Colorado Springs, Colorado: 10 Best Short Day Trips
10 Easy Day Trips from Colorado Springs, Colorado for a Fun Nearby Getaway
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| Trade the city for cliff dwellings, Royal Gorge drama, mountain lakes, and storybook roadside stops on these easy day trips from Colorado Springs. |
Need a quick break from Colorado Springs, Colorado without spending hours on the road? You’re in luck. This part of the state is packed with short road trips and easy day trips that lead to mountain towns, wild canyons, historic spots, and scenic drives.
For this list, I’m focusing only on places outside El Paso County but still close enough for a simple escape. If you’ve been craving a nearby getaway, a laid-back weekend trip, or just fresh ideas for things to do near Colorado Springs, these spots are a great place to start.
Some of these are classic Colorado favorites. Others feel a little more under-the-radar. Either way, they all make it easy to get out, explore, and be back by dinner if you want.
1. Walk the Cliff Dwellings at Manitou Springs-adjacent Red Rock Area in Teller County
One of the easiest mountain day trips from Colorado Springs is heading into Teller County to see the Manitou Cliff Dwellings area near the county line. While many people pass through quickly on the way to bigger mountain adventures, the surrounding Teller County side opens up a nice chance to enjoy the scenery and history together.
This is a good pick if you want a road trip that feels interesting without being too long. The rocks, pine trees, and mountain air make the whole drive feel like a reset button.
- Why go: History, mountain views, and a quick change of pace
- Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and casual explorers
- Drive time: Around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and your exact stop
If you’re like me, this is the kind of half-day outing that starts with “let’s just go for a short drive” and somehow turns into grabbing coffee, taking photos, and staying longer than planned.
2. Explore Woodland Park in Teller County
Woodland Park is one of the most popular nearby getaways from Colorado Springs, and for good reason. It sits high in the mountains and offers cool air, big views, and a relaxed small-town feel.
This is the kind of place that works whether you want a simple day trip or the start of a weekend trip. Stroll around town, stop at local shops, and enjoy the sight of Pikes Peak from a different angle.
- Why go: Mountain-town charm without a long drive
- Best for: Couples, families, and anyone needing a peaceful break
- Drive time: About 30 to 40 minutes
On a hot summer day in Colorado Springs, Woodland Park can feel like opening the fridge after standing in the sun. It’s that refreshing.
3. See Fossils and Views at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Teller County
If you want one of the most memorable day trips near Colorado Springs, head to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This spot blends science, scenery, and easy outdoor fun in a way that doesn’t feel heavy or complicated.
You’ll find giant petrified redwood stumps, fossil history, and open meadow views that make you want to slow down and look around. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” this place is easy to enjoy.
- Why go: Unique fossils, quiet trails, and beautiful high-country scenery
- Best for: Nature lovers, curious kids, and photographers
- Drive time: Roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
It’s a little like stepping into a nature textbook, except the pages are made of meadows, stone, and sky.
4. Ride Above the Royal Gorge in Fremont County
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Fremont County is one of the most iconic road trips from Colorado Springs. If you’ve never seen the gorge in person, it’s a real wow moment. Pictures help, but standing there is different.
The bridge stretches high above the Arkansas River, and the views are dramatic in every direction. If you like attractions with a little thrill mixed into the scenery, this is a top pick.
- Why go: Big canyon views and one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks
- Best for: Families, sightseers, and anyone chasing iconic Colorado experiences
- Drive time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
This is one of those places I’d recommend when friends ask for a short trip that still feels like a major adventure.
5. Wander Historic Downtown Cañon City in Fremont County
After seeing the gorge, keep the Fremont County theme going with time in Cañon City. Its historic downtown is perfect for a slower-paced day trip from Colorado Springs.
You’ll find local shops, older buildings, and a sunny, easygoing feel. It’s not flashy, and that’s part of the charm. Sometimes the best nearby getaway is just a town where you can walk around, eat well, and not rush.
- Why go: Local flavor, history, and a walkable downtown
- Best for: Couples, casual travelers, and anyone who likes small-town stops
- Drive time: About 1 hour
If your ideal road trip includes coffee, antiques, and browsing without a schedule, put this one high on your list.
