Best Day Trips from Colorado Springs: Manitou, Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, and Cripple Creek

After living in Colorado Springs for over 20 years, I can tell you the city itself is only half the story. Some of the best day trips from Colorado Springs are within 30 to 60 minutes of downtown, winding through canyons, climbing above treeline, and dropping into historic mountain towns that feel like stepping back in time. These are the places I take every friend and family member who visits — and the ones I still revisit myself year after year.

Whether you want quirky shops and galleries, a drive to 14,000 feet, a jaw-dropping gorge, or an old Gold Rush gambling town, you can do any of these in a single day and be back home for dinner. Here are four of the best things to do near Colorado Springs that deserve a spot on your list.

Already planning your trip? Start with our 20-year local’s honest guide to Colorado Springs for the full picture of what to expect.

What Makes Manitou Springs Worth a Visit?

Manitou Springs is a quirky, artsy mountain town sitting right at the base of Pikes Peak, about 15 minutes west of downtown Colorado Springs. It is the kind of place where you can browse handmade jewelry in a tiny gallery, play vintage pinball machines at the Penny Arcade, eat at a locally owned restaurant with a patio overlooking Fountain Creek, and still have time for a hike before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in. If you only have time for one day trip, this is the one.

The Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline is a former railroad grade that climbs nearly 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile. It is one of the most popular — and most punishing — hikes in the state. Expect about 2,744 steps straight up the side of a mountain. Most people take 45 minutes to an hour and a half to reach the top, depending on fitness level. Get there early in the morning, especially on weekends. The small parking area fills up fast, and the town now requires a free reservation during peak season. You will descend on the Barr Trail, which adds about 3 miles but gives you gorgeous views of the valley below.

For more trails in the area, check out our guide to the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs.

Downtown Manitou: Shops, Food, and the Penny Arcade

Downtown Manitou Springs stretches along a few blocks of Manitou Avenue and is packed with independent shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The Penny Arcade is a local institution — rows of vintage arcade games, skee-ball machines, and old-school coin-operated attractions that kids and adults both love. It is free to walk in; you just pay to play. For food, the Mate Factor is a solid pick for coffee and sandwiches, and the Loop has excellent Mexican food with a loyal local following. Manitou also has natural mineral springs scattered throughout town — you can taste each one (they all taste different, and some are an acquired taste, to put it kindly).

Looking for more dining ideas? See our full list of where to eat in Colorado Springs.

Is Driving Up Pikes Peak Worth It?

Pikes Peak — known as “America’s Mountain” — stands at 14,115 feet and is the most visited fourteener in Colorado. You can reach the summit by car on the Pikes Peak Highway or ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Either way, the views from the top stretch across the plains to the east and deep into the Rocky Mountains to the west. On a clear day, you can see Denver, the Sangre de Cristo range, and seemingly forever. This is one of those experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.

Driving the Pikes Peak Highway

The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile toll road that starts near the town of Cascade, just north of Manitou Springs. The drive takes about 45 minutes each way, with plenty of pulloffs for photos. Admission is around $15 per adult in 2026, with discounts for kids and seniors. A few things locals know: the road is fully paved now, but it is still a mountain road with switchbacks and no guardrails in spots, so take it easy. Weather changes fast above treeline. I have seen snow at the summit in July. Bring a jacket no matter what the forecast says in town.

The Cog Railway and the New Summit House

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in 2021 after a major renovation, and it is a completely different experience from driving. The train climbs from Manitou Springs to the summit in about 70 minutes, passing through aspen groves, alpine meadows, and above treeline into a rocky, windswept landscape. At the top, the new Summit Visitor Center is a massive improvement over the old building — modern architecture, a cafe serving the famous high-altitude donuts, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the views. Tickets sell out weeks in advance during summer, so book early at cograilway.com.

Altitude Warning

At 14,115 feet, the air has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Even people who live in Colorado Springs at 6,035 feet feel it at the summit. Take it slow, drink water, and do not be surprised if you feel lightheaded or short of breath. If you are visiting from sea level, take extra caution. The summit is not the place to sprint around for selfies.

Why Should You Visit the Royal Gorge Near Canon City?

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park sits about 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs near Canon City. The centerpiece is a massive suspension bridge spanning the Arkansas River gorge at over 950 feet above the water — making it one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Standing in the middle of that bridge, looking straight down at the river below, is one of those moments that sticks with you. Even locals who have been multiple times still get a jolt from it.

What to Do at the Royal Gorge

Beyond the bridge itself, the park offers a gondola ride across the gorge, a zip line, a via ferrata climbing course, and a small amusement area for kids. The gondola is worth doing — it gives you a different perspective on the canyon walls and the bridge from a distance. Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours at the park. Admission in 2026 runs around $30 for adults, with combo packages available for the zip line and other attractions. The park has a few food options on-site, but for a better meal, head into Canon City proper where you will find some solid local restaurants.

