7 Awesome Day Trips from Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is full of things to do, but if you’re looking for day trips to getaway from the city, I have you covered with these 7 awesome destinations.

A photo taken on one of my day trips from Colorado Springs on a hike in Denver. There is a large green mountain in the background and a dirt trail winding through the grass in the foreground.

This post will cover National Parks, cities, hidden gems, and more natural wonders of Colorado that are all within a 3 hour drive from Colorado Springs.

All the destinations on this list I have personally traveled to within a day while I was living in Colorado Springs. These places make for both a great weekend getaway or day trip.

There are a variety of different kinds of activities on this list, so you’re sure to find something suitable for every type of traveler.

Table of Contents:

  1. Great Sand Dunes National Park
  2. Denver
  3. Loveland Pass
  4. Paint Mines Interpretive Park
  5. Pikes Peak Scenic Drive
  6. Pueblo Reservoir
  7. Royal Gorge

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1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

2.5 hours from Colorado Springs

A photo from the great sand dunes national park in colorado taken from a day trip from Colorado Springs. Here you can see the tan sand which all make a dune shape. There are large blue mountains in the background. The clouds are dark and look like they are raining down on the mountains and that the rain is coming closer to me.

Starting this list off with one of my favorite day trips from Colorado Springs, and probably my favorite National Park: the Great Sand Dunes.

The dunes are an absolute must-see if you’re in Colorado. If you’ve never seen sand dunes before, this is probably the best first place to experience them.

You’ll be shocked at the seemingly never ending vast field of dunes surrounded by the tall mountains in the distance.

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Plus, you get a killer workout in while hiking up the sand. It’s much harder than it looks but it’s even more fun on the way back down.

You get some amazing views and photo ops the further and higher up you go on the dunes.

This is a picture of me walking down a sand dune at the great sand dunes national park in colorado. You can see my footprints in the sand behind me. I am walking on the ridgeline of the dune and there are huge blue mountains in the distance behind the dunes. The sand is tan colored and the sky is full of dark clouds.

Coming in at just a 2 and a half hour drive, the Great Sand Dunes is one of the most beautiful day trips you can take from Colorado Springs!

It does cost $35 per vehicle for admission since it’s a National Park, but you’re able to use an America the Beautiful Pass if you have one for free entry. 

Another photo taken on a day trip from colorado springs the great sand dunes national park in colorado but this picture is facing the back of the dunes where there aren't any mountains in the background. There is sun shining through the dark clouds above the field of sand dunes.

I’d recommend visiting during the months of April-October for the best weather. However, during the heat of the summer the sand can get extremely hot on sunny days, making it hard to walk barefoot on the dunes.

I will also recommend that you go see Zapata Falls on your way back from the dunes. It’s a short hike (about 1 mile round trip) to a small but beautiful rushing waterfall. This hike is only 15 minute drive from the Great Sand Dunes.

2. Denver

1.5 hours from Colorado Springs

A photo taken of the Denver skyline in Colorado of all the skyscraper buildings. There are hundreds of skyscrapers and you can see a road in between the buildings with lots of cars driving on it. The sky is turning pink at the horizon from the sun starting to set and the full moon is high in the sky. The moon looks bright against the pale blue sky.

Had to put Denver on the list because how could I not? It’s full of unique things to do, and has a totally different vibe than Colorado Springs.

It makes it in the top 20 of the most populated cities in the country. If you’ve never been to Denver before it’s worth taking the drive up there to see all that the city has to offer. Below I outline a few of the best places to visit in Denver.

A photo taken in Denver, Colorado of an art piece in the city. The structure is of two abstract people who are holding hands and dancing. They are painted white. There are skyscrapers behind the structure.

Meow Wolf

The Meow Wolf Convergence Station is a cool interactive art exhibit which has a few other locations around the western US. However, the Denver location is the biggest coming in at 90,000 square feet!

The exhibits at Meow Wolf are a combination of art from local and international artists to create a unique and trippy alien world for visitors to walk through and explore.

Me standing in front of an art exhibit at the meow wolf convergence station in Denver, Colorado from a day trip from Colorado Springs. There are circular multi-colored lights that light up under my feet when I walk. In the background it is completely dark with a black light forest scene that is all lit up in purple lights. It looks trippy.

