A Deluxe Summer Outing in Colorado Springs
- Kelli Hunter
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Colorado Springs is a wonderful “add-on” to a summer vacation in Aspen. It’s perfect for a 3-4 day adventure followed by a scenic drive to Aspen along the Independence Pass. The road can be narrow with sharp curves, but the drive offers stunning mountain scenery. Plus, the 4-hour drive is the perfect time to talk about all the things you did in Colorado Springs!
By Kelli Hunter, TravelAnne Staff Writer
Whether it's a 2-week escape or a 2-day weekend getaway, TravelAnne is here to make it happen.
Snuggled up against the eastern flank of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the sort of place that not only cries out to be appreciated over a long weekend, but insists upon it. Here, high desert gives way to alpine forest, red rocks rise like ancient sculptures, and summer breezes bring evenings cool enough to get you to throw on a sweater and breathe in the scent of pine. For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors and refined relaxation, this mountain town has inspiring vistas, a rich history, and two of Colorado’s most iconic resorts: the Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
An Outdoor Playground, With a Luxe Twist
Colorado Springs is an outdoor wonder and a beacon of adventure and refinement. Spend your days traversing jagged sandstone formations at the Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark. If you’re walking, biking, or riding horseback along its serpentine trails, the towering red rocks against bluebird skies are always stunning. Don’t forget your camera, because the views of nearby Pikes Peak from the park are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Also, local tip: None of these bonus attractions are worth missing out on Pikes Peak, so make sure to take the trip all the way to the top. It stands 14,115 feet above sea level, which makes it one of the most accessible “fourteeners” in the country. You can make your way to the top on the Pikes Peak Highway, a guided tour, or, for the experience of a lifetime, on foot on the Barr Trail. The all-new Summit Visitor Center is worth the climb alone, with hot donuts and views that stretch hundreds of miles.
Those looking for less of a splash can treat themselves to a world-class round of golf with a view of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs. Both The Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Resort have beautiful courses that can test and delight golfers of every skill level.
If you’re more at home in boots than cleats, don a Stetson and hit the trail for a horseback ride through the foothills or take off into the sunset along wide-open trails with big-sky views.
Lovers of water will find tranquility and thrills on a guided rafting or kayaking trip on the Arkansas River, just a short drive from town. The nearby Royal Gorge area has just about every kind of waterborne adventure, from easy floats to white-knuckle rapids, all in one of the most dramatic canyons in the West.
Once you’ve had a day of adventure, duck into downtown Colorado Springs for a meal at one of the many unique restaurants or peruse the mix of art galleries and shops that’s on the rise. There’s a buzz here — creative and youthful, but connected to nature and community.
Where to Stay: Elevated Comfort
The rough-hewn refinement of Colorado Springs is epitomized by its top luxury accommodations. For our money, there are two places to stay: The Broadmoor or the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
The Broadmoor
An American resort grande dame, The Broadmoor is a treat in and of itself. Built in 1918, this Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond mountain oasis with old-world European charm still pampers every guest. Set on 5,000 acres at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, the estate features manicured gardens, placid lakes and ivy-clad buildings.
Visitors can stay in luxurious rooms and suites in the historic main hotel building, modern cottages, and even private brownstone residences. Each stay is enlivened by the resort’s exceptional attention to detail, from plush bedding to impeccable service, and breathtaking views in every direction.
Equally impressive are the offerings at The Broadmoor. There’s fly fishing, falconry, mountain biking, and an award-winning spa that merits its own visit. The Broadmoor’s two championship golf courses are legendary, having hosted national championships like the U.S. Senior Open. There are 20 restaurants for dining, ranging from the five-star Penrose Room to lakeside Ristorante del Lago, with choices ranging from haute cuisine to rustic Italian comfort food.
And for when you’re ready for something truly unforgettable, reserve one of the resort’s wilderness experiences: Cloud Camp, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, or Fly Fishing Camp—all of which promise luxury lodging along with a deep dive into Colorado’s great outdoors.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Nestled on a hillside overlooking majestic Pike's Peak, this is Broadmoor Resort's counterpart, a more casual yet stylish contemporary mountain getaway for active travelers. There is nothing stodgy or stuffy about this place, and the variety of accommodations and views is worthy of a weekend with the kids or even a honeymoon.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort sits on 217 acres of verdant grounds and is a more laid-back but equally picturesque alternative. With views of the namesake mountain and a private 35-acre lake, it’s an ideal choice for families or couples seeking to unwind with a hint of adventure.
The resort’s guest rooms are lodge-style, warm and comfortable, with wood accents, modern amenities, and balconies that allow you to take in deep breaths of the mountain air.
Pastimes here include lounging by the lakeside and trying your hand at paddleboarding or swimming in one of five pools, or even at the championship 18-hole golf course. And for those glass-half-full types, there’s also a tennis complex, fitness center, and full-service spa for people who like to stay active or totally relaxed.
Meals at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort are a reflection of the tastes and bounty of the region. Local inspiration meets global variety at Mountain View Restaurant, serving international cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views, and Elevations Lounge invites you to unwind over cocktails, comfort food, and conversation at a laid-back bar.
The Best of Both Worlds
The combination isn’t a very common one, but that’s one of the attributes of Colorado Springs: It is possible to be completely active, and completely at rest, sometimes in the same hour. Here, you can mountain summit hike in the morning, relax poolside with a chilled beverage in the afternoon, and dine under the stars at night. Whether you are teeing off under fortress-like peaks, riding horseback on red rock trails, or just inhaling freshly pine-scented air from the comfort of a chaise lounge, this is a summer vacation where luxury and landscape waltz together.
Staying at The Broadmoor or Cheyenne Mountain Resort tethers you to coziness while you venture into the wild, wide-open splendor of Colorado Springs. It’s the type of trip that puts the steam back into your stems, not just with spa treatments or five-star meals, but with moments of awe, the type of peace only towns in the mountains seem to hold.
So, load up your hiking boots and your prettiest sundress, because summer in Colorado Springs is here — and every bit as elevated as you imagined.
Whether it's a 2-week escape or a 2-day weekend getaway, TravelAnne is here to make it happen.
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