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Planning a weekend trip to Colorado Springs? If yes, and you need some expert tips to help you plan your trip well, good news! The helpful, actionable information, below, will get your search started on a Rocky Mountain high note!
Brought to you by the storage experts at SecurCare Self Storage, the following tips, hacks, and notes will help you plan a weekend trip that’s unforgettable! Whether it’s skiing, hiking, or breathtaking views, read on for expert advice to enjoy everything Colorado Springs has to offer!
Plan Ahead for Your Trip To Colorado Springs
One of our most valuable tips when planning a trip is to plan ahead. That’s especially true for Colorado Springs as several factors will impact your trip to this fine city. They include the time of year, the weather, and the activities you want to enjoy.
For example, visiting Colorado Springs to hike and bike is best done in summer. Skiing and snowboarding? It’s no surprise that these activities, and several others, are best in the winter. Below are the best activities to enjoy In Colorado Springs throughout the year, listed with their respective seasons.
Summer (June through August)
- Biking and Hiking- The warm temperatures in summer allow you to bike and hike to your heart’s content! One of the best trails is Barr Trail which leads up to stunning Pikes Peak!
- Cultural Events- The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is a hot air balloon festival