Wondering about the best Colorado Springs things to do for adults? Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, dining on local gourmet cuisine or diving head first into Olympic history Colorado Springs for adults offers a wealth of entertaining opportunities in all three categories.
As a first timer in Colorado Springs you might be deciding which day trips to take or what the essentials are to pack.
And if you are still looking for places to stay in Colorado Springs, check out some favorite adult-friendly accommodations at the end of this post.
Denver vs. Colorado Springs: Which Should You Visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado and narrowed down your options between visiting Denver or Colorado Springs, consider this comparison before booking flights.
Viewed as the cultural hub of Colorado, Denver has a healthy number of art galleries and museums to check out while here, along with professional sports teams (hello Broncos), outdoor dining options galore and all those craft breweries we mentioned earlier that frankly put what you find in Colorado Springs to shame.
Well, perhaps Colorado Springs is more for you then. Set against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods offers miles and trails through dramatic red sandstone formations throughout city limits.
In addition, Colorado Springs is great for all ages and levels of activity – so you are sure to find something everyone will enjoy!
If it is the ultimate experience you seek, I would recommend checking out both of Colorado’s largest cities. A distance of just 70 miles (1.5 hours drive) separates Denver and Colorado Springs making it very much possible to visit one from another a day trip!
How Long Should You Stay in Colorado Springs?
You can definitely do a day trip to Colorado Springs from Denver, but then again you may wonder how long is enough for this journey.
I waited three full days of enjoying these next five fun stops in Colorado Springs, listed below. In my opinion, Colorado Springs makes an excellent weekend getaway or two-night stopover on a longer tour up to the Rocky Mountain State.
While you certainly could fill four or five days if an obligation in Denver keeps you from returning, adding three to five nights will allow for some additional explorations of other things to see and do near Colorado Springs. For example, if you wanted to explore into town in Manitou Springs or go on a halfway up the mountain hike at Pikes Peak.
Of course, it worth mentioning that Colorado Springs is also a great hub for additional day trips throughout the Front Range to destinations like Denver, Boulder or Fort Collins!
Top Activities for Adults in Colorado Springs
When I was in Colorado Springs visiting, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods were at the top of my list.
Yet, once arrived I discovered 2 nights is not enough. But not at all for what there is to taste and smell!
To a great many others, I am positive this sentence may come as no surprise since the fun things to do in Colorado Springs are seemingly endless (and with my 48 hours in there – it only feels like an appetizer about what is its exciting platter) but those of you just joining me on here! However, I do highly recommend the following activities for adults — be you a solo traveler or couple or group of grown-ups enjoying some adult time in the region.
Some of these will also be fun for families with kids but at the very least, parents and older siblings are sure to enjoy them!
1. Experience the Majestic Rocky Mountains from Pikes Peak
A visit to the summit of Pikes Peak is a must for sweeping views across Colorado Rockies, vast blue skies and amber waves of grain in America The Beautiful.
The hype is that it’s ‘America’s Mountain,’ but Pikes Peak isn’t even the tallest mountain in Colorado. It is the 31st tallest mountain in the state at an elevation of 14,115 feet.
I took the Pikes Peak Cog Railway that departs from Manitou Springs for my journey to the top. The ascent to the summit was along a nine-mile highway that wound and switchbacked up through fields of golden aspen trees, then rugged angles with evermore distant mountain ranges on the horizon.
The cog railway first opened in 1891, but the new trains and tracks were served up with a modern visitor center when it reopened in May of this year. Scale exhibits inside the LEED certified Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center address history, geography, climate, recreation and conservation.
Then, inappropriately head towards the visitor center for a snack: Their “world-famous” doughnuts are some of the few tots that can be fried to perfection at 10,200 feet—a culinary feat they’ve been achieving since this high-altitude fry bread recipe was introduced way back when. Amenities at the center also include restrooms, free Wi-Fi and water-filling stations as well as bicycle racks for parking and a gift shop.
