Itinerary Advice

Question

Hi all,

My family is taking our first trip to Colorado. I used the internets to try and put an itinerary together.

How does this look based on your experience? Too much. Too little? Some things can be skipped? Anything we're missing?

Originally we were going to spend the time in Denver and maybe head up to the national park but have since changed and are gonna base ourselves out of CO Springs.

Anyway. I appreciate your thoughts.

Day 1 – Arrival &

9 p.m. Land Denver Airport (DEN)

Pick up car

Drive hotel

Check-in, rest

Day 2 – Garden of the Gods

Drive to Garden of the Gods

Walk Perkins Central Garden Trail

Lunch at Rudy’s

Drive to and enjoy Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Dinner: Paravicini’s

Return to Hotel

Day 3 – Pikes Peak & Manitou Springs

Drive to Cog Railway Depot

Ride or drive Pikes Peak

Lunch at The Loop

Explore Penny Arcade & downtown l

Dinner: Crystal Park Cantina or Adam’s Mountain

Return to hotel

Day 4 – Seven Falls, Air Force Academy (or Red Rock Canyon), & Cave of the Winds

Drive to Seven Falls

Explore waterfalls and trails

Drive to Air Force Academy Visitor Center or Red Rock Canyon

Quick visit

Lunch tbd

Drive to Cave of the Winds

Discovery Tour or outdoor adventures

Dinner: The Rabbit Hole or Shuga’s

Answer

Your itinerary for Colorado Springs is ambitious but doable if your family is comfortable with active days and driving between sites. Since it’s your first trip to Colorado and you’ll be based in Colorado Springs, you have a good mix of nature, sightseeing, and local attractions. Here’s a detailed look and suggestions for adjustments.

Day 1 – Arrival

Landing at 9 p.m. at Denver Airport and picking up a rental car is straightforward.
The drive to Colorado Springs from Denver is about 1 hour 20 minutes, so expect to arrive at your hotel around 11:00–11:30 p.m.
Recommendation: Keep this evening simple and get rest; no activities are planned, which is perfect.

Day 2 – Garden of the Gods & Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Perkins Central Garden Trail is easy and scenic, perfect for first-time visitors.
Lunch at Rudy’s is casual and quick, giving more time for the Zoo visit.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is very popular; plan at least 2–3 hours to explore comfortably.
Dinner at Paravicini’s is a good choice for a relaxed evening.
Suggestion: Consider starting early to avoid mid-day crowds at Garden of the Gods.

Day 3 – Pikes Peak & Manitou Springs

Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes ~3 hours round trip; if you choose to drive instead, allow 2–3 hours with stops.
Lunch at The Loop works well; Manitou Springs is walkable and fun to explore.
Penny Arcade and downtown shops add charm; allow 1–2 hours here.
Dinner at Crystal Park Cantina or Adam’s Mountain Bistro is appropriate.
Tip: If you drive Pikes Peak, consider leaving early to avoid traffic and potential weather changes at the summit.

Day 4 – Seven Falls, Air Force Academy/Red Rock Canyon, Cave of the Winds

Seven Falls is beautiful, but plan 1.5–2 hours including walking the trails and elevator if used.
Air Force Academy Visitor Center can be a quick 30–45 minute visit; Red Rock Canyon Open Space is more casual and outdoorsy.
Lunch TBD – consider packing sandwiches to save time since you have a busy day.
Cave of the Winds Discovery Tour takes ~1 hour; outdoor adventure activities can extend your time.
Dinner at The Rabbit Hole or Shuga’s is a fun finish for the day.
Recommendation: This day is packed. You might need to choose between Air Force Academy or Red Rock Canyon depending on your pace and interests. Otherwise, the day could feel rushed.

Additional Suggestions:

Consider weather and altitude: Pikes Peak and Seven Falls can be cooler, so layers are recommended.
Parking: Popular sites like Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls can fill up; early arrival helps.
If you want a slightly less busy Day 4, you could move either Air Force Academy or Red Rock Canyon to another day or skip one entirely.
If time allows, consider adding a short hike in Red Rock Canyon to break up the driving and sightseeing.

Overall, the itinerary is manageable, but Day 4 is the most ambitious. Prioritize attractions based on your family’s interests, and you’ll have a memorable first Colorado Springs trip.

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