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 Nature & Parks 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, Fountain Creek Nature Center, Manitou Springs Incline, John Venezia Community Park, Barr Trail to Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Intemann Trail, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Monument Valley Park, 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. 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
3. 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!
4. John Venezia Community Park
5. 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
6. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
The location of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which offers limited tours to the public.
Reviewed By travissT7839AD
Cheyenne Moutain State Park is a beautiful park with lots of lovely hiking trails and great camping spots. Don't get this post wrong this is not a review for the Cheyenne Mountain complex which is no longer open to the public. If you come here you'll enjoy the beauty of nature and even see some wildlife as well. You won't be visiting one of the most well-defended military complexes in the world.
7. Intemann Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,707 reviews
Colorado Springs is home to America’s mountain zoo. Located at 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and of its 750 animals. The unique design of the Zoo’s animal exhibits gets guests closer than ever before. Hand-feed one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the world, watch grizzlies swim with trout, hop next to red-necked wallabies and get hands on with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents in The Loft. Have a WILD adventure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – see the animals, ride an antique carousel, eat a gourmet lunch at the Grizzly Grill and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the Zoo’s summit. Visit 365 days a year for family fun at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Reviewed By cubie2017 - El Paso, United States
Went there after the hail storm and you can still see the damage. Loved the ski lift ride that takes you over the zoo and you get beautiful views of the city. Feeding g the giraffes was a treat and the elephant show was fun. Highly recommend it!
9. Monument Valley Park
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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