Ecotourism in Colorado Springs

WHERE TO STAY

1. SCP – SCP (Soul Community Planet) Hotel aims to serve people and the planet through its services in what it calls “Holistic Hospitality.” Its mission is to provide a great hotel for people who “believe in the power of healthy living, kindness toward others and compassion to the planet.” The hotel focuses on giving back, offers healthy and fresh food, provides fitness opportunities, reduces waste, uses sustainable materials and provides green spaces for guests.
2. Kinship Landing – Downtown Colorado Springs’ newest boutique hotel was built around the idea of connection and the way hospitality can turn strangers into friends. Opening in December 2020, Kinship offers a clean, comfortable and affordable lodging option. They provide a sustainable way for guests to preserve their funds for creating epic memories in the area. They offer both private and shared rooms to accommodate every traveler type.
3. Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is a historical, bicycle-themed motor lodge motel with amenities and activities suited to cyclists and hikers. Located on a popular designated bike route connecting Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, you won’t need your car to get from the hotel to the trails.

WHERE TO EAT

1. Pizzeria Rustica – Not only does this local favorite serve up delicious pizza, they are also a 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant. They have one of the highest ratings in all of Colorado and are among the top 10 in the United States. Pizzeria Rustica has taken great steps to decrease the environmental impact of your dining experience.
2. Skirted Heifer – Skirted Heifer uses Energy Star efficient equipment in the kitchen, all of their takeout boxes and napkins are 100% recycled, they use plant-based cups and lids, their furniture is made from trees salvaged from the Waldo and Black Forest fire and they have bamboo flooring because bamboo plants grow faster than trees. Not to mention, their burgers are made from local, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Each don a skirt – one made of melted cheddar cheese!
3. Goat Patch Brewery -– Goat Patch Brewery’s values center around balanced brews, community engagement and adventure. Each year, the brewery chooses two nonprofits to host for its It Takes a Tribe initiative. When people purchase a pint of the It Takes a Tribe Red Ale, they receive a wooden nickel that represents 25 cents that will be given back to the organization at the anniversary party each year. They also host a food truck each day for delicious bites along with your beer.
4. Switchbacks Coffee Roasters – When it comes to finding coffee, Switchback focuses on quality, sustainability and transparency. The coffee roastery and café work with importers and producers that share the same values, including environmentally conscious farming practices and paying a decent wage to coffee pickers.

WHAT TO DO

1. PikeRide – Rent an e-bike from PikeRide to get around downtown Colorado Springs as well as Old Colorado City. PikeRide is elevating our community with a fun, healthy, planet-friendly and cost-effective way to get around. The electric-assist bikes make it super easy to get up small inclines, keep up with traffic and get going again once you've made a stop. Take a free, 15-minute ride, pay-as-you-go ride for more than 15 minutes, or purchase a 24-hour unlimited pass for $20.
2. Find Outdoor Adventure with UpaDowna – UpaDowna works to provide access to outdoor adventures for all, through events and programs that empower individuals, create healthier communities and foster a respect for the environment. Join one of their monthly group hikes and connect with the natural surroundings while practicing environmental stewardship.
3. Volunteer with Trails & Open Spaces Coalition – This organization believes in protecting our trails, parks and open spaces, which in turn, protects our lifestyle for generations to come. Join a volunteer group with the Trails & Open Space Coalition to ensure trails & parks are being taken care of in the most sustainable, responsible way.
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Give the giraffes some lettuce while supporting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s wildlife conservation and sustainability initiatives. Beyond living green themselves, their ongoing wildlife conservation products and Quarters for Conservation initiative, they are committed to spreading the word about how each and every person can make a difference in the health and sustainability of wildlife and wild places.

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Frayla Boutique – This socially responsible fashion boutique gives back every time their clothing is sold. Its concept is to support companies that make their products in the U.S. or give back in some way, including through ethically made fair trade fashion.
2. Yobel Market – this local market is a fair-trade retail store whose mission is to empower and promote the value of exploited, displaced and impoverished people groups of the world through the development of sustainable economic opportunities. Yobel contributes to product development and expands global marketplaces utilizing fair trade principles while partnering with organizations committed to ethical and sustainable production processes. Yobel is committed to educating consumers locally about the power of our purchases in the role of promoting freedom and dignity globally.
3. Ladyfingers Letterpress – This award-winning stationery and gift shop is LGBTQ+ owned-and-operated and has been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, Google, Martha Stewart Weddings and Vogue, just to name a few. The gals at Ladyfingers use their platform to promote womxn's, LGBTQ+, POC and immigrant rights, using their "power of the press" to produce work that helps mobilize social movements. They believe that you don't have to be a large company to make a big impact, taking pride in making things by hand, locally and sustainably. If it's not made in their shop, you better believe they've done their best to research the environmentally friendly businesses they collaborate with.
4. Eclectic Co – This cooperative space provides support, education and camaraderie to makers, as well as quality sustainable and handmade goods to better the community. Eclectic CO. supports local artisans, healthy local economies and social impact enterprises to promote social justice and environmental improvement. ​They proudly house dozens of social impact businesses making improvements in our communities, environment and social justice initiatives.
5. Heartshake Studios – With a taste for natural materials, bold color and a bohemian sensibility, the stop is filled with high-quality goods at attainable prices. The store supports local, handmade, fair trade and especially women-run businesses.