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By Dominic Ferrara — 20-year Colorado Springs resident. This is not a travel blog. This is what I actually tell my friends when they visit.
I have lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. I have watched this city grow from a quiet military town into one of the most popular destinations in Colorado. And every summer, I watch thousands of tourists make the same mistakes.
This is not a list of “top 10 attractions.” This is what I would tell you if you were sitting in my living room asking me what to do. Honest, unfiltered, from someone who actually lives here.
Stop at Garden of the Gods. Then Keep Going.
Yes, Garden of the Gods is amazing. I have lived here 20 years and I still think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Go. Take the photos. Walk the trails. It is free and it is stunning.
But here is what 99% of tourists miss: Rampart Range Road.
From Garden of the Gods, head up Rampart Range Road. Most visitors have no idea this road exists. It takes you up into the mountains above the park and gives you a completely different perspective — you are looking DOWN at the red rocks and out across the entire Front Range. The views are unreal, it is uncrowded, and it feels like a completely different world from the parking lot chaos below.
This is the kind of thing that separates a good trip from a great one. The iconic stuff is iconic for a reason. But the road less traveled — literally — is where the memories happen.
The Broadmoor Is Not Just for Hotel Guests
If someone asks me my favorite spot in all of Colorado Springs, I do not say Garden of the Gods. I say The Broadmoor.
Most people think The Broadmoor is just a fancy hotel for rich people. It is a world-class resort, yes. But what most visitors do not realize is that you can walk the grounds for free.
The landscaping is immaculate. The lake is gorgeous. The architecture is historic and beautiful. You can walk around the entire property, sit by the water, explore the gardens, and soak in an atmosphere that feels like you have been transported to a European estate. It is one of the most peaceful, beautiful places in the city.
You do not need to be a guest. You do not need to spend money (though the restaurants and bars are excellent if you want to). Just park, walk in, and enjoy it. Locals do this all the time.
The Altitude Will Get You If You Are Not Careful
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet. That does not sound like much until you are here and suddenly you are out of breath walking up a flight of stairs, you have a headache that will not go away, and you feel hungover despite not drinking last night.
Altitude sickness is real and it hits fast. Here is what I tell everyone:
- Drink water like it is your job. Seriously. Double what you normally drink. The air here is dry and you are dehydrating faster than you realize.
- Do NOT go up to Pikes Peak your first day. I know it is tempting. The summit is 14,115 feet — that is more than twice the altitude of Denver. Give your body 2-3 days to acclimate at 6,000 feet before you go to 14,000 feet. People get genuinely sick up there — headaches, nausea, dizziness. It is not fun.
- Take it easy on Day 1. Do the low-altitude stuff first: Garden of the Gods, The Broadmoor, Old Colorado City, downtown. Save Pikes Peak and the Incline for Day 3 or later.
- Weather changes FAST in the mountains. I have seen it go from 80 degrees and sunny to hailing in 20 minutes. Always bring a layer, even if it looks perfect when you leave the hotel. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily in summer — plan your outdoor activities for the morning.
If You Only Have One Day
People ask me this all the time. If I only had one day in Colorado Springs, here is exactly what I would do:
Morning: Garden of the Gods
Get there early — before 8 AM if you can. The light is beautiful, the crowds are thin, and the temperature is perfect. Walk the Central Garden Trail, see the Siamese Twins formation, and take Rampart Range Road for the mountain views. Spend 2-3 hours.
Afternoon: The Broadmoor
Drive to The Broadmoor (15 minutes from Garden of the Gods). Walk the grounds, enjoy the lake, have lunch at one of their restaurants if you want to treat yourself. Or just walk around and take it in. Spend 1-2 hours.
Late Afternoon: Beer Garden
Head to one of the nearby beer gardens to close out the day. Colorado Springs has an incredible craft beer scene. Sit outside, enjoy a local brew, and watch the sunset hit the mountains. That is a perfect Colorado Springs day.
No rushing between 15 attractions. No checking boxes. Just three experiences that give you the real Colorado Springs — the natural beauty, the elegance, and the laid-back local vibe.
A Few More Things Locals Know
- Skip Powers Boulevard. It is all chains and strip malls. The real food and culture is in Old Colorado City, downtown, Manitou Springs, and the Ivywild district.
- Manitou Springs is worth a half day. Quirky shops, penny arcades, mineral springs you can drink from, and some of the best restaurants in the area. It is 10 minutes from Garden of the Gods. Full Manitou Springs guide.
- Sunscreen is not optional. The UV at 6,000 feet is 25% stronger than sea level. You will burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days.
- The military bases are everywhere. Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, NORAD, the Air Force Academy. Expect military traffic and be respectful. This is a military town and proud of it.
- Winters are mild. Unlike Denver, Colorado Springs gets less snow and more sunshine. If you visit in winter, expect 40-50 degree days and cold nights. Totally doable.
Plan Your Trip the Smart Way
I built an AI trip planner that creates a custom itinerary based on your interests, budget, and trip length. It pulls from the same local knowledge I have been sharing for 20 years — just faster. Try it. It is free.
More local guides:
- Garden of the Gods Complete Guide
- 12 Best Hiking Trails Ranked
- Where to Eat — Local’s Restaurant Guide
- Colorado Springs with Kids
- Free Things to Do
