Top Things to do in El Paso County
Top Hotels in El Paso County
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 3. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 4. Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs
- 5. The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
- 6. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 7. Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center
- 8. The Mining Exchange a Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa
- 9. Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort
- 10. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
10 Free Things to do in El Paso County That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in El Paso County, United States including Garden of the Gods, Penrose Heritage Museum, Fountain Creek Nature Center, Manitou Springs Incline, 300 Days of Shine, Barr Trail to Pikes Peak, Peterson Air & Space Museum, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, North Cheyenne Canon Park and Starsmore Discovery Center.
Restaurants in El Paso County
1. Garden of the Gods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,122 reviews
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Reviewed By BrooklynDodgers13 - Henderson, United States
This is a tourist attraction. It is a lovely natural Red rocked City Park with lots of hiking ???? trails, beautiful rock formations such as the Siamese Twins, Sentinel Spires, the Scotsman, Giant Footprints, Cathedral Spires and of course, Balanced Rock. There are many ways to explore the Park. There are Jeep ???? Tours, you can hike, climb rocks or take the 1909 Trolley ???? like we did. The driver told us a lot of interesting historical facts. The only problem was she didn’t stop for any photos so we had to take them on the go. The Gift Shop was large with lots of merchandise. I purchased Huckleberry tea!
2. Penrose Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 206 reviews
(Reservations Required) Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the history and heritage of the Pikes Peak region through the personal artifact collection of Colorado Springs’ philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose. The museum exhibits 30 carriages, western cultural artifacts, and 15 race cars that competed in the infamous Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S., second only to the Indianapolis 500. Whether you are interested in the Penrose legacy, regional history, transportation, or motor sports, Penrose Heritage Museum is a cultural institution you will not want to miss when visiting Colorado.
Reviewed By babybear55
This feels like two museums in one. There’s an extensive display of horse drawn buggy’s and early horseless buggies and then a fascinating history from the Pikes Peak hill climb including many of the old and newer cars. Excellent display!
3. Fountain Creek Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By messier27 - Fountain, United States
A great nature center with a great, short, level hike and a number TV of other slightly longer but all easy hikes. The visitor center is wonderful and hopefully will be able to reopen safely again soon. Great wildlife countless birds from robins to rare. Reptiles Snakes, lizards and even snapping turtles. White tail deer and if you're really lucky a bobcat
4. Manitou Springs Incline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 804 reviews
Reviewed By AshBernadette88 - Colorado Springs, United States
I've hiked the Manitou Incline several times over the past decade, but this was my first time hiking it since renovation. All of the dilapidated steps have been replaced, making for a much safer ascent, and markers are located every 100 steps allowing hikers to track progress. As always, this was very physically challenging but rewarding. The views of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are spectacular throughout the hike. There is plenty of room at the top for hikers to rest and have a snack. If you hike a bit further on (take a right at the fork, hike for a quarter mile), you will reach an outlook that provides unmatched views of Pikes Peak. Note that hikers who summit are discouraged from going DOWN the Incline; there is a connector trail that starts left of the summit that hooks up to Barr Trail for an easier descent. Make sure to bring water and a snack for the top, and dress in layers. If you are not fit or have an underlying health condition (i.e. asthma or diabetes), THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR YOU. For many hikers, however, the mental game provides the biggest challenge. Put away the ego, take breaks as needed, and you'll make it!
5. 300 Days of Shine
6. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By dhauptli
This is the best local hike outside of Garden of the Gods, as there are less tourists and the view is incredible. Take crampons or microspikes with you, as well as walking poles if you hike in winter months; Snow and ice in spots today, but worth the venture! Wear layers and bring some gloves as it's cold when you are not hiking in the sunshine. You or your friend may slip once or twice on ice, but you'll be alright. Still, this trail is worth the hike even if you only go for an hour or two. No one needs to hike 13 hours round trip to Pikes Peak and back to enjoy this trail. - Just get out there! Park the car in Manitou and walk up to the trail head, or find the free parking with free bus from town up to the Cog Railway and walk from there to the trailhead. The Incline meets the Barr Trail up the side of the mountain about 3 miles, but doesn't need to be hiked in winter as the snow and ice make it hazardous for most folks. If you are a thrill seeker, take the Incline Trail with spikes on your shoes. Wonderful view either trail you hike. ENJOY
7. Peterson Air & Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
The Museum preserves and portrays the rich aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. From our barnstormer beginnings in the Roaring Twenties, through the daring exploits of our World War II pilots and into the modern space era, our exhibits are sure to capture your attention. The museum is open to the public even though the museum is on an active Air Force installation. All that is required is for non-military ID card holders and groups to call us or submit a request on our web site a minimum of one day in advance of your visit (before noon MDT) to arrange for a pass and detailed instructions (https://petemuseum.org/visitor-information/). A State or federal issued Photo ID is required for all Non-DoD visitors over 18. Drivers will need to have proof of insurance and registration for their vehicles. Non-US Visitors: allow an additional day.
Reviewed By slikrokbel - Oceanside, United States
We arrived at the visitor center for directions to the museum and were told that it requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance! Fortunately, we were able to e-mail our information and reserve a tour the following day. We took a guided tour and our docent, Gus, was outstanding. After watching a short film, we toured the museum and then went outside for a tour of the aircraft on display. We got to go inside of the Lockheed Constellation ("Conny") and then moved into another museum building with more aircraft and all of the space displays. Gus really personalized the tour for our group and added many anecdotes and stories along the way keeping everyone engaged and even quizzing our 7-yr old aviation buff.
8. United States Air Force Academy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,957 reviews
Visitors can tour this modern sprawling campus that includes the Academy, Falcon Stadium, a chapel and Arnold Hall, a museum honoring Air Force personnel.
Reviewed By hikinguniversity - Colorado Springs, United States
The historic United States Air Force Academy has so many things to offer, it really does need to be at the top of "to visit" list. *Hiking / mountain biking *Historical driving tour *Planetarium *Amazing Cemetery *Historic buildings These pictures are of the Cadet Chapel and Arnold Hall at night. The red tips on the Chapel are from a bonfire below in the courtyard. This was a rare night where 500 drones were used to make different designs in the sky.
9. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Duchtel - Grand Rapids, United States
This was definitely a great find to learn about Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. There are several exhibits that cover quite a few topics ranging from diversity to history. The setting in this old courthouse is just gorgeous. It was set for demolition back in the 70s (I think) but fortunately saved. In the time of COVID they have a map to download onto your phone and also an online scavenger hunt to entertain kids.
10. North Cheyenne Canon Park and Starsmore Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By harvey213 - Buffalo, United States
I love to hike when I am in Colorado Springs for work. I try to end the day a little early so I can get up into the hills. Mount Cutler trail is a great, short, moderately strenuous hike.Great views of Downtown Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor.
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