Prices start at $45 per person and $35 for Colorado residents. The ticket is valid for the entire day so you can spend as long as you want. I would recommend buying your tickets online ahead of time.

Major League Sports in Denver

A picture taken from the seats up at the top of the Coors Field baseball stadium (home of the Colorado Rockies) behind the first base line. You can see the entire baseball field and players at their positions. The stadium is all outdoors and you can see the faint mountains in the distance. The sun is starting to set too so the sky behind the stadium is turning orange and pink. You can also see hundreds of buildings behind the stadium so you can tell it's Denver, Colorado.

I was also lucky enough to catch a Rockies game while in Denver it was a lot of fun! I’m big into baseball so I’m grateful I was able to check a new stadium off the list during my trip to Colorado Springs. The area felt very safe and the views from the stadium are gorgeous!

This is something else to consider if you’re into sports. There’s all kinds of major league teams to see in Denver that you won’t find in Colorado Springs.

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Denver Botanical Garden

Denver also has a very beautiful botanical garden right in the heart of the city that is worth checking out.

Known as the Denver Botanic Garden, they have several exhibits and all kinds of unique plants in bloom depending on the time of year you go.

Enjoy walking through the different themed gardens or even book a tour to learn more about the various plant species that reside there.

Fees for Botanic Gardens:

  • Adults: $15
  • Seniors: $11.50
  • Children (3-15) & Students: $11
  • Children (2 & under): free
A photo taken from the Denver Botanic Garden located in Denver, Colorado on a day trip from Colorado Springs. There are a lot of green trees in the background. In the foreground there is a manmade pond that has lily pads and other aquatic plants growing out of the water. There is a paved path around the water so people can walk all around it and look at the plants.

National & State Parks Near Denver

If spending all day in the city isn’t quite your thing, there are several amazing parks on the outskirts of Denver worth your time.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park

Most notably Rocky Mountain National Park is just about an hour and a half drive from Denver.

You can easily add this to a Denver itinerary or enjoy it as one of your memorable day trips from Colorado Springs. I unfortunately haven’t gotten there yet so I can’t say too much about it. But I do know it’s gorgeous and a little less than a 3 hour drive from Colorado Springs. 

The following parks are all just about a half hour drive from downtown Denver if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours.

  • Roxborough State Park

Known for tall red sandstone formations, Roxborough State Park boasts 8 unique hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife including deer, foxes, coyotes, and prairie dogs.

It’s kind of like the Garden of the Gods of Denver! A day pass costs $10 per vehicle.

A photo of Roxborough State Park in Colorado. Here you can see several tall orange rock formations shooting up out of the ground and towards the sky. In the foreground there is bright green and tall grass that makes a beautiful contrast against the orange rock and blue sky.
  • Mount Falcon Park

Mount Falcon Park is another smaller, but free park located outside Denver. Known for hiking trails through the mountains and the remains of a castle owned by John Brisben Walker (a self-made millionaire in the late 1800s).

This is a really neat park to explore and learn about the history of Mount Falcon.

3. Loveland Pass

2.5 hours from Colorado Springs

Loveland Pass is a must-see if you’re searching for scenic day trips from Colorado Springs.

During the winter time you can do some skiing at the Loveland Ski Area however, the snow can cause route 6 to close (the road that takes you to the actual mountain pass from the ski area). If you don’t plan on skiing I would definitely say to go during summer or early fall.

I went in August and it was beautiful! It was chilly so you’ll definitely want to bring layers with you on this trip.

Loveland Pass sits at almost 12,000 feet in elevation, so it’ll be a lot colder up here than in the town of Colorado Springs.

Me sitting on a rock up at the summit of Loveland Pass in Colorado. There are endless mountains in the distance behind me. You can see a small road down below the mountain that is surrounded by dark green pine trees. I am sitting on the rock with my feet out in front of me and my hands resting on my knees. You can see my curly auburn hair slightly blowing in the wind. I am wearing green shorts and a black tank top.

From Colorado Springs the quickest way to get here is to go up through Denver and head west on I-70. You’ll pass through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel and get gorgeous views as you drive through the mountains.