In addition to the cog rail, there are other ways to get up and down Pikes Peak — hiking; or in a private vehicle using The Pikes Peak Highway. This same hike will take experienced seasoned hikers 6–8 hours to trek one way and there are a whopping of 156 turns along the route.So car driving is preferred by all!
If driving isn’t your thing, or you’re anxious about taking on the roads yourself, tour operators offer commercial Jeep tours of Pikes Peak.
Alternatively, if you are feeling up to it (and uber fortunate with weather), book yourself onto one of the Pikes Peak bike tours and dare a descent down this great mountain.
Pro Tip: The altitude and temperature at the top of Pikes Peak are significantly different from where you begin. Hydrate — bring water layers of clothing are advised
2. Savor Local Craft Beer and Cocktails
Colorado Springs is a craft beverage enthusiast’s paradise, which boasts more than 20 breweries.
You can try a Colorado Springs brewery tour to explore the dynamic microbrewery culture at three of these craft breweries. This tour features beer flights with food pairings, and includes up to 10 samples of beers.
For those who prefer cocktails, Colorado Springs also offers a guided cocktail tour that includes VIP access to four of the city’s most unique bars. This 3-hour taste tour will guide you through the old quarters of El Born, Santa Caterina market and Gothic quarter, obviously at a leisurely place so as to not put any more burden on that carb-filled belly.
The Ivywild School, which used to be a elementary school and is now home to craft drinking in Springs. While you’re there, enjoy a craft cocktail from the Principal’s Office or microbrew from Bristol Brewery on their patio.
Make sure to stop by Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, downtown Colorado Springs and enjoy 10 – 12 different styles of beer showcasing both German and English influences in their house brewed craft beers.
3. Discover Garden of the Gods
The enormous red rock formations of the Garden of The Gods are awe-inspiring indeed, and ranked among Colorado Springs top things to see.
The best part? Garden of the GodsOne of Colorado Springs top free venture activities to undertake!
Balanced Rock, shuffling around the paved walkways curved through red sandstone monoliths or hit a hiking trail all without forking over any cash to enter.
Garden of the Gods is just one example, and while it truly is free (and awesome!), you may want to splurge a little on your Colorado Springs visit as an adult.
Amenities — ride a motorized two-wheeler on the existing courses, such as an e-bike or take part in a Segway tour.
Anore awesome ride would be to travel by a Jeep tour around the world and you can take Colorado Springs!! A charismatic cowboy is your personal driver and guide, showing you the way to Helen Hunt Falls as well or more iconic landmarks or lesser-known rugged areas.
In addition to sight seeing, hiking and biking Garden of the Gods also has several opportunities for horseback riding or rock-climbing making it a wonderful place if you are looking out for an adventure.
4. Savor Local Flavors
Best Places to Eat in Colorado Springs Looking for good eats? Dine on everything from local-options to quick pick-up, and even magical patio weather in are the best decks.
Wild Goose Meeting House: A Beautiful setting for being outside on a warm day in Colorado with some light, healthy lunch options along side locally roasted coffee as well as some great co craft beer and selections of wine.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, try Phantom Canyon Brewing Company where delicious pub food is perfectly paired with beer brewed in house—we love the Lager and Smoked Gouda soup!
Also, if you’re interested in a little local culinary exploration try taking one of our Colorado Springs food tours. This includes savoring delights from five different eateries, including a restaurant led by former Top Chef contestant Brother Luck and an ice cream parlor known for its signature slow-churned Purple Mountain Majesty.
5. Discover the Training Ground of U.S. Olympic Athletes
Summer Olympic and Paralympic athletes spend much of their time training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
You can visit the shooting range, Olympic-sized pool and weight lifting facilities among other training gyms on a guided tour of Horizon Park. Visitors can see Olympic memorabilia at the visitor center, and a shop sells Team USA merchandise.
The biggest centerpiece, of course, is the new United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. With over 60,000 square feet and viewer-friendly guidance to usher you through the Olympics of yesteryear complete with record-breaking feats on American soil. That includes skiing simulators and finish-line race, along with thousands of Olympic torches.
