A COMPLETE Guide: Fun Things To Do In Colorado Springs For Adults

If you’ve ever scrolled through guides to Colorado Springs, you’ve probably seen the same handful of spots pop up—Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and a lot of family-friendly attractions.

Don’t get me wrong, those are classics for a reason. But as someone who actually lives here and spends weekends exploring beyond the usual stops, I can promise there’s way more for adults to do in this mountain town than you might think.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite adult-friendly attractions, local experiences, and mindful ways to explore Colorado Springs, along with a few nearby day trips that are totally worth the drive. Think of it as your local’s guide to the grown-up side of Colorado Springs.

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A COMPLETE Guide: Fun Things To Do In Colorado Springs For Adults

Outdoor Adventure & Nature

Garden Of The Gods

You can explore this park a dozen different ways. There are tons of great hikes in the park as well as tours that I’ve taken myself. Some of my favorite hikes to do is Balanced Rock and favorite tours are jeep and e-bike tours.

• Hiking
• Biking
• Segway Tours
• Horseback Riding Tours
• Jeep Tours

Hiking

This section deserves its own guide truly. The city is surrounded by trails for every mood and skill level.

Garden of the Gods and Pulpit Rock have easy access and panoramic views of Pikes Peak. For a real challenge, the Manitou Incline, is a steep climb that rewards you with incredible views of the entire town of Colorado Springs. 

Some of my more favorite quiet trails I usually hike are Ute Valley Park or Lovell Gulch Trail in Woodland Park. They both offer peaceful pine forests and fewer crowds. The Crags Trail on Pikes Peak is one of the most scenic hikes in the region, perfect for photography!

Here is a list of some of my favorite hikes to do in the area:

• Garden of The Gods – the best free city park in town.
• Balanced Rock at Garden of The Gods – amazing rock formation standing on it’s edge!
• Pulpit Rock – open space with the best views of the city.
• Paint Mines Interpretive Park – beautiful pink colored rock formations!
• Manitou Incline – the HARDEST hike in town.
• Ute Valley Park – beautiful open space for mountain biking, photography, and hiking.
• Lovell Gulch Trail – hiking trail near woodland park with 2 local moose!
• Crags Trail – a 5.5 mile hike on the west face of Pikes Peak, beautiful trail!
• Red Rocks Trail near Woodland Park – Big red rocks for hiking, climbing, and photography

Biking

Phil and I riding our tandem at Garden of the Gods.

There is a mix of road biking, gravel, and mountain biking. I have noted next to each spot below as to what kind of biking that specific place is good for. There’s more outside of town but these are just some right in town. 

• Garden Of The Gods Scenic Road (Road Biking)
• New Santa Fe Regional Trail via Edmondson Trail Head (Gravel Bike)
• Cottonwood Creek Trail along Woodman Road (Gravel Bike)
• Ute Valley (Mountain Biking)
• Stratton Open Space (Mountain Biking)
• Blodget Open Space (Mountain Biking)

Open Spaces

Open spaces are sections of just that, open spaces of nature in different parts of the town.

They are a great place to be in nature without leaving the city per say. They really offer a lot of quiet trails and places to get a nature fix. They’re great for quick morning or sunset hikes/runs, picnic spots, and places to take portraits.

These are some of my favorites: 

• Blodgett Open Space
• Ute Valley Park 
• Pulpit Rock Open Space 
• Bear Creek Regional Park 
• Red Rock Open Space

Paint Mines Interpretive Park 

If you’re up for an easy and scenic day trip just east of the city, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is worth the drive. There’s colorful clay formations that’s fun to walk around and photograph.

It’s one of those unique things to do near Colorado Springs that most visitors miss—and it’s a great add-on to your weekend adventure.

Rock Climbing, Zip-lining, Whitewater Rafting, & Via Ferratas

A lot of companies like The Broadmoor, Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park, and the Royal Gorge offer zip-lining, Via Ferratas, and INCREDIBLE white water rafting day tours! The white water rafting tours are offered in both half days and full days depending on what you’re feeling.

