Colorado Springs

Red Rocks, Mountain Peaks, Olympic Dreams

Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak in the southern Rockies. The city features wide open spaces, mountain views and a dry climate with plenty of sunshine year-round. Visitors can explore Garden of the Gods with its red rock formations or hike trails that lead into forested hills. Local parks provide walking paths and picnic areas for families. Outdoor activities like biking, climbing and skiing are popular in nearby regions. The city’s history includes a strong military presence and growing tech sector.

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City in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.1

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is universally spoken, and Spanish is also common. All tourism services, signage, and guides are English-friendly, so communication is easy for international visitors.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Colorado Springs Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
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Read how our scores work

Great for mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Hike dramatic red rock formations, visit scenic parks, drive mountain roads and explore nearby hiking trails.

Place score

7.5

Best at:

Natural sites

Guided tours

Mountains

Snow

Spotless

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Colorado Springs, United States

❄️

Jan

🌨️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Pikes Peak Highway and summit services are most reliable May to October, snow can close them any time of year

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on the last Sunday in June

Summer thunderstorms build most afternoons, so start Pikes Peak and hikes early

Don't miss

🪨 Hike iconic red rock formations at Garden of the Gods
🏞️ Ascend Pikes Peak, America's Mountain, for stunning views
🦒 Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, home to diverse animals
🏘️ Explore historic Old Colorado City’s shops and galleries
💦 Experience the thrill of Seven Falls waterfall hike
🏅 Tour the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum exhibits

You've been here?

Why travel to Colorado Springs?

If you crave fresh air, epic scenery and a dose of American history, Colorado Springs is a must. Garden of the Gods is a jaw-dropping city park with towering red rocks and panoramic trails, while nearby Pikes Peak lets you drive, bike or take a railway to the top for unforgettable views. The city is also home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Training Center, where you can see world-class athletes in action. Families love the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and history buffs will enjoy the Air Force Academy and local museums. The downtown and Old Colorado City areas are full of art, food and friendly locals. But be prepared for altitude – Colorado Springs sits over 1,800 meters (6,000 feet), so take it easy your first day and stay hydrated. Weather can change quickly, with sunny mornings turning into afternoon thunderstorms, especially in summer. The city is spread out, so a car is handy for exploring beyond the center. Summer is busy and prices rise, but spring and fall offer fewer crowds and mild weather.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
2 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
3 Manitou Springs
4 Old Colorado City
5 Glen Eyrie
6 U.S. Air Force Academy

🎡Places for activities

1 The Perch rock climbing approach
2 Mountain Biking Trail
3 The Incline

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Garden of the Gods
2 Pikes Peak
3 Cave of the Winds
4 Helen Hunt Falls
5 Red Rock Canyon Open Space
6 Palmer Park
7 Cheyenne Mountain
8 Bear Creek (Nature Center)
9 Seven Falls Park
10 North Cheyenne Cañon Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Garden of the Gods Trading Post
2 Chapel Hills Mall
3 The Promenade Shops at Briargate

🎈Events

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June)
Labor Day Lift Off (hot air balloon festival)
Territory Days (May)
Colorado Springs Comic Con
Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon
Colorado Springs PrideFest
Rocky Mountain State Games
First Friday Art Walks
Holiday Stroll in Old Colorado City
Winter Wonderland at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Prioritize Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods first.
Acclimate to high altitude slowly; drink plenty of water and use sunscreen daily.
Book timed tickets for Pikes Peak Highway ahead; it sells out on weekends and peak season.
Explore free trails in Garden of the Gods at sunrise for solitude, cooler temps and magical light on red rocks.

How to travel to Colorado Springs

Fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) with direct flights from major U.S. cities or Denver International Airport (DEN), about 1.5 hours north by car. Amtrak and intercity buses connect the region and rental cars are widely available at both airports.

Access summary

From Colorado Springs Airport (COS): Taxi, shuttle or rideshare, about 20–30 minutes.
From Denver Airport (DEN): Shuttle or car down I‑25, typically 1.5–2 hours.
From Denver city: Direct drive or intercity bus along I‑25, around 1.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers everything from luxury resorts and historic hotels to family-friendly motels and cozy B&Bs. Downtown and Old Colorado City are great for walkable stays, while resorts near Garden of the Gods or Cheyenne Mountain offer stunning views and amenities. Book early in summer.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

SCP WildFree Colorado Springs, Trademark by Wyndham

8.3

Cliff House at Pikes Peak

9.2

Drury Plaza Hotel Colorado Springs Near the Air Force Academy

9.6

MCM Elegante Suites

8.7

The Lodge at Flying Horse

9.4

The Antlers, a Wyndham Hotel

8.3

The Mining Exchange

9.2

Cheyenne Mountain Resort a Destination by Hyatt Hotels

8.7

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Colorado Springs South AP

7.2

Garden of the Gods Club & Resort

9.3

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Colorado Springs

The city is car-friendly, with good roads and parking at major sights. Public buses serve the main areas, but many top attractions (like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak) are easiest reached by car. Downtown and Old Colorado City are walkable and bike rentals are available for exploring parks and trails.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-3 %

Daily expenses in Colorado Springs are around 3% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£75	£160	£359
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£83	£126
🍝 Food per day	£32	£71	£206
🚕 Transportation per day	£5	£6	£27

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£28
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£13
🍟 Fast food combo	£10
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11
☕ Cappuccino	£4
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.80

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.30
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£16
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£85
🤧 Cold medication	£5
💇 Basic haircut	£12

Safety information overview

General safety

Colorado Springs is generally very safe, with low violent crime. Take usual precautions in busy areas and trailheads — car break-ins and petty theft can occur. Stay hydrated and be aware of altitude effects.

Health & Medical

Medical care is excellent, with modern hospitals and clinics. Altitude sickness can affect new arrivals — drink plenty of water and acclimate slowly. Sunburn and dehydration are common, especially during outdoor activities.

Accessibility

Most major attractions, hotels and parks are accessible, but some trails and natural sites have uneven ground or steep grades. Check accessibility info for specific sites and use visitor centers for advice.

Tap water

Tap water is safe, clean and widely available. Public drinking fountains are common in parks and visitor centers — bring a refillable bottle, especially for hikes.