Make a Trip of It

Things to Do in Colorado

If you're flying in from out of state, you might as well stay a few extra days. These are our favorites — most are within an hour of the venue, a few are worth a longer drive.

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Garden of the Gods red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the distance

~10 min from venue

Garden of the Gods

Free public park full of towering red sandstone formations with Pikes Peak in the background. Easy walking trails and one of the most photographed spots in Colorado.

gardenofgods.com →
Historic main street in Manitou Springs, Colorado

At the venue's doorstep

Manitou Springs

Walkable historic town with mineral springs, arcades, coffee shops, and great restaurants. Wander Manitou Avenue and try water from the eight public springs around town.

manitousprings.org →
Snow-capped Pikes Peak viewed from Colorado Springs

14,115 ft summit

Pikes Peak

America's Mountain. You can drive to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway (reservations recommended in season). The air is thin up there — take it slow.

pikespeakcolorado.com →
Pikes Peak Cog Railway train on the mountain

~3 hour round trip

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The highest cog railway in North America climbs from Manitou Springs to the summit. A favorite for anyone who'd rather not drive the switchbacks. Book in advance.

cograilway.com →
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum exterior in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs

Museums

Plenty to choose from: the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (a must-see), the Money Museum, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.

U.S. Olympic Museum →
Great Sand Dunes National Park with the Sangre de Cristo mountains behind

~3 hr drive

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Tallest dunes in North America against a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks. Worth the drive for a day trip if you're staying longer. Rent a sandboard at the entrance.

nps.gov/grsa →
Breckenridge ski resort slopes in Colorado

~3 hr drive · Epic Pass

Breckenridge Skiing & Snowboarding

Mid-April is still very much ski season. Breck is on the Epic Pass — if you don't have one, an Epic Day Pass lets you ski 1–7 days at Vail Resorts. Buy in advance for the best price.

Epic Day Pass →
Seven Falls waterfall in South Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado Springs

Bonus · Colorado Springs

Other Favorites

Seven Falls (pictured), Cave of the Winds, the Broadmoor for a fancy lunch, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (highest-elevation zoo in the U.S.), and a drive through Cripple Creek if you want a tiny mountain town with a casino vibe.