U.S. News Insider Tip: Since the park is free to enter, consider exploring Garden of the Gods multiple times during your stay to see the rock formations at different times of day. The light just after sunrise and before sunset makes them especially striking and photogenic. – Kara Williams

It's easy to see how this natural landmark earned such an ethereal title: These magnificent red rock formations look as though deities could've carved them. However, the sandstone pillars are, in fact, the work of geological activity and erosion over millennia. You can learn about the garden's formations at the Visitor and Nature Center, which houses numerous informative displays and hosts daily presentations. You are welcome to explore the park on your own time (either on foot or by bike) or take a guided nature walk from the visitor center for a fee. The park partners with Adventures Out West to provide Jeep, trolley and Segway tours; it works with Amp'd Adventures for guided electric bike tours. (Note: Tour prices vary by vehicle and tour length.) Or, if you're looking for a more authentic Wild West experience, you can reserve your spot on a guided horseback tour offered by Academy Riding Stables.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss the high-altitude, secret recipe doughnuts at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. An automated machine churns out thousands of the sweet treats daily. – Kara Williams

Rising more than 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak – aka "America's Mountain" – is among Colorado's most popular tourist attractions, namely for its awe-inspiring summit views. The stunning peak has long been a sacred place for Native Americans, including the Nuche tribe, ancestors of today's Ute tribe. The imposing mountain beckoned 19th-century, fortune-seeking pioneers, inspiring the Gold Rush cry, "Pikes Peak or Bust!" Later, the majestic vistas atop this pink granite peak led Katharine Lee Bates to pen the words to the song "America the Beautiful."

Colorado Springs has plenty of nearby outdoor attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but if you're looking for something further afield, you can't go wrong with Royal Gorge. Sitting 50 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge is 10 miles long and 1,200 feet deep, carved into the landscape by the Arkansas River.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park hosts numerous activities for viewing the impressive natural landmark. The famous pedestrian-only suspension bridge spans across Royal Gorge, sitting more than 900 feet above the Arkansas River. You can take in more views from the Aerial Gondola or Cloudscraper Zip Line. Alternatively, you can get up close to Royal Gorge with a thrilling guided Via Ferrata excursion, where you'll climb steel rungs drilled into rock walls while harnessed and clipped into cables (inexperienced rock climbers are welcome). Families will find fun here, too, thanks to the on-site playground.

U.S. News Insider Tip: On-street metered parking spots and paid lots in Manitou Springs can fill up quickly, especially on weekends from late April through September. Consider parking outside of town at the Fields Lot and taking the free shuttle into town. – Kara Williams

Let's get one thing straight: Manitou Springs is not a part of Colorado Springs, and residents here won't hesitate to remind you of that. Unlike its much larger neighbor, this small town in the Rocky Mountain foothills (about 6 miles northwest of central Colorado Springs) has rejected urbanization. Instead, Manitou Springs – now a National Historic District – remains a charming hippie-era haven filled with art galleries, funky boutiques and outdoor cafes. In fact, Manitou Springs' Briarhurst Manor Estate makes our list of the Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.

When you don't feel like driving 140 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park, Mueller State Park offers a convenient alternative. Located about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, its roughly 5,000 acres host jagged mountain peaks, verdant aspen forests and more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and more. Hiking trails range from easy and flat to steep and advanced, so this an ideal outing for leisure walkers and adventure-seekers alike. Outdoor enthusiasts say the park is a wonderful place to spend time. 

Along with your hiking shoes, make sure to bring your binoculars. This park is home to plenty of wildlife, including elk, eagles and bears. Note that leashed pets are welcome in the park's campgrounds, picnic areas and paved roads, but they are not permitted on hiking trails so as not to bother the forest animals.

With a sprawling campus set against the Rampart Range north of Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy is a functioning educational institution for future members of the military. Parts of the campus are open to the public and well worth a visit. The visitor center, a 31,600-square-foot facility, is a key stop for all guests. Walk through the informative exhibit about cadet life, which includes a life-size reproduction of a cadet dorm room (student dorms are not open to the public). Also learn about the different types of cadet uniforms and squadron patches; watch a 21-minute film about the Academy; and see a model of the stunning Cadet Chapel. Alas, the real chapel – with its imposing spires and beautiful stained glass – is undergoing a massive renovation and is hidden from view by a giant white box. It's scheduled to reopen to visitors in 2027.