The museum seeks to be fully accessible, integrating open captions and assisted listening devices with intentionally damped acoustic spaces; ramped exhibits; universal keypads throughout the exhibit experience for blind or low-vision guests as well those who may need additional help concentrating in more sensory-rich environments.
6. Conquer the Manitou Incline
For some, the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs is a great way to test your running power. The trail gains 2,000 feet of elevation and features a demanding but awesome 2768 steps.
It is one of the most grueling climbs, luring with it Olympic athletes, professional runners and eager hikers to get them at 8.500 feet above sea level towards its summit by defeating heavy grades all along the trail side fairway parts where chasing models breez off through jet streams.
No gold medal awaits you at the top, but viewing Manitou Springs from above is a prize in itself.
Challenging hike near Colorado Springs wildflowers on Purgatory in El Paso County There are no admission costs, but they need to be reserved free of charge online 4-8 weeks in advance.
7. Explore the United States Air Force Academy
Tour the U.S. Air Force Academy, subject to mountain surrounding Institution that accepts new cadets only 1,400 annually The 18,500-acre campus includes mid-century modern architecture; a planetarium with IMAX theater which offers free public shows; and mountain vistas.
Pilgrim TripTo get a taste, start at the visitor center on Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy where you’ll experience air force and cadet life across engaging exhibits plus 14-minute film. The visitor center sports a gift shop loaded with USAF branded gifts and goodies.
Make sure you stop by the iconic Cadet Chapel as you move about campus. It is the number-one man-made attraction in Colorado, designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Featuring 17 soaring spires that rise up to 150 feet, the Cadet Chapel is also the most beautiful building on campus and an amazing example of modern American academic architecture.
8. Experience Zip Lining in Colorado Springs
Are you a thrill-seeker or searching for an extraordinary way to soak in the stunning views near Colorado Springs? Prepare for an exhilarating adventure!
The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure Zip Line Tours:
Just outside Colorado Springs, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of Broadmoor Seven Falls Park as you glide across zip lines ranging from 250 to 1,800 feet in length. The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure features 10 zip lines divided between two exciting courses.
On the Woods Course Zip Line Tour, you’ll soar above lush pine forests, a natural granite arch, and the cascading waters of Midnight Falls.
Alternatively, embark on the Fins Course for a thrilling ride that includes five zip lines reaching up to 1,800 feet high, two suspension bridge crossings, and a 180-foot rappel. This course is sure to get your heart racing!
Zip Lining at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park:
Just down the road in Manitou Springs, you can zoom along on one of two Frontier Zip Lines at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park for speeds up to 35 mph.
Soar through the air 80 feet above the canyon floor and enjoy beautiful mountain views as you zip across.
Additionally, the park has other adventures available which you can learn more about below: Haunting of Cave tour (lantern ghost tours)Via Ferrata rock climbing adventureTerror-dactyl (a 150-foot free fall that sends guests plummeting over a 200 foot cliff at nearly 100 mph )
9. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: A Thrilling Adventure
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is home of the highest suspension bridge in America and second longest. Condition: One can even walk on its 1,257 nails following through a range of more than 1250 ft and be at the highest level maintained over Arkansas River which is about vast feet underneath his/her position.
Cloudscraper Zip Line (for you adventure enthusiasts) The highest zip line in the nation, 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River!
Get to the zip line by traveling in comfort and style across the Royal Gorge on our own Aerial Gondola, providing 360º views of everything above — looking down at the gorge or up tp be level with th eagles. There you will then to zip your way through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on a bucket-list quality zipline tour.
Well the excitement does not end there! There is a guided rock-climbing option as well and the Royal Rush Sky coaster which plummets you down 1,200 feet over the Arkansas River at speeds up to 50 mph.
10. Soar Above Colorado Springs in a Hot Air Balloon
For a perspective that you will never forget, hop into an air balloon above the Colorado Springs area.
This is a sunrise excursion that will reward you with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Watch for bighorn sheep and other wildlife on your journey!
Ending with a celebration of champagne breakfast, this is one of the sweet things to do in Colorado Springs.
