Colorado Springs weekend itinerary
Forty-eight hours in Colorado Springs is enough time to understand why people move here and never leave.
This city sits at the base of Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods in its backyard, the Broadmoor on its south side, and some of the best mountain access in the state within an hour in any direction. It has the energy of a city that knows exactly what it has and doesn’t need to brag about it.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours here properly.
Friday Evening — Arrive and Settle
Check into your accommodation and give yourself the first evening to decompress from the drive. Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet — if you’re coming from lower elevation give your body a few hours to adjust before doing anything strenuous.
Dinner at Red Gravy downtown — the butternut ravioli is worth the trip on its own. After dinner walk the downtown Tejon Street corridor. Colorado Springs’ downtown has genuinely good energy on a Friday night.
Saturday Morning — Garden of the Gods
Go early. Garden of the Gods is most beautiful in the first two hours after sunrise when the light hits the red rock formations at an angle that makes everything look painted. The park is free. The main loop is accessible to all fitness levels. The views of Pikes Peak from inside the park are among the best in Colorado.
After the park — breakfast at The Margarita at Pine Creek. Nearly 50 years in business, locally sourced menu, beautiful homestead setting. One of the genuinely special breakfast experiences in Colorado.
Saturday Afternoon — Pikes Peak or Cheyenne Mountain ZooIf the weather is clear — drive the Pikes Peak Highway. The summit at 14,115 feet offers a perspective on Colorado that changes how you see the state. Allow 3-4 hours for the drive up and back.
If you’re traveling with family — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits on the mountainside aboveColorado Springs with extraordinary views and a genuinely excellent animal collection. One of America’s most unique zoo experiences.
Saturday Evening — Dinner and Reflection
503W on the west side for craft cocktails and Asian-fusion. Order whatever the bartender suggests. The Korean tacos are exceptional. Or if you want something quieter — The Margarita at Pine Creek does dinner with the same seasonal, local approach as breakfast.
Sunday Morning — Before You Leave Dozo Sushi for brunch — the tonkotsu ramen is outstanding and the space is warm enough to linger in. Then one last drive through the Garden of the Gods on your way out of town. Colorado Springs will be here when you come back. And you will come back.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
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