Top 15 Things To Do in Colorado Springs, Colorado
A city framed by red sandstone and alpine skyline, Colorado Springs balances adrenaline and access. Stack a morning climb at Garden of the Gods with an afternoon kayak or raft on the Arkansas River, then cap the day with a scenic drive up Pikes Peak. This guide lays out climbing, hiking, paddling, biking, winter pursuits, and motorized options so you can craft a day—or a week—that fits your pace.
Top 15 Things To Do in Colorado Springs
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Colorado Springs Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Colorado Springs is a study in vertical contrast: red fins of sandstone slicing up from the sage-brushed plains beneath a load-bearing sky where Pikes Peak holds court. The city is an open-air toolkit for days spent outdoors—climbing routes that read like short stories, river corridors that turn placid stretches into rippled playgrounds for rafting, kayaking, and SUP, and singletrack and paved paths that reward both pedal strokes and easy e-bike outings. Here, you can move through rock, water, and alpine air without long drives between disciplines; Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park are minutes from downtown, while the Arkansas River funnels whitewater within an hour. That adjacency changes how you plan: mornings are for steep approaches and exposure, afternoons for paddling or a sightseeing tour, and evenings for a town with good coffee and sturdy trail food.
The cultural seams of the place matter as much as the geology. Colorado Springs is equal parts gateway town and serious outdoor hub: outfitters line streets near major access points with boat rental, kayak tours, and bike rental options that let even short-stay travelers stitch together diverse experiences. For families or mixed-ability groups, the menu is forgiving—gentle walking tours through historic districts and low-commitment canoe or SUP sessions on calmer reservoirs sit alongside more technical pursuits like multi-pitch climbing and high-country hikes. Winter opens a different set of doors; when snows dust the peaks the area becomes an access point for alpine skiing and snowshoe explorations, and the valley's lower trails remain serviceable for cold-weather hikes and fat-bike excursions. In short, Colorado Springs lets you dial intensity up or down without sacrificing scenery.
Practical considerations shape the best days here. Weather shifts quickly with elevation—afternoon thunderstorms are a summer staple—so schedule exposed climbing and ridge hikes for mornings, and plan water activities for the warmth of the afternoon. If your goal is whitewater, book a guided rafting trip; water levels and currents change seasonally and guides double as safety insurance and route-finding experts. For self-led options, canoe, kayak, and SUP easily accommodate calmer lakes and lower-gradient river stretches. Mountain bikers and e-bike riders will find everything from smooth paved greenways to technical singletrack, and ATV/UTV options open up wider-country exploration where permitted. Whether you’re chasing sunrise on Pikes Peak, a vertical problem at a world-class crag, or a mellow paddle as dusk settles, Colorado Springs rewards itineraries that mix disciplines and respect the mountain clock.
Access is the advantage: short transfers, numerous outfitters for boat rental and guided trips, and a concentration of parks and trailheads reduce transit time so you spend more hours outside.
Pair high-output activity with low-effort pleasures—brewpubs, local markets, and easy scenic drives—so multi-day visitors can recover and regroup between high-adrenaline outings.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Warm afternoons and sunny skies dominate late spring through early fall; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—plan exposed climbs and ridge hikes for mornings. Winters are colder and drier at low elevations, with reliable snow higher on Pikes Peak and nearby ski areas.
Peak Season
Late spring through early fall (especially June–September) for rafting, hiking, and climbing; weekends fill quickly at popular trailheads and Garden of the Gods.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall and winter offer quieter trails, value lodging, and access to winter activities like downhill skiing and snowshoeing; fat bikes and guided winter tours are good low-crowd options.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short trails, mellow water sections, and guided outings make Colorado Springs accessible for first-timers.
- Walking tour of Old Colorado City or downtown
- Guided kayak or boat rental on a calm reservoir
- Short Garden of the Gods trails and viewpoint strolls
Intermediate
Longer hikes, exposed scrambles, and moderate whitewater or technical singletrack for riders with some experience.
- Day hike to a Pikes Peak viewpoint (consider partial summit via Pikes Peak Highway)
- Guided rafting on Class II–III Arkansas River stretches
- Red Rock Canyon singletrack rides and sport climbing routes
Advanced
Multi-pitch climbs, high-altitude route-finding, and serious whitewater demand skills, local knowledge, and planning.
- Multi-pitch trad climbs at Garden of the Gods or nearby crags
- Full-day technical whitewater trips on higher-flow sections
- High-elevation traverses requiring acclimatization and alpine navigation
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing for altitude-driven temperature swings
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, UV sunglasses) — the sun is strong at elevation
- Plenty of water and a reusable bottle or hydration bladder
- Sturdy footwear: approach shoes for climbing access, trail runners or boots for hikes
- Personal flotation device for paddling activities (rentals often include this)
Recommended
- Light rain shell for afternoon storms and wind
- Helmet for climbing, mountain biking, and guided rafting
- Lightweight daypack with emergency kit and map or downloaded offline route
- Microspikes or traction devices for shoulder-season alpine routes
Optional
- Dry bag for phone and small gear on kayaks or raft trips
- Binoculars for bird and wildlife viewing at dawn
- Compact multi-tool and climbing tape for route adjustments
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check access rules, seasonal closures, and water levels with local authorities and outfitters before you go.
Start early—sunrise beats crowds at Garden of the Gods and puts you ahead of afternoon storms. Book guided raft trips and boat rental on weekends, especially in summer. For climbing, respect posted route information and seasonal closures for nesting raptors; many popular routes have voluntary quiet seasons. If you're layering for altitude, remember mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm; carry wind protection. When driving the Pikes Peak Highway or exploring Ute Pass, watch for changing conditions and limited cell service at higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb in Garden of the Gods without a guide?
Yes—many routes are accessible to experienced climbers, but check local regulations, route conditions, and bolting practices. If you’re new to the area or to trad climbing, hire a local guide or take a clinic.
Are river activities safe without experience?
For calm lake paddling and guided raft trips, outfitters provide instruction and safety gear. For whitewater rafting and independent kayaking on Class II–IV stretches, consider a guide unless you have prior whitewater experience.
How close is Colorado Springs to Denver for a day trip?
Approximately 70–90 minutes drive depending on traffic. Day trips are common, but staying locally gives more time for sunrise missions, evening recovery, and multi-activity days.