One of Colorado’s great escapades, Colorado Spring. This city, found near Denver an hour or so away drives to the south offers numerous outdoor options like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Though summertime is an especially popular season for Colorado Springs, there are no complaints about the winter months when the mountains transform to snowy wonderlands. Visitors love it all the seasons.
Whoever plans on spending a weekend in Colorado Springs will get just the right amount of all that this enchanting city has to offer.
Plan your next trip to Colorado Springs with this awesome, two-day itinerary.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Colorado Springs
While there is certainly no lack of clean and accommodating hotels in around Colorado Springs, I typically try to avoid the massive hotel chains. Rather, I prefer the more interesting and personal accommodation options. Check out my favorite Colorado Springs lodging options, here!
Charming Pet-Friendly Hotel: SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
The boutique hotel is affordable and possesses an emphasis on sustainability and design, but more welcoming to pets than most pubs.
The parts around the interior impress you, with murals & lots of foliage greening up and opening public spaces that get a nice blend between industrial spill-over to feel fine cozy. The rooms are quaint, no frills and the perfect place to rest your head after hiking all day amongst some of Colorado Springs most wonderous rocks.
Majestic Mountain Retreat: Cheyenne Mountain Resort
This resort, located at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain and surrounded by natural forests and places experimenting with urban wildlife habitats that have been supported, allows you to embrace life outdoors like never before with up to five swimming pools on property such as a lap pool for adults only, tennis courts. It’s a haven for adventurers.
And yes, it even has 25 acres of lake offering the opportunity to take up sailing. What more could you ask for?
A place to hole up where you’ll not feel the need to step out with an on-site restaurant and Alluvia spa, dishing our a range of treatments and massages. Even better, it sits just outside Colorado Springs, at under four miles distance — perfect for a day of both city life and mountain tranquility.
Day 1 of Your Colorado Springs Weekend Adventure
On your Day 1 in this itinerary, you just have to spend it wandering around the city checking out what are its most famous tourist spots. A day to get into the Colorado Springs vibe before your excursions into natural wonders tomorrow!
Savor a Hearty Breakfast at Urban Egg
Start your two-day Colorado Springs adventure with a delicious breakfast at Urban Egg, one of the favorite places our friends want to hit when we are in town.
I mean, yes it is a chain but it’s a Colorado-chain and known for serving the best breakfast in the state! Urban Egg prides itself on using top-shelf, locally-sourced ingredients. That means you’re not just having lunch, but also empowering another small business — something near to every Colorado heart.
The menu has all the usual breakfast suspects (and then some). Offerings include pancakes, eggs benedict, french toasts and other quintessential morning standards.
There are also delectable sandwiches, soups and salads for those who like lunch choices at breakfast time.
Star dishes include Fred’s Hawaiian themed pancake of pineapple, coconut with lashings cinnamon butter and vanilla cream; to the free-range chicken based waffles served with not just bacon jam but a double course in maple butter and even hollandaise.
Urban Egg offers very inexpensive prices, so customers can enjoy delicious food and not have to worry about the price.
Morning Adventure: Hike or Jeep Tour at Garden of the Gods
Get ready for an al fresco adventure today at one of Colorado Springs iconic locations that cannot be missed: Garden of the Gods.
Early mornings are the best time to make a visit. This way you can still arrive before the hordes of excursions but later than independent visitors, when it is quieter.
There are numerous ways in which Garden of the Gods can be explored Drive through it, go for a hike (highly recommended!), by Jeep tour or with a ranger-led walking tour of the park.
What makes the experience even more satisfying is hiking — there are several trails in the area. All trails are available to hikers of most abilities, with the highest rated as moderate. That being so, there are loads of routes to venture out on — even you if that fresh hiker.
Start your day on one of the many beautiful trails and enjoy taking in gorgeous views at leisure. This can be a way out on the Perkins Central Garden Piste that is definitely fave, but probably good for beginners or kiddos tend to be Ridge Loop Trl furthermore Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Coubture.
