Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Colorado Springs?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Colorado Springs?
Most visitors spend two to three days in Colorado Springs when visiting. The outdoorsy mountain town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the small town charm.
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and it offers access to world-class hiking and stunning parks both within and near the town. The Garden of Gods is a world class park in town and the city also offers easy access to the famed Pike's Peak in Pike National Forest. Many visitors use Colorado Springs as a base for exploring the many outdoor recreation areas that are nearby.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Colorado Springs? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Colorado Springs?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Colorado Springs, as many vacationers prefer to spend around two to three days in this mountain town. With this schedule, you'll be able to discover the nearby hiking trails, admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and take in the local charm. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in Colorado Springs
When visiting Colorado Springs, you absolutely can't miss Pikes Peak as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Colorado Springs is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Rock Climbing at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs ($221)
- Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Old Stage Road Jeep Tour ($95)
- Sightseeing Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods ($90)
Known for it's hiking, Colorado Springs sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ancient Landscapes Private Geology Hike at Garden of the Gods ($99)
- Guided Hiking Experience of Iconic Mirror Lake & Lone Eagle Peak ($150)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs ($88)
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. 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.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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 4 days enough time in Colorado Springs?
Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Colorado Springs, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Colorado Springs as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to discover the nearby hiking trails, admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and take in the local charm over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
How to spend 4 days in Colorado Springs
If you have more than 4 days in Colorado Springs, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the mountain town has to offer.
The small-town atmosphere of Colorado Springs is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a town filled with parks and offering easy access to the famed Pike's Peak.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area ($108)
- 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour ($72)
- Garden of the Gods Segway Tour through Juniper Loop ($140)
Is 5 days enough time in Colorado Springs?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Colorado Springs at your own pace to experience the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the small town charm. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing out to nearby mountain towns, hiking trails, or scenic viewpoints. There are also many exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Colorado Springs
Having 5 days in Colorado Springs will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the mountain town.
After you've explored most of Colorado Springs, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Colorado Springs, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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