The Colorado Springs Summer Bucket List | 10 Experiences You Have to Try Once

Every year, somewhere between late May and early September, Colorado Springs feels like a different city.

The mountains open up. Patio season is in full swing. Daylight stretches toward 9 p.m. And suddenly it feels like everyone is spending more time outside than inside.

The thing about summer in Colorado Springs is that it doesn't last forever. Blink, and you'll find yourself staring at fall colors wondering where the season went.

Whether you've lived here for decades or just arrived last week, these are ten experiences that truly define summer in Colorado Springs. Some are iconic. A few fly under the radar. All of them are worth doing at least once.

1. Watch the Sunrise from the Summit of Pikes Peak

We're starting here because nothing else really competes with it.

There's something unforgettable about driving up Pikes Peak before dawn and reaching the summit just as the sky begins to change color. At 14,115 feet, you're standing above the Front Range watching the plains stretch toward Kansas while the first light hits the mountains.

Even for longtime locals, it's one of those experiences that never loses its impact.

A few tips: check the Pikes Peak Highway gate schedule before heading up, bring a jacket no matter how warm it is in town, and consider the Cog Railway if you'd rather leave the driving to someone else. Just make sure to reserve tickets well in advance during the summer season.

Some attractions become overhyped over time.

This isn't one of them.

2. Conquer the Manitou Incline

Few activities are more closely associated with Colorado Springs than the Manitou Incline.

With roughly 2,700 railroad ties and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain packed into a single mile, it's equal parts workout, challenge, and rite of passage.

The reward isn't just the view at the top. It's the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing.

If you're planning to tackle the Incline, reserve your free time slot ahead of time through the city's reservation system. Early mornings are best, especially during July and August when temperatures rise quickly. And whatever you do, take Barr Trail back down. Your knees will thank you.

If you're only going to do one difficult thing this summer, this might be the one.

3. Paddleboard at Prospect Lake

Prospect Lake sits in the middle of Colorado Springs, yet many residents drive past it for years without ever stopping.

That's a mistake.

On a calm summer morning, paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake can be one of the most relaxing experiences in town. With Pikes Peak rising in the background and the city slowly waking up around you, it's easy to forget you're still in the middle of Colorado Springs.

The best strategy is simple: arrive right when rentals open, bring coffee and breakfast, and enjoy the lake before the wind picks up.

It's not wilderness.

It's not remote.

But it's surprisingly peaceful.

4. Experience First Friday Downtown

On the first Friday of every month, downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City take on a completely different energy.

Local galleries stay open late, artists showcase their work, musicians perform throughout the district, and businesses open their doors to visitors who may never have discovered them otherwise.

What makes First Friday special isn't any single event. It's the opportunity to explore the creative side of Colorado Springs while simply wandering through downtown.

Park once, walk everywhere, and don't be afraid to step into the smaller galleries and second-floor studios. That's often where you'll find the most interesting experiences.

5. Take a Day Trip to Cripple Creek

About an hour southwest of Colorado Springs sits one of Colorado's most unique mountain towns.

Cripple Creek's history as a booming gold mining town is still visible everywhere you look. Historic buildings line the streets, casinos occupy restored Victorian storefronts, and during the summer, the town's famous donkey herd still roams through downtown.

Visitors can tour underground mines, ride the heritage railroad, and spend the day exploring one of Colorado's most interesting pieces of history.

The drive itself is part of the experience. In fact, many people would argue the scenery on the way there is every bit as memorable as the destination itself.

6. See a Concert at Red Rocks

Yes, it's closer to Denver than Colorado Springs.

Yes, it still belongs on this list.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most iconic concert venues in the world, and living in Colorado means it's essentially in your backyard.

A summer evening at Red Rocks combines live music, incredible acoustics, towering sandstone formations, and sweeping views across the Front Range. It's the kind of experience that reminds you why people travel from all over the world to visit Colorado.

Make a day of it. Explore Morrison or Golden beforehand, hike one of the nearby trails, and settle in before sunset.

Every Coloradan should experience Red Rocks at least once.

7. Spend a Day at Territory Days

Every Memorial Day weekend, Old Colorado City hosts one of Colorado Springs' most beloved traditions.

Territory Days transforms Colorado Avenue into a three-day street festival featuring live music, local vendors, food, historical reenactments, and thousands of visitors.

What makes it special is how connected it feels to the neighborhood itself. It's not just an event that happens in Old Colorado City. It feels like an extension of the community.

Come hungry, expect crowds, and take advantage of the shuttle service if you can.

For many locals, Territory Days is the unofficial start of summer.

8. Visit Garden of the Gods at Golden Hour

Everyone visits Garden of the Gods.

Most people visit at the wrong time.

Midday crowds and packed parking lots can make one of Colorado's most beautiful parks feel frustrating. But visit about an hour before sunset on a weekday and you'll understand why locals never get tired of it.

As the sun drops lower in the sky, the red rock formations begin to glow with shades of orange and gold that seem almost unreal.

Walk the Central Garden Trail, find a bench, and slow down for a while.

It's free, it's beautiful, and it's one of the best ways to spend 45 minutes in Colorado Springs.

9. Catch a Switchbacks Match at Weidner Field

Summer evenings and soccer have become a great combination in downtown Colorado Springs.

Weidner Field has helped transform downtown into a destination, and Switchbacks matches offer one of the most enjoyable and affordable sports experiences along the Front Range.

The atmosphere is family-friendly, the supporters' section brings plenty of energy, and Pikes Peak provides a backdrop few stadiums can match.

Arrive early, explore downtown beforehand, and stay until the final whistle.

Whether you're a soccer fan or not, it's a fun night out.

10. Hike The Crags Trail

There are countless incredible hikes near Colorado Springs.

If you only choose one hidden gem this summer, make it The Crags.

Located near Divide on the back side of Pikes Peak, this roughly four-mile round-trip hike winds through forests before opening into a landscape filled with massive granite formations sculpted by wind and weather.

It's less crowded than many of the better-known trails, the drive is beautiful, and the scenery feels almost otherworldly.

Photos don't do it justice.

The Crags is one of those places people end up talking about long after the hike is over.

Why Summer in Colorado Springs Feels Different

The truth is, this list could easily be twice as long.

Seven Falls. The Royal Gorge. Salida. The Broadmoor. Hot springs. Air Force Academy events. Countless hikes, festivals, and weekend trips.

But that's also the point.

Summer in Colorado Springs isn't defined by one attraction or even ten attractions. It's defined by the feeling that you live somewhere people travel across the country to experience.

The only real mistake is letting the season pass without taking advantage of it.

If you're new to Colorado Springs, use this list as a starting point. And if you've lived here for years, maybe it's a reminder to revisit a few favorites.

After all, these experiences are a big part of what makes this place feel like home.