8 days in Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs Itinerary

Stunning Garden of the Gods Park scenery, blue skies and the glory of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain have attracted visitors to Colorado Springs for more than a century.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Colorado Springs: Cañon City (Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center, River Rafting & Tubing, &more). And it doesn't end there: stroll around Garden of the Gods, get to know the resident critters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, see the interesting displays at Penrose Heritage Museum, and take in the dramatic natural features at Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

To find where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Colorado Springs day trip planning site.

Dallas to Colorado Springs is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. When traveling from Dallas in September, plan for little chillier days in Colorado Springs, with highs around 79°F, while nights are much colder with lows around 51°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) so you can go by car to Manitou Springs.

Manitou Springs' main street was once a trail that led directly to the base of Pike's Peak.

Venture out of the city with trips to Cripple Creek (Old Homestead House Museum, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, &more). Pack the 26th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Manitou Springs Incline and delve into the distant past at Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

Discover how to plan a Manitou Springs trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Manitou Springs is very close to Colorado Springs. In September, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.