Visiting The Area
History & Activities in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, located right where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, is a gateway to Colorado’s natural beauty. The ancestral home of the Ute, Arapahoe, and Cheyenne peoples, as evidenced by the petroglyphs at the world-renowned Garden of the Gods, the area’s rich history dates back thousands of years. In the 19th century, gold prospectors heading west across the expansive plains were guided by the towering sight of 14,115 feet-high Pikes Peak, settling in the city and heading into the nearby mountains to join the Gold Rush. In Colorado’s early days as a state, Colorado Springs was briefly the state capital, a sign of its expanding influence. Today, it still draws people from around the world. The list of Colorado Springs activities extends from hiking the epic Manitou Incline and exploring the Garden of the God’s stunning sandstone formations to hitting the city’s bustling restaurants and breweries.
Area Activities
Fondly referred to as “America’s Mountain” and commanding the skyline, no trip to Colorado Springs is complete without venturing up to this famous peak. The first ascent of Pikes Peak was recorded just over two centuries ago, and since then, it has attracted experienced mountaineers and casual day hikers alike. Unique among the state’s 53 “14ers” (14,000+ foot mountains), Pikes Peak is the only 14er that can be summited by foot, by car, and by railroad (or by a combination of the three!).
Pike Peak Highway, no doubt one of the most scenic drives in the world, winds its way through the mountain’s many diverse ecological zones with unbelievable views around every turn. A renovation to the Summit Visitor Center in 2021 has increased car traffic, so all vehicles are now required to make timed-entry reservations. Another option is the historic and charming Pikes Peak Rail Cogway, which departs daily on the hour all summer and traces its own secluded 9-mile railroad route through the forest to the top. And for those who want a bigger dose of adventure, the Barr Trail – one of the area’s most beloved and well-used trails – is a 12-mile trek on foot from Manitou Springs to the summit, where you can then hike the descent or schedule a shuttle back down.
However you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch all the way to Denver on the clearest of days. Also, be sure to check out the Visitor Center’s immersive exhibits about the mountain’s history, and while you’re there, wrap up the day with one of their famous Pikes Peak donuts.
The massive sandstone formations that are the centerpiece of the Garden of the Gods are an awe-inspiring sight. The city park got its name because early explorers were taken aback by the landscape, deeming it a place “fit for gods.” Over 20 miles of trails wind in and around the jagged sandstone and limestone, formed over millions of years by geological movement. It is ancient history in rare form, brought to life not just in the rock itself but in the Native American petroglyphs and the 125 million-year-old dinosaur skull discovered within its boundaries.
Options abound for exploring the park, from hiking – Perkins Central Garden Trail, Ridge Trail, and Siamese Twins Trail are all relatively flat, easy, and scenic routes – to guided nature walks that depart every morning at 10:30 am and trolley tours that circumnavigate the park’s road system. Climbers can grab a permit and will find much to love, with several classic climbing routes spread throughout the park. Peak crowds come during the summer season, but visitor numbers taper off during the wintertime, and groups often clear out by late in the day, when you’ll be greeted by a sunset that is truly “fit for gods.”
In addition to the multitude of trails and peaks nearby, we’re also surrounded by water in all directions. One of our favorite spots for a day trip is the Pueblo Reservoir, which is 56 miles/90 km south of Colorado Springs. Its gorgeous 7 square miles of water and 60 miles of limestone-lined shore are formed by a dam on the Arkansas River. Fed by melting snow at higher elevations, you won’t find a cleaner and more refreshing body of water. Rent one of our two inflatable paddleboards or two tandem kayaks, and you’ll be set for a day of adventure on the water.
For something a bit more soothing and relaxing, SunWater Spa is located just 11.5 miles/18.5 km away and has private hot spring tubs for soaking. The tubs are fed by the same underground aquifer source as several mineral springs in Manitou Springs. The springs are famous for their natural carbonation and were revered for their healing powers in the 19th century. After a rejuvenating soak in one of the hot tubs, available to rent out for 90-minute sessions, sip some fresh spring water from the eight free mineral water fountains spread throughout the town.
Referred to as simply “the Incline” by Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs locals, this trail composed of 2,744 steps is legendary for its vertical ascent of 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Although strenuous and steep at times, it draws over 70,000 visitors annually to take on the challenge, during which you’ll be greeted with ever-more-spectacular views as you climb higher. If the full Incline is too much, you’ll have the option of exiting ⅔ of the way up, where a “false summit” provides access to the Barr Trail, which offers a gentle descent.
Reservations to hike the Incline are free but must be made beforehand, with reservation windows every 30 minutes throughout the day. Bring plenty of water, take breaks often, and enjoy one of the most iconic trails in all of Colorado.
As the local saying goes, in Colorado Springs, you are “15 minutes from terminal to the trail,” with immediate outdoor access the minute you arrive. This maxim is also true at RAD Hostel, where one of our favorite walking and hiking areas, Pulpit Rock Park, is just 2 miles/3.2 km north of us on Nevada Ave. Encompassing over 500 acres of preserved land, it’s a portal to nature right in the city. Several routes are available, but a 4.2-mile loop will take you through the park on recently-upgraded walking paths. Visit during the late afternoon, when you’ll have more solitude and be in a prime spot to watch the sunset.
If you want to explore the larger city and sightsee on bikes, you can’t beat the 10-mile Legacy Loop, which links up several multi-use paths and winds throughout different Colorado Springs neighborhoods. It’s relatively flat and easy riding the whole way, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass by creeks, city parks, vibrant street art, and ever-present Pikes Peak standing tall in the distance.
Inquire with RAD staff about our standard bikes, which are available to guests free of charge, and our e-bikes for rent.
Steadily growing throughout the early 20th century, Word War II brought an influx of military personnel and their families to the city with the opening of Fort Carson. The local military presence, still strong today, would expand even further with the formation of the Air Force Academy. The city also established an academic foothold when a private liberal arts school, Colorado College, was formed. It was soon joined by UCCS, a 14,000+ student public research university and part of the flagship state school system, the University of Colorado. And in later years, the Olympic Committee made its headquarters in the Springs in the 1970s, dubbing it “Olympic City, USA,” and even further diversifying the city’s population, which numbers almost 500,000 today.
In addition to the endless hiking trails beckoning in all directions, Colorado Springs is a short drive away from several world-class ski resorts, relaxing hot springs and reservoirs, and some of the highest mountain peaks in North America. With its ideal location in the heart of the city and its views of majestic Pikes Peak from just outside your room, RAD Hostel is the perfect home base to explore all that Colorado Springs has to offer.
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