Filled with Wild West saloons, incredible restaurants, and military history, this mountain city awaits trailblazers of all kinds.
The second-largest city in the state, Colorado Springs may live in the shadow of Denver when it comes to size, but not when it comes to elevation. This city is more than a mile above sea level, but since that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, the people who nicknamed Colorado Springs chose to embody an even loftier ideal. Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, as well as the U.S. Olympic Committee, so this lovely mountain abode has called itself “America’s Olympic City.”
Not surprisingly, one of the city’s most popular outdoor attractions is Garden of the Gods, a set of monumental sandstone formations shooting up out of the ground. It’s one of the best free things to do in Colorado Springs, so wrap your rock-climbing fingers around those peaks. That, or hike or bike your way around them before heading up to the visitors center, which overlooks the entire garden—this is where you’ll get those fantastic Instagram shots, by the way. Of course, the more well-known Pikes Peak is certainly worth a climb as well.
Wondering what to do in Colorado Springs indoors? Head to Old Colorado City and get a glimpse of the historical heart of the original town, founded in 1860. Wander through 21 shops and restaurants that used to be dens of vice (today, we’d call them saloons). Throw back a whiskey, pick out a pair of your very own cowboy boots, and then ride off into the sunset.
Want to take advantage of our Colorado Springs vacation packages before the sun sets on them? Travelocity has Olympic-size deals, so win yours today for a gold-medal getaway you’ll never forget. We’ll see you there.