The Planetarium is open to the public Fridays through Mondays and offers free shows; see the schedule here. Arnold Hall, the cadet social center, is also open to visitors; this is the place to go if you need a bite to eat. Travelers suggest picking up the map of key sites and walking trails at the visitor center before setting out on your own. However, some of the key overlooks are found prior to your arrival at the visitor center, so you may want to check out the online self-guided tour, too. The paved Chapel Trail – which is worth taking for views of the cadets' living quarters and classroom area – is short, but some past guests note that it can feel strenuous at the high altitude. You can also get to the overlook by driving to the parking area at the Planetarium.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park, located about 5 miles southwest of town, comprises more than 1,600 acres at the bottom of a 1,000-foot-deep canyon. The park's differing altitudes can support a vast array of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions and black bears. Miles of hiking trails run through the park.

Visitors suggest you first stop at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, located at the park entrance. There you'll find displays devoted to the park's wildlife as well as information on the myriad trails for various ability levels. Another place to obtain information is the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, which is located at the base of its namesake falls. Past visitors say they appreciated the lack of an admission fee for the park.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum opened in 2020. The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility houses 12 different galleries and dozens of interactive displays that detail Olympic and Paralympic history, showcase the athleticism required to be a world-stage competitor and tell inspiring athlete stories. The museum is especially inclusive: All guests begin their journey via elevator on the third floor then make their way to galleries via a spiral ramped pathway. Other accessibility services can be personalized for each exhibit, such as audio descriptions or closed captioning on videos. Sensory bags (which include noise canceling headphones and fidget toys) are available as well.

Museumgoers say the vast collection of Olympic artifacts and memorabilia is impressive. Others say the simulated exhibits – such as racing against track star Jesse Owens or riding a skeleton down an icy course – are especially fun. Some visitors lamented the lack of free parking; metered spots and a paid lot are available nearby.

Arizona and Utah aren't the only states that boast rust-colored rocks – Colorado has them, too. And you don't have to stray too far from Colorado Springs to get a good look at them from a hiking or biking trail. Sitting about 4 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs along Highway 24 (right before you reach Manitou Springs), Red Rock Canyon has contributed to the area's scenic landscape since 7000 B.C. In the 1800s, the desert landscape was used to refine the ore that came from the gold mines in nearby Cripple Creek. During the 20th century, Red Rock Canyon was owned by the Bock family, who had plans to transform the land into a vacation haven, complete with a resort hotel and a golf course. In 2003, the city of Colorado Springs purchased the land and used its striking red cliffs to punctuate miles of new hiking and biking trails.

Recent visitors praise Red Rock Canyon Open Space's stunning rock formations and appreciate that the trails are much less crowded than popular Garden of the Gods. Parkgoers also like scrambling on some of the rocks – though permits for technical rock climbing are required and park authorities note that climbing above 10 feet off the ground is illegal without a permit.

Sitting just west of the downtown area is Old Colorado City, the original capital of the Colorado Territory. Founded back in 1859, this area was once a hotbed of activity, overflowing with farmers, miners, ranchers and other settlers seeking a piece of their own Manifest Destiny. In 1917, Colorado City was annexed by a fast-growing new settlement: Colorado Springs. Although it is no longer its own town, the Old Colorado City Historic District maintains its 19th-century Wild West feel with a few modifications: the area's buildings now house locally owned art galleries, quaint shops and mom and pop restaurants.

Travelers who visit Old Colorado City frequently praise the district's laid-back charm and friendly business owners, but many say you don't need to spend much more than a few hours here. Recent visitors point out this tourist destination is a good place to shop for locally made art and souvenirs. Consider stopping here before or after a visit to Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon as it's along the way.

Despite its affiliation with The Broadmoor, Seven Falls is actually 3.5 miles north of the historic luxury hotel. The seven cascades, which collectively descend 180 feet, sit within a scenic 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. This Colorado Springs landmark has welcomed visitors since 1883, when it cost just 10 cents to enter the toll road to the falls.

On arrival at the park entrance, it's nearly a milelong walk to the base of the cascades; guests with mobility concerns can take an in-park tram (which has a $2 fee). Once you've finished snapping photos from the bottom, climb up the 224 steps alongside the rushing water for a bird's-eye view at the top of falls. From here, there's a network of hiking trails to explore. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes if this is your plan. Alternatively, you can walk up 185 steps or take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest platform. If you want to reach the top of the falls, the only way to do so is to take the stairs.

After you've toured the historic streets of Old Colorado City, consider making a stop at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Housed in what was once the early 20th-century El Paso County Courthouse, this museum is filled with old photographs and artifacts that recount the city's story. Visitors can trace Colorado Springs' evolution from a mining town to a popular tourist destination. The museum also has an exhibit called "Cultural Crossroads," that shares information about the Native Americans who made their home in the Pikes Peak region centuries ago. (Note: This exhibit is currently closed for a remodel.)

