Colorado Springs is a city of about 490,000 in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of El Paso County, the city lies 63 miles (101 km) south of Denver at the foot of Pikes Peak in South Central Colorado.
The Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau: Visitor Information Center, 515 S. Cascade Ave. Off-season: M-F 8:30AM-5PM, summer season: daily 8AM-6PM.
Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs north-south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy to the North, downtown to the south, and Pikes Peak rising in the west. Since 2022 is the public transport in Colorado Springs from June to August free of charge. Outside this period, a single ticket costs USD 1.75, reduced price (from 60 years and up to 18 years) USD 0.85. A free shuttle bus (THE ZEB) runs throughout the city center all year round. Mountain Metro Transit Taxi Services
1 Garden of the Gods, 1805 N 30th St (I25 Exit west 2.5 mi, then south on 30th St), ☏ +1 719 634-6666. 5AM-11PM. A series of dramatic sandstone formations, enclosed by a city park. Excellent for hiking and technical rock climbing. Free. 2 Pikes Peak (West about 10 miles on Cimarron St./Rt 24), toll-free: +1-800-318-9505. May-Sept 7AM-7PM. The most famous peak in Colorado, inspiring the song "America the Beautiful", dominates over the city to the west. Drive to the top, or ascend by Cog Rail. Feeling fit? Hike up Barr Trail to the summit, especially beautiful in the summer with all the wild flowers.
3 Sky Zone Colorado Springs. Hiking, the Pike National Forest to the west, Pikes Peak, and numerous city parks offer ample hiking opportunities. Horseback Riding Academy Riding Stables, toll-free: +1 888 700-0410. Enjoy a ride through beautiful towering sandstone rock formations in the Garden of the Gods. Mark Reyner Stables Inc, 3254 Paseo Rd, ☏ +1 719 634-4173. Cycling Challenge Unlimited-Pikes Peak by Bike, toll-free: +1-800-798-5954. Bike down over 7,000 feet from the top of Pikes Peak with professional guides, mid-April–October. Bike helmet, all-weather gear and meals are included.
Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza & Brewery, 5214 N Nevada Ave, ☏ +1 719-590-8633. Great gourmet pizzas. Shuga's, 702 S. Cascade, ☏ +1 719 328-1412. M-Sa 11AM-1PM. Funky. Biaggis (shops at briargate). Great gourmet Italian food. A little on the expensive side but well worth it. Jake and Telly's, 2616 Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City, ☏ +1 719 633-0406. Great Greek food; under $15 for lunch, over $20 for dinner. Sit outside on their second floor patio and enjoy the gorgeous Colorado Springs weather. O'Furry's, 900 E. Fillmore, ☏ +1 719 634-3106. Hole-in-the-wall Irish-style pub, featuring some of the best burgers in Colorado Springs.
Bristol Brewing Company, 1604 S Cascade Ave, ☏ +1 719 633-2555. In an old elementary school. Quite charming and unique. 1 Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., 2 E. Pikes Peak Ave, ☏ +1 719 635-2800. M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 10AM-2AM. Wide variety of excellent brews made on premises. Also serves high quality food for lunch and dinner daily. Brunch is available Sunday only. Jack Quinns Irish Pub, Tejon St (Downtown). Great Irish and English beers, decent Irish food. Stay for the Irish band! Trinity Brewing Co, 1466 W Garden off Gods Rd (Mile or so west of I 25 on Garden off Gods Rd), ☏ +1 719 634-0029.
The town is about as safe as Denver, though be aware that Colorado has one of the highest death rates via automobile accidents in the US. So just remember to drive defensively and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is infamous for speed traps also. Watch out for motorcycle cops (around 5 or 6) along with one or more cruisers waiting to catch you speeding. The southeastern part of town is generally less safe than the western or northern part. Ft. Carson, on the southern edge of town, is a large Army installation bringing in thousands of young, energetic men and women. The businesses that these clients would frequent sometimes attract a rougher crowd.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Colorado Springs typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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