Colorado Springs Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Colorado Springs, Colorado - CO, USA)

Colorado Springs boasts a wealth of cultural tourist attractions, including an excellent assortment of museums, galleries and beautiful old buildings and historic landmarks. The city of Colorado Springs also contains an equally impressive range of natural attractions, such as the legendary Pikes Peak, the mineral waters of Manitou Springs and the red sandstone formations of the aptly titled Garden of the Gods, all of which attract large numbers of tourists each year.

Add to this a number of amusement parks and wildlife attractions, and you have a holiday destination suitable for the whole family.

Garden of the Gods

Address: 1805 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 634 6666
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods consists of unique red sandstone formations and a myriad of plant and animal species. A number of hiking trails enable you to explore the area, with horseback riding and mountain biking permitted on selected trails. It is now a National Natural Landmark.
Open hours: daily - 05:00 to 23:00, 05:00 to 21:00 (winter)
Admission: free

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, 80906, USA
Tel: +1 719 633 9925
This is the country's only mountain zoo and is home to more than 500 animals, with attractions including over 50 endangered species from around the world. Animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are all housed in beautiful habitats set against a background of spectacular mountain scenery. Some of the best views of Colorado Springs can be enjoyed here.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under three free

Air Force Academy

Address: I-25 exit 156B, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 333 8723
Locals take much pride in the US Air Force Academy, a part of the Colorado Springs landscape since 1954. It is one of the most visited attractions, with visitors able to explore certain areas such as the Cadet Field House, Cadet Chapel, planetarium, parade grounds and an outdoor B-52 bomber display. The visitor center is home to exhibits on the academy's history and the life of cadets.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00 (17:00 during the winter)
Admission: free

Cave of the Winds

Address: Manitou Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 685 5444
This is an impressive series of caves and underground caverns that have been welcoming visitors since they were discovered in the late 19th century by a couple of adventurous boys. Tours of Colorado Springs' Cave of the Winds show off beautifully formed stalagmites, stalactites and numerous intricate crystal and limestone formations, while an impressive outdoor laser show is offered nightly during the summer months.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 21:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children six years old and under are free

Ghost Town

Address: 400 South 21st Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 634 0696
Ghost Town is a popular family attraction located in the heart of Old Colorado City. It tells the story of the Wild West through authentic buildings brought in from all over the state, including a sheriff's office, general store, saloon, blacksmith shop and a jail, Other attractions at the Colorado Springs Ghost Town include actors in period dress and gold panning during the summer months.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday 11:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children six years old and under are free

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Address: 515 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 685 5401
A trip to Colorado Springs is incomplete without a trek to the summit of Pikes Peak, or America's Mountain, and there's no better way to do it than by taking a ride on the world's highest cog railway. The railway was completed in 1891 and the steep climb takes over an hour to complete, with the slow pace enabling you to savor the views of the unfolding scenery below. The 45-minute stop at the summit offers unrivaled views of Denver to the north, the seemingly endless peaks and valleys of the Rockies to the west and the Great Plains to the east.

Colorado Springs' Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of the areas premier tourist attractions, although do bear in mind that you will be surpassing 14,000 feet / 4,268 meters and the trip is not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory conditions. Don't be surprised if you begin to feel a bit faint or light headed.
Open hours: daily - April to January
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children three years old and under are free

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Address: Gateway Road, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 578 6777
Immerse yourself in living history at this collection of Colorado Springs' farms, each representing a distinct period in the evolution of ranching in Colorado. The Galloway Homestead of the 1860s represents the homestead era, while attractions at the Chambers Farm and Blacksmith Shop include the working-ranch era of the 1880s, and the Orchard House of 1907 features the more comfortable offerings of the estate period. Regular special events add to the ranch's atmosphere.
Open hours: June to Labor Day, Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, September to December, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - noon to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children, children six years old and under are free