It would not be difficult for Garden of the Gods to take up your entire morning. Remember to visit the visitor center for more information on these amazing rock formations and obtain a map of your selected trailhead.
The Jeep Tour why not have a thrill and test your nerves if trekking isn´t for you? After you cannonball over the impressive red rock formations, follow Henry to North Cheyenne Canyon and take in Helen Hunt Falls on your way up.
The tour goes through Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, all the way back to Colorado Springs with a panoramic view of the city.
Lunch Break at Black Bear Diner
If you have already been amazed by all the Garden of Gods has to offer that 2-3 hours fly by, then it is time for a snack.
A good restaurant near the park is Black Bear Diner (a short drive).
Black Bear Diner – on the surface just another restaurant option, but head inside and you will be greeted with that comforting ambiance found in your classic ol’ American diner. The menu is also diverse enough to contain something for just about everyone.
They will offer you meals ranging from Seeds & Grains Breakfast served all day, to a controlled selection of burritos (in barrel or bowl form), cheeseburgers in both the traditional and contemporary vein, sandwiches chicago fied on corner rolls like none other, salads that satiate but aren’t punishing. Black Bear Diner – open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner you might even want to come back another meal before your trip is over!
Explore the Majestic Glen Eyrie Castle
Now that you have had your fill, let’s explore the area some more!
A very short drive from the Black Bear Diner is the pretty stunning Glen Eyrie Castle. You may be raising an eyebrow at a castle in the Colorado Rockies, but true this is indeed with real-life authentic legitimate certified by the state of Colorado it qualifies as one! This historic mansion with about thirty rooms was built by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs in the 19th century.
You may also want to take one of its guided tours that will show you all the best sights and history Glen Eyrie castle has to offer. The ultimate way to experience Glen Eyrie Castle is by taking part in one if their Colorado Springs corporate events just like some companies do as well, whereas other corporations are certainly using professional keynote speakers for hire but either way can help make it a more unique event! The tours happen every day, usually in the afternoon time — but hours can change depending on the very weekday. Is there access to the weekend tours. The games are $12 per player and all can be purchased online ahead of time.
But the truly notable characteristic about Hohenwerfen is they you can actually rent a room at this castle if looking to stay in something different.
Tour the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center
While that may surprise a few to hear, Colorado Springs is home not only to the U.S. Olympic Training Center but also the newly built United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum!
This facility is one of only a handful in the country, with another located in Lake Placid, New York on Olympic Plaza. Tours of this centre are an absolute must if you’re in the area.
You can choose between bronze, silver or gold tour packages (yes the Olympic theme being continued by these guys too). Or if you are on a budget, independent tours can be cheaper and enable you to explore the facilities independently.
To make the experience even more memorable, take up an athlete-led tour! This option is more private, so there isn’t a price range on the website (prices vary by which athlete guides you), but definitely an impressive way to meet Olympian or Paralympic athletes and listen to their life at The Training Center. You won’t be coached by someone like Simone Biles, of course (useful though that would have been), but it’s an exciting way to get a window into the world of Olympic-level training.
Explore the Ghost Town Museum
Known as the Wild West, Colorado is still filled with rich history; and boasts several ghost towns that remain from a much needed pause in all of it’s wildness. This glimpse into history is very interesting at all of the ghost towns , and you can experience a bit of that yourself at the Ghost Town Museum.
The museum near downtown Colorado Springs is a frequent attraction for families. There is a reconstruction of life in the town centuries ago.
Gold Panning At this museum, you even get a gold panner on your hands and head to the sluices to experience first-hand the high-energy corn nuggets. You should plan to spend at least a full hour here to get the most out of your visit and take in all that this museum has on offer.
Stroll Through Downtown Colorado Springs
Relax the rest of your afternoon in-between exploring downtown Colorado Springs.
There are few better ways to explore a city than simply wandering about downtown. The best discoveries are often made wandering without a specific plan — you may chance upon something special during your visit.
So, if you are a bit of more structured person, there’re some places that should definitely be on your list.
