Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Everyone seems to have heard that Colorado Springs has some of the best outdoor adventures in Colorado. Some of the best hiking, biking, zipping, rafting, climbing, and views are in Colorado Springs. On a recent week-long visit to this beautiful piece of paradise, we explored some of the great activities and sites in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
In this article, I will give an overview of some of the top outdoor adventures in Colorado Springs. I will describe those activities that I personally took part in, and will also mention some of the other great activities enjoyed by members of our group of travel writers. For more details on some of these attractions, click on the links below for more information on that attraction in PlayStayEat.com.
Early June was a great time to zipline with Broadmoor Outfitters, enjoy scenic Seven Falls, raft the Arkansas River with Echo Canyon River Expeditions, and explore the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park with its zip line, Sky Coaster, Via Ferrata, and other attractions 1,000 feet above the river below. We also rode horses through the magical Garden of the Gods and took the new Broadmoor and Manitou Springs Cog Train up to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Others in our group biked down America’s Mountain, visited the world-class Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, fly fished the pristine rivers of the Rockies, and visited old gold mines and haunted ghost towns.
Broadmoor Outfitters Zip Line
Recognized as one of the top rated zip lines in the country, the course run by Broadmoor Outfitters is outstanding. Having been on over a dozen zip lines throughout the world (including Bovec, Slovenia; San Vigilio in the Dolomites of northern Italy; on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai; and Skagway, Alaska), I would certainly rate the Broadmoor Zipline high on my list of personal experiences.
First and foremost, to enjoy a challenging zipline, participants must have faith and trust in the course itself and the guides leading the tour. From the beginning, I had felt assured that we were in good hands. Our guides were knowledgeable, thorough, confident, and personable, and I noted the equipment all looked solid. Although young, our professional guides, Riley and Donovan, exuded enthusiasm, passion, and concern for all of the participants.
There are two zipline courses at Broadmoor Outfitters – The Woods and The Fins. The Woods is designed more for beginners, while The Fins is a bit more advanced. The Fins course consists of five zip lines, two suspension bridges, and a final platform from which participants rappel assisted 180 feet down ropes to exit the course at Seven Falls. Zip lines range from 250 to 1,800 feet long at heights of up to 500 feet.
For the health and safety of visitors, note the restrictions for participants at The Fins course: Weight between 90 and 250 pounds, close-toed shoes, and no pregnant participants.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven Falls is easily accessible by shuttle from The Broadmoor or by parking at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, where complimentary shuttles will bring you to the falls (or by foot after completing The Fins course). Seven Falls is known as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” Located between the towering Pillars of Hercules in a 1,250 square foot box canyon, the seven cascading waterfalls are the only falls to be included on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls.
Visitors can wander the grounds at the foot of the falls to admire this natural wonder. There is also an elevator (or stairs) leading up to the scenic view at The Eagle’s Nest. For the more adventurous, another set of 224 stairs closer to the falls will take you to the top for stunning views of the falls and the surrounding area. The excellent Restaurant 1858 at Seven Falls is temporarily closed, with a tentative reopening for August 2022. Check their website for updates.
Echo Canyon River Expeditions Rafting
Echo Canyon River Expeditions is one of the premier outfitters in the Canon City area. In addition to rafting the Arkansas River, Echo Canyon offers cabins, glamping tents, and some of the best food in the area at 8 Mile Bar & Grill. In operation since 1978, Echo Canyon Expeditions rafters can choose from calm floats to the more challenging level 3, 4, and even 5 whitewater courses on the river.
The youthful staff are great, and we felt safe and in control for our entire trip. The Bighorn Sheep Canyon section of the river was just right. There was plenty of whitewater and exhilarating runs, but nothing overly treacherous or dangerous.
8 Mile Bar & Grill
We were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the food and service at 8 Mile Bar & Grill. This excellent restaurant is not what you would expect from a rafting outfitter. Chef John Baker has put together an outstanding menu, and each dish delivers for taste, freshness, and presentation.