6. Drive the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway in Fremont County
Sometimes the drive itself is the attraction, and that’s exactly what you get with the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway. This route through Fremont County delivers wide-open views, rolling hills, and a strong sense of old Colorado.
It’s a great choice when you want a peaceful road trip from Colorado Springs with room to breathe. You can stop for photos, enjoy picnic spots, and simply let the landscape do the work.
- Why go: Scenic driving, historic character, and fewer crowds
- Best for: Drivers, couples, and anyone wanting a low-stress day out
- Drive time: Varies, but easy to do as a half-day or full-day outing
Think of it as a moving postcard. Every bend gives you another reason to keep going.
7. Discover Bishop Castle in Custer area access through Fremont/Teller route, tied to nearby regional trip planning
For travelers willing to stretch a little within the surrounding-road-trip mindset, Bishop Castle is one of the strangest and most unforgettable attractions in the region. It’s famous for its handmade towers, ironwork, and bold personality.
While it requires a bit more planning, many travelers from Colorado Springs pair it with southern mountain driving routes and make a full day of it. If you enjoy offbeat places, this one is hard to forget.
- Why go: One-of-a-kind roadside attraction with serious character
- Best for: Adventurous travelers and fans of unusual stops
- Drive time: Best as a long day trip or weekend trip route extension
It feels a bit like stumbling into someone’s imagination and finding out they built the whole thing in steel and stone.
8. Visit the Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo County
Pueblo offers one of the best urban-style day trips near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The star attraction is the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a walkable area with water views, bridges, public art, and places to eat.
If you want a getaway that mixes outdoor time with city convenience, this is a smart pick. It’s easy, fun, and different from the mountain escapes on this list.
- Why go: Waterfront walking, dining, and a change of scenery
- Best for: Couples, friend groups, and easygoing afternoon outings
- Drive time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
This is a great answer to that common question: “What if I want a road trip, but I don’t want to hike?”
9. Tour the Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo County
Another fun option in Pueblo County is the Pueblo Zoo. It makes a great family day trip from Colorado Springs and is especially handy if you’re traveling with kids who need something active but easy.
The zoo is manageable in size, which means you can enjoy it without feeling worn out. That’s a big plus for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants a simpler outing.
- Why go: Family-friendly fun and an easy activity for all ages
- Best for: Families with children and animal lovers
- Drive time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour
Not every nearby getaway has to be a rugged mountain adventure. Sometimes a smooth, happy day is exactly what you need.
10. Castlewood Canyon State Park in Douglas County
To wrap up, head north to Castlewood Canyon State Park in Douglas County. This is one of the best nature-based road trips from Colorado Springs if you enjoy walking trails, rocky canyon views, and a little local history.
The park is known for its scenic landscape and the ruins of an old dam. It feels rugged but still approachable, which makes it a strong option for hikers who want something beautiful without going too extreme.
- Why go: Canyon scenery, trails, and a peaceful break from the city
- Best for: Hikers, photographers, and couples
- Drive time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
If you’ve done the usual mountain drives and want something different, this nearby getaway adds a little variety to your Colorado Springs trip planning.
Tips for Planning Short Road Trips from Colorado Springs, Colorado
Before you head out, here are a few simple tips to make your day trip easier:
- Start early, especially on summer weekends
- Bring layers because mountain weather changes fast
- Pack water and snacks even for short drives
- Check hours and seasonal closures before you go
- Leave room in your schedule for surprise stops
That last one matters more than people think. Some of the best road trip memories happen when you spot a view, a bakery, or a small museum you never planned on seeing.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do Near Colorado Springs
From mountain towns in Teller County to canyon views in Fremont County, city fun in Pueblo County, and nature escapes in Douglas County, there are plenty of things to do near Colorado Springs, Colorado without staying in El Paso County.
Whether you want a quick day trip, a scenic road trip, or a simple weekend trip idea, these 10 spots offer something for just about every kind of traveler. So, which one will you try first?
If this list helped you plan your next nearby getaway, share it with a friend and drop a comment with your favorite road trips from Colorado Springs. I’d love to hear which one you liked most.
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