For rock climbing, there are some really great indoor climbing places in town or you can just find a natural rock climbing spot recommended by the people that work in these indoor rock climbing places and go outside. 

Pikes Peak Mountain

Pikes Peak is the 14er that makes Colorado Springs famous.

You can drive the Pikes Peak Highway, hike the trails, take a scenic jeep ride up, or take the Cog Railway from Manitou Springs.

I do love having this mountain here since it honestly offers a lot to do. Two of my favorite hiking trails on Pikes Peak mountain is: The Crags Trail and Manitou incline.

Broadmoor Seven Falls

Broadmoor Seven Falls is probably one of Colorado Springs’s most picturesque attractions.

They have a 224 staircase where you can see waterfall views and explore some short trails above the falls. It’s a great blend of nature and accessibility. If you go in the summertime, the ice-cream is amazing!

If you’re building out your Colorado Springs itinerary, I would absolutely recommend adding this place. It’s the best bang for your buck! The hike to the waterfalls are stunning in itself and I always have a good time coming here, year after year.

Cheyenne Mountain

I do like hiking Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It’s great for birding, scenic overlooks, and miles of well-maintained trails. In my opinion, it’s also one of the best places to see waterfalls and rivers in town.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a mountain park right in town.

They offer a lot of amazing tours that are interactive with the mountain side of Colorado Springs. They offer classic cave tours, zip-lining across the canyon, and the “Terror-Dactyl” ride. It’s a swing that swings you 200 feet into the air. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t do the swing, but it’s a favorite for a lot of my friends! You can find all their information on their local website.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park 

About an hour from Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes.

They have the highest suspension bridges in the country. When you purchase one of their tickets for the bridge, you get access to their aerial gondola which takes you across the entire bridge and give you AMAZING views?!

It’s a great and easy day trip from Colorado Springs and a must if you like wide-open canyon views. 

Royal Gorge Scenic Train

Okay, so one of my personal favorite tours just an hour south of Colorado Springs is The Royal Gorge Scenic Train. I brought my parents here when they first came to visit and they LOVED it!!

The train ride follows the Arkansas River through steep canyon walls. This ride is amazing for photography, experiencing the Royal Gorge, and also a nice day date.

Pricing can get a little pricey so I made sure to give an in-depth review of the Royal Gorge train ride here! I promise the money is SO WORTH IT!

Glen Eyrie Castle

This is a hidden gem near Garden Of The Gods and it’s pretty easy to miss so I wanted to add it on this list.

This place was built by the founder of Colorado Springs. Glen Eyrie Castle sits right beneath towering cliffs near Garden of the Gods. And yes, it’s literally a castle!

I’d say this place is a unique and fun attraction to experience. It’s not your “normal” adventure and I think I like it because of that. It really focuses on mindful and local travel, which you know I am a huge advocate for. You can visit for tea, join a historical tour, or explore the grounds.

If you have time, I would recommend taking an afternoon to experience this place.

Scenic Hot Air Balloon Rides

Every morning you will see hot air balloons hovering over Colorado Springs. They are absolutely a gem to witness and even better to experience!!

They showcase the beauty of the entire town as well as the front range with Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in the background.

So many people in town love this attraction and though I am afraid of heights, I’ll admit, I know I have to try this attraction at least once.

Scenic Drives Near Colorado Springs

Okay, moving on to scenic drives in and near Colorado Springs, there are TONS!!

Colorado Springs is surrounded by scenic roads that make great easy day trips.

This is usually what I do.

I always try to fit in some days in my travels to explore a little outside of town and see what is near by. I have found that this is my “secret” to discovering tons of hidden gems not always talked about online.

You have a little bit of everything from winding canyon routes to alpine passes. These are some of my absolute favorites from Colorado Springs that give you stunning mountain views!

Scenic Drives Near Colorado Springs:

I’ve done every single one of these and recommend them all for different reasons! I’ll add a little note for each on what each one is great for to help you make a final decision. Let’s get into it:

Pikes Peak Highway 

GREAT FOR VIEWS

I can’t talk about scenic drives here without starting with the iconic Pikes Peak Highway. This drive stretches for 19 miles from the foothills to the summit.