We started with the crazy delicious Queso Fundido, a skillet of bubbly queso topped with house-made chorizo, green chilies, and pico de gallo served with tortilla chips. I could easily have made a meal out of this appetizer with a cold brew – it was that good! 8 Mile Bar & Grill offers freshly made salads, pulled pork, shrimp po boys, flavorful baked Mac & Cheese, and so much more.
And yes, they do have burgers! Some of the top burger choices include the Black and Blue with caramelized onions, thick cut bacon, and blue cheese, and the Whiskey, with their signature whiskey sauce, thick cut bacon, caramelized onions, and smoked gouda. Another favorite is the BBQ, with thick cut bacon, 8 Mile BBQ sauce, aged cheddar, and tumbleweed onion straws.
For those looking for chicken, try the Locally Famous Chicken Sandwich. Hand breaded chicken breast, honey cured bacon, iceberg slaw, garlic roasted tomatoes, and Alabama white BBQ sauce make this a popular choice among diners. They also have a nice selection of salads, including the Cobb and the Chop and Pop Salad, a unique salad covered with gourmet popcorn.
Try one of 16 ice cold Colorado crafted beer choices, including Fat Tire, Laughing Lab, and True Blonde. And be sure to save room for one of their delicious desserts, like the American Brownie Sundae or the Dessert of the Day.
Royal Gorge Bridge with Zip Line, Sky Coaster, Via Ferrata, and Gondolas
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a magical playground in Canon City, just over an hour drive from Colorado Springs. Mother Nature has carved the tremendous Royal Gorge over time, which provides the perfect backdrop for rafting, hiking, zipping, and enjoying the majesty of the wonders of the area.
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the centerpiece. This impressive structure was the highest suspension bridge in the world when it was built in 1929, and remains the highest in America. At almost 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, this amazing structure has been visited by over 36 million people over the years. Attractions include the Cloudscraper Zip Line, Royal Rush Skycoaster, Aerial Gondola, Via Ferrata, theater, and food and gift shops.
Garden of the Gods by Horseback or Segway
Seeing the picturesque Garden of the Gods by horseback or Segway is a great way to take in the grandeur of this magical landscape. Academy Riding Stables has been safely leading visitors on horseback through Garden of the Gods for years, and offers tours for beginners to more advanced riders.
Our guides, Tom and Savannah, were both seasoned veterans at home with the horses. Their calm but firm leadership, experience, and positive attitudes made our tour so enjoyable. They also shared their vast knowledge of the area along the way, with interesting tidbits about the history, geology, and wildlife in Garden of the Gods.
Another great way to see Garden of the Gods is by Segway. Adventures Out West and other outfitters conduct Segway tours of the park. The tour starts with lessons and practice in a safe place to ready riders for the tour. Riders are treated to many of the top sights in Garden of the Gods, like Kissing Camels, Rattlesnake, and other spectacular red rock formations and landscapes.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Recognized as one of the top zoos in the country, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits on the side of a mountain overlooking Colorado Springs. One of the many highlights of this world class zoo is the large herd of giraffes. Visitors can get up close and personal with these long-necked wonders, and can even feed them by hand. Just watch out for their long probing tongues as they reach out for that lettuce leaf. Wallabies, penguins, lions, rhinos, and so many more intriguing critters are waiting for you at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
One unique feature of the zoo is the Mountaineer Sky Ride – after all, this is a mountain zoo. This tame ride (like a chair lift for skiing) offers fabulous views of Colorado Springs and the beautiful countryside. You can also bring your own picnic lunch, or buy some tasty food and brews at one of the onsite restaurants.
