Major city · United States
Colorado Springs
Give Colorado Springs 2–3 nights as a base for Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak; skip it if you want walkable nightlife — you need a car here.
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak, 100 km south of Denver on I-25. The draws are red-rock formations, a mountain zoo and a 4,300 m summit you can drive or ride a cog railway to. Sights spread north to south along the interstate, so a car or a rideshare budget matters more than a hotel location. Two nights covers the core; three adds Manitou Springs and a summit day.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug afternoon storms; Dec–Feb cold and snow
- Airports
- Colorado Springs Municipal (COS) · Denver International (DEN)
- Nights
- 2–3
About Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a city of roughly 490,000 people in El Paso County, in the western part of Colorado. It lies about 63 miles (101 km) south of Denver, at the base of Pikes Peak in the south-central part of the state. The city runs north to south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy at the northern end, downtown toward the south, and the peak rising to the west. Sandstone formations, a mountain zoo, caves and falls near Manitou Springs, and Olympic and rodeo museums are among its draws. A visitor information center operates at 515 S. Cascade Ave.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Colorado Springs.
- Garden of the Gods — A city park holding striking sandstone formations, used for hiking and technical rock climbing, with no entry fee.
- Pikes Peak — The peak that inspired "America the Beautiful" stands west of town and can be reached by car, cog railway or the Barr Trail on foot.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — A compact zoo on a mountainside with a large collection of exotic animals.
- United States Air Force Academy — The cadet campus in the Rampart range foothills has a Cadet Chapel regarded as a modernist landmark, and tours run during visiting hours.
- United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum — A downtown museum dedicated to Olympic and Paralympic sport, with timed ticketing and card-only payment.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Buffalo burgers — Served at the Balanced Rock Cafe at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, which also has an outdoor patio.
Customs
- The city is the seat of El Paso County and hosts the state's Olympic training facilities.
- College sports are part of local life, including Air Force Falcons games with military pageantry and Colorado College hockey.
- The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade keeps a historic collection of old and new arcade games just outside the city.
Events
- Pikes Peak Ascent — A foot race up the mountain to the summit.
- Pikes Peak Marathon — A race up and back down the peak.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Colorado Springs911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Colorado Springs, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyColorado Springs is generally safe for visitors; the real risks are altitude, fast summer storms and long drives between sights.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 511 Colorado Road Conditions (COtrip)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCOS Colorado Springs Municipal (About 18 km (11 mi) east of downtown; small, quick to clear.COS Colorado Springs Municipal (About 11 mi (18 km) east of downtown; small, quick to clear.
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights run from the Air Force Academy in the north to Cheyenne Mountain in the south, 30–40 min apart.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, per person before tip$20–40
- BeerCraft beer, pint$6–9
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Rideshare, 5 km (3.1 mi)Rideshare, 3.1 mi (5 km)$12–20
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Olympic museum adult)$25
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- COS Colorado Springs Municipal (About 18 km (11 mi) east of downtown; small, quick to clear. Served by American, Delta, Frontier, United and Southwest.) · DEN Denver International (About 130 km (81 mi) north on I-25; hourly shuttle to Colorado Springs, or A Line rail to Denver then Bustang or Greyhound.)COS Colorado Springs Municipal (About 11 mi (18 km) east of downtown; small, quick to clear. Served by American, Delta, Frontier, United and Southwest.) · DEN Denver International (About 81 mi (130 km) north on I-25; hourly shuttle to Colorado Springs, or A Line rail to Denver then Bustang or Greyhound.)
Map of Colorado Springs
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Colorado Springs
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Manitou Springs · 8.1 km straight line
- Woodland Park · 27 km straight line
- Monument · 30 km straight line
- Cripple Creek · 32 km straight line
- Palmer Lake · 33 km straight line
- Cañon City · 57 km straight line
- Castle Rock · 60 km straight line
- Pueblo · 65 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Colorado Springs: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
4 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
4 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
4 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights run from the Air Force Academy in the north to Cheyenne Mountain in the south, 30–40 min apart. Mountain Metro buses cover the core; single fare about $1.75, reduced $0.85, and fares have been free in summer in past years (check current). THE ZEB shuttle is free downtown. Rideshares work downtown but are thin at trailheads and the summit road.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Manitou Springs
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive west on US-24, about 15 min
Pair with Cave of the Winds and the Pikes Peak cog railway base.
Cañon City
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on CO-115, about 1 h
Royal Gorge and Arkansas River rafting; a full day.
Palmer Lake
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive north on I-25, about 35 min
Small lake town with trails; easy half-day.
Buena Vista
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive west on US-24, about 2 h
Arkansas River rafting and 14ers; too far for a return day.
Walsenburg
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive south on I-25, about 1 h 30 min
Highway stop and fossil beds; only worth it en route south.
Alamosa
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 30 min
Drive south on I-25 then US-160, about 3 h 30 min
Great Sand Dunes base; sleep there, don't day-trip.
Trinidad, Colorado
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive south on I-25, about 2 h 30 min
Historic downtown and arts scene near the New Mexico line.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (Tejon St)
Restaurants, bars and the Olympic museum within walking distance; free THE ZEB shuttle loops the centre.
Old Colorado City
Historic strip of shops and cafés on W Colorado Ave; 10 min drive to Garden of the Gods.
North Academy / Briargate
Chain hotels, malls and easy I-25 access; best if you have a car and want parking.
Manitou Springs
Small-town base 10 min west; walk to Cave of the Winds and the Pikes Peak cog railway.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $130–200 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Rental car, one day (compact, before fuel)1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| Pikes Peak Highway toll, per car1 × US$50 · check | US$50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$114 |
| Trip total≈ US$314 per person per day, bed included | US$1,254 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Casual lunch (burger, burrito) | $12–20 |
| Sit-down dinner, per person before tip | $20–40 |
| Craft beer, pint | $6–9 |
| Rideshare, 5 km | $12–20 |
| Museum entry (Olympic museum adult) | $25 |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo adult | $12 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude: the city sits near 1,800 m and Pikes Peak tops 4,300 m. Drink water, take the first day easy, and watch for headache or nausea.
- Afternoon thunderstorms build fast in summer — start hikes and the Pikes Peak drive in the morning and be down by early afternoon.
- Pikes Peak Highway and the cog railway are seasonal and can close for weather; check before you commit a day.
- Distances between sights are longer than they look on a map; budget 20–40 min per hop by car.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Colorado Road Conditions (COtrip)
- 511
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Road conditions (COtrip)511
Embassy
No embassies in Colorado Springs; most countries have consulates in Denver. US passport holders: no embassy needed.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Mountain Metro single fare: about $1.75, reduced $0.85 (check; free in some summers)
- COS airport to downtown, rideshare: $30–45
- DEN shuttle to Colorado Springs: about $50–60 one way (check)
Say or show
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the summit road open today? — Is the summit road open today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Colorado Springs. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug afternoon storms; Dec–Feb cold and snow · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for COS and the DEN shuttle: last departures field-checked, rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, North Academy.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Highway, cog railway, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and altitude fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Colorado Springs
- officialVisit Colorado Springs
- officialColorado Springs Airport (COS)
- officialMountain Metro Transit
- secondaryWikivoyage: Colorado Springs, revision 5330674 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Colorado Springs
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