So are you craving a Rocky Mountain style getaway? Keep dreaming and start planning with these creative Colorado Springs Travel Tips!
There really is so much fun to be had in this beautiful city hanging out in the shadow of Pikes Peak. From epic scenery to irresistible eats, Colorado Springs has something for everyone.
So be in the know and get your Colorado getaway on the calendar with help from these top Colorado Springs Travel Tips shared by your fellow frugal friends.
Mountain views and dramatic scenery are always in season… making right now the perfect time to dream up your very own Rocky Mountain adventure!
Related:
- How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {18 Budget Travel Hacks}
Best Colorado Springs Travel Tips
A special thanks to frugal friend Micheala for sharing this sweet Colorado Springs picture above, taken on their 14th anniversary!
So You’re Planning a Trip to Colorado Springs?
To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘Colorado Springs Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…
Easy Side Hustles to Save Money for Vacation
How to Get Cheap Flights to Colorado:
Wondering how to get cheap flights? My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare! I’ve scored so many free flights this way! Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards? Here’s what you need to do…
Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards! {How to Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}
35+ Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know Before You Fly}
25 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know}
23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks {Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas}
Where to Stay in Colorado Springs:
Wondering How to Earn Free Hotel Nights for your next vacation? It’s so much easier than you think! Here’s how I travel the world and stay at nice hotels for FREE…
How to Earn Free Hotel Nights {7 Secret Tricks}
In addition to hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to Colorado Springs. They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner. I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one. Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen. One even had in-room laundry!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
Where to Eat in Colorado Springs:
When visiting Colorado Springs, you definitely need to try Rudy’s BBQ for amazing bbq and a great value! Rudy’s is the best mix of amazing BBQ and great prices. Be a little adventurous and try ordering your Brisket moist with extra bark! You’ll also love the Pork Baby Back Ribs, Sweet Corn and Banana Pudding! Teenagers meet their match with the Jumbo Smoked Potato topped with Brisket! Try getting the special Rudy’s Cup, and you’ll score 75 cent refills of Coke or Sweet Tea on all future visits!
Now keep reading for all the very best Colorado Springs travel tips and things to do shared by myself and your frugal friends…
Heather, Ara, Rachel and Darcia all recommended the “Garden of the Gods.”
Cindy said: “Garden of the Gods is a must see! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls.”
Christina said: “Make time to hike… even if it’s a short one… through Garden of the Gods. It is one of the most amazing places on our planet. It is beautiful no matter the time of year.”
Kim said: “Rockledge Ranch. It’s a great living history museum located next to Garden of the Gods. My children loved it.”
Mary said: “Pikes Peak… Garden of the Gods… Focus on the Family headquarters were faves for us…”
Score Free Coffee at Starbucks! With all the fresh air, sunshine, and play time… you just might be needing a caffeine fix! There are lots of Starbucks locations around Colorado Springs, so check this out…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
Erica said: “Cog Railway, The Incline, Red Rock Canyon open space, USAFA, Focus on the Family (nieces and nephews love it).”
Cindi said: “Focus on the Family!! You can get a tour of the facility, order a malt at Witt’s End, take a ride down the huge slide…….”
{Air Force Academy Chapel pictured above}
Cory said: “Visit the Air Force Academy and take the free tour of the Chapel, it’s GORGEOUS!!!”
Jennifer said: “Garden of the Gods is a must see, but you’ve got to try The Incline. It took me a while but I got to the top. Lots of beautiful trails for hiking!”
Leslie said: “We went white water rafting while there, and our favorite organization we visited was Compassion International.”
Lydia said: “My husband is from there. def: Air Force Academy, Olympic Training Center, Broadmoor, Garden of the Gods, and the Royal Gorge if you don’t mind the drive.”
Sharon said: “Tour the Olympic Training Center – it is free and a wonderful treat. They will also tell you what is going on that week to see – we have watched bicycle racing in the Velodrome, etc. All free! Also watch the ice skating at the Broadmoor!”
Carol said: “A hockey game at the Broadmoor.”
Stephanie said: “The Castle, Glen Eyrie–Navigator’s Headquarters. It was the home of the founder of the Springs. It’s really cool.”
{Pike’s Peak off in the distance pictured above}
Nessa said: “Pikes Peak in the cog rail. Awesome.”
Nonalee said: “I agree with taking the cog railway up Pikes Peak!”