You can enjoy some delicious Colorado Springs chocolate at Cacao Chemistry, get a locally made clothing item from Colorado Co-op and find unique souvenirs or kids games in Poor Richard’s Books & Gifts. Downtown Colorado Springs also has an abundance of restaurants with diversity from steakhouses (i.e. Nosh) to international options that appeal too many — the perfect place where you can give your taste buds a whirlwind escape for one special night out on the town.
You should simply be cautious that your dining experience is not full to the top; you have a fabulous spot for dinner in queue!
Enjoy Dinner at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
After making your way through downtown Colorado Springs and as the evening comes to a close, one of our last stops on this food tour is for dinner. One of the better options is Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, a firm local favorite.
Jack Quinn’s is a favorite of Colorado Springs Irish pubs. After a day wandering around downtown Colorado Springs, it’s time for dinner in an authentic Irish setting. Enjoy the truly magical feel of Mother Muffs when you step inside our doors and relax try to unwind from your long adventures. So why not celebrate with hearty meal.
Top pick: a local favorite and highly recommended is Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Jack Quinn’s is one of the most loved Irish pubs Colorado Springs calls it’s own. It also has a real Irish atmosphere, you will actually feel like being back in Ireland (if you ever went there).
The pub, which was originally built in the 1870’s has been a community favourite for years. Even an amazing array of features from the building were transported right here by boat via eire, to add precise person and personality.
They have an amazing menu. Irish Nachos, Frickles & Frings (half French fries and half onion rings), poutine, or pretzels with cheese to begin.
Your primary shall offer some classics like the Guinness beef boxty, bangers and mash or pub mac as well as a standard alehouse fish and chips. Complete your meal with a creamy pint of Guinness, naturally!
Day 2 of Your Weekend in Colorado Springs
On the second day of your Colorado Springs adventure, it’s time to venture beyond downtown and explore some of the area’s stunning natural beauty.
While Garden of the Gods was a highlight, today’s attractions promise to be just as memorable!
Start Your Day with Breakfast at Rudy’s Little Hideaway
Get some good fuel in your system with breakfast before you hit the day on today’s adventures. Near your first stop, our top pick is Rudy’s Little Hideaway Restaurant.
Valentine Diner This cozy Mexican eatery serves up some of the best brunch selections you can come by.
From old-fashioned pancakes and French toast to egg dishes complete with country-fried steak, bacon or sausage this menu leaves nothing out.
If you are looking for a really tasty breakfast burrito, then this is the place where your search ends. Green chili is always a local favorite, so anything with green will fly off the shelves.
Better still is that – for the most part — Rudy’s Little Hideaway doesn’t cost much; Almost every meal was cheap, with many priced at less than $10!
Admire the Stunning Broadmoor Seven Falls
True to it’s name, this trail offers seven spectacular waterfalls which will not disappoint. The falls have been a popular attraction for generations; owned by The Broadmoor since they first opened to the public in the 1880s.
Seven Falls If you want to see Seven falls, the price listed may have changed but please go to The Broadmoor first and purchase your tickets. A one-mile trail to the falls heads out from there.
This is a virtually flat, paved walkway making it easily accessible for all visitors.
Best of all there are plenty of activities at Seven Falls for those who like a little fun and adventure to go along with nature. Stretch your legs with a longer hike while on one of the forest’s nearby trails, or get an adrenaline rush as you glide through trees at zipline course better suited for more adventurous explorers!
Journey to the Summit of Pikes Peak
Though Colorado contains many 14ers—mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation—the most famous is Pikes Peak.
At an altitude of 14,115 feet it is the highest and only a short trip from Colorado Springs. To the top is simply Amstel have some of most picturesque views you shall see!
If you want to drive up there — and it is an exciting ride, I highly recommend Pikes Peak Highway. Still, if you have a fear of heights, this is one terrifying drive — though the vistas are undeniably stunning. Keep in mind of the mountain conditions before making your way as winter can render a harder drive.
Also, one of the best ways to see those views is a ride on The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. One of the most popular train journeys in India, this is an experience you would never want to miss!
