Colorado Springs, CO

Test your mettle on the infamous Manitou Incline, a grueling former cog railway track with over 2,700 steps gaining 2,000 feet in elevation. The quad-burning climb rewards you with incredible views and serious bragging rights. Descend via the gentler Barr Trail for a loop.

Visit the stunning U.S. Air Force Academy campus, a national landmark. Don't miss the iconic Cadet Chapel with its 17 spires, the visitor center detailing cadet life, and the chance to see fighter jets soaring over the grounds during training.

America's only mountain zoo sits at 6,800 feet on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. Get up close with giraffes at the highest-altitude giraffe herd, feed budgies, and enjoy unparalleled views of the city below from the scenic Sky Ride.

Walk the brick-paved streets of the city's original 1859 settlement, now a historic district. It's a charming stretch of art galleries, local craft shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved Victorian buildings.

Just a short drive away in Canon City, tackle the thrilling whitewater of the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River. Multiple outfitters offer trips ranging from family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping Class IV and V rapids through the stunning canyon.

Embark on a scenic adventure on this historic, partially unpaved route through the mountains. Once a railroad bed, it now offers incredible views, access to hiking trails, and a journey past old tunnels and mining relics, connecting Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek.

The city's evolving urban center, centered on Tejon and Nevada streets. It's where you'll find Acacia Park, the Pioneers Museum, a concentration of the best bars and restaurants, and a growing number of residential lofts, all with walkable convenience.

An affluent area surrounding the iconic Broadmoor resort. Characterized by beautiful, stately homes, winding tree-lined streets, upscale shopping at Broadmoor Towne Center, and a serene, park-like atmosphere at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain.

A historic district near Colorado College, known for its stunning Victorian and Craftsman homes and wide, quiet streets. It has a relaxed, intellectual vibe with easy access to campus events, coffee shops, and the shops on North Tejon.

A large, master-planned community in the northern part of the city. It's family-focused with excellent schools, extensive trail systems, shopping hubs like The Promenade Shops at Briargate, and convenient access to the USAFA and I-25.

Though technically its own town, it's an essential neighborhood experience. A bohemian enclave at the base of Pikes Peak, known for its art festivals, natural mineral springs, quirky shops, and a fiercely independent, creative spirit.