4 Things You Must Do When Visiting Colorado Springs

4 Things You Must Do When Visiting Colorado Springs
Sarah
Sarah 
Updated
| 3 min read

Colorado Springs in Colorado has a lot to offer to both the natives and first time visitors. Your initial trip to Colorado Springs should include a variety of activities such as sightseeing, shopping, and bingeing on the delicious Mexican food the area is known for.

Be amazed by the ‘Garden of the Gods’

4 things you must do when visiting colorado springs | be amazed by the ‘garden of the gods’

Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is one of America’s registered National Natural Landmarks, and for good reason. This dramatic and hidden gem is a place you have to see to believe. With nearly 300 giant rock formations, almost glowing red, it is hard to imagine these beauties existing just outside the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

The Visitor & Nature Center, located within the park, is one of the most visited attractions in the region. On your visit, make sure to check out their new Geo-Trekker movie experience, which runs every 20 minutes during their normal business hours. This hands-on experience will give viewers a first hand look at how the rocks formed and give you a general history of their purpose and discovery.

After taking a scenic hike on the rocks and capturing amazing photographs, unwind and enjoy the view in their glass-walled cafe, or have a picnic on their highest terrace which overlooks Garden of the Gods, as well as the highest mountain peak in the United States, Pikes Peak.

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Eat the best Mexican food in the midwest

4 things you must do when visiting colorado springs | eat the best mexican food in the midwest

To most people’s surprise, Colorado is very well-known for it’s authentic and delicious, local Mexican food. Sancho’s restaurant, located at 1829 Briargate Blvd in Colorado Springs is a staple in the city. When entering Sancho’s for the first time, do not be alarmed by the size of the restaurant. It may be a cozy space but their impact on the surrounding community is very large.

It is seldom that you do not find a line forming out the door of hungry people waiting to get their hands on fresh, smothered tamales, or their famous sopapillas which consist of fried dough filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or sauces. While the Carne Asada Fries are absolutely to die for, everything on their menu is made fresh to order with local ingredients.

The restaurant opens for breakfast at 10am and remains open until 6pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends. They also encourage carry-out orders, and will give you a 20% discount on your meal if you check-in to the restaurant on Yelp!

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Harness the healing power of real Colorado Springs water

4 things you must do when visiting colorado springs | harness the healing power of real colorado springs water

One obvious thing that you must do when visiting Colorado Springs, is to drink water from the actual Colorado Springs. When rainwater and snow melts from the peak of the Rockies, the water flows through the mountains, undergoes a lot of heat and pressure, and eventually becomes mineralized.

There are currently eight springs open to the public and are located right outside of Colorado Springs in the town of Manitou Springs. Each spring is known for its distinct taste and unique healing abilities.

The water is free of any chemicals or atmospheric contamination, and ongoers are encouraged to take a drink from each one of the springs. Through the Mineral Springs Foundation, visitors can take walking tours of the each of the springs every Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The eight springs include 7 Minute Spring, Cheyenne Spring, Iron Spring Geyser, Navajo Spring, Shoshone Spring, Stratton Spring, Twin Spring, and Wheeler Spring.

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Shop for unique art and pottery in Manitou Springs

4 things you must do when visiting colorado springs | shop for unique art and pottery in manitou springs

While in Manitou Springs, drinking the mineral waters, take a stroll in their historic artists district. Known for its eclectic original art and decor, Manitou is also home of some of Colorado’s best pottery shops and artist’s studios.

Commonwheel Artists Co-op is a popular destination for those traveled shoppers who are looking for authentic Colorado-made artwork and sculptures. Each week, the shop features handmade pottery and artwork by one of their hand-selected artists.

A biography of each artist can be found in the store upon entering their section. Unlike other pottery in the area, the pieces in Commonwheel come in vividly unique colors, shapes and sizes. There is art for the whole family to enjoy, and everyone will find a piece well suited for their own unique personality.

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You will definitely be back for more!

Colorado Springs has so much to offer, it is difficult to make the most out of just one trip. The mountains themselves offer so many fun activities that you will leave while already planning your next Colorado trip. Although it can get colder in the winter months due to its high elevation, Colorado Springs is a destination that is attractive all year long.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A self-proclaimed pop culture expert with passion for writing, music and television. I have recently also discovered my love for traveling. Whether it be across town, across the country or across...Read more

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