You’ll get off I-70 after about 40 miles and onto route 6 where you’ll see the ski area right off the highway. You can keep heading south on 6 until you see signs that say Loveland Pass Continental Divide. This is the area you want to explore!

A photo of the sign at the summit of Loveland Pass. It says "Loveland Pass Elevation 11,990 FT. Continental Divide U.S. Department of Agriculture" The sign is built on top of a rock base. You can see a few cars parked on the right side of this photo. There are mountains in the background behind the sign. You can see dark green pine trees on the mountains.

This is a pretty popular drive so expect to see several cars parked on the side of the road at lookouts. You can easily spend a few hours here hiking and taking photos.

There are a few hiking trails that lead you up and around the beautiful and rocky mountains. These are some hikes worth checking out:

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4. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

50 minutes from Colorado Springs

A photo taken at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park located in Calhan, Colorado. There are rocks all over the photo that are wrapping around each side of the picture. The rocks are all a mix of pink and white. Some are striped and some just are white rocks with pink scattered all over. There are also tiny rocks all over the ground. At the top of the rock structure, there are more tan/white colored rocks that look like hoodoos.

This is the closest destination from Colorado Springs on this list and another one of my favorite day trips: the Paint Mines.

If you’ve never heard of these before, it’s basically a small park with colorful mounds that look “painted” with streaks of pink, purple, orange, and yellow.

The multi-colored bands on the rocks are formed by iron oxidizing in the clay overtime. All the colors are so vibrant, it makes for a beautiful and unique backdrop to photos.

Me sitting on a rock at the paint mines interpretative park in Calhan, Colorado while on a day trip from Colorado Springs. I am sitting with my feet out in front of me and my knees bent. I have my hands resting on my knees and am looking off into the distance to my right. The rocks behind me are white with stripes of pink and yellow. The sky above the rock structures is blue with clouds beginning to turn gold from the setting sun.

There is a designated trail to follow which is about 3.5 miles but my friends and I had fun just exploring all the different rock formations (while not straying too far from the trail). These colorful badlands are sure to impress anyone!

A photo taken from outside the paint mines rocks on a trail at the Paint Mines Interpretative park in Calhan, Colorado. This photo is overlooking the rocks from a distance with grass all over the ground and no trees. there is a wooden fence in the foreground which keeps people from wandering of the trail. Half of the sky looks rainy with very dark grey clouds on the left side. But on the right side of the sky it has more light with patches of light blue sky and white clouds.
View of the Paint Mines from the parking lot

You can spend just a few hours here or easily a whole day if you bring food and lots of water! You won’t want to miss this hidden gem in Colorado.

Another photo taken in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan while on a day trip from Colorado Springs. This picture showcases one rock formation that is kind of split into two rocks. Each rock is pointy on the top shooting up to the sky. The rock formation is striped in different color bands of pink, yellow, and white.

5. Pikes Peak Scenic Drive

1 hour from Colorado Springs

A photo taken from the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado while on a day trip from Colorado Springs. In the foreground you can see several layers of orange rock that create the mountains. Further down on the mountain you can see it is filled with dark green pine trees. Behind the mountain you can see a small lake with blue water. Behind the lake you can faintly see the town of Colorado Springs. The clouds at the top of the photo look like rain clouds. They are dark grey and it looks like rain is coming down from them further away. To the left side of this photo you can also see a black bird that looks far away flying in the air.

How could you go to Colorado Springs and not drive up to Pikes Peak?? It’s one of the town’s most famous landmarks.

People come from all over the country to drive (or hike) to the summit standing at 14,115 feet elevation.

It is one of the tallest mountains in Colorado and the second most visited mountain in the world. And it’s all for good reason, the summit of Pikes Peak gives you incredible 360° views.

This is a picture of me sitting on some rocks at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The rocks are a dark tan color and I am sitting on a small portion of one with my feet out in front of me with my knees bent. I have my arms reached out into the sky. Behind me and the rocks you can see mountains full of dark green pine trees. Everything else in the background looks blue because of the elevation and how far it is. The sky is mostly blue too with white clouds hovering over.