The whole round trip takes approx 3h30min, so you might have to amend your itinerary a bit if that is the case when doing this route by train instead of driving yourself.
You will also need to book tickets for the cog railway at least a week ahead as they often sell out early.
Lunch at the Airplane Restaurant
You worked up the appetite hiking and sight-seeing this morning!
We decided that for lunch today we would take you to probably one of Colorado Springs’ most unusual restaurants, The Airplane Restaurant.
It is quite a ways off from Pikes Peak too, but worth the trek.
The Airplane Restaurant – as it’s names indicates, is located in an airplane. Although the menu has classic American food, this place is worth checking just for how different it looks.
Kids will particularly love the experience, after all how many times in your life do you get to have dinner inside an old plane.
The aircraft itself is a Boeing KC-97 built in the 1950s and, given that it now serves as a diner, still phenomenally well preserved. The menu features several selections of soups, salads and flavorful sandwiches.
Also, do not forget to browse through their “jet fuel” beverages list to quench your thirst!
Explore Manitou Springs
By late afternoon, one of the top destinations just outside Colorado Springs was sounding pretty good Manitou Springs.
Named for it’s natural mineral springs, this small town with a population of 5k boasts some of the most scenic views looking out towards Pikes Peak which you probably hot tubbed at earlier today.
Manitou Springs is a fun place to explore.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is full of such activities as zip-lining and spelunking, while Miramont Castle Museum opens its doors for you to explore fascinating history. And Red Rock Canyon Open Space makes it easy to find hiking trails nearby or just spend an afternoon biking!
This town is perfect if you like to go exploring with no direction in mind. Walk around downtown to experience small-town Colorado life.
The locals are warm and friendly, plus you may find a few hidden gems that only the residents know about to create an even more memorable Colorado Springs experience.
Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Before you depart Manitou Springs, check out the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
These are reconstructed and turned into exhibits, where visitors can learn more about who once lived here. Owned by a private owner, the site is open to public tours.
While there, pop on over to The Pueblo for a few additional lessons in the local history. Also, other museums including the Pueblo Museum and Cave museum are worth a visit. If you are looking for a deeper experience, guided tours of the cliff dwellings can also be taken.
Since these hours vary based on the season, I would double check online before you go to make sure they will actually be open. As you can see, it gets pretty busy in the afternoons and visiting close to closing hours is a bit less chaotic.
Dinner at Colorado Mountain Brewery, a Local Favorite
Save the last supper of your Colorado Springs romantic getaway for a treat at Colorado Mountain Brewery. This establishment is a local favorite and an authentic experience, which makes it a stop for any traveler.
And it has a full menu of the can only be expensive classics you’d anticipate from this brewery.
Animal Encounters Begin with Creative Starters – try the bison poppers, sweet chili glazed Brussels sprouts or one of their loaded kettle chip appetizers and more.
The main dishes are just as enticing. Choices include beer-can chicken, chipotle maple glazed salmon, bison meatloaf wellington or a 14er burger. Oh, and enjoy one of their homebrewed beers too.
The offerings vary by season so ask the bartender for what is currently best, and you never won’t be let down.
Reflect on all the joyful memories you created throughout your trip as you eat. Save a space for dessert and head over to your next destination!
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Amy’s Donuts
Finish up your weekend with a trip to Amy’s Donuts.
While understated looking from the outside, this place is famous for their out there donut flavours that have garnered quite a following online.
Another local favorite, Amy’s Donuts is open 24/7 – so you can linger late at Colorado Mountain Brewery and still squeeze in a visit before your trip wraps. Every single edible item is handcrafted from the beginning so that every bite you take contains nothing short of quality.
The selection is vast, including unique options such as almond banana caramel alongside Andes mint and Amy’s Almond Joy – not to mention strawberry pearl among the others.
They offer all the classic pieces as well, like cinnamon glazed twists and traditional glazed donuts -insert picture of classics-, apple fritters, or a bowl full of greens.
Even if you visit during a holiday, never fear; Amy’s Donuts is open every day of the year. Pick up a dozen or two to take home tomorrow!
