Featuring warm weather and plenty of open outdoor spaces, Colorado Springs is one of the best cities to visit during summer. Colorado Springs, indeed, has much to offer visitors year-round. However, the city’s many outdoor highlights seem to shine brighter during summer!
Without further ado, keep reading to learn more about the top 10 things to do in Colorado Springs this summer.
1. Garden of the Gods
First called Red Rock Corral by European settlers, Garden of the Gods park is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs. The park is home to several awe-inspiring rock formations. These formations include Steamboat Rock, the Three Graces, and Balanced Rock.
Popular summer activities in Garden of the Gods park include hiking, mountain biking, birding, and segway riding. Those interested in seeing all 1,341 acres of the park can also take an auto tour of the park.
2. Pikes Peak
The highest summit of the southern Front Range, Pikes Peak, is visited by tens of millions of individuals every year. The summit is accessible via a hiking trail and an automobile highway. The Pikes Peak Highway climbs from 7,400 feet to 14,115 feet. Aside from auto tours, other activities in Pikes Peak include fishing, hiking, and biking. The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center also sits at 14,115 feet and is home to interpretive experiences, an extensive gift shop, and a restaurant.
3. Manitou Springs
Known for its mineral springs and mountain views, Manitou Springs is a resort city located about 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The city is home to many attractions, including the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, the Manitou Incline, and several popular bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking to spend the day in Manitou Springs, start by trying your hand (or legs) at the Manitou Incline. Next, explore the Manitou Cliff Dwelling Museum and learn about the people who once inhabited the Colorado Springs area.
4. Glen Eyrie Castle
Boasting its English Tudor architecture, Glen Eyrie Castle is one of the more unique sights in all of Colorado Springs. Tours of the castle grounds take place twice a day, and visitors can even rent a room inside the castle for the night!
The castle grounds are home to many wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, turkeys, and mule deer. Visitors of Glen Eyrie Castle can view these species and learn more about the castle’s architecture and history all summer long!
5. The Broadmoor Seven Falls
The Seven Falls is a series of waterfalls that is one of the most captivating sights in all of Colorado, and that’s saying something in a state with five glorious national parks. Situated in an idyllic box canyon, visitors viewing Seven Falls can also take in the sights of jagged rock faces, pristine waters, and rare flowers.
Those looking to plan a longer vacation can also stay at the Broadmoor resort, where they can golf, play tennis, and relax all vacation long.
6. Olympic Training Center
Whether you’re a fan of the Olympics or athletics in general, touring the Olympic Training Center is a must-do during summer in Colorado Springs. Tours of the facility include walkthroughs of the gymnastics, volleyball, and swimming centers. Visitors can even stroll through the Olympic campus and explore the hall of fame.
7. Cave of the Winds
Located at over 7,000 feet above sea level, the Cave of the Winds is one of the highest caves in the United States. The cave is also a popular tourist destination in Colorado Springs, known for its picturesque stalagmites and other formations.
Visitors can choose between several tour options when they explore Cave of the Winds. The most popular tour is the Discovery Tour, where visitors can learn more about the cave’s formation and history.
8. Red Rock Canyon
Summer in Red Rock Canyon is an outdoor recreationist’s dream. Visitors looking to explore more of Colorado Spring’s outdoor spaces can participate in many activities in Red Rock Canyon, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
The canyon is well known in Colorado for being one of the finest outdoor spaces near Colorado Springs and Denver. The park features several exciting hiking trails, including Sand Canyon Trail and the Roundup Trail.
9. Old Colorado City
One of the most exciting neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City is filled with shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. With a slogan like, “locals and tourists agree, it’s the place to be,” you know Old Colorado City will make for a great summer excursion. Take the whole family and dine, explore, and shop till you drop!
10. Bear Creek Regional Park
Bear Creek Regional Park is set in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Visiting the park is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in Colorado Springs. Visitors to the park will find open fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball nets, and even an archery range.
The park also features a connected dog park where families can allow their furry members to run around off-leash! Park hours are 5 AM to 9 PM. Reservations for the park can be made starting April 1st through October 31st.
Step Outside and Explore Colorado Springs!
Now that you’ve learned more about our favorite things to do in Colorado Springs during the summer, it’s time to plan what you’ll do first. Will you hike and explore Garden of the Gods park, tour Old Colorado City, or try one of the other great Colorado Springs excursions?
No matter what you choose to do first, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every second of summer in Colorado Springs. While this list includes many of our favorite summer attractions, there is plenty else to do in the city year-round.
If you find yourself in need of self-storage in Colorado Springs this summer, simply give us a call at 719-265-5900 or visit us at Garden of the Gods Self Storage. We will be standing by to service all your self-storage needs!