It’s one of the most stunning high-altitude drives in Colorado. On clear days, you can see for miles across the Front Range and even spot Garden of the Gods far below.

Though fare-warning, take it slow, the switchbacks are steep, and the elevation climb is real. There are pullouts for photos, picnic spots, and a visitor center at the top with warm drinks and those famous high-altitude donuts.

It’s a great adventure to add to your Colorado Springs itinerary! In fact, that’s what I did in my post below!

Gold Camp Road 

GREAT FOR ROUGH BACKCOUNTRY GRAVEL FORESTED ROADS

This used to be an old railroad route. Gold Camp Road takes you through tunnels and pine forests. The drive is unpaved in sections but manageable for most vehicles when dry.

If you go, start near North Cheyenne Cañon and drive west toward Victor—it’s especially beautiful at sunset when the light hits the cliffs.

Shelf Road 

GREAT 4X4 BACK COUNTRY CANYON ROADS

This one takes all day and I would only do it if I rented a 4X4.

Shelf Road connects Cripple Creek to Cañon City, and winds along narrow cliffs. The dirt road isn’t for everyone, but if you like rugged terrain and dramatic canyon scenery, it’s one of the most memorable drives near the Springs.

Rampart Range Road 

GREAT FOR COLORADO SPRINGS CITY VIEWS

Rampart Range Road stretches north from Garden of the Gods into the forested ridges above Woodland Park, with a lot of overlooks along the way.

It’s also a great place for dispersed camping or a quiet picnic. I love taking this route in summer when wildflowers line the hillsides and afternoon storms roll over the mountains. Such a staple in town!! Love this one!

Route 67 (South) to Cripple Creek & Victor 

GREAT FOR FIRST-TIMERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Highway 67 is the mountain day drive I take with my friends and family who visit me in the Springs. I love that it winds through forests, small towns, and goes through Colorado’s gold mining history. 

This is the perfect drive to Cripple Creek and Victor. Both towns are filled with stories, old buildings, and beautiful mountain views. Also, they’re much quieter than the touristy spots closer to the city.

Also, make sure to check out Rita The Rock Planter while you’re out there!!

Route 67 (North) to Deckers

GREAT FOR SCENIC WINDY ROADS TO A FISHING RIVER

This one is probably my hidden gem scenic drive.

Route 67 is absolutely peaceful. The road follows the South Platte River through pine forests and rolling foothills, with plenty of places to pull off for fishing and photography.

It’s especially pretty in fall when the aspens turn gold and the air starts to cool.

Local Hidden Gems (Jessy’s Favorites! 🌿)

I wanted to add a section sharing my personal favorite places to go to in town.

I suppose that’s the cool part about having a travel blog, I can share not only “best of” places, but places I personally love to go to all the time.

JESSY’S FAVORITES IN TOWN:

• Camera Stores
  • Cameraworks – Film Camera Store In Town (Friendly!)
  • Mikes Camera – Major Camera Store
• Ladyfingers Letterpress – best paper source & printing place 
• Savory Spice Shop – best kitchen supply store
• MER | Mountain Equipment Recyclers – best used outdoor gear store
• Poor Richard’s Bookstore – best bookstore
• REI – best to find clothing in your specific size
• Sierra –  best discounted outdoor gear / clothing store

Local Restaurants, Breweries, & Cafès

I’ll be honest at first glance, I wasn’t impressed with the food in the Springs. Coming from Chicago, it was hard to compare, though after spending 4+ years here, I’ve personally witnessed the food scene evolve and have saved over 70 spots in my google maps.

I’ve included an extensive categorized list of different types of restaurants, cafes, and breweries I really like and have personally gone to.

I can pretty much guarantee that whatever you choose from these lists, you’ll have a good dining experience!

