About Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a home rule city that is the county seat of and the most populous city in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The city had a population of 478,961 at the 2020 census, a 15.02% increase since 2010. Colorado Springs is the second-most populous city and most extensive city by area in the state of Colorado, and the 40th-most-populous city in the United States. It is the principal city of the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, which had 755,105 residents in 2020, and the second-most prominent city of the Front Range Urban Corridor. It is located in east-central Colorado on Fountain Creek, 70 miles (113 km) south of Denver.
Places to visit in Colorado Springs
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Garden of the Gods
Nature · 5 mi from centreA free public park of dramatic red sandstone fins set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Paved and dirt trails wind among the formations, and the visitor center offers good views and geology exhibits.
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Pikes Peak
Viewpoint · 14 mi from centreA fourteen-thousand-foot summit you can reach by a scenic toll highway or the cog railway from Manitou Springs. The top offers sweeping views over the plains and the Front Range.
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Zoo · 7 mi from centreA mountainside zoo known for its large giraffe herd, which visitors can hand-feed. The hillside setting gives broad views over the city between animal exhibits.
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United States Air Force Academy
Landmark · 10 mi from centreThe academy grounds north of the city welcome visitors to a visitor center and the striking Cadet Chapel with its row of aluminum and glass spires, set against forested foothills.
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Manitou Springs
Neighborhood · 7 mi from centreA quirky foothills town with Victorian buildings, natural mineral springs you can sample from public fountains, galleries and cafes. It is also the starting point for the Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak cog railway.
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United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Museum · 3 mi from centreAn interactive museum downtown celebrating American Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with immersive galleries, a hall of fame and hands-on simulators where you can test your own speed and reaction time.
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Cave of the Winds
Nature · 7 mi from centreGuided tours lead through limestone caverns above Williams Canyon near Manitou Springs, with formations and narrow passages. Above ground, adventure rides hang over the canyon edge for thrill seekers.
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Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Park · 5 mi from centreA quieter alternative to Garden of the Gods, this open space has red rock ridges, an old quarry and a network of hiking and biking trails right on the west side of the city.
Where to stay in Colorado Springs
Popular hotels in Colorado Springs, out of 170 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn Hilton Colorado Springs I-25 Central
From $91 per night
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
From $79 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
From $122 per night
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs
From $98 per night
The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel
From $115 per night
Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Destination by Hyatt
From $139 per night
The Broadmoor Hotel
From $514 per night
The Lodge At Flying Horse
From $192 per night
SCP WildFree Colorado Springs, Trademark by Wyndh
From $78 per night
Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods
From $71 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs-North
From $123 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites - Air Force Academy I25 N
From $104 per night
Best time to visit Colorado Springs
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Colorado Springs is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Colorado Springs weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 69° 48° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 73° 58° 16%
- Fri 23 Oct 71° 58° 16%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 50° 26%
- Sun 25 Oct 62° 46° 26%
- Mon 26 Oct 56° 43° 7%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DenverUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Colorado Springs
These are the airports closest to central Colorado Springs. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- COS Colorado Springs Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- FCS Butts Aaf (fort Carson)13 mi (21 km) from the city centre
Getting around Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs north-south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy to the North, downtown to the south, and Pikes Peak rising in the west.
Colorado Springs travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Colorado Springs is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Colorado Springs?
July is usually the warmest month in Colorado Springs, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 12°F (-11°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 80 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (10 km) from the centre of Colorado Springs. Other nearby airports include Butts Aaf (fort Carson) (FCS, 13 mi).
What time zone is Colorado Springs in?
Colorado Springs uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs north-south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy to the North, downtown to the south, and Pikes Peak rising in the west.
What are the best places to visit in Colorado Springs?
Top sights in Colorado Springs include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and United States Air Force Academy. A free public park of dramatic red sandstone fins set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Paved and dirt trails wind among the formations, and the visitor center offers good views and geology exhibits.
Where should I stay in Colorado Springs?
Popular areas for hotels in Colorado Springs include Garden Of The Gods, Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn Hilton Colorado Springs I-25 Central and The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs.
How many hotels can I book in Colorado Springs?
Destina Holidays currently lists 170 properties in and around Colorado Springs, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