11. Embark on a White Water Rafting Adventure
Right outside Colorado Springs are two of the best white-water rafting spots on Arkansas River – Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge Canyon. Cañon City is about an hour southwest in both cases.
With a bit more ease, moving to Bighorn Sheep Canyon to float its Class II and III rapids. Though these rafting trips provide a lot in form of splashes and thrill, there are stretches on the river that you can sit back and gorge into view everywhere or even wave at some wildlife. That makes it perfect for rafters that are somewhat inexperienced.
These with much more rafting practical experience could possibly favor slicing their tooth on the Course III-V rapids inside of Royal Gorge Canyon. Image A rafting tour along Royal Gorge Canyon ensures an exhilarated journey, with challenging rapids and exciting manoeuvres. It has the added benefit that you will float below the great Royal Gorge Bridge as well, giving some beautiful sights for those not afraid of heights.
12. Explore Glen Eyrie Castle
In addition to the many outdoor activities in Colorado Springs, Glen Eyrie Castle is a nice indoor experience.
Built in 1881 by Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer, this historic English Tudor style castle features a tower and contains over 60 rooms with modern amenities. Guests can book a guided tour to explore the story of the castle or have afternoon tea in traditional decor.
Contrary to common belief, Glen Eyrie Castle was never a residence for royals; all the same you get to see how it feels like living in one overnight. Now, owned and operated by Christian group The Navigators, the castle also functions as a hotel which makes for great lodging that is nothing short of magical.
13. Visit the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
For wine enthusiasts, the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey offers a delightful experience. Enjoy complimentary tastings of award-winning wines while taking in the peaceful mountain views.
14. Explore Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City, following its consolidation with the town of Colorado Springs, is a historical district in that city known for being pedestrian friendly and home to delightful shops selling unique wares as well as many different types of restaurants.
La Baguette — The local favorite, La Baguette is a French bakery that has cultivated its name through the fresh daily baked artisan bread and sweet pastries (you have to stop by if you are in Casper).
15. Discover Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is a must for food lovers and experience-seekers. It used to be an elementary school, and now it’s easy one of the most happening destinations in town where you can enjoy a loaf baked same morning, sip on craft beer or even get some fitness action off all under the same roof. It is the best place to binge on, and exercise at the same time.
Where to Stay in Colorado Springs
I think the Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa is a fantastic hotel and would not hesitate to recommend it for solo travelers. A full-service urban spa is located on site at this boutique Colorado Springs hotel.
Built in 1902 as a stock exchange for local mining companies, the restorations are gorgeous with hints of it’s past life still visible throughout. A California poppy garden with spacious chaise loungue chairs is located steps away in the front courtyard, adjacent to an old school Honda motorcycle and fountain. The lobby also holds several antique finds like a piano & gold door bank vault near the Italian marble fireplace adding extra charm.
The fact that this hotel is in downtown means proximity to a large number restaurants, bars and breweries as well, including tourist attractions. I loved that we could walk to dinner from the hotel!
In addition to which, the Mining Exchange is located a short distance from the city’s key points of interest. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway station in Manitou Springs is about a 20-25 minute drive, Garden of the Gods around 15 minutes away and U.S. Olympic Training Center at just five minutes out.
The hotel is located at 8 South Nevada Avenue and also has valet parking available for guests.
More Lodging Options in Colorado Springs
One of Colorado Springs’ most prestigious spa resorts, for an exquisite experience, The Broadmoor. But if you want the same kind of high-end experience at a fraction of The Broadmoor’s cost, look no further than the beautiful Lodge at Flying Horse.
For a luxury couples trip, consider staying at the Garden of the Gods Club and Resort. Couples’ treatments are available and the spa also offers a sauna and steam room. There are rooms with deep soaking tubs, along with pools and tennis courts (and a golf course) for relaxing together.
For a more intimate stay, consider one of Colorado Springs’ romantic bed-and-breakfasts. The adults-only Holden House 1902 Bed and Breakfast offers cozy accommodations, with each room featuring a fireplace to set the perfect romantic atmosphere.
