Colorado Springs packs a weekend’s worth of joy into one city: mountain views that slap, trails that make your calves feel alive, and breweries pouring liquid gold. You can bounce from red rock formations to craft flights in the time it takes to queue a playlist. Want hikes, hops, and “wow, did I just take that photo?” moments?
Let’s do this.
Start Strong: Garden of the Gods (Then Coffee)
Garden of the Gods is the city’s mic drop. You get towering red rock fins, easy-access paths, and views that look AI-generated. Go early, snag parking, and stroll the Perkins Central Garden Trail for a quick hit of scenery without committing to a full sweat-fest.
Pro Tips
- Go at sunrise for soft light and fewer crowds.
Your photos will thank you.
- Grab coffee at Loyal Coffee downtown afterward. It’s bright, airy, and caffeinated perfection.
- Bring a light jacket. Colorado mornings can be dramatic.
Climb a Little: The Manitou Incline (If You Dare)
You want bragging rights?
Conquer the Manitou Incline. It’s 2,768 steps straight up an old cable car track. You’ll climb over 2,000 feet in less than a mile.
It’s tough. It’s iconic. It’s the kind of thing you’ll talk about at every party for the next six months.
What to Expect
- Free reservations required.
Book ahead.
- Water, snacks, and solid shoes are non-negotiable.
- Take the Barr Trail down. Your knees will appreciate it.
Cheers to the Springs: Brewery Hopping Done Right
Colorado Springs sits in prime craft beer territory. Breweries here keep it fun and unpretentious—lots of patios, food trucks, and weird-but-good seasonal pours.
Must-Try Breweries
- Cerberus Brewing — Excellent IPAs, killer wings, and a dog-friendly patio.
The vibe is “stay for two hours.”
- Phantom Canyon — The OG downtown brewpub. Pool tables, rooftop views, and approachable beer styles for your non-beer friend.
- Goat Patch Brewing — Big community feel with a rotating lineup. The It Takes a Tribe Red?
Solid choice.
- Red Leg Brewing — Military-founded, great patio, frequent food trucks. Very “hang for a while.”
How to Plan a Brewery Crawl
- Start downtown at Phantom Canyon for food + flight.
- Ride-share to Cerberus for round two and patio time.
- End at Goat Patch for the community vibes and maybe a live event.
FYI: Colorado breweries often serve high ABV beers. Hydrate or your hike tomorrow will feel personal.
Views for Days: Pikes Peak Your Way
The “America’s Mountain” experience comes in three flavors.
Choose your adventure based on your patience, bravery, and caffeine intake.
- Drive the Pikes Peak Highway — 19 miles of hairpins plus knockout views. Stop at overlooks. Save your brakes on the way down.
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway — Stress-free, scenery-packed.
You’ll get narration and time at the summit to grab the famous donuts.
- Hike Barr Trail — A 13-mile one-way grind with 7,400 feet of gain. It’s a life event, not a casual stroll. IMO, only attempt this if you’ve trained.
Summit Tips
- Weather swings fast.
Bring layers and a hat even in summer.
- Eat a donut at 14,115 feet because you can.
- Watch for altitude symptoms and bail if you feel off. No summit is worth a headache from space.
Red Rocks, Fewer People: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Think of this as Garden of the Gods’ chill cousin. You’ll get rust-colored cliffs, mellow trails, and off-leash dog areas.
It’s perfect for trail running, mountain biking, or a sunset walk with a takeout burrito vibe.
- Best short loop: Mesa/Red Rock Canyon for variety and views.
- Mountain biking: Quarry Pass and Roundup cut through gorgeous terrain.
- Post-hike snack: Swing by Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City for bakeries and tacos.
Manitou Springs: Quirky, Artsy, and a Little Weird
This tiny town next door mixes Victorian charm, crystal shops, and actual mineral springs you can taste. Bring a reusable bottle and try the different fountains—each has a unique flavor. Some taste like spa water, others like spicy soda.
You’ll have opinions.
Things to Do
- Arcade Amusements — Old-school games and pinball for quarters. Nostalgia unlocked.
- Creekside patios — Grab a drink and watch the world go by. Simple joys.
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings — A touristy but fun peek at reconstructed Ancestral Puebloan dwellings.
Seven Falls and Cheyenne Canyon: Waterfall + Wilderness Combo
Seven Falls delivers exactly what it promises—seven cascading falls in a narrow canyon.
You climb a big stairway for top-down views and access short trails. It’s very photogenic, very touristy, and honestly worth it at least once.
Nearby Trails Worth Your Time
- Mount Cutler Trail — Short, scenic, and great for a golden-hour walk.
- St. Mary’s Falls — A moderate hike to—you guessed it—another waterfall.
- Helen Hunt Falls — Quick roadside stop with optional trails above.
Eat Like You Mean It: Brunch and Bites
You’ll need fuel for all those steps and sips.
The Springs food scene won’t blow up your feed daily, but it hits the spot.
- Urban Egg — Creative brunch, good coffee, efficient service. Order anything with green chili.
- Four by Brother Luck — Southwestern flavors, chef-driven plates. Great for date night.
- Bogó Brewing + Coffee — Coffee in the AM, beer in the PM, comfy couches all day.
- Dos Santos — Street tacos, margaritas, and music turned up just enough.
Bonus Adventure: Royal Gorge Day Trip
If you want an extra “whoa,” drive about an hour to the Royal Gorge Bridge.
Walk across one of the highest suspension bridges in the U.S. and stare down into the Arkansas River. You can zipline across the canyon or take the Royal Gorge train for scenic views with snacks. It’s a choose-your-own-thrill situation.
FAQ
What’s the best time of year to visit Colorado Springs?
Late spring through early fall hits the sweet spot for hiking and patio beers.
Summer brings more crowds but also more events and long golden evenings. Fall feels perfect—crisp air, fewer people, and clear views. Winter can rock for snow-dusted scenery if you pack layers.
Do I need a car to get around?
A car makes life easier, especially if you plan to hit Pikes Peak, Red Rock Canyon, or the Royal Gorge.
Ride-shares work well within downtown and Old Colorado City. You can piece together buses and rides, but IMO, you’ll waste time you could spend sipping or hiking.
How do I handle the altitude?
Hydrate like it’s your job and take it easy the first day. Avoid going full hero on the Incline right after landing if you’re coming from sea level.
If you feel dizzy or headachy, rest, sip water, and drop elevation. No shame in calling it early.
Are breweries in Colorado Springs dog-friendly?
Many patios welcome dogs, especially spots like Cerberus and Red Leg. Always check each location’s rules before you roll up.
Bring water for your pup—high altitude hits pets too.
Can I do Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in one day?
Yes, if you start early and keep it tight. Do sunrise at Garden of the Gods, grab breakfast, then head up the Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog. Save a brewery for the afternoon victory lap.
Do I need reservations for the Manitou Incline?
Yes.
They’re free, but required to manage crowds. Book ahead, especially on weekends, and choose an earlier slot if you want cooler temps and better parking.
Wrap It Up: Your Perfect Colorado Springs Day
Here’s a killer combo: sunrise at Garden of the Gods, brunch at Urban Egg, the Cog to Pikes Peak, a mellow hike at Red Rock Canyon, and a brewery crawl to finish. Swap in the Incline if you crave suffering with spectacular views.
Either way, you’ll leave with sore legs, a full camera roll, and a new favorite beer. That’s the Colorado Springs starter pack, and it slaps.