A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Colorado Springs for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, shopping, and small town charm, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Blue Ridge different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly town. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

Couples should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Blue Ridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Colorado Springs if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Colorado Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colorado Springs than you might in Blue Ridge.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Blue Ridge