US Olympic and Paralympic Museum
The final night of our fabulous visit to Colorado Springs was hosted at the ultra-modern US Olympic and Paralympic Museum. In addition to Mayor John Suthers, this event featured several Olympians. Bob Beamon, holder of the longest standing Olympic record of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches in the long jump set in Mexico City in 1968, talked with the visitors and graciously posed for many photos. Also on hand was Brian Boitano, who astounded the skating world with his stellar performance in Calgary to win his gold medal in 1988, as well as triathlete Hunter Kemper.
Several Paralympians were in attendance. Alpine skier Paralympian Tyler Carter, wheelchair marathoner Amanda McGrory, and a parafencing demonstration entertained the crowd. There was also an energetic demonstration of one of the new sports to be featured in 2024, Breakdancing. The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum is a wonderful look into the past, present, and future of American Olympics and Paralympics.
So Many Fun Things To Do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
It’s no wonder Colorado Springs is one of the top tourist areas in the United States. For quick links to earlier articles as well as some of the great attractions in the area, see the lists below. We have listed links to other PlayStayEat articles about the area as well as showing a list provided by the Pikes Peak Region Attractions Association. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something fun to do in Colorado Springs.
Click on any of the links below for more stories and photos for great Colorado destinations.
Cog Railway to Summit of Pikes Peak
16 Fun Things in Colorado Springs
Canon City Jeep Tours and Royal Gorge
Olympic and Paralympic Museum
Grand County: Colorado’s Playground
Attraction Links
Thanks to the Pikes Peak Region Attractions Association and its wonderful members for hosting me and other SATW (Society of American Travel Writers) members on this trip to Colorado Springs and the beautiful Pikes Peak Region. Note prices may be different for different seasons.
Pikes Peak Region Attractions Association – Explore Pikes Peak and more for your family in Colorado Springs! (pikes-peak.com)
| Attraction | Hours | Prices | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Riding Stables | September 5 – April 30: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily | May 1 – September 4: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily | 1 Hour ride: $100 | 2 Hour ride: $160 | Recommended |
| Adventures Out West | Office: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily | Tours daily – weather permitting | Reservations required | Jeep Tours: $98 – $450 | Segway Tours: $92 | Zip Lines: $65 – $109 | Balloon Flights: $275 | Bike Tours: $99 – $225 | Guided Hikes: $60 – $89 | Required |
| The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway | Ticket office: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | Please check cograilway.com for departure times. | General Admission: Adult: $58.50 | Child (12 & under): $48.50 | Reserved Seating: Adult: $71 | Child (12 & under): $61 | Engineer’s View: Adult: $81 | Child (12 & under): $71 | Recommended |
| Broadmoor Outfitters | Office: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | Tours daily – weather permitting | Reservations required | Zip Lines: $220.50 – $384.30 | Bike Tours: $195 – $230 | Guided Hikes: $154 | Falconry: $165 – $310 | Paintball: $195 | Rock Climbing: $210 – $420 | SUP: $154 | Wild West Experience: $154 | Rafting: $220 | Required |
| The Broadmoor Seven Falls | March 29 – May 20: Fri – Mon: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Closed Tue – Thu | Adult: $19 | Child (2 – 12): $13 | Senior / Military (with ID): $16 | E-tickets. Walkups $1 more on each | Recommended |
| Cave of the Winds Mountain Park | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily | Reservations required | Discovery Tour: Adult: $27 | Child (4 – 12): $18 | Terror Dactyl: $35 | Zip Line: $99 | Haunted Lantern Tour: Adult: $34 | Child (8 – 12): $24 | Pioneer Package: $25 | Spelunking Tour: $135 | Required |
| Challenge Unlimited – Pikes Peak by Bike | Closed for season | Re-opens May 16 | Jeep Up – Bike Down: $225 | Gold Camp Off-Road: $155 | Waterfall Bike Ride: $99 | Required |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily | Advance tickets required | Hours may vary for events and holidays | Adult: $19.75 – $34.75 | Child (3 – 11): $14.75 – $29.75 | Senior (65+): $17.75 – $32.75 | Military (with ID): $16.75 – $31.75 | Price varies by day and time – pricing calendar at cmzoo.org/prices | Required |
| Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad | Closed for season | Re-opens Memorial Day Weekend | Adult: $19 | Child (3-12): $14 | Senior (65+): $17 | Not required |
| Echo Canyon River Expeditions | Open May – September | Scenic Float: $119 | Bighorn Sheep Canyon: $119 – $209 | Royal Gorge: $129 – $229 | Required |
| Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon | Closed for season | Re-opens May 25 | Adult: $65 | Child (4 – 12): $30 | Recommended |
| Garden of the Gods Trading Post | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily | Free | Not required |
| Ghost Town Museum | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily | Last entry: 4:30 p.m. | Adult: $8.50 | Child (6-16): $5.50 | Not required |
| Historic Cripple Creek | Heritage Center: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | Call for individual business hours | Free | Not required |
| Historic Manitou Springs | Visitor Center: Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sat – Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Call for individual business hours | Free | Not required |
| Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama | March 16 – August 3: Pirates of the Carabiner | Fri – Sat: Dinner: 5:45pm & 6:15pm | Show: 7:30pm | Adult: $27 | Child (4 – 12): $12 | Senior (62+) / Military: $26 | Required |
| Manitou Cliff Dwellings | March: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily | April – May: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | Adult: $12.75 | Child (4-11): $8 | Senior (60+): $10 | Military: $10.75 | Not required |
| May Natural History Museum | Closed for season | Re-opens May 1 | Open for groups of 10+ by reservation | Adult: $12 | Child (6-12): $9 | Senior (60+): $11 | Required for groups of 10+ |
| Miramont Castle | Tue – Sun: Museum: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tearoom: 11am & 1pm | Closed Mon | Adult: $14 | Child (4-12): $10 | Senior (60+): $13 | High Tea: $45 | Light Victorian Tea: $35 | Prince/Princess Tea: $30 | Required for tea |
| Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine | Closed for season | Re-opens May | Adult: $30 | Child (3-12): $18 | 2 & under: $2 | Not required |
| North Pole – Santa’s Workshop | Closed for season | Re-opens May | Adult (3+): $32 | Non-peak days: Senior (60+) / Military (with ID): $27 | Not required |
| Old Colorado City | Call for individual business hours | Free | Not required |
| Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily – weather permitting | Last entry: 3 p.m. | Adult: $10 | Child (6-15): $5 | Military (with ID): $8 | Carload (up to 5 people): $35 | Additional adult: $10 | Additional child (6 – 15): $2 | Required starting Memorial Day Weekend |
| Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line | Closed until further notice | Open for groups of 8+ | Adult: $89.50 | Child (12 & under): $69.50 | Required |
| ProRodeo Hall of Fame | March: Wed – Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Last entry: 4:30 p.m. | Closed Mon & Tue | May: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily | Adult: $10 | Child (6-12): $7 | Senior (55+): $9 | Military: $8 | Not required |
| Royal Gorge Bridge and Park | March 1 – 8: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily | March 9 – April 30: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | May 1 – 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily | March: Adult: $32 | Child (3-11): $27 | May: Adult: 37 | Child (3 – 11): $32 | Required for Via Ferrata |
| Space Foundation Discovery Center | Closed for renovations | Re-opens April 2024 | Adult: $10 | Child (4-15): $5 | Senior (65+) / College student (with ID): $7.50 | Military (with ID): $5 | Museums for All (EBT card required): $3 | Not required |
| U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum | Thu – Mon: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Closed Tue & Wed | Open daily for spring break (March 18 – April 2) | Adult: $19.95 | Child (5-12): $11.95 | Senior (65+) / Military / First Responder / College Student (with ID): $15.95 | Recommended |
| Western Museum of Mining & Industry | Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Closed Sun | Adult: $12 | Child (4-12): $7 | Senior (60+): $10 | Military / AAA: $11 | Student (13+): $8 | Not required |
