Century after century, water persisted against rock, leaving behind a crystalline trail. As stone gave way to space, a cave was born. Cave of the Winds is an underground mansion of rooms and passages, decorated with limestone stalactites and flowstone curtains. Jewels of nature that took centuries to form are preserved in the spectacular sights at Cave of the Winds. Nestled among the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains this magnificent cavern system and scenic canyon chronicle over 200 million years of geological history. Informative guides lead you through one of three distinct cavern systems explaining their formations and their history as one of Colorado’s premier attractions.

http://www.caveofthewinds.com/

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is America’s only mountain zoo! Experience unforgettable adventures combining breathtaking mountain scenery with more than 750 animals from around the world, including the opportunity to hand-feed the magnificent giraffe herd, which is the largest of any zoo in the world!

All of your favorites are here: from giraffes and lions to monkeys, penguins, hippos and bears. It’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see more than 30 endangered species like the Siberian tiger and lowland gorilla.

Come nose-to-nose with great apes, ride the 1920’s historic carousel, enjoy the children’s petting zoo and play area, and see the most spectacular views of Colorado Springs. Zoo admission also includes access to the incredible Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

http://www.cmzoo.org/

One of Colorado’s most impressive natural attractions, Garden of the Gods is public park in Colorado Springs, with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation (hiking, rock climbing, biking, running races, and more).  The park was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.  Learn about the park’s history here.

https://www.gardenofgods.com/

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings–an archeological and natural history preserve.

https://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/

Learn the importance of American aviation in World War II, and its role in shaping the world in which we live, at the National Museum of World WAr II Aviation.  View replica and restored WWII aircraft, artifacts, and archival material.  If you love history and aviation this tour is for you.

http://www.worldwariiaviation.org

Sitting just west of the downtown area is Old Colorado City. Founded in 1859, this area was once a hotbed of activity, overflowing with farmers, miners, ranchers, and other settlers seeking a piece of their own Manifest Destiny. In 1917, Colorado City was annexed by a fast-growing new settlement: neighboring Colorado Springs. Although it is no longer its own town, the Old Colorado City Historic District maintains its 19th-century “Wild West” feel with a few modifications: the area’s buildings now house locally owned art galleries, quaint shops, and restaurants.

www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/places-to-go/old-colorado-city/

The most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan’s Mount Fuji, Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. At an altitude of 14,110 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of the 54 Colorado peaks. It is the farthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky Mountain chain, which contributed to its early fame among explorers, pioneers and immigrants, and made it the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado with the slogan, “Pikes Peak or Bust.”

Over a half million people reach the summit house every year. The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, is a two-lane road ascending more than 6,000 feet in elevation.  The new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center (at 14,115 feet) opened in June 2021.  Reservations are now required to drive to the top of Pikes Peak.  Learn more here.

Hikers use Barr Trail which is the longest of any trails leading to the top of the 54 mountains in Colorado that are over 14,000 feet, and offers the greatest base-to-summit elevation gain in the state: 7,400 feet. About 15,000 people a year attempt to climb Pikes Peak on foot. The 13-mile trail begins at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs.

http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/

For those who want to dive into nature and are looking for attractions in Colorado, The Broadmoor Seven Falls is now open. Take 224 steps up a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. These steps lead to hiking trails and the banks of the glistening streams that feed the 181-foot drop of falling water at the falls. If you’re looking for great sightseeing in Colorado Springs, Seven Falls is the only Colorado waterfall included on National Geographic’s list of international wonders.

For those who are seeking adventure, The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip-lines are now open. This one-of-a-kind Colorado experience features two thrilling zip-lines. Located outside Seven Falls, The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure consists of 10 zip-lines that range in distance from 250 feet to 1,800 feet as well as moderate hiking, rope bridges, and a rappel that provide stunning views of the canyon. The Woods Course cruises over pines, creeks, valleys, a natural granite arch, Midnight Falls, and the trails leading to the falls. The Fins Course soars above steep drops, unique rock formations and jagged cliffs, and across Seven Falls Canyon.

This facility in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center of the U.S. Olympic team and the active headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The 35-acre complex houses two Olympic-size swimming pools, as well as practice facilities for a variety of competitive sports, including fencing, gymnastics, weightlifting and wrestling. In addition to the athletes who live and train here, the center welcomes roughly 130,000 visitors each year and offers 15 guided tours each day during the summer months. Start your trip to the U.S. Olympic Training Center at the Visitors Center, where you’ll find detailed information about the complex. From there, you can make your way to the massive Hall of Fame, which honors some of the most spectacular athletes in U.S. Olympic history.

https://www.teamusa.org/about-the-usoc/olympic-training-centers/csotc/about