The Drive to Canon City

The drive from Colorado Springs to Canon City on Highway 115 is scenic and straightforward. You will pass through open rangeland with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the west. It is a pleasant 45-minute drive that does not feel like a chore. If you want to make it a full day, combine the Royal Gorge with a stop at the Garden of the Gods on your way out of town in the morning.

What Is Cripple Creek Like Today?

Cripple Creek is a former Gold Rush boomtown sitting at about 9,500 feet in the mountains west of Colorado Springs. In the 1890s, it was one of the richest gold mining districts in the world. Today, it is a small town with a handful of casinos, a well-preserved historic district, and a pace of life that feels about 50 years slower than the Front Range. I often never win anything at the casinos, but it is worth a visit to see one of Colorado’s authentic old Gold Rush towns in person.

Things to Do in Cripple Creek

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour is the standout attraction. You descend 1,000 feet underground into a real gold mine on a vertical shaft elevator. The tour takes about an hour and gives you a genuine feel for what mining life was like in the 1890s. It runs seasonally, typically May through October. The Cripple Creek Heritage Center is free and has excellent exhibits on the town’s mining history. And if you visit in late June, Donkey Derby Days is a local festival featuring — yes — donkey races through the streets. The donkeys are descendants of the ones that worked the mines over a century ago.

The Casinos

Cripple Creek legalized limited-stakes gambling in 1991, and a handful of small casinos line the main street. These are not Las Vegas — think small, casual gaming floors with slots, poker, and blackjack. The stakes are modest, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it is more of a novelty than a destination for serious gamblers. Most people spend an hour or two, have some fun, and move on. A few of the casinos have decent restaurants attached, making it easy to grab lunch without leaving.

The Scenic Drive

Honestly, the drive to Cripple Creek is half the experience. From Colorado Springs, you climb west on Highway 24 toward Woodland Park, then turn south onto Highway 67 through thick pine forests and mountain meadows. The road winds through some of the prettiest terrain along the Front Range. In fall, the aspen groves along this route turn brilliant gold. Allow about an hour each way and enjoy the ride — you are not in a hurry.

How to Plan Your Day Trips from Colorado Springs

Each of these destinations works perfectly as a standalone day trip, but here is how I would prioritize if you are short on time:

• Half day: Manitou Springs — closest, most variety packed into a small area
• Full day (easier): Pikes Peak + Manitou Springs — drive or ride up, then explore Manitou after
• Full day (adventure): Royal Gorge — worth the 45-minute drive, plan 3-4 hours at the park
• Full day (unique): Cripple Creek — the drive is beautiful, the mine tour is one-of-a-kind, and the casinos add a fun twist

A few practical tips from a local: summer is peak season for all of these, and weekends get crowded. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will have a much better experience. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed from June through August — plan outdoor activities for the morning. And always bring layers. You might leave Colorado Springs in shorts and a t-shirt at 80 degrees and step out at 14,000 feet into 40-degree winds.

For a complete overview of the city itself before you start exploring the surrounding area, our 20-year local’s honest guide to Colorado Springs covers everything from neighborhoods to hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Colorado Springs

How far is Manitou Springs from Colorado Springs?

Manitou Springs is only about 10 to 15 minutes west of downtown Colorado Springs, making it the closest and most accessible day trip on this list. You can drive there in the morning, spend a full day exploring shops, restaurants, and the Penny Arcade, hike the Incline if you are up for it, and be back home well before dinner.

Can you drive to the top of Pikes Peak year-round?

The Pikes Peak Highway is typically open from late May through early October, weather permitting. Winter closures are common due to snow and ice above treeline. The Cog Railway operates on a seasonal schedule as well, generally running from late May through October. Check current conditions before you go, as sudden storms can close the road even during summer months.

Is the Royal Gorge Bridge safe to walk across?

Yes, the Royal Gorge Bridge is safe and designed for pedestrian traffic. It was rebuilt and reinforced after the 2013 wildfire that damaged the original structure. The bridge has wooden planks and side railings, and you can see straight down to the Arkansas River 950 feet below through gaps in the deck. If you are afraid of heights, the gondola ride offers a less intense way to experience the gorge from above.

Is Cripple Creek worth visiting if you do not gamble?

Absolutely. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour alone is worth the trip — descending 1,000 feet into a working mine shaft is an experience you cannot get many places. The historic district, heritage center, and the scenic drive through the mountains all make Cripple Creek a worthwhile day trip even if you never set foot in a casino. The gambling is just one small part of what the town offers.

What is the best time of year for day trips from Colorado Springs?

Late May through early October is the prime window for all four destinations. September and early October are arguably the best months — the summer crowds thin out, afternoon thunderstorms become less frequent, and the aspen trees along the drives to Cripple Creek and Pikes Peak turn brilliant shades of gold and orange. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends regardless of season.

Author: Dominic