Most visitors come to the Pikes Peak Region expecting mountains, pine trees and huge sandstone rock formations. Those features are still classic Colorado experiences for a reason, but Paint Mines Interpretive Park is incredibly unexpected. I’ve had guests step out here and immediately say something along the lines of, “Wait… we’re still in Colorado?”

Why it deserves more hype

First, the visual payoff of the Paint Mines is remarkable for how little attention the park gets. You can walk among colorful clay hoodoos streaked with pinks, oranges, whites, and subtle purples.

It’s an attraction I can take people where the experience feels quiet and personal. Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you can actually slow down, wander a bit, and take it in without feeling rushed.

Lastly, there’s a deep layer of history tied to the land. Historically, the colorful clays were used by Indigenous peoples for pottery and natural pigments.

On the north side of town, right of I-25, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is one of those places that a lot of people drive right past without realizing what they’re missing.

Why is deserves more hype

Mining is the reason this region exists in the first place.

Before it became the city we love today, people came here for the gold. It gets into the how of mining: —the machinery, the innovation, the trial-and-error that came with pulling resources out of the ground in brutal conditions. You’re looking at massive equipment, early tools, and systems that were cutting-edge at the time.

Another reason it’s underrated is that it’s interactive. Depending on when you visit, you might catch live demonstrations or see equipment in motion. There’s even an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning: you might actually find some!

If you’re heading out toward Cripple Creek or Victor – —or even if you’re just curious how this whole region got its start – —this is an excellent stop to make on your trip.

Even for those who don’t consider themselves “aviation people,” the National Museum of World War II Aviation is always a hit.

Why it deserves more hype

A lot of museums feel like you’re walking past history, while this museum feels like you’ve stepped into it.

Visitors are able to stand a few feet away from machines that changed the course of history and have been fully restored to excellent condition. This museum is packed with nearly 30 operational aircraft. The National Museum of WWII Aviation is part museum, part working hangar and part restoration facility! Many of these planes even fly in local air shows.

If you’re trying to pack your trip with nothing but outdoor stops, you're not alone, but I recommend this museum when someone wants to experience something educational without losing that sense of discovery.

If you’ve already walked Manitou Ave and you want something quieter, a little quirky and packed with character, I'd send you to Miramont Castle.

Why it deserves more hype

Miramont has an eclectic charm and tons of character. The castle consists of nine different architectural styles wrapped into one building. It sounds chaotic on paper, but you’ll see it in person and realize it actually works. Exploring the castle, you move through a series of rooms with different materials, layouts, and vibes. It keeps you curious, because you genuinely don’t know what the next room is going to look like.

Built in the late 1800s by Father Jean Baptiste Francolon, the place has worn a few different hats over the years: a private home, a sanitarium and now a museum.Another reason it flies under the radar is its location. People come to Manitou Springs for the Incline, the shops, maybe a quick stroll through town. Miramont sits just far enough off that main path that a lot of visitors might not realize it's there. If you’ve got even a slight interest in architecture or history, plan to spend more time than you expect. This isn’t a quick in-and-out stop. It’s a wander-and-discover kind of place.

Also, if you’re a tea drinker, the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room is an absolute must.

Victor is a tiny, former mining town about an hour west of Colorado Springs. It’s home to the Vindicator Valley Trail, which feels like you stumbled upon a well-kept secret. On another nearby trail you can run into Rita the Rock Planter, which is exactly as unique as it sounds.

Why it deserves more hype

The Vindicator Valley Trail in Victor blends raw history with a surprisingly peaceful setting. You’re walking through the remains of an old mining operation full of stone structures and equipment remnants. These features indicate that this area was once loud, busy, and full of activity. Now? It’s quiet. You hear the wind, maybe a few birds, and your own footsteps.

You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy the awesome experience: the trail is low difficulty, making it ideal for all skill levels.

Not too far away, you can hike a short trail to find Rita, a giant wooden troll sculpture. It’s an awesome photo op that’s’ not too hard to get to!

These two hiking trails are absolutely fantastic – and even more jaw dropping in the fall when the aspen leaves turn vibrant colors! If you’re already heading out towards Cripple Creek or Victor, these little detours make the day feel more complete.

