Colorado Springs is one of the best home bases for exploring Colorado. Within just a few hours, you can hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, wander a charming mountain town, tackle whitewater while Arkansas River rafting, or spend the day soaking in some of the state’s most iconic scenery. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking to add another adventure to your vacation, there are plenty of excellent day trips within easy driving distance.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up some of the best day trips from Colorado Springs for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic mountain escapes and national parks to world-class whitewater rafting, these destinations offer the perfect excuse to hit the road and experience more of Colorado.
Quick Reference: Day Trips from Colorado Springs
|
Destination |
Drive Time |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting |
45-75 min |
Families, thrill-seekers, first-timers |
|
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park |
45 min |
Views, zip lining, gondola rides |
|
Garden of the Gods |
10 min |
Hiking, biking, quick outings |
|
Pikes Peak |
1 hr to summit |
Scenic drives, cog railway |
|
Manitou Springs & Cave of the Winds |
15-20 min |
Walkable towns, caves, families |
|
Cripple Creek |
1 hr |
History, gold mine tours, casinos |
|
Salida |
1.5-2 hrs |
Arts, rafting, longer day trips |
1. Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River
If you only take one day trip from Colorado Springs, make it this one. The Arkansas River Valley near Cañon City and Cotopaxi, about 45 minutes to just over an hour away, offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, and Arkansas River Tours has been guiding it since 1973.
The trip you pick depends on who’s coming along:
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting is ART’s most popular trip and a great starting point for first-timers. It runs Class II-III rapids through high desert scenery, welcomes ages 7 and up.
- Royal Gorge Rafting is the trip for thrill-seekers. You’ll run Class III-IV+ rapids beneath the walls of the Royal Gorge itself, with trips available for ages 14+.
- Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Family Float is the gentle option, a Class I-II+ float suited to young kids and grandparents alike,
Not sure which one fits your group? Take ART’s trip quiz to get matched in under a minute, or browse the full list of Colorado rafting trips.
2. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Since you’re already headed toward Cañon City for rafting, pair it with a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, one of the highest suspension bridges in the country. Ride the gondola across the canyon, walk the bridge itself, or add a zip line ride across the gorge for a bigger adrenaline hit.
This pairing is popular enough that ART built it into a few of its own packages:
- River & Rail Packages combine a scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad with a half-day raft trip, starting at $238 per person.
- Rapid & Rope Packages pair a half-day raft trip with a high ropes course challenge, also starting at $238 per person.
- Zip N’ Dip Packages combine ziplining across the canyon with a raft trip down the Arkansas, starting at $339 per person.
Any of these turns a single activity into a full day out of Colorado Springs. See the full lineup of Colorado adventure packages to compare options.
3. Garden of the Gods
Just 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in the area. This free public park is famous for its towering red sandstone formations, which rise dramatically against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk, a scenic picnic, or an active morning on the trails, it’s an easy addition to any Colorado Springs itinerary.
With more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, there’s something for every activity level. Go early in the morning for cooler temperatures, softer light, and your best chance to beat the crowds.
Highlights:
- Walk the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail for iconic views of the park’s famous rock formations.
- Stop by the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.
- Bring a picnic or explore nearby Manitou Springs for local restaurants, shops, and coffee after your visit.
4. Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain
No list of the best day trips from Colorado Springs would be complete without Pikes Peak. Standing at 14,115 feet, this iconic fourteener inspired the song America the Beautiful and rewards visitors with panoramic views that stretch across the Front Range and eastern plains on a clear day. Whether you drive the scenic Pikes Peak Highway or ride the historic Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, reaching the summit is an classic Colorado experience.
At the top, take in the views from the modern Summit Visitor Center, learn about the mountain’s history, and don’t leave without trying the famous high-altitude donuts, made using a recipe specially adapted for the elevation. Since weather can change quickly, even during the summer, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions and dress in layers before heading up.
Highlights
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Summit Visitor Center and sample the famous Pikes Peak donuts.
- Stop in nearby Manitou Springs before or after your visit to browse local shops, grab a bite to eat, or stroll through the historic downtown.
5. Manitou Springs & Cave of the Winds
Just 15 to 20 minutes from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is a walkable mountain town full of shops, mineral springs fountains, and an old-school penny arcade. It’s an easy add-on to a Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak day since it sits right in between. While you’re in the area, Cave of the Winds offers guided cave tours and an aerial adventure course for those who want more of an adrenaline stop.
Highlights:
- Sample the natural mineral spring fountains throughout downtown Manitou Springs and browse locally owned shops, galleries, and cafés.