It may be small, but this attraction wins visitors (particularly history buffs) over with its informative displays. Recent visitors said you can spend a few hours here, as there is a lot to see and learn, while others say this is a good spot for families thanks to its kid-friendly exhibits and activities. Many past travelers were particularly enamored with a ride on the working 1917 Otis "birdcage" elevator.

Glen Eyrie Castle sits on 700 acres of land, which past visitors routinely describe as both beautiful and peaceful. The founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, built a huge house for his family in the late 1800s and later remodeled the structure to become the castle it is today. Today, the Navigators, a Christian group, own and operate the property. Primarily, the castle is a conference and event space. If you're not part of an event, not to worry. You're still welcome to visit.

The property runs 90-minute guided tours that trace the history of the castle itself, the Navigators and the surrounding landscape. The property also offers afternoon tea, providing guests with a selection of canapes and desserts to savor while sipping freshly brewed tea. There is also a gift shop filled with souvenirs and Christian books.

Though these limestone caverns began forming 70 million years ago when ancient seas receded, they only became a tourist attraction in the late 19th century after two intrepid brothers investigated wind blowing from a rocky crevice in Williams Canyon (just north of Manitou Springs). Since 1881, visitors have flocked to tour the craggy caves to admire crystalized stalactites and stalagmites. More recently, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has added other fun activities, including an obstacle course, zip lines, climbing wall, gemstone panning, twisty adventure slide and a 40-mph aerial ride across the canyon.  

Recent visitors recommend wearing sturdy shoes for the tours, as treks involve multiple sets of stairs and walking over uneven ground; you'll be crouching under rock formations, too. Adventurous kiddos are entertained for hours with the outdoor attractions, but keep in mind that past travelers say lines can move slowly in peak summer months. Many say an especially fun way to visit is to walk the caves by lantern with engaging and animated guides who tell spooky ghost stories while sharing details about the caverns' history.

Detailed exhibits at the National Museum of World War II Aviation trace the development of aviation as well as the role it played before and during World War II, with a particular focus on American aviation. Additionally, 20 restored aircraft are located on-site for visitors to view, including a P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning. A few select military cars and trucks are also part of the museum's collection.

From the friendly docents to the well laid out exhibits, past travelers found little (if any) fault with this museum. Visitors appreciate getting up close to the historic aircraft. While you can visit the museum on your own, museumgoers highly recommend paying extra for a guided tour led by passionate and knowledgeable WWII aviation experts.

This facility is the flagship training center of the U.S. Olympic team and the active headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The complex houses practice facilities for a variety of competitive sports – including fencing, gymnastics, wrestling, shooting, swimming, track cycling and boxing – for the thousands of Olympic athletes who train here annually. Start your trip to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center at the visitor center, where you'll find detailed information about the complex.

You're welcome to visit the property on your own, but some travelers recommend tagging along on a tour. A highlight for many recent visitors is that tours are often conducted by athletes currently training at the center. Other travelers lamented that Visa, a worldwide sponsor of the Olympic Games, is the only credit card accepted here; cash is not accepted, either. Additionally, keep in mind the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum is 2.5 miles southwest of the training center.

Animal lovers say the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must, especially if you're visiting Colorado Springs with kids. Located south of the city, this facility makes it easy to get up-close to hundreds of furry, scaly and feathery creatures. While here, you can also feed a giraffe, take a spin on the zoo's chairlift-style ride and snap photos with the zoo's residents during animal encounters. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the Best Zoos in the U.S.

Although the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses a variety of animals, the giraffes are by far a visitor favorite. Recent travelers loved being able to feed the giraffes (for a fee), saying it was a great activity for kids and parents alike. Others complimented the zoo's location on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, saying the views are beautiful. That said, the wide walking paths can be quite hilly in parts, and some guests note the climbs may be tiring for little legs

To get a taste for the city's rich history as a Colorado Gold Rush mining town, stop at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry. Here, you'll learn what it took to make the most of the area's resources (like gold) through interactive exhibits, including a model mine drift you can walk through to experience how cramped working conditions were underground. While here, you can also try your hand at gold-panning and see for yourself the effort it takes to get rich.

You're welcome to explore the museum on your own, but many recent visitors recommended tagging along on a guided tour, saying that the tours were educational and fun for all ages. Knowledgeable guides turn on some of the historic machines so you can see how they once played key roles in the mining industry. Some of the machinery can be quite loud; you may want to pack earplugs or headphones if you are sensitive to noise.