Colorado Springs often plays second fiddle to Denver, but the city is a worthy destination in its own right. Looming ever-present to the west is Pikes Peak, the country’s easternmost fourteener; you can see the mountain from virtually anywhere in town. The city also has one of the best free parks in the state, the Garden of the Gods. Colorado Springs also has a funky downtown and its own small arts scene.
To better explore Colorado Springs, see it with an RV rental. The area has plenty of campgrounds at which you can park your vehicle for the night. If saving on costs is important for your two days in Colorado Springs, then having your rental RV only makes sense; you won’t have to shell out big bucks on expensive hotels. You also have the option of preparing all your meals inside your RV.
Search RV rentals in the Colorado Springs area.
Preparing for Your Colorado Springs RV Trip
No matter your preference, there’s an RV rental in Colorado Springs that will suit your needs. Go big with a Class A from Thor or Forest River. For something smaller, research the available Class B and Class C RVs. If towables are your thing, you’re covered with options from top names like Keystone and CrossRoads. RVshare makes the booking process simple.
If this is your first time with an RV, use these resources to learn more about the RVing lifestyle:
• Avoid Making These Mistakes When Renting
• Find Out How to Select the Right Size of RV
• All You Need to Know About RV Parking
Besides renting your ideal RV for your trip, the other important thing to do is locate the perfect campground. This is easy to do in Colorado Springs. Your choices are many and include the Golden Eagle Campground, the Fountain Creek Campground, and the Garden of the Gods RV Resort, just to name a few.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Colorado Springs.
Day 1: Get Acclimated to the Altitude
Morning: All About Money at the Money Museum
Since Colorado Springs has an average elevation of over 6,000 feet, you’ll want to avoid any strenuous activity on your first day so that your body gets used to the altitude. With that, spend the morning perusing the collection at the fun and fascinating Edward C. Rochette Money Museum. Learn about the history of money and how medals get made, and see firsthand how a mini-mint screw press makes coins. And no — you’re not allowed to take home “free” samples.
Lunch: Get a Taste of the East Coast
Head downtown and fill up on a loaded sandwich at the East Coast Deli. This restaurant offers everything from a classic Reuben and barbecue brisket to burgers, wraps, and bagel sandwiches. East Coast Deli has extended hours from Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Afternoon: Explore the Best in Fine Arts
A well-known gem is the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. At over 132,000 square feet, the museum has more than enough on display to fill an entire afternoon. Collections focus on Native American, Hispanic, and 20th-century American art. If you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, stop by for a First Friday Art Party that features artist talks and a cash bar.
Setting Up Camp
Double-check the confirmation you should have received when you made your campsite reservation. This should have information for you, such as the time of check-in and other RV park policies. If you’re nervous about driving your rental to the campground and figuring out how to park it, the great news is you can have the vehicle’s owner deliver it to you instead. Check with the owner, and see if they can do this for you.
Dinner: Sample Authentic Tex-Mex
Located downtown, Jose Muldoon’s is a local institution renowned for its large Tex-Mex platters and extensive drink menu. Opt for a classic fajita bowl, or build your own combination platter with choices ranging from mini burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. Sweet churros make for the perfect dessert.
Day 2: Explore the Outdoors
Morning: Take a Hike in the Garden of the Gods
Arguably the top attraction in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods comprises over 1,300 acres of red-colored sandstone rock formations; highlights included Balanced Rock, the Kissing Camels, and the Siamese Twins. Activities include biking, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Admission is free, so the park tends to get crowded, especially on weekends; opt for a midweek visit.
Lunch: Break for Lunch at the Trading Post
Located near the southern entrance to the Garden of the Gods, the Trading Post has an on-site cafe featuring bison burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. While here, shop for a unique Southwestern-themed souvenir or work of art, and take home some homemade fudge.
Afternoon: Head to the Top of the World on Pikes Peak
The summit of Pikes Peak is at 14,115 feet. You can drive to the top via the toll road in your RV although it must not be any longer than 24 feet; trailers are not allowed. For a more leisurely ascent, take the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Even during the summer, prepare for colder weather at the summit.
Evening: Commune With Spirits on a Ghost Tour
End your second day in Colorado Springs with a ghost walking tour of downtown. Your guide will tell stories of alleged hauntings said to occur in various city structures. Tours last for 1.5 hours.
Day 3 and Beyond in Colorado Springs
If you want to see even more of Colorado Springs, don’t limit yourself to two days. Spend at least a third day visiting more of the numerous attractions in town.
• Discover the City’s History at the Pioneers Museum – The Pioneers Museum showcases the area’s cultural and regional history through artifacts and exhibits.
• Feed the Giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is most known for letting visitors feed the giraffes; grab a lettuce bundle and get up close to these majestic creatures via the elevated boardwalk.
Winter Activities
The Broadmoor is the premier resort in town. During the holidays, the Broadmoor gets decked out in festive lights and other holiday-themed decorations. Stop by during the Christmas season to admire the display.
Indoor Activities
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts downtown. Concerts range from Masterworks to Pops and holiday events. The Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center is where Team USA athletes train in the hopes of making the Olympics; sign up for a guided tour of the facilities.
Now is the time to plan your Colorado Springs itinerary. Rent your RV today and get going!