In the winter months the very top of the mountain is closed due to ice and dangerous road conditions. So the best times to visit Pikes Peak is between the months of May- October.

I went in August on a pretty cloudy day, and it was cold! Temperatures were in the 40s so keep that in mind when planning your drive.

Pack extra layers because the temperature in Colorado Springs is never going to be the same as how it feels way up on Pikes Peak. 

Another photo taken from the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. Here, you can see part of the road named Pikes Peak Highway curve around the mountain to continue going up. The road is surrounded by green grass and dark green pine trees all over the grass. Behind the trees you can see the mountains look like they go on forever. They have a blue tint to them because of the elevation and how far away they are. The sky looks mostly blue with white clouds scattered across the sky.

The drive up to the summit takes a little over an hour from downtown Colorado Springs. But it is an absolutely gorgeous drive.

There is a toll gate at the start of Pikes Peak Highway which charges the following fees:

  • May 1- November 30 is $15 per adult (16 years or older)
  • December 1- May 30 is $10 per adult
  • Year-round for children is $5 per child

At the toll gate they will give you a little instruction on what gears to put your car in on the way up and the way back down.

Another view from going up to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. Here you can really see how windy the road is and how tight the turns can be. In the foreground there is a little hill full of rocks and grass while behind that, you can see the curved road. Further down on a different and lower part of the mountain you can see another part of the curvy road. Behind all the mountains with the road you can see even more mountains scattered with green pine trees, and you can even see a small lake too. The mountains look like they never end in the distance. The sky is mostly cloudy with patches of light blue.

As you get higher on the mountain, the road will start to get windier with more dramatic cliff drops off the side of the road. The corners can get tight sometimes but as long as you drive slowly and carefully, you’ll be perfectly fine.

We were driving in a sedan and it made it just fine so you don’t need high clearance. The road is completely paved.

When you get to the summit there are tons of viewpoints where you can walk around and see the surrounding mountains from all angles. You’re also able to do some exploring on the huge rocks all around on the peak.

There’s a visitor center at the top too which is perfect if you need to warm up. There are souvenirs and food for purchase such as soups, sandwiches, burritos, and donuts.

Before heading back into town on your way down, the rangers will quickly check the heat of your brakes to make sure they aren’t too hot so you can safely drive back.

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6. Pueblo Reservoir

1 hour from Colorado Springs

A picture taken from the top of a cliff at the Pueblo Reservoir in Pueblo, Colorado while on a day trip from Colorado Springs. The main focus point of this photo is the body of water named Lake Pueblo. Surrounding the water, there are grey rocks which create tall cliffs over the water. There are small green plants and green bushes growing out of the rocks all around the water. The sky is blue with wispy white clouds scattered across.

The Pueblo Reservoir is a perfect choice for summer day trips from Colorado Springs.

Located in Lake Pueblo State Park just outside the town of Pueblo, this is your ideal trip if you’re seeking some fun water activities.

You’ll see many people with boats cruising around the water with others jumping from the tall, rocky cliffs and swimming in the lake below.

This is a beautiful area to explore and hang out, and it’s only an hour drive from Colorado Springs!

It’s an awesome place to set up camp for the day with an umbrella, some blankets to sit on, snacks, and drinks. But don’t forget the sunscreen! This area can get very hot in the summertime and there is no shade.

7. The Royal Gorge

1 hour from Colorado Springs

This is a picture taken from the south rim of the Royal Gorge located in Canon City, Colorado while on a day trip from Colorado Springs. The main focus of this picture is what looks to be a very skinny silver bridge stretching across a canyon. The Canyon is called the Royal Gorge and it is composed of all brown rock with green trees growing out of the top. You can also see the blue rushing water of the Arkansas River which created this canyon. In the background you can see mountains filled with trees with a blue tint because they are so far away. The sky is beautiful with a light blue sky with white puffy clouds all across the sky.

The Royal Gorge is another great day trip from Colorado Springs that’s only 1 hour away!

Built over the Arkansas river, this 1,260 foot bridge connects the two sides of this massive canyon. As you’re walking across the bridge, you’ll be 956 feet above the water.

