Summer 2026 in Colorado Springs is shaping up to be one of the best in years. Two major new attractions are opening, the zoo is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the usual lineup of outdoor festivals and mountain events is back. Here is what a local actually recommends — not the tourist brochure version, but the stuff worth your time and money.
Want to see what AI can do for your life?
Health discoveries, money opportunities, and life improvements — found by AI, shared weekly by a 62-year-old IT pro. Free newsletter.
New in 2026: Two Attractions Worth Seeing
General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center — Opens May 2026
This is the biggest addition to Colorado Springs tourism in years. A 34,000-square-foot visitor center with seven themed galleries, interactive displays, and a 105-foot glass atrium with direct views of Pikes Peak. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this is going to become the starting point for anyone visiting the peak.
Local tip: Visit in the first few weeks after opening before the summer crowds hit. Weekday mornings will be the least crowded through summer.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — New Giraffe Center (100th Anniversary)
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrating its 100th year in 2026 with a brand new Giraffe Center. This zoo is already one of the best in the country — it sits at 6,800 feet on the side of Cheyenne Mountain with views of the city below. The giraffe feeding experience has always been the highlight, and the new center expands it significantly.
Local tip: Go early. The zoo opens at 9 AM and by 11 AM the parking lot is full on summer weekends. Buy tickets online in advance — they do sell out on peak days.
Best Outdoor Activities for Summer
Garden of the Gods — Free, and Worth Every Minute
Garden of the Gods is the one attraction in Colorado Springs that actually lives up to the hype. Massive red rock formations, paved walking paths, and it is completely free. No tickets, no reservations, no fees.
Local tip: Go before 8 AM or after 6 PM. The parking situation between 10 AM and 4 PM in summer is genuinely miserable. The south entrance off Mesa Road is less congested than the main entrance on 30th Street. If you want to hike (not just walk), take the Palmer Trail for views most tourists never see.
Pikes Peak — Drive It or Hike It
The Pikes Peak Highway takes you to 14,115 feet in about 45 minutes by car. The views are spectacular on clear days. You can also take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs if you prefer not to drive.
Local tip: Weather at the summit can be 30-40 degrees colder than in town, even in July. Bring a jacket. Also, afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily in summer — plan for a morning trip. The highway closes when lightning hits the summit, and you do not want to be stuck at 14,000 feet in a thunderstorm.
Special event: August 1 is Colorado Day in 2026 — Governor Polis is leading a hike up Pikes Peak. If you are in good shape and acclimated to altitude, this is a unique opportunity.
Manitou Incline — The Hardest Mile in Colorado
2,744 steps straight up a mountainside. One mile. 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Average completion time is 45 minutes to an hour. This is not a casual walk — it is a legitimate cardiovascular workout at altitude.
Local tip: Start before 7 AM in summer. The Incline faces east and gets full sun by mid-morning — there is no shade. Bring more water than you think you need. The altitude hits harder than you expect, even if you are fit. And yes, you have to hike back down on the Barr Trail (about 3 miles), so plan for 2-3 hours total.
Summer Events Worth Attending
| Event | Dates | What It Is |
|---|---|---|
| MeadowGrass Music Festival | May 22-24 | Outdoor music at the base of the mountains |
| Territory Days | May 23-25 | Old Colorado City street festival — food, vendors, live music |
| Pikes Peak Pride Fest | June 13-14 | Pride celebration downtown |
| Pikes Peak APEX | June 13-14 | Adventure sports expo |
| Pikes Peak Hill Climb | Late June | The legendary Race to the Clouds — cars racing to 14,115 feet |
| Star Spangled Symphony | July 4 | Extra large celebration at Ford Amphitheater in 2026 |
| Colorado Day Pikes Peak Hike | August 1 | Governor-led hike up Pikes Peak |
What Most Tourists Get Wrong About Summer in Colorado Springs
The Altitude Is Real
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet. That is higher than Denver. If you are visiting from sea level, you will feel it — especially on hikes. Drink twice as much water as you normally would. Take it easy on day one. The Manitou Incline on your first day at altitude is a recipe for altitude sickness.
Afternoon Thunderstorms Are Daily
From June through August, expect thunderstorms almost every afternoon between 2-5 PM. They hit fast, drop heavy rain for 30-60 minutes, and then clear out to a beautiful evening. Plan outdoor activities for the morning. This is not a recommendation — it is how locals live here.
Sunscreen Is Not Optional
At 6,000+ feet, UV exposure is significantly stronger than at lower elevations. You will burn faster than you expect, even on overcast days. SPF 50, reapply every 2 hours, and wear a hat. This is especially important on Pikes Peak, where you are above most of the atmosphere UV filtering.
The Tourist Trap Restaurants
Skip the restaurants on the main strip in Manitou Springs during peak hours — overpriced and overcrowded. Instead, try the restaurants in Old Colorado City (west side of town) or the downtown area around Tejon Street. The food is better, the prices are lower, and you can actually get a table.
Getting Around
Colorado Springs is a car city. Public transit exists but is not practical for tourists. If you are visiting, you need a car. Parking at Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs is the biggest headache — arrive early or plan to use the shuttle services when available.
If you are driving from Denver, take I-25 South. It is about 70 minutes with no traffic, but Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings on I-25 can stretch that to 2+ hours. Avoid those windows if you can.
Springs Local Guide is written by Colorado Springs locals who have lived here for 20+ years. We write what we actually tell our friends when they visit — not what the tourism board puts in the brochure. For more local recommendations, explore springslocalguide.com.
