Updated: June 13, 2025
With just 2 days in Colorado Springs, you can check off some of the region’s most iconic attractions.
Make the most of every hour with bucket-list hikes, mountain panoramas, charming historic districts and world-class dining. This two-day itinerary narrows it down to the absolute musts—perfect for first-timers, weekend warriors or anyone chasing fresh mountain air and wide-open adventure.
Just an hour from Denver and 90-minutes from Boulder, Colorado Springs is easy to reach and home to more than 55 incredible attractions. Whether you're hiking trails at sunrise, riding the rails to Pikes Peak or pulling up a seat at chuckwagon supper, Colorado Springs turns 48 hours into something unforgettable.
Start your morning with breakfast at a local restaurant, then head to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo just a 20-minute from Downtown Colorado Springs. Perched at 6,714 feet, it’s the highest zoo in America and offers views of Colorado Springs that are nothing short of spectacular. Explore interactive exhibits and don’t miss the chance to hand-feed the giraffes, one of the zoo’s most beloved experiences.
On your way back to Colorado Springs, stop at Broadmoor Seven Falls for a hike among towering canyon walls to see a series of cascading waterfalls. Climb the stairs alongside the falls to take in the views from a scenic overlook. Reserve a table for lunch at Restaurant 1858, located right at the base of the falls.
Spend the afternoon diving into Team USA history at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. With 13 interactive galleries, this immersive experience brings the games to life, from their roots in ancient Olympia to today’s elite athletes training in Colorado Springs.
Wrap up your day in historic Old Colorado City. This historic neighborhood is full of character and is the place to go to browse galleries, enjoy an upscale dinner and unwind with drinks or dessert. It’s the perfect way to prepare for tomorrow's activities.
Start your day at one of Colorado’s most photographed locations. Garden of the Gods is stunning at sunrise, when golden light hits the towering red rock formations. Walk the 1.5-mile paved Perkins Central Garden Trail through the heart of the park, or take a scenic drive if you’re short on time. Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring–more if you want to hike deeper into the trails.
Feeling ambitious? Tackle the legendary Manitou Incline, a 2,768-step climb straight up a former cable car track. Permits are required (available as early as 6 a.m.), and most hikers complete the climb in a few hours. Start early to beat the heat and enjoy the rewarding views from the top.
After your morning workout, cool down in charming Manitou Springs, a walkable town famous for its natural mineral springs. Take a self-guided tour to taste the water at eight historic springs throughout the area. Stay for lunch and recharge at one of the many local eateries before continuing your afternoon adventure.
Make your way to the summit of Pikes Peak. You can ride the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway or drive the scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Either route takes about 3 to 3.5 hours round trip and requires advanced tickets. At the top, stop by the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center and reward yourself with a famous high-altitude donut.
End your trip with dinner at Flying W Ranch, a historic cattle ranch that’s been keeping the Old West alive since 1953. Arrive early to enjoy family-friendly fun, like archery, ax throwing and cattle roping, before sitting down for a chuckwagon supper and the western stage show by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers.
Colorado Springs has many different lodging options to suit each traveler's needs, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and dude ranches. A few options include:
Two days fly by when you’re chasing waterfalls and summits. Follow these tips to make the most of your time:
If you’re planning to extend your trip or want to customize your weekend, consider adding one of these options to your itinerary:
Attractions
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo4250 Cheyenne Mtn Zoo Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
Attractions
The Broadmoor Seven Falls1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905
Casual Family Atmosphere
Seven Falls Restaurant 18581045 Lower Gold Camp Rd.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905
Attractions
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum200 S Sierra Madre St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Retail Stores & Boutiques
Old Colorado CityColorado Ave West of I-25 to 28th St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
Parks and Open Spaces
Garden of the Gods Park1805 North 30th St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
Parks and Open Spaces
Manitou InclineRuxton Avenue
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Attractions
Visit Manitou Springs354 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Attractions
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain5069 Pikes Peak Hwy
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Attractions
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway515 Ruxton Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Attractions
Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center5089 Pikes Peak Highway
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Attractions
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Show3330 Chuckwagon Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919
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