For those who want to stay outside as much as possible
Updated: June 25, 2026
Are the mountains calling? Then you must go! Colorado Springs is a known outdoor adventure hub, and for good reason.
The Pikes Peak Region has more than 300 parks, 50 designated open spaces and hundreds of miles of trails. Year-round activities include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, rock climbing, horseback riding, snow shoeing, zip lining, whitewater rafting and everything in between. So, if you’re hoping to visit and spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, this one’s for you.
For our real outdoorsy folk, check out the area’s many campgrounds and RV sites! Favorite spots include Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Golden Eagle Campground and Lone Duck Campground. If you’re looking for more traditional lodging but still near your adventures, we recommend these adventure-adjacent properties: The Outrider Hotel in Manitou Springs, Kinship Landing in Downtown Colorado Springs and the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort near Garden of the Gods Park.
Browse all lodging options and categories here.
In between your adventures, fuel up at one of Colorado Springs’ many great eateries! CO.A.T.I is a food hall in the New South End of Downtown Colorado Springs and features several food vendors to satisfy multiple cravings. If you’ve got your dog with you, Pub Dog Colorado is a perfect option. There, you can dine with your pup and let them run around the venue’s on-site dog park. Plus, it’s near parks and trails like Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Bear Creek Regional Park. Another fun choice is Commonfork – fresh, flavorful bites located inside the CityROCK climbing gym!
Browse all dining options and categories here.
AM: Take a Jeep tour through Garden of the Gods with Adventures Out West
PM: Hike in North Cheyenne Cañon Park
If you’re coming from lower elevation, it’s a good idea to pace yourself before any big adventures. We recommend easing into things with a lovely Jeep tour through Garden of the Gods Park! Adventures Out West can take you on a journey through the foothills and integrate you into the area with some Colorado Springs history and scenic views.
In the afternoon, head to North Cheyenne Cañon Park for a hike to start acclimating to the altitude. Bring plenty of water and layers! Some of our favorite hikes in this city park include Mt. Cutler, Mt. Muscoco, Seven Bridges Trail and St. Mary’s Falls. Each route has its own charm: Cutler overlooks Seven Falls, Muscoco provides great canyon views, Seven Bridges Trail is more shaded and follows a creek and St. Mary’s Falls features a waterfall.
AM: Mountain bike through Palmer Park
PM: Zip line with The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
Now that you’re warmed up, it’s time to dial up the adventure for day 2! Start with a morning mountain bike adventure through Palmer Park. This city park is where a big portion of the Pikes Peak APEX mountain bike race takes place! The Palmer Park Loop is a great option that isn’t overly technical – so beginners can partake. Enjoy views of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and Downtown Colorado Springs from this route! If you need to rent mountain bikes, check out Colorado Springs Bike Shop and Ted’s Bicycles.
Later in the day, check out The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip lining adventure. There are multiple course options that take you across the rugged cliffs of Seven Falls Canyon. It’s a beautiful way to experience the region’s scenic beauty from above!
AM: Hike Pikes Peak via Barr Trail
PM: Soak at SunWater Spa
Day 3 is the day to conquer a 14er (what us Coloradans call the tallest mountains in the state that are over 14,000 feet in elevation). Our famous Colorado Springs 14er is Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. It’s considered a Class 1 hike from the Barr Trail, which is the route we recommend taking. The other option is considered a Class 2, which is the Crags route that starts from the other side of the mountain. Barr Trail is about 12.6 miles one way and begins in Manitou Springs (near the Manitou Incline trailhead). Prepare accordingly before attempting this hike, and leave early in the morning if you want to conquer it in one day! You can always split up the hike by camping at Barr Camp to rest before completing the summit. If you’re interested in hiking up to the top but taking transportation down, you can book a ride down with Rocky Mountain Ride. Enjoy the great views from the summit and be sure to grab a donut from the Summit Visitor Center! You’ve earned it.
After all that mountain climbing, reset your muscles with a mineral springs soak at SunWater Spa in the evening. Overlooking Pikes Peak and the mountains near Manitou Springs, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets and starry nights from this spot!
AM: Free fall with Skydive Colorado Springs
PM: Horseback ride with Old Stage Riding Stables
If you’ve always dreamed of skydiving, this is your chance! Just south of Colorado Springs near Cañon City, you can book a tandem skydiving experience with Skydive Colorado Springs. Jump from 10,000 feet while harnessed to a certified instructor. The drop zone is located between Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, making for incredible views during your plummet (and subsequent soft landing).
After what’s sure to be a thrilling morning, keep it low key with a relaxing horseback ride off Old Stage Road with Old Stage Riding Stables. After a beautiful drive through the Pikes Peak foothills, a guide will take you through the wooded trails while talking through stories of the region, pointing out flora and fauna and allowing you to soak in the views.
If you’re looking for some fun local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these signature Pikes Peak Region events!
June 21, 2026
Brave drivers have been racing to the top of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain since 1916.
September 19 — 20, 2026
The Pikes Peak Marathon and Pikes Peak Ascent are arguably the world's most elevating marathon and half marathon races.
June 13 — 14, 2026
Explore the Pikes Peak APEX with event information on tickets, special courses and more.
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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