Updated: January 21, 2025

Don't miss these must-see detour destinations near Colorado Springs

January 28th is National Plan Your Vacation Day! Make this the year you plan a trip to Colorado Springs.

One of the best ways to experience the wonders of the Pikes Peak Region is on a scenic road trip through its many unique areas. Make the most of your adventure by checking out at these exciting stops on your way to town!

Coming from the north? Visit Tri-Lakes

Tri-Lakes offers a much-needed break from I-25. Hungry? La Casa Fiesta serves up delicious New Mexican fare and has the perfect patio for sipping margaritas. Afterward, wander Downtown Monument to discover charming local businesses. Don’t forget to grab a jar of moonshine from 3 Hundred Days of Shine!

To reconnect with nature before hopping back in your car, rent a paddleboard or kayak and get on the water at Palmer Lake. If you’re traveling with furry friends, Fox Run Regional Park & Dog Park is a scenic and pet-friendly option.

Coming from the east? Visit Calhan and East COS

If your route takes you on Highway 24, there are two stops you can't miss: Paint Mines Interpretive Park and Our Red Barn Ranch. The Paint Mines are a geographical wonder with fascinating history. Exploring the park entails an easy hike to stretch your legs and clear your head. Make sure to stay on trail and avoid climbing these delicate rock formations! Just five minutes away from the park, Our Red Barn Ranch lets you meet their herd of alpacas, take tours and shop the Fiber Farm Stand that’s stocked with handcrafted alpaca fleece apparel!

Taking CO-94? Wishing Star Farms is right on the way! With a petting zoo, play area and pony rides, it’s the ideal place for your little ones to get their energy out before getting back on the road. History buffs should also set time aside to see the National WWII Aviation Museum and the Edward J. Peterson Air and Space Museum, which are right off CO-94 within Colorado Springs east city limits.

Coming from the south? Visit Fremont County and South COS

An hour southwest of Colorado Springs, Fremont County is home to huge attractions along with unforgettable hidden gems. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City offers a full day of fun with a zipline, gondola, railroad, rafting and more. Parched from all the adventure? Relax with a glass of wine (or two!) at the nearby Winery at Holy Cross Abbey!

If you’re near Florence, you simply have to take a thrift break! This small community has over a dozen incredible antique shops within walking distance of each other. Is your back stiff from the long drive? Don’t fret: Soak in peace at Desert Reef Hot Springs, just 15 minutes from the main street area.

Penrose is a scenic rural community that neighbors Florence. Take your experience up a notch and explore the beautiful scenery and wide variety of wineries/cideries on a RockE Mountain Bike tour!

The May Natural History Museum is off Colorado State Highway 115, just 20 minutes outside of Colorado Springs proper. This entomology museum not only boasts the largest private insect collection in the world, but also the world’s largest statue of a beetle (If you don’t get a photo with Herkimer, did you even road trip through Southern Colorado?).

Coming from the west? Visit Teller County

If you’re driving through Ute Pass, you’ll find fun pit stops galore!

Make a 30-minute detour off Highway 24 to Cripple Creek and Victor, two neighboring historic mining towns. Head to Cripple Creek to ride the railroad, tour the mines and meet the town’s famous donkeys. Just ten minutes south is Victor, where you can walk Main Street and pop into the Victor Lowell-Thomas Museum. Pro tip: Don’t leave Victor without snapping a selfie with Rita the Rock Planter!

Check out Woodland Park, a cozy mountain community. Surrounded by Pike National Forest, Woodland Park offers many locally owned restaurants as well as can’t-miss attractions. Grab a handcrafted souvenir at Reserve Our Gallery, jump into the Jurassic age at the Dinosaur Resource Center and check out fascinating exhibits on local history at the Ute Pass Historical Society.

Green Mountain Falls is just 20 minutes west of Colorado Springs: It’s so tucked away you’ll have to be careful not to miss this tranquil stop. Breathe in the crisp mountain air at the gazebo, walk the trails around Green Mountain Falls Pond and check out the exciting art exhibits and events at Green Box Arts. Take a short hike to Sky Space, a unique art exhibit that lets you experience the beauty of Colorado skies in a new way.

Enjoy your Pikes Peak Region adventure!

Remember, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. However, when you’re traveling to Colorado Springs, the destination is pretty incredible, too.