- Explore Cave of the Winds on a guided cave tour or tackle the aerial obstacle course and canyon thrill rides.
- Hike the nearby Manitou Incline or enjoy a more leisurely stroll through Memorial Park and the historic downtown district.
6. Cripple Creek
Located about an hour west of Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek offers a unique mix of Colorado history, scenic mountain views, and small-town charm. Once one of the state’s richest gold mining towns, today it’s known for its historic downtown, casinos, museums, and preserved Victorian architecture. The drive along Highway 67 winds through the mountains, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
We recommend strolling through downtown, visit the Cripple Creek District Museum, or hop aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through the historic mining district.
Highlights:
- Ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for mountain views and a glimpse into the area’s mining history.
- Wander historic Bennett Avenue, where you’ll find museums, local shops, restaurants, casinos, and beautifully preserved Victorian buildings.
7. Salida
About 1.5 to 2 hours from Colorado Springs, Salida is a laid-back mountain town that blends outdoor adventure with a vibrant arts scene. Nestled along the Arkansas River, it’s the perfect destination for visitors looking to spend the day exploring galleries, local boutiques, riverfront parks, and one of Colorado’s most charming historic downtowns. If you have a little extra time, Salida also makes an excellent basecamp for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting.
For adventure seekers, the Arkansas River flows right through town, making Salida one of Colorado’s premier rafting destinations. Whether you’re looking for a scenic float, exciting whitewater in Browns Canyon National Monument, or a full-day river adventure, there are trips for every experience level. Afterward, unwind with dinner at a local restaurant or relax along Riverside Park before heading home.
Highlights:
- Stroll Salida’s historic downtown, home to art galleries, local shops, breweries, and riverside restaurants.
- Experience Arkansas River rafting, including scenic floats and exciting trips through Browns Canyon National Monument.
- Relax at Riverside Park, rent bikes, or explore nearby hiking and mountain biking trails before making the drive back to Colorado Springs.
How to Turn Any of These Into a Full Day
A few combinations work especially well if you’re trying to maximize a single day out of Colorado Springs:
- Rafting + Royal Gorge Bridge: Raft in the morning, then head to the bridge and park in the afternoon, or book one of ART’s packages to have it planned for you.
- Garden of the Gods + Manitou Springs: Both are close to town and close to each other, so you can easily hit both before lunch.
- Pikes Peak + Manitou Springs: Drive or ride to the summit in the morning, then unwind in Manitou Springs in the afternoon.
Plan Your Day Trip from Colorado Springs
However you spend the rest of your day, a rafting trip on the Arkansas River is hard to beat as the centerpiece. With over 50 years of experience and locations in Cañon City and Cotopaxi, both under an hour and a half from Colorado Springs, Arkansas River Tours has a trip suited to every group.
Browse all trips and book your day on the river today!
FAQs About Day Trips from Colorado Springs
What are the best day trips from Colorado Springs?
Some of the best day trips from Colorado Springs include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Arkansas River rafting near Cañon City, Salida, Cripple Creek, Boulder, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Most destinations are within one to three hours of the city, making them perfect for a full-day adventure.
Where can I go within two hours of Colorado Springs?
Within a two-hour drive, you can visit Cañon City, Salida, Cripple Creek, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, Boulder, and many other scenic destinations. Whether you’re looking for hiking, rafting, historic towns, or mountain views, there are plenty of options close to Colorado Springs.
What is the best outdoor day trip from Colorado Springs?
For outdoor enthusiasts, Arkansas River rafting is one of the best day trips from Colorado Springs. Just over an hour away, you can experience family-friendly rafting in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, scenic floats, or more challenging whitewater adventures through the Royal Gorge.
Is Arkansas River rafting close to Colorado Springs?
Yes. Arkansas River Tours’ Cañon City outpost is approximately one hour from Colorado Springs, making it one of the easiest and most popular outdoor day trips in the region. Half-day and full-day rafting trips are available for families, first-time rafters, and experienced adventurers.
What are the best family-friendly day trips from Colorado Springs?
Families often enjoy visiting Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and family-friendly rafting trips on the Arkansas River. These destinations offer activities for a variety of ages and interests.
Can you visit the Royal Gorge as a day trip from Colorado Springs?
Absolutely. The Royal Gorge is just over an hour from Colorado Springs and makes an excellent day trip. Many visitors combine a visit to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park with a scenic train ride or a whitewater rafting trip for a full day of adventure.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Colorado Springs?
Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for most Colorado day trips. Summer is especially popular for hiking, sightseeing, rafting, and mountain adventures, while fall brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures throughout the region.
