Pikes Peak is the highlight of living in Colorado Springs! At over 14,000 feet in elevation, there are two ways to get to the visitors center at the top. One way is to take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This requires reservations beforehand and can get pricey, but is a beautifully scenic experience. The second way to get to the top is to drive your personal car. Disclaimer- the drive can be scary as you get towards the peak with steep drops on the sides of the road. They will check the heat on your tires as you come down, as you can melt your brakes if you are in the wrong gear. Automatic vehicles are fine. They usually explain this to you when you go through the gate!

Pikes Peak Information Link

Tejon Street is the heart of downtown Colorado Springs where most of the popular bars/restaurants/shopping/museums/breweries are located. The two recommended hotels in the accommodations tab are located on the North and South ends of Tejon. You can wander up and down Tejon towards both ends and find unique spots!

A beautiful hike around Garden of the Gods gives amazing views of the mountain range! There are paved hikes around the rocks and also trail hikes surrounding the main area. There is a large parking lot outside the park and also a smaller parking lot if you drive closer to the rocks. This is also where Nate and I got engaged, it is beautiful! I do not recommend leaving valuables in your car, as this is a tourist location!

An iconic hotel in Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor has plenty of restaurants and bars with beautiful views of Cheyenne Mountain. Parking is valet and one of our favorite things to do is sit outside at the fireplace bar by the lake and enjoy the views of the mountain!

If you are looking for a beautiful trail hike with views of the mountains and the city, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is perfect! There is a convenient parking lot and you can go as far as you'd like. The trail is miles long, but you can choose your route to accommodate your needs! I do not recommend leaving valuables in your car, as this is a tourist location!

A beautiful drive through the old tunnels of Gold Camp Road! This is usually where we bring visitors first because you have beautiful views of the mountains and the city. The drive will take you through the tunnels and down towards Helen Hunt Falls and back out into the Broadmoor neighborhood! I do not recommend leaving valuables in your car if you get out for pictures, as this is a tourist location.

I highly recommend getting into the mountains if you have a car! The first week in October is the peak leaf turning season where you will see the aspen leaves turning gold. Breckenridge is the closest mountain town to Colorado Springs at about 2 hours and 30 minutes driving time. You will cross the continental divide on the way and see all the aspen leaves turning on the drive there. The drive is beautiful and worth it! There are plenty of restaurants and shops on Main Street. Parking is metered street parking or parking garages.