A photo taken from walking on the Royal Gorge Bride in Canon City, Colorado. The floor of the bridge is made of wooden planks and the railings are silver metal. There are a few people on the bridge and walking across it. There are also mountains in the distance on all sides of the bridge. The sky is bright blue with white fluffy clouds scattered all around.

The Royal Gorge is truly an impressive structure. It was built in 1929 purely so visitors would have a great access point to admire the beauty of Colorado. And it sure does fulfil it’s purpose.

You get such amazing views of the canyon and of the rushing river below.

This is a photo of the Arkansas river at the Royal Gorge park located in Canon City, Colorado. The main focus of this photo is the teal colored skinny river with visible currents streaming down. The picture is taken from up on top of the bridge looking down at the river so it looks small. The river is surrounded by the huge canyon composed of light brown rocks with green trees/ shrubs growing out of the top of them. You can faintly see mountains in the background above the canyon. The sky is full of white clouds with patches of blue sky.

Fees for admission to the Royal Gorge:

  • Adults (12+): $27
  • Children (3-11): $22
  • Children (2 & under): free

These prices show their online price however at the gate expect them to cost $3 more. So if you’re planning a trip here definitely purchase them online in advance.

Besides walking across and admiring the bridge, there are a plethora of other activities available at the Royal Gorge:

  1. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge Railroad is a train ride that takes you down in the canyon and along the river. Along with gorgeous views you get food served to you on your ride. Prices range from $84-$249 depending on which package you book. Click here to book your ride!

  2. Royal Rush Skycoaster

If you’re an adrenaline chaser, this is the attraction for you. Similar to a skydiving or a hang gliding experience, you’ll start up on a 100 foot tower before you drop 1,200 feet over the Royal Gorge going at a speed of 50 mph. Prices include: $38 for one rider, $65 for two, and $85 for three in addition to your paid admission. Reservations are not required.

  3. Cloudscraper Zip Line

This zip line takes you across the canyon right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge. This ride costs $48 per person as an addition to your paid admission.

 4. Aerial Gondolas

This attraction is great because it is actually included in your admission. As long as you can pay to get in, you can ride these for free! Just like the zip line, in the gondolas you’ll ride next to the bridge and travel over the river. You get 360° views of the canyon and mountains.

When you get to the park I’d recommend to walk all the way down on the bridge, explore the south rim and all the attractions that side has to offer, then ride the gondolas back to the visitors center.

This is a photo of me standing against the metal fencing on top of the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado. This fence is before you start walking across the bridge. I have both my hands on top of the fence post and I am looking over the fence at the river down below the canyon. I am wearing black leggings and a blue, purple, and orange diamond-patterned crewneck. My curly auburn hair is pulled back into a low pony tail. There are mountains way out in the distance behind me. They look green, tan, and blue because they are so far away in the distance. The sky is bright blue with white fluffy clouds scattered all across.

As you can see there are all kinds of different activities you can choose to do on your visit to the Royal Gorge. I think this is a wonderful day trip to take with friends, the family, or even on your own! There is something here for everyone even if it’s just taking in the refreshing mountain air and views.

I hope you enjoyed and were able to take some inspiration from this list of some of my favorite day trips from Colorado Springs. Thank you so much for reading!

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Hi! I'm Anna, the human behind Soul Summit Travel. My mission is to make travel more accessible so everyone can experience the joys of connecting deeper with our Earth.

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Comments

  1. VacationLikeALocal Avatar
    VacationLikeALocal

    Great article! I will definitely have to try some of these next time I am I. Colorado springs

    Reply
    1. soulsummittravel Avatar
      soulsummittravel

      Thank you 🙂 I hope you do and enjoy them!

      Reply
  2. Andrew Berry Avatar
    Andrew Berry

    love this! Can’t wait to put all these things on my Colorado bucket list

    Reply
  3. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Rocky Mountain National Park looks insane, but honestly, how could you pick even two or three from this list? Awesome recommendations!

    Reply
  4. Mar Avatar
    Mar

    I have done that zip line before, so fun!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Anna, a US-based travel blogger with a passion for discovering the most beautiful corners of our planet.

Through this blog, I aim to make travel more budget-friendly and accessible to everyone.

Here you'll find road trip itineraries, hiking guides, and unique destinations across the US and beyond.

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