- Registered National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic red rock formations, towering sandstone spires, and paved walking paths with views of Pikes Peak.
- Distance: ≈10 km
- Mode: Car; ~15 min
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; year-round access
- Tip: Free admission; Visitor Center provides maps and geology exhibits.
- One of Colorado's 53 fourteeners at 4,302 meters elevation, accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway toll road or the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
- Distance: ≈35 km to summit
- Mode: Car via Pikes Peak Highway; ~1–1.5 hours ascent (or cog railway; ~3 hours round-trip)
- Best time: May–Sep; summit weather can change rapidly even in summer
- Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms; altitude sickness is common at the summit.
- Mountain-side zoo at 2,010 meters elevation, known for its giraffe feeding encounters and Rocky Mountain wildlife exhibits.
- Distance: ≈4 km
- Mode: Car; ~8 min
- Best time: Apr–Oct for full exhibits; mornings are less crowded
- Series of seven cascading waterfalls totaling 55 meters in a box canyon, accessed via walking trail with 224 steps or elevator.
- Distance: ≈6 km
- Mode: Car; ~12 min
- Best time: Spring for peak water flow; evening for illuminated falls
- Tip: Admission fee required; arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid peak crowds.
- Historic mountain town known for natural mineral springs, quirky art galleries, and the Manitou Incline hiking challenge.
- Distance: ≈12 km
- Mode: Car; ~18 min
- Best time: Year-round; weekdays less crowded; Incline best attempted early morning
- Tip: Free public mineral spring taps throughout town; Incline requires free advance reservation.
- Military academy campus featuring the iconic Cadet Chapel with its 17 aluminum spires, visitor center, and nature trails.
- Distance: ≈32 km
- Mode: Car; ~35 min
- Best time: Weekdays for visitor center access; chapel viewable year-round
- Tip: Photo ID required for entry; visitor center hours vary by season.
General Tip: Colorado Springs sits at 1,839 meters elevation; allow time to acclimate if arriving from lower altitudes, stay hydrated, and use sun protection year-round due to intense UV exposure at altitude.