Best Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Best Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Military Bases & Facilities • Educational sites
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Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
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Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks
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What travelers are saying
- Crystal B5 contributionsViews were incredible! We went on a day where it had snowed and was really cold so we didn’t walk around too much. You can drive through if you don’t want to walk, the park is free! We went to the Red Leg Brewery afterwards down the street about a mile and it was fantastic!Written March 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JenniferZanesville, OH13 contributionsSo glad we found these trails! There were trails for all skill levels and various lengths. Everything was well marked. Porta potties at the trailhead. A large enclosed dog park. The views were amazing! We hiked but also saw runners and bikers on the trail.Written August 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laurapaul2018Compton, Canada151 contributionsThis is a pretty little falls with access to the brook all along so might be fun if you live close by for picnics and adventures with children but for us, again too touristy and crowded. Maybe because we are used to more seclusion on some of the waterfalls we have visited. Still pretty and we saw deer and fawns.Written July 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kay K4 contributionsA typical blend of apparel, art, and tourism businesses housed in charming ancient buildings, somewhat marred by their proximity to a busy road.Written August 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ryan WPasadena, CA48 contributionsGoing in, we were expecting a self-guided tour. We planned on stopping by the visitor center and then driving to the locations highlighted on the Academy’s website. Instead, we arrived at the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center just before 1pm on a Thursday and were surprised to see a sign at the front desk announcing the 1pm tour.
We learned a lot about the origins of the Air Force and Academy, cadet life, and the buildings from our docent Ed, a class of ‘67 alum. Much of this you would not learn from the visitor center displays, so if it’s available I’d highly recommend a docent tour.
Notes:
• Enter through the North Gate. Outside the entrance to the right there is a sign for a visitor center. Ignore it - this is the future visitor center that has not yet been completed. The visitor center that you want is called the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center and that is past the security gate, on the campus 4 miles in.
• Our tour was 2 hours and 15 minutes, taking us on an outdoor walk past building on campus including the dorms, the Terrazzo, Cadet Chapel, and Harmon Hall. After the tour ended, we took a look inside Arnold Hall.
• If you drive to the T-38 Thunderbird Airmanship Overlook near the South Gate, you can watch the cadet gliders and tow planes takeoff from the airfield.Written September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Carol M8 contributionsI’ll start by saying don’t confuse this trail with Seven Falls by the Broadmoor. Two different venues. I went to each and both lovely in their own way. I’m not a “hiker” but totally loved this trail. It is about six miles round trip plus you have to walk about a mile to get to it. I started by thinking I’d get to bridge three and be happy. But little by little I made it all the way to bridge seven. Yes, it goes uphill and it’s a turn around at the top so you come downhill on the way back but you follow a stream/waterfalls along the way. There are many places to stop and rest enjoying nature. Bring water. Take your time. If I can make it anyone can make it. Loved it! There are porta potties at the parking lot. On the drive to this trail you can stop at Helen Hunt Falls just before it. It’s not labeled well but can clearly see it from the parking lot as you make the turn to the Seven Bridges Trail. We went around ten in the morning and no crowds. By the time we returned it was getting much busier.Written October 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kristin RAnn Arbor, MI16 contributionsWe did the 7 bridges hike. The trail was snow and ice covered during our mid November visist. We did not have spikes or poles but made due. It is an out and back with a gradual incline out and downhill coming back. Even in the snow, it was a very doable hike for the casual hiker as far as effort. However, it was very slick traversing the downhill return and slipped on ice and fell a handful of times. Use caution in winter. Spikes and/or trekking poles are suggested.Written November 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeawoodCoupleLeawood, KS280 contributionsThis was an excellent find -- thanks to Tripadvisor. It is located downtown in the old El Paso County Courthouse built in 1903. it was recently renovated with big upgrades in HVAC.
Highlights include the restored original Division 1 courtroom, the Helen Hunt Jackson House, and a really interesting exhibit about the Pikes Peak area that goes through the alphabet showing something historical for every letter. Finally there is a recently opened gallery with paintings and photographs only from women. We also encountered very friendly people working as volunteers at the museum. Parking is on the street with meters. Enjoy!Written October 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EBBtide10 contributionsI went in with my husband not expecting much as it was a free museum, but I was pleasantly surprised and impressed! I learned so much about both the Penrose family as well as the history of the Race to the Clouds.
The exhibits were very well presented and there was a lot of interesting information to learn.
I’m so happy we made the time for this place!Written April 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JLPBoston, MA96 contributionsWent for a walk through Palmer Park with some friends and their two dogs. It is off-leash for dogs on the main walking area. The view of Pike’s Peak was stunning, and everyone walking on the path was very friendly. The area was clean and easy to navigate. It took about an hour to do the full loop.Written February 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 123texastraveler2016Saint Louis, MO24 contributionsThe museum was outstanding and our guide Michael T made it a fun, informative experience. We enjoyed the restoration section.Written August 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bernard WDallas, TX1,946 contributionsWe loved these huge, whimsical, beautiful kinetic sculptures. Starr Kempf’s work is in two local places. One place is in the yard of his family home at 2057 Pine Grove corner with Evans Avenue. This is a residential area, so be respectful of the neighborhood. If you want to view, do so from the street.
The other location is at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Campus. On loan there until 2034 one can view three of these large, beautiful sculptures near each other at the ENT Center for the Arts at the east side corner of Nevada and Eagle Rock. There you will view 24/7–50’ high Sunrise Serenade, Space Needle, and Metronome. Beautiful.Written June 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - StephenCrossDublin, Ireland31,614 contributionsDowntown Colorado Springs is well maintained and well policed. Lots of bars / restaurant’s and sites to see. Recommended.Written October 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Missymel1130 contributionsHeard about this elementary school turned eatery from a patient & we were glad to stop by after our trip to the zoo. There are 5 different places to choose from, with options from salad, comfort American to BBQ. I ordered from Salad or Bust, and was not disappointed. A little steep price wise, as I got a small Walnut Salad for $9, but it was tasty. The chicken, bacon ranch wrap hit the spot, but $3 to add pickles was a little steep, but we'll worth it.Written November 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katy M3 contributionsLots of trails wind through a quiet forest, playing fields, a big dog park and ponds with fish. This park has something for everyone.Written October 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