And then Rita shows up and reminds you that even in a place built on hard industry, there’s still room for a little creativity.

A perfect day in Colorado Springs, for me, is all about pacing: making sure I get the most out of each place I visit instead of rushing from stop to stop.

I’d start the day early with a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak. Not before-the-birds-start-to-sing early, but early enough that the Pikes Peak Highway and summit are a little quieter. Mornings are my favorite time to drive the highway: the air is calmer, the views are clearer and I avoid the heavier traffic later in the day. I like to take my time on the drive up, pulling off to stop a few times to really take in the views.

But the real magic is at the top. Standing at 14,115 feet, looking out over what feels like half the state, it has a way of slowing everything down. People get quiet up there. Phones come out for photos at first, but then they usually drop a little. It’s one of those rare places where you can feel just how big Colorado really is —and how small everything else becomes for a minute.

Catching glimpses of wildlife along the highway and at the summit isn’t a guarantee – but when it happens, it’s magical. Seeing a family of big horn sheep in their element can really stop you in your tracks… especially if they decide to cross the road, in which case, you literally stop in your tracks!

Coming back down from the mountain, you've got to make time for a proper lunch stop. Both Manitou Springs and the westside of Colorado Springs are loaded with options and I try to experience a new “watering hole” when I can! Depending on where you stop, you can enjoy a nice after-lunch stroll through Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City

From there, I’ll head over to the Garden of the Gods. This is one place I never rush. Take a walk through the Central Garden and be sure to make time for photos. It’s iconic for a reason, and a much better experience when you slow it down a bit. If time permits, I will trek off onto one of the longer trails too for a more secluded vibe than the central part of the park.

To close out the day, I go to Seven Falls. The stunning canyon views and serene falls provide a peaceful conclusion to the day. If you time it right, you can catch the light starting to soften in the canyon, which makes the views even more dramatic.

• The red sandstone formations found at the Garden of the Gods are older than the Rocky Mountains behind them.
  
• Old Colorado City was once the rougher, saloon-filled neighbor to the more refined (and alcohol-free) Colorado Springs. Old Colorado City had tunnels running beneath it, giving certain “well-behaved” gentlemen a discreet way to visit some of the area’s less refined destinations!
• The Golden Cycle Mill on the west side of Colorado Springs operated between 1905 and 1948 and produced approximately 483,000 pounds of gold – today that would be worth nearly $39 billion!
  
• Nikola Tesla arrived in Colorado Springs in May of 1899 and spent months here conducting high-voltage experiments!

A packed day in Colorado Springs can be incredible, but a little preparation goes a long way. Take the YETI’s advice, you’ll be glad you did!

1. Dress in layers: YOWLER’s first rule
   Between elevation changes and shifting weather, temperatures can fluctuate more than people expect. YOWLER’s approach is simple: always come prepared for a little bit of everything. A light jacket or extra layer makes all the difference, especially if you’re heading up Pikes Peak
2. Stay hydrated: the YETI insists!
   The altitude and dry air have a way of sneaking up on people. YOWLER’s not subtle about this one—water is non-negotiable and provided! Even when you don’t feel thirsty, staying ahead of it keeps the day running smoothly, whether you’re at elevation or exploring spots like Garden of the Gods.
3. Wear comfortable shoes!
   Even the most relaxed itinerary includes a fair amount of walking. Comfortable shoes make exploring places like Manitou Springs a lot more enjoyable.
4. Sun protection: don’t argue with the YETI.
   The sun hits different at high elevation. YOWLER’s recommendation: sunglasses, sunscreen and maybe a hat. Even on cooler days, the sun exposure is stronger than most people expect.
5. Don’t rush it: YOWLER won’t let you anyway!
   YOWLER’s philosophy is simple: slow it down just enough to actually enjoy where you are. The best moments usually happen when you’re not racing to the next stop.
6. Stay flexible: the YETI already is!
   Weather, timing, and energy levels can all shift throughout the day. YOWLER plans ahead—but always leaves room to adjust. Sometimes the best parts of the day are the ones that weren’t even on the itinerary