Colorado Springs is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Great weather, natural, red rock beauty, and protected parks abound in this corner of the state. Pack your hiking shoes, climbing gear, sunscreen, and camera, and get ready for a weekend filled with adrenaline-pumping excitement and stunning scenery.
Make your next stop the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. They were erected 800 to 1,000 years ago by the Anasazi people, and are still standing to this day.
After browsing the two museums that showcase ancient artifacts, go inside and walk in the footsteps of the Native Americans who built these impressive dwellings. You’ll also find a gift shop that offers reproductions of these items along with modern Native American pottery, jewelry, and more here as well. Pack a picnic lunch; you can munch at one of the site’s tables while taking in the incredible view of the dwellings and Pikes Peak.
For any adventure in Colorado, the mantra should be “go big or go home.” And what’s bigger than the Garden of the Gods, where more than 300 feet of towering sandstone protrudes against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak? There are 15 miles of hiking trails to explore and free nature talks throughout the day that fill you in on the ecology, geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the Colorado Springs area (including how the area’s famed red rocks came to be). The park also features mountain biking trails, front-range climbing outfitters, and Segway tours. If you arrive early or right around dusk, you’ll get to watch the shadows dance across the spectacular scenery while avoiding the busiest crowds. Or, if you’re short on time, simply cruising along one of the scenic drives will take your breath away.
In search of more thrills? In Cañon City, hanging 955 feet above the Arkansas River, sits the Royal Gorge Bridge. It held the record of being the highest bridge in the world from 1929 until 2001, when it was surpassed by the Liuguanghe Bridge in China. At its widest point, the bridge spans 938 feet, and is covered by a wooden walkway that is 1,292-feet long. Hopefully you aren't afraid of heights because you have to experience the thrill of walking across it, or better yet, zip-lining across it. To do either of these things, you’ll need to buy a ticket to the park. Admission will also give you access to several other rides and activities, and it’s redeemable for a second day if you’re staying in the area.
Don’t forget, you can white-water raft the Arkansas River below!
From ancient cliff dwellings to massive red rocks to majestic sand dunes, there are so many adventures around Colorado Springs that you might need more than just a weekend to fully experience it all! Pack up the car and get exploring.