of Fourth of July Road, just past the town of Eldora. The trail will lead you gradually uphill through dense forests, until you reach a junction at about 1.2 miles, where you’ll bear left to begin on Diamond Lake Trail.
From here, the trail gradually descends, leading you over a creek crossing. After the creek, you’ll begin ascending once more until you reach Diamond Lake after about a mile. Diamond Lake offers lots of options for walking around and exploring the surrounding meadows!
I’ve been wanting to get out and take advantage of the warm weather before Colorado goes full fall mode, so I decided to explore the Mayflower Gulch Tail. This trail is located near the town of Breckenridge and will lead you along an old wagon trail to the abandoned Boston mine camp where you can roam among old cabin ruins. The trail itself is about 6.1 miles out-and-back, though you can add mileage by hiking around the gulch once you reach then cabins, and gains about 1,500′ of elevation. The trail gains elevation at a fairly moderate rate but once you reach the cabins it makes the whole hike worthwhile! Unfortunately, it was still pretty hazy from the wildfires when I took on this hike, so I’d love to return when the weather is a bit clearer.
This past weekend we wanted to get out of the house and do some exploring, but with all the smoke and insanely hot temperatures, we didn’t really feel like hiking. We decided to check out the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, and I’m so glad we took the time to explore it!
The byway covers over 100 miles and goes through a number of unique communities and areas with rich mining histories. We didn’t drive the full byway, but we did see some of the highlights along the route. We left from Colorado Springs and first made our way to Vindicator Valley Trail, a short detour from the town of Victor. This trail takes you through old mining buildings and ruins, and was the perfect way to kickstart our day.
From there, we made our way through Victor and Cripple Creek, and then we took Shelf Road all the way down to Cañon City. This portion of the byway was definitely a highlight, as it took us through some gorgeous scenery. We even ran into a family of sheep along the way!
Cañon City was another cool spot, and the perfect area to grab some lunch and enjoy a walk by the river. All in all, exploring the Gold Belt Scenic Byway was a great way to see some new areas of Colorado without having to sacrifice air conditioning or spend too much time in the smoke!
Hi folks! Recently we’ve gotten to take several trips to Breckenridge and have absolutely fallen in love with this mountain town. We haven’t yet experienced it in the winter, but look forward to checking out the ski resort when the season starts! Today I’ll be sharing with you the perfect 2-day itinerary for exploring all that Breckenridge has to offer.
Day 1: The Great Outdoors
Breckenridge is nestled in between some amazing hiking areas and peaks, so on your way in I definitely recommend stopping for a hike. We loved exploring the Blue Lakes area (check out that blog here) because it was very accessible and offered different options depending on how long and challenging of a hike you are looking to do. On the way to Blue Lakes, we also passed the parking lot for Quandary Peak, a well-known 14er. I haven’t hiked this mountain myself, but I hear it’s quite challenging, though you do get some rewarding views at the end. If you have kiddos with you or are looking for something where you can pretty much drive up and explore, I would recommend the Breckenridge Troll, Dillon Reservoir, or Sapphire Point Overlook. All beautiful options with little to no hiking required for some awesome sights!
For lunch, there are tooooons of options available in Breckenridge depending on what you like. I would recommend Breckenridge Brewery & Pub for their delicious brews and small bites. We loved the cheese curds, soft pretzel with beer cheese, and wings! Another good option is Ollie’s Pub & Grub, a low-key spot with classic American fare. This restaurant is located on the river and they also sell fish food for you to throw right off the bridge!
From there, I would recommend resting up at your hotel or Airbnb before taking on Breckenridge at night. If you’re not feeling totally tired yet, it’s also fun to just drive through town and some of the surrounding neighborhoods. There are beautiful mountain views everywhere you go, and there are some pretty spectacular multi-million dollar homes in the area. Another fun option is the Breckenridge Gondola, a series of free gondola rides that offer a unique perspective of the town from above! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to rest your tired feet.
There are dinner options galore in Breckenridge, varying from barbecue to Italian, and everything in between. For a drink and some live music, check out the Gold Pan Saloon, a longtime establishment with a fun western theme. Both times we visited we happened to get Asian for dinner, so I’d recommend Pho on Main or Bangkok Happy Bowl. There are lots of other options though for pretty much any craving you could have! If you’re craving something sweet afterwards, check out Higgles Ice Cream for some deliciously unique flavors.
Day 2: Shop Til You Drop
Before beginning your day of adventuring through town, you of course have to enjoy some breakfast. Cool River Coffee House offers some delicious breakfast sandwiches and baked goods, as well as some fun and unique flavors to spice up your latte or iced coffee. If you don’t mind venturing a little further out, Frisco, a town about 15 minutes from Breckenridge, also has some great restaurants. We thoroughly enjoyed Bread + Salt, a breakfast spot that offered scrambles, hashes, and some delicious challah French toast. Frisco is another great town for walking around if you somehow manage to exhaust your options in Breckenridge!
There are so many shops throughout Breckenridge that you’re sure to find some you love. We always end up at Limber Grove, a spot that features local artists and brands. They have lots of cool stickers, hats, shirts, and other beautiful, high-quality souvenirs. We love just strolling up and down the streets and popping into any shops that catch our eye. Whether you’re in the mood to purchase a new bike or some fly-fishing gear, indulge in some handmade fudge, or pick up a fun souvenir for family back home, there are endless options for everything you could think of.
And there you have it folks! I hope you enjoyed this guide to Breckenridge and have the opportunity to explore this beautiful town for yourself.
Wandering the Gap 