Hey there! Welcome to Colorado Springs, where I’ll be taking you on a one-day adventure packed with incredible attractions and activities. In this complete travel guide, we’ll be exploring Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, the breathtaking Garden of the Gods, the iconic Pikes Peak, the fascinating Manitou Cliff Dwellings, the stunning Seven Falls, and even dining at The Airplane Restaurant. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the natural beauty and excitement that Colorado Springs has to offer. The best part? It’s just a short, one-hour drive from Denver, making it a perfect day trip destination. Each attraction is timestamped for your convenience, and throughout the video, you’ll find affiliate links in the description that support the content creator. So, let’s get started on this unforgettable journey and get ready to explore the wonders of Colorado Springs!
A One-Day Travel Guide to Colorado Springs, Colorado
Welcome to Colorado Springs! If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip with plenty of outdoor adventures and beautiful sights, you’ve come to the right place. Colorado Springs is known for its exquisite natural beauty and is just a one-hour drive from Denver, making it a convenient destination for a day trip. In this comprehensive one-day travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do, eat, and see in Colorado Springs. From exploring Old Colorado City to driving up Pikes Peak, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s get started on our adventure!
Exploring Old Colorado City
Our first stop on this exciting day trip is Old Colorado City. This charming downtown area offers a unique blend of history, culture, and shopping opportunities. But before we dive into the sightseeing, let’s kick off the day with a visit to Jive’s Coffee Lounge. Located right next to Garden of the Gods, this coffee shop is a perfect place to grab a cup of joe and fuel up for the day ahead. Jive’s Coffee Lounge is known for its unique combination of live music and coffee, making it a must-visit spot in Old Colorado City.
After enjoying your coffee, take a stroll through the streets of Old Colorado City and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the Greetings from Colorado Springs mural, located on the side of the West Side Tattoos building. It’s a great spot to snap a picture and capture memories of your visit to this historic area.
Visiting Manitou Springs
Next on our itinerary is a visit to Manitou Springs, a charming town located just a short drive from Old Colorado City. Manitou Springs is known for its natural mineral springs, unique shops, and stunning views of Pikes Peak. Take some time to explore the downtown area, browse through the local shops, and perhaps even sample some of the natural mineral water from the springs.
Exploring Garden of the Gods
From Manitou Springs, we’ll make our way to one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic attractions – Garden of the Gods. This free park offers breathtaking views and unique sandstone rock formations that are millions of years old. As you explore the park, be sure to visit the Mesa Overlook Area, which provides panoramic views of the park and its impressive rock formations. The Garden of the Gods is a popular destination, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot.
While strolling through the park, you might even encounter some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot the park’s resident wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and, if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective), even a rattlesnake. Remember to keep a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
Driving up Pikes Peak
Now it’s time for an exhilarating drive up Pikes Peak, the second highest paved road in Colorado and the USA. To make your journey up the peak smoother, it’s recommended to pre-purchase timed entry permits. This ensures a designated time slot for your visit and helps avoid long queues.
The drive up Pikes Peak is a 19-mile road that climbs an impressive 7,400 feet of elevation. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and majestic rock formations. The road to the summit is well-maintained, and while it may be exhilarating, it’s not as scary as it may seem. However, if you’re not comfortable driving, you have the option to take a guided jeep tour or the cog railway to the summit.
Once you reach the summit, which stands at an elevation of 14,115 feet, take a moment to embrace the incredible views and the unique experience of being on top of the world. Don’t forget to bundle up, as it can be quite chilly and windy at this high altitude. And if you’re feeling hungry, indulge in some homemade donuts at the visitor center’s cafe – they’re a delicious treat paired with the stunning panoramic views.
Visiting Manitou Cliff Dwellings
After descending from Pikes Peak, our next stop is Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These ancestral Pueblo ruins were relocated from McElmo Canyon near Mesa Verde National Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient cliff dwellers. Take some time to explore the dwellings, go inside, and imagine what life was like for these ancient inhabitants. Manitou Cliff Dwellings provide a fascinating historical experience and offer great photo opportunities.
Exploring Seven Falls
Prepare to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Seven Falls, a series of seven waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. But before you reach the falls, keep in mind that parking is not available on-site. Instead, you’ll need to park at the designated Seven Falls parking area and take a shuttle to the entrance. Once you arrive, embark on a short hike that leads to the base of the falls.
Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as you listen to the sounds of rushing water and marvel at the sight of crystal-clear water plunging into the pool below. To enhance your experience, take a ride in the elevator that goes up the canyon and provides a scenic view from the top. The panoramic vista from the viewing platform is simply breathtaking and offers a unique perspective of the falls.
Dining at The Airplane Restaurant
After a day filled with adventure and exploration, it’s time to indulge in a delicious meal at The Airplane Restaurant. This unique dining establishment is housed inside an actual airplane, offering an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy a variety of menu options as you sit inside the beautifully restored Boeing KC-97 tanker and soak in the aviation-themed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to end a day full of exciting activities and create lasting memories.
Recommendations for Avoiding Crowds
To make the most of your day trip to Colorado Springs and avoid crowds, it’s important to plan wisely. Here are a few recommendations:
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Arrive Early to Popular Attractions: Colorado Springs is a popular destination, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early in the morning ensures that you have ample time to explore the attractions before they become crowded. Additionally, you’ll have a better chance of finding parking spaces and enjoying a more serene atmosphere.
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Consider Weekday Visits: If your schedule allows, consider visiting on a weekday instead of the weekend. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
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Pre-purchase Timed Entry Permits for Pikes Peak: As mentioned earlier, pre-purchasing timed entry permits for Pikes Peak helps streamline your visit and prevents long wait times. Ensure a seamless journey up the peak by securing your tickets in advance.
By following these recommendations, you’ll maximize your time in Colorado Springs and create unforgettable memories without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
A Full Day of Exploring
To make the most of your one-day travel adventure in Colorado Springs, it’s essential to plan according to a schedule. Here’s a suggested itinerary to guide you:
- Start: 8 am
- Grab coffee and visit the Greetings from Colorado Springs mural in Old Colorado City.
- 9 am – 11 am: Visit Manitou Springs
- 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Explore Garden of the Gods
- 2 pm – 4 pm: Drive up Pikes Peak
- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Visit Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- 6 pm – 7 pm: Explore Seven Falls
- 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at The Airplane Restaurant
- End: 5 pm
Of course, feel free to adjust the schedule according to your preferences and the amount of time you wish to spend at each attraction. This itinerary offers a well-rounded and exciting exploration of Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas, ensuring you make the most of your one-day visit.
In conclusion, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or foodie. This one-day travel guide covers some of the best things to do, eat, and see in the area. From the unique sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods to the breathtaking views from Pikes Peak, each attraction provides a memorable experience. By following the recommendations for avoiding crowds, pre-purchasing timed entry permits for Pikes Peak, and sticking to the suggested itinerary, you’ll have a full day of exploration and create lifelong memories in Colorado Springs.