Breweries & Taprooms

• Red Leg Brewery 
• Goat Patch Brewery 
• O’Furry’s Taproom 
• Renegade Brewing
• Shrunken Head Tiki

Cafès, Tea Houses, & Coffee Shops

• Yellow Mountain Tea House
• Loyal Coffee
• Wayfinder Coffee Co.
• Storybook Coffee
• Switchback Coffee Roasters
• Hold Fast Coffee Co.
• Good Neighbors Meeting House
• High Rise Coffee Roaster

Bakeries & Natural Foods

• Mountain Mama Natural Foods
• Sweet Elizabeth’s Organics
• The French Kitchen

Trendy Restaurants

• Sushi Row
• Night Ramen 
• Por Favor Tacos & Tragos
• Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery
• COATI 
• Shuga’s
• Monse’s Pupuseria
• Front Range Barbeque
• 503W
• Pig Latin Cocina
• The Rabbit Hole

Amazing “Hole In The Walls”

• 3.14 Pi Bar
• Mother Muffs
• Zapata Mexican Taco Shop
• Thai Taste Cuisine
• El Chapin Food Truck

Sit-Down Wineries

• Wines Of Colorado (by a river!)
• Uva Wine Bar
• Manitou Winery 
• Wayfinder’s Coffee House – Wine Tasting Nights

Shopping 

Colorado Springs is filled with a lot of shopping.

My favorite places to go shopping for boutiques and local shops are Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Downtown Colorado Springs.

The other two areas have more chain stores like Target, Costco, and Trader Joes. 

• Old Colorado City – Best for local boutiques
• Manitou Springs – Best for touristy shops & fudge
• Downtown Colorado Springs – Best for unique shops and restaurants
• University Village Colorado Shopping Center – Best for chain stores like Trader Joes & Costco #1
• Shopping Center on Powers Road – Best for chain stores like Target, Sierra, & Costco #2

Arts, Culture, Museums, & Creativity 

One thing I love about Colorado Springs is that there are TONS of unique things to do for adults right in town.

From museums, shopping, dinner shows, workshops, and dancing, you really can find something to do that’s not “just hiking”. 

Museums & Mountain Zoo

• U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
• ProRodeo Hall Of Fame & Museum Of The American Cowboy
• Western Museum Of Mining & Industry 
• Penrose Heritage Museum 
• Space Foundation Headquarters & Discovery 
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Dinner Shows

• Iron Springs Chateau 
• Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Suppers & Original Western Stage Show
• Murder Mystery Dinner Shows

Galleries & Art Walks

• First Friday Art Walk 

Creative Workshops

• Paint with a Twist – Paint and Drink 
• Photography Workshops at Mikes Camera Store
• Pottery Classes at Pikes Peak Artist Collective
• Latisha Hardy Dance & Company – Fun Dance Classes
• Cooking Classes with a Local Chef in Colorado Springs

Fitness & Local Community Events

I love a good exercise class. They’re different from going outside and have more of a community focus to it.

These are the places I’ve personally gone to and love them so much for the amazing instructors and just sense of community you get. 

My Favorite Group Exercise Classes:

• Cycology – Indoor Cycle Classes
• Corepower Yoga
• Cambio Yoga
• Core Collective Pilates 

Local Community Events: Colorado Springs Rising Tides – Entrepreneurship & Small Business Meet-Ups

I want to personally give a shout out to this group.

Before I started traveling full-time as a Radiation Therapist. I was actually part of the leadership team. We were in charge of putting together a meet-up every month. Any they still do!

One month is morning co-working meetups where you meet up at a coffee shop and connect with other entrepreneurs and the next month is an evening workshop with a speaker. The speaker concentrates on a topic for building your business.

Find their instagram where they post any upcoming events here!

Unwind: Relaxation, Wellness, and Nature Viewpoints

It took me a while to slow down enough to appreciate the relaxing side of Colorado Springs. Between all the mountain hikes and road trips, it was hard to find relaxing places in town.

The Springs have so many peaceful places for adults to unwind. I’ve included our local day spa: SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs, some more commercial massage therapy spots, and also some beautiful scenic overlooks where I go to relax.

