Updated: January 2, 2025

Top 15 Winter Adventures in Colorado Springs

Discover exciting winter adventures throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Colorado Springs’ mild temps and ample sunshine make these year-round adventures the ideal way to play in the Pikes Peak region during the winter solstice. Learn to ice climb on frozen waterfalls, snowshoe state parks, howl with a wolf pack and watch masterful ice carvers create art, chisel by chisel.

People pose during a Colorado Jeep Tour of Red Rock Park

1. Colorado Jeep Tours

Winter is no match for these enclosed, heated Jeeps. Navigate the vibrant formations of Red Rock Park while learning the rich history of Fremont County. Choose from half- and full-day trips that include iconic stops like the Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive. Well behaved pups are welcome.

Polaris General side-by-side off-road vehicle from Great Outdoor Adventures in Pike National Forest

2. Great Outdoors Adventures

Explore the hidden gems of Pike National Forest inside a heated Polaris General side-by-side off-road vehicle. Capture some of the most scenic overlooks and take turns driving these backroads. Even your pup is welcome, and if you don’t have your own, enjoy the company of ambassador dog Fischer, who often accompanies when he can. The company also has fat bikes for rent that tackle the snow with ease.

Snowy view of the mountains at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

3. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

A constant 54-degrees Fahrenheit, these Manitou Springs show caves can be explored through a variety of tours that range from spelunking 101 to the spookier lantern-lit excursion. Experience true cave darkness and listen closely for a bat, or two.

Aerial view of the sun setting over Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

4. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Walk the wooden planks of America’s highest suspension bridge. Built in 1929 as a private attraction, this architectural wonder sits perched 956 feet above the roaring waters of the Arkansas River below. Ride the aerial gondolas, enjoy the movie in the Plaza Theater and dine in Café 1230 before picking up a trinket or two in the gift shop. The thrill rides run on weekends through January weather depending.

Snow covered Manitou Cliff Dwellings in Colorado Springs

5. Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Explore the intricate rooms of this outdoor/indoor museum that pays tribute to the ancient Puebloan people. Duck inside caverns and experience the site’s ancient history inside the Pueblo and Cave museums. It’s easy to have fun while learning something new at this hands-on attraction.

Brown horses running along a fence in the snow

6. Horseback Riding

There’s nothing more Colorado than climbing in a saddle and discovering places like Garden of the Gods and Pike National Forest just as our settlers did. Book a one- or two-hour tour through snow-dusted scenery with Academy Riding Stables to see the country’s #1 rated park by Trip Advisor users.

A wolf howls at the Colorado Wolf Wildlife Center

7. Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center

Located in the evergreens of Divide, this sanctuary is home to beautiful creatures like coyotes, red foxes, wolves and wolf-hybrids. Open all year, winter is a wonderful time to visit since the animals are much more active in the cooler months. A variety of different tours are offered to learn a little more about each species. The best part? You get to howl with the entire pack.

Two people ice climbing during a winter excursion with Front Range Climbing Company

8. Ice Climbing

Book a winter excursion with Front Range Climbing Company. Their private ice wall is the ideal place to learn a new outdoor skill. Book a half-day tour at every level and enjoy the beauty of places like Camp Alexander and frosty Silver Cascade Falls.

Two people riding an ATV through the snow during a Play Dirty ATV Tour

9. Play Dirty ATV Tours

Perched at an elevation of 6,400 feet above sea level, Texas Creek is one of Colorado’s top All-Terrain Vehicle driving destinations. Adventure-seekers of all levels will enjoy unique views of the Rocky Mountains. A variety of family-friendly tours range from two- to four-hours and children aged five and under ride for free.

A woman snowshoes through the snow in Colorado Springs

10. Scenic Snowshoeing & Hiking

Enjoy the short snow season with several winter and snowshoe hikes for beginners or experienced snowshoers. Backcountry exploration in the snow can be a beautiful and fun way to get some fresh air and sunshine during the winter, but it's important to know how to do so safely! Learn how to hike safely and easily.

Other winter activities include cross-country skiing and sledding. Make it an entire weekend by booking an onsite cabin complete with roaring fireplaces. Looking for a winter hike closer to Downtown? Garden of the Gods Park offers numerous trails and views perfect for snowshoes or hiking boots.

A woman stands in the snow enjoying watching a fellow zipliner go by

11. Ziplining

What better way to take in postcard-worthy winter scenes than soaring overtop snow-dusted pine trees? Bundle up and strap into a harness for a thrilling adventure through a winter wonderland with one of these awesome local outfitters:

the red Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway train follows the tracks with scenic views of Colorado

12. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Board The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a journey filled with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding winter landscape. At the summit of America's Mountain, explore the Summit Visitor Center and soak in panoramic vistas of Colorado’s winter wonderland.

Looking for more scenic train adventures? For another incredible winter train experience, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad delivers spectacular views of Royal Gorge.

A hippo pops its head above water to eat leafy greens at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

13. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Discover a winter wonderland at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Visit indoor habitats to connect with animals from warmer regions, and step outside to enjoy stunning mountain views and outdoor wildlife exhibits. Best of all, winter brings discounted tickets, making it the perfect time to visit.

interactive display at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs CO

14. Museums

Need a break from all the outdoor activities? Colorado Springs is home to many amazing museums that offer a deep dive into our region's history and culture. Explore these must-visit spots:

Ice sculptures illuminated with purple lights during the Cripple Creek Ice Festival

15. Ice Art at Cripple Creek Ice Festival

Watch sculptors carve ice into beautiful works of art at the Cripple Creek Ice Festival. Stroll the charming main street and enjoy different vendors who have just the perfect thing to bring home as a memento of your visit there. Make sure to hit the ice bar and liquor luge for a refreshing beverage.