Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, offers a treasure trove of activities that don’t cost a dime. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff or cultural enthusiast, this city provides a variety of experiences that are as enriching as they are economical. In this guide, we’ll explore the top free activities in Colorado Springs, ensuring that your adventure in this scenic city is memorable without breaking the bank.
Discover Natural Beauty Without Spending a Penny
Garden of the Gods: A Must-Visit Natural Landmark
Put visiting the Garden of the Gods at the top of your list of the best free things to do in Colorado Springs. Charles Elliott Perkins and his family owned the land here for several years. After Perkins’s passing, his children donated the land to the city in 1909 to create a public park with the stipulation that it remain forever free to visitors.
Located on the city’s far west side, the Garden of the Gods is in a picturesque setting with the Front Range of the Rockies as a backdrop. Stop by the Visitor and Nature Center, just outside the park’s main northern entrance on 30th Street, and take the perfect photo of the Garden with Pikes Peak in the background. Watch the short film to learn how the reddish-colored rock formations came to be. Grab some lunch or pick up some Western- and Southwestern-themed souvenirs at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post in the southern section of the park.
Activities at the Garden of the Gods include hiking, biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. The park always stays open. The main roads are all paved with some that become one-way at certain spots. Weekends can get crowded, but there is a free shuttle bus that runs through the summer. The nearby Garden of the Gods RV Resort has RV sites with water and electrical hookups.
Hiking Trails and Rock Formations
There are 21 miles’ worth of hiking trails in the Garden of the Gods. The Gateway/Central Garden Trails go for 2.5 miles, starting at the Overflow Parking Lot at the main entrance. The Siamese Twins Trail is a 1-mile roundtrip hike that leads up to twin rock formations that offer a window through which you can see Pikes Peak. The 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the most visited section of the park with spectacular, up-close views of many of the rock formations.
When hiking around the base of North Gateway Rock, look up and see if you can spot the formation known as the “Kissing Camels.” On the Perkins Central Garden Trail, you’ll come upon the Three Graces, three narrow fins standing close together. Drive down to the southern section of the park to see Balanced Rock, a 700-ton boulder perched precariously on a ledge. Taking the requisite photo op in front of the rock is one of the top fun, free things to do in Colorado Springs.
Historic Sites and Cultural Gems at No Cost
United States Air Force Academy Visitor Center
The United States Air Force Academy sits on 18,500 acres on the northern end of the city. You can visit the Academy for free and take a self-guided tour to see some of its most famous sites, including the Cadet Chapel, a nondenominational facility consisting of 17 spires that resemble fighter jets.
The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center is where you can learn more about cadet life through exhibits and a short film. Pack a lunch, take it to the center’s outdoor dining area and enjoy the fresh mountain air. You can also take the 1/3-mile Chapel Trail from the visitor center to the Cadet Chapel and Honor Court. Note that you must provide valid identification upon entering the base.
First Friday Downtown Art Walks
Check out some of the best art galleries in the city with the Colorado Springs ArtWalk, which happens the first Friday of each month from April through December. The ArtWalk encompasses not just Downtown Colorado Springs but also Old Colorado City and the suburb of Manitou Springs. A free shuttle offers access to each of the three locations.
You’ll not only see contemporary works at the various galleries, but attending an ArtWalk also gives you access to outdoor art pieces. Check out the Wheeler Town Clock in Manitou Springs right in the middle of the town’s square.
Engage With the Arts for Free
Outdoor Adventures That Won’t Cost You
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Exploration
Located near Manitou Springs and the Garden of the Gods on the city’s west side, the Red Rock Canyon Open Space has nearly 1,500 acres of land offering biking; rock climbing; an off-leash dog area; a picnic pavilion; and hiking trails of varying lengths that include the Contemplative, the Sand Canyon, and the Quarry Trails.
Family-Friendly Fun Without Fees
Memorial Park and Geocaching
Memorial Park is just to the east of Downtown Colorado Springs. A prominent feature of this family-friendly park is Prospect Lake. It’s possible to swim on the park’s designated swimming days, which are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, there are no lifeguards on duty. You can also fish on the lake and take out a boat, but you must get permits for both. Take the 1.25-mile paved pathway around the lake for a nice, easy stroll.
Memorial Park also features tennis and basketball courts; playgrounds; pavilions; a beach house; the Velodrome, which features track cycling; and the Sertich Ice Center. The park is also home to the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, the city’s hot-air balloon festival held Labor Day weekend each year.
Geocaching is possible at Cheyenne Mountain State Park in the city’s southwestern foothills with several caches available. You can rent a GPS unit at the park’s visitor center if you don’t have your own.
Stroll Through America the Beautiful Park
Just to the west of the city’s Downtown, right off Interstate 25 and U.S. Route 24, is America the Beautiful Park. Kids will love the Fantasy Playground with its turntables and spinner bowls. Check out the Quirks art pieces scattered near the playground. Other amenities include walking paths, a picnic pavilion and the Julie Penrose Fountain.
Leisure and Relaxation at No Expense
Making the Most of Your Free Experiences
Colorado Springs has a mostly dry, sunny and mild climate year-round. The city does sometimes get hit hard by snowstorms in the winter. These fierce storms that come in off the Front Range often dump snow that measures in feet, not inches. Once the sun comes out, however, the snow melts quickly. Just keep this in mind if you’re exploring the city in the winter with your RV; drive carefully along the slippery, slushy roads.
The city’s average elevation is over 6,000 feet. It’s important to acclimate your body to the altitude when visiting Colorado Springs. Avoid any strenuous activities on your first day, and rest up in the evening in your RV.
Tips for Navigating Colorado Springs in Your RV
The city’s well-served by several major roadways, including Interstate 25, which runs north to Denver and south to Pueblo, and U.S. Route 24, which heads northwest out to Manitou Springs and northeast to communities like Peyton and Falcon. Nevada Avenue is the city’s main Downtown street.
Parking is at a premium Downtown, so it’s best to leave your RV at your campsite and explore the city’s center in a conventional vehicle. The Old Colorado City neighborhood and Manitou Springs are beautiful places to visit but are also compact, making RV travel not the best way to get around. Colorado Springs is also very hilly. When you combine this with snowstorms, it can be somewhat tough navigating the city in an RV in the winter.
There are many great RV campgrounds in Colorado Springs, including the aforementioned Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Goldfield RV Park and Colorado Springs KOA Holiday in Fountain.
Colorado Springs is a haven for those seeking to indulge in the beauty and culture of the American West without spending a fortune. The city’s plethora of free attractions offers something for everyone from breathtaking natural wonders to enriching historical and cultural sites. Remember, the value of your experiences in Colorado Springs doesn’t come with a price tag; it comes from the memories you’ll cherish forever. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable journey that’s as affordable as it is exciting! Rent an RV from RVshare to get started.