Spas & Hotsprings

• SunWater Spa

Massage Therapy

• Hand And Stone Massage & Facial Spa
• Elements Massage
• A Total New You Salon & Medical Spa 
• Massage Envy

My Favorite Scenic Nature Overlooks

• Picnic Spots around North Cheyenne Cañon 
• Garden of the Gods Overlook 
• Pulpit Rock Open Space 
• Ute Valley Open Space 

The Best Day Trips From Colorado Springs

One of the best parts about living in or visiting Colorado Springs is how many incredible spots are just a short drive away.

Wake up early, stop at a coffee shop, explore any of these places. They all have different local hiking trails, restaurants, and breweries to check out.

Nearby Mountain Towns From Colorado Springs

• Woodland Park
• Victor & Cripple Creek
• Canon City 
• Green Mountain Falls
• Monument 

Nature and Outdoors

• Rita The Rock Planter In Victor, CO – An amazing wooden-made sculpture.

Nightlife & Entertainment

So I couldn’t create a guide of fun things to do in Colorado Springs for adults without adding this section.

I know that even though hiking and scenic day trips are fun, sometimes getting a beer at the end of the day is just something you need sometimes.

I know that’s me for sure. So here are some of my favorite places I’ve met up with friends for a beer and some live music at the end of an adventure day. 

Live Music & Bars

• Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort 
• The Black Sheep Music Venue 
• Hillside Gardens & Event Center
• Lulu’s Downtown
• Red Leg Brewing Company
• Ford Amphitheater

Speakeasies

• The Wobbly Olive
• Allusion Cocktail Bar on Powers Road

Dancing

• Latin Dancing – Every First Friday Of The Month At Latisha Hardy Dance Studio
• Silent Disco – Every First Friday Of The Month At COATI Uprising

Movie Theatres

• Cinemark Carefree Circle & IMAX 
• RoadHouse Cinemas 

Sports 

• Switchbacks Stadium 

Romantic or Unique Date Ideas

Phil and I like to have monthly date nights. Though it’s not an exhaustive list, these are two unique date ideas that we’ve personally done that are fun and romantic.

I hope this gives you some ideas for yourself and your partner!

💕 Date Idea #1: Sunset picnic at Garden of the Gods Overlook – Our Favorite Date Night!

Once in a while Phil and I will come to this overlook with a dinner and just enjoy the view. In my opinion its the best view in town. Sunsets here are stunning!

It can get busy though and with a small parking lot, you want to make sure you arrive early-ish!

💕Date Idea #2: Dinner + Live Jazz Downtown

There are free Jazz Nights Every Thursday at the Mining Exchange Hotel.

I would suggest a nice dinner somewhere downtown Colorado Springs like Dos Dos and then walk down to the hotel for a relaxing night of live jazz.

Seasonal Festivals & Events

If there’s one thing Colorado Springs does surprisingly well, it’s celebrations.

The city may feel laid-back most of the time, but when festival season hits, everyone shows up, locals, travelers, and even a few mountain-town regulars making the drive down for the day.

After a few years of living here, I’ve learned which events are actually worth adding to your calendar and which ones are mostly traffic.

Colorado Springs in the Summer

• Old Colorado City Saturday Farmer’s Market
• Pikes Peak HillClimb 
• Pikes Peak Pride 

Colorado Springs In The Fall 

• Territory Days
• Labor Day Lift- Colorado Springs Air Balloon Festival  
• Pikes Peak Oktoberfest at Hillside Gardens
• Fall Colors Drives Nearby
• Emma Crawford Coffin Races 

Colorado Springs in The Winter

• Festival Of Lights Parade
• Christmas Lights at Broadmoor Hotel
• Christmas Lights at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Holiday Jazz Nights

Final Thoughts – Where Are You Going Next?

Colorado Springs has a way of surprising people. This city has layers worth exploring, especially when you slow down enough to notice them.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably the kind of traveler who values experiences, like hot air balloon rides or scenic train rides, over checklists.

I really do hope this guide helps you see Colorado Springs in a new light, and maybe inspires your next trip a little further than just Garden Of The Gods. There truly is so much to experience in my little home town community!

If your in town and want a more in-depth Colorado Springs itinerary, you can check out my 3-day Colorado Springs Itinerary here!