Top Sights in Colorado Springs: Mountains, Rafting & Restaurants

Get ready for an action-packed trip as I reveal the top sights in Colorado Springs. Here, you’ll see red rock mountains from literally every angle while you learn what Colorado is all about.

Colorado Springs is a paradise for girls who love the outdoors. It’s the perfect place to bring your friends and bond over a new adventure. The sky is lined with peaks of red rock and granite mountains, providing endless opportunities to climb, float and zip line the terrain.

So here is my guide to things to do in Colorado Springs from rafting river rapids to petting wolves and coyotes. It starts in Cañon City and takes you all the way down to Manitou Springs and Cripple Creek. Don’t worry, I included some shopping and food for good measure. Keep reading to discover the top sights in Colorado Springs.

CONTENTS:

1. Whitewater Rafting at Bighorn Sheep Canyon
2. Royal Gorge Bridge and park area
3. Garden of the Gods sightseeing
4. Manitou Springs city charm
5. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
6. Cripple Creek old mountain town

1. Whitewater Rafting at Bighorn Sheep Canyon

Let’s start with the Colorado Springs activity that was my absolute favorite. If you’ve never been whitewater rafting, it’s time you experience the adrenaline rush of gliding through gushing river rapids.

Our raft trip was on a stretch of the Arkansas River called Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We booked through Echo Canyon River Expeditions in Cañon City, Colorado.

Echo Canyon offers several different rafting packages to fit a range of skill levels. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is for people with moderate ability which is probably best for a group of girls. We had a group of 5 for our half-day outing. It cost about $150 per person.

We were assigned a dedicated guide who taught us safety and how to paddle the raft. She was an interesting character who gave great recommendations on places to go in Colorado Springs. She was super knowledgeable and made the experience 10x better.

It’s exhilarating (albeit exhausting) to paddle through the rapids and see the mountains from the inside. Along our path, we stopped to swim and sunbathe in a picturesque cove of the river. Don’t visit Colorado Springs without trying white water rafting while you’re there.

2. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Also near Cañon City is the Royal Gorge region, known for its famous bridge and many outdoor activities. Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in America which sits 956 feet above the river below.

You can actually walk across the bridge. It was built to allow visitors to see the canyon from high elevation. If you’re a real adrenaline-seeker, you should definitely consider crossing the bridge. Ride on the aerial gondola to see the park from up to 1,200 feet high. It’s included in the price of admission to the park no reservations are required.

Other activities include rock climbing, zip-lining and visiting the amusement park. Kids will love the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, known for full-size animatronic dinosaurs and educational exhibits.

3. Garden of the Gods

If the name isn’t enough to tempt you, maybe panoramic views of red sandstone peaks will?

Garden of the Gods is one of the most famous places to visit in Colorado Springs. Towering rock formations line the driveway on your way in to the park. The observation deck is the main attraction where you‘ll see unbelievable red rock formations all around. It was a bit foggy on the day I visited, but I could see the giant peaks against the blue sky.

Inside, there’s a nature center with wildlife exhibits that teach you about the area’s ecosystem. You can dive deeper in the Geo Trekker Theater which shows educational films on various topics. This is one of the top group activities Colorado Springs has to offer.

Snacks and coffee can be purchased in the center’s large café. Don’t forget to grab a t-shirt in the souvenir shop before you leave.

4. Manitou Springs

After Garden of the Gods, it’s time for shopping and lunch in Manitou Springs. It’s a must-see town near Colorado Springs with a charming mix of restaurants, boutiques, souvenirs and outdoor supplies.

It sits at the east end of Pikes Peak so it’s considered a “resort town.” It’s full of skiers in the winter months but still fun to visit in the offseason. Find a parking spot off of Manitou Ave. and explore shops like D’Colores and Bear Cave Sports.

Stop by Patsy’s Candy & Gift Shop – a family run business that’s one of Manitou Springs’ historical landmarks. I also really enjoyed Townhouse Sports Grill, which is a casual restaurant with a great staff serving classic American dishes.

5. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

Don’t miss this unique animal experience at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. This refuge is home to wolves, coyotes and foxes you can see on one of the tours.

Tours are 1 hour long and there are options for kids. You can simply take a guided tour around the sanctuary or even feed the animals. Knowledgeable and passionate, the tour guides will tell you all about Colorado’s wolves and why their conservation work is so important.

6. Cripple Creek

Travel back in time at Cripple Creek, an old west town with historic buildings and quaint scenery.

Located to the west of Colorado Springs, it’s about an hour’s drive away. It’s a nice stop on the way to outdoor activities like Bighorn or Mount Pisgah. In 1890, the town was established for gold mining and doesn’t look much different than it did then. The streets are lined with gas-style lamps and red brick buildings.

It’s now known mostly as a gambling destination for Pikes Peak visitors. Casinos are all around, making a great place to spend the afternoon with friends.

I visited Johnny Nolon’s Saloon & Gambling Emporium and sat for some rounds on the slot machines. Did I make any money? Definitely not, but I did have a great time. Of all the cities near Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek is truly unique.

Conclusion

I bet you’re tired just from reading this jam-packed guide to the top sights in Colorado Springs. Trust me, it’s worth it to see all the natural beauty Colorado has to offer.

Just make sure you pack the right clothes and supplies you need to do this all safely. Leave the heels at home and plan for sports bras and leggings instead.

Oh yeah, make sure you’ve got plenty of storage on your phone because you’ll be snapping all the pictures you can of these one-of-a-kind experiences in Colorado Springs.

Love getting out in nature? Check stories from my other outdoor experiences here.