Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs

Explore the best places to eat, drink, hike and epic things to see in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is known for Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, and plenty of fabulous places to eat and drink. This guide will help you to make the best decision of what places to see and full your belly.

The first time we saw Colorado Springs we felt we didn’t have enough time there. This trip we had 6 days to really dig in. Our checklist below will help insure you see it all.

Colorado Springs Checklist

Colorado-Springs Download

Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs: Seven Falls

Adults: Ages 13+ years – $17
No parking at South Cheyenne Canyon Park for Seven Falls Guests
Shuttle from 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd located at Norris Penrose Event Center
Dogs are allowed on leash in the park
.8 mile hike to the falls

The Manitou Incline

Requires an advance reservation
2,762 stairs with 2,000 ft elevation gain over .88 of a mile
Bring lots of water
No dogs allowed on trail
Take the Barr trail down to make it a loop

Barr Trail

Save your knees by taking the Barr trail down from Manitou incline. It adds 3 miles to the hike but the views are fantastic. If you are craving more adventure, the Barr trail also takes you up to the top of Pikes Peak.

Miramont Castle (Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs)

Built in 1895
Adults 13+ = $14
Self guided tours
No reservation required unless you want to have high tea in the queens parlour tea room
Located with ample parking Downtown Manitou Springs

Bambinos Urban Pizzeria

Our epic things to see in Colorado Springs started with filling our bellies with Bambinos Urban Pizzeria. Their Cheesy Garlic Bread with garlic sauce was to die for.

OCC Brewing

Great rooftop views, beer and ambience at OCC Brewing. We enjoyed the Oktoberfest, Amber, Whit, and Pale Ale.

Loyal Coffee

Avocado toast and orange latte surrounded by plants and rope ceiling for the win.

Goat Patch Brewing Company

Food truck in parking lot
Two bar spaces (one in the front by the entrance and one in the back through the hallway)
Also two patios
I loved the Ginger & Juice Peach Kettle Sour (Fruited)
Damion enjoyed the Dry Hopped Limeade Shandy Radler

Bristol Brewing

Located within the converted Ivywild school house. Open concept on a nice day when the garage doors can be open. Also a ton of outdoor space with BBQ food truck. The Mango Pirate Golden Sour and the Yellow Kite Summer Pils were our favorites.

Ax and Oak Distillery

Also located in the Ivywild School house enjoy the sunshine on the patio with a mojito and the delicious Patty’s Porch Sipper.

Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs: Humble Coffee

Drive up Coffee Hut
A large iced Debonair (peanut butter mocha) and Melody (maple toffee nut latte) was so good we went two days in a row
Delicious scones with icing

Good Neighbors Meeting House

Two blocks from our Airbnb was this café and coffee shop. I loved the breakfast waffle and an iced caramel mocha. Damion ordered a chorizo burrito and an iced caramel latte.

Sentinel Point via Grandview and Cheyenne Trail Loop

Can also drive to the top and skip the hike
3 mile easy hike
Loop trail
Excellent views of Colorado Springs and beyond the entire time
Overlook in Palmer Park

Switchback Coffee

Open air coffee shop
Ample parking
Refreshing vanilla iced latte and brown sugar mocha iced latte

Pikes Peak (Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs)

Make a Reservation ahead of time to drive to the top of Pikes Peak
Can also take the Cog railway to the top
Bring layers (up to 40 degrees cooler on the peak)

Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs: The Winery at Pikes Peak

Enjoy a wine tasting located at the bottom of Pikes Peak. Inviting front porch with many different Colorado wines to buy. The Chardonnay was a clear winner.

Wines of Colorado

Also, Located at the bottom of Pikes Peak is the Wines of Colorado. This is a great place to grab a burger, wine flight, old fashioned flight, and baked brie.

Trails End Taproom

Pour your own and pay by the ounce tap wall
Beer and wine
Live music
Large patio

315 Collective (The Well)

Multiple restaurants to choose from
One bar with excellent cocktails
Our top choice was the cucumber Collins
Regular live music and trivia

Epic Things to See in Colorado Springs: White Pie

The Rabbit Hole

This underground speakeasy style restaurant is a must. First, we arrived early without reservations (however, reservations are recommended). Secondly, we ordered The Whiskey Hamish (Breckenridge Bourbon, Fresh Orange, Triple Sec, Ginger ale) and The Cheshire Sour (Breckenridge Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Housemade Simple Syrup, Avia Sweet Red Wine). Finally we had to end the night with a piece of their to die for carrot cake.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

We sat upstairs for an excellent view of the mountains at sunset. The fried pickles and beers filled our bellies.

The Garden

The Garden is a string lite beer garden with a food truck. Order from your phone using a QR code or with the server. Delicious margaritas and regular TV or movie nights projected on their wall.