Janet said: “Pike’s Peak… if you are brave… car trip up and down was fairly scary, but the view from the top was neat.”
Score a Deal on your Colorado Springs Car Rental! There are so many beautiful places to explore all around Colorado Springs and Denver… and you’ll need a car to see most of them! There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use! Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…
20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
Leslie said: “If you do Pike’s Peak, even if it is 8o in town, take a jacket. We went in June and by the time the cog train made it to the top there was a blizzard starting and it was only 20 degrees at the top.”
Melinda said: “Pioneers Museum, 7 Falls, Helen Hunt Falls, Cave of the Winds, Mannitou Springs, Dragonmans, Old Colorado City, Garden of the Gods, just to name a few!!”
Kathryn said: “Gold Camp Road if you like to hike… the view is amazing.”
Nicole said: “I grew up there. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fabulous!!”
Amy said: “The Zoo! Feeding the giraffes there is an amazing opportunity!”
Dana said: “Air Force Academy, Pikes Peak! The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 7 Falls, Garden of the Gods… And if you have little ones – the North Pole!”
Lauren said: “The North Pole! Open year round. And if you don’t mind driving like a half hour to Denver and if it’s Summer time… Water World is like the best water park!!”
Shauna said: “So if you go to the North Pole, bring Dramamine! All the rides go around and around and around. It’s on the road to the entrance, if you are driving to the top of Pikes Peak. There is also the Mannitou Cliff Dwellings and Cave of the Winds. Old Colorado City is quaint, but mostly shopping. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is my favorite zoo ever and they should be opening the new elephant exhibit soon, if not already. Have fun!”
Trish said: “Royal Gorge, the Royal Gorge Train, Rafting the Gorge, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Cave of the Winds.”
Jennifer said: “If you want to see the Royal Gorge, spend the money and do it in the train, so gorgeous! Driving up Cheyenne Canon, Gold Camp Road or Old Stage Coach. Bring a fabulous camera with you and don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards. Visit Old Colorado City and take a tour of Fire Station 1 downtown, opened in 1928.”
Krista said: “Flying W Ranch.”
Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”
Lalainya said: “The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery.”
Eirene said: “Go take a walk around the Colorado College campus right north of downtown on Cascade and Cache la Poudre. They also have a little ice rink. Beautiful historical buildings and great picture spots of the mountain range.”
Chris said: “Take the Old Stage Road in the summer through the mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek. See the fossil beds north of Divide, Helen Hunt Falls, and the town of Golden. There are some Really cool towns off Highway 70 between Denver and Grand Junction. For the Incline… do NOT do if not acclimated, even if you are in top shape!!! Graffiti Falls also is a local spot.”
Bonnie said: “We went horse back riding in the Pikes Peak Forest with Broadmoor Stables! Memorable ride.”
Diane said: “Go just a few miles out of city to Mannitou Springs! Great little strip of shops, penny arcade and you can drink from various springs along the route.”
Carissa said: “The Broadmoor Hotel!”
Lora said: “Josh & John’s Ice Cream.”
Deanna said: “Love walking around the lake at the Broadmoor (I became engaged there). If the weather is not cooperative, there is ice skating at Chapel Hills Mall (at least there was several years ago). Josh and John’s Ice Cream (many locations now) is a special treat with the creamiest ice cream.”
More Colorado Springs Money Saving Tips:
How to Travel for Free or Cheap {18 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}
Military Discounts for Travel
How To Save On Gas {20 Genius Hacks}
What To Pack for Colorado Springs:
Best Baby Travel Gear
Traveling with Baby? Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials! I’ve taken my babies on the long flights so many times and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!
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So don’t miss out! Catch all the latest fun new Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes + more…
So… have YOU ever been to Colorado Springs before?
What are some of your favorite Colorado Springs Travel Tips for places to see, things to do, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
Jolie says
The Airplane Restaurant is the coolest place to eat in Colorado Springs by the Radison off of Powers and Fountain.
Shannon says
I love in southern Colorado in the San Luis Valley and we visit the Springs frequently. I’m so glad you shared this list! There are some things on there that we haven’t seen yet so we’ll have to make it a point to get there soon. Thanks for sharing!
Zola says
I live in Colo Springs. Just a few things- the North Pole closes from Christmas Eve until mid-May, Flying W Ranch burned in one of the fires, and no ice skating at Chapel Hills Mall.