Explore the charming town of Manitou Springs, known for its natural mineral springs and historic buildings. Visit Garden of the Gods, a stunning park with towering red rock formations, and take a stroll down Manitou Avenue with its unique shops and restaurants.
Experience the beauty of Colorado on a trip up to Pikes Peak, the highest summit in the southern Front Range. Take the scenic Pikes Peak Highway or ride the famous Cog Railway to the top for breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and beyond.
Visit the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, America's highest suspension bridge. Take a gondola ride, enjoy some thrilling rides, and take in the stunning views of the Colorado River below. This is a perfect place to capture some stunning visuals to reminisce about later in life.
Take a break from the mountains and visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This is a unique zoo, nestled on the side of a mountain. With over 200 species and 700 animals, the zoo offers a great experience with a focus on conservation. Don't miss the chance to hand-feed the giraffes or take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride for a bird's eye view of the zoo and Colorado Springs.
It is highly recommended to rent a car to fully enjoy the attractions in and around Colorado Springs. Parking is free and plentiful at all the attractions mentioned above. It is also best to travel during the weekdays as weekends can get crowded, especially during peak season. Gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, and a full tank of gas will be sufficient for the trip. The total estimated cost for transportation is around $120.
If you have more time, consider taking a scenic train ride on the Amtrak Southwest Chief from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque. This train ride, known for its stunning views, takes around 8 hours, and tickets start at $50 per person. If you have less time, consider skipping the Royal Gorge Bridge and park to focus on other attractions in Colorado Springs, or plan a half-day for the zoo instead of a full day.
The main airport in Colorado Springs is the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), located around 11 miles southeast of downtown. It has direct flights to major US cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with rental cars readily available. There are also shuttle services and taxis available to take visitors to downtown Colorado Springs at an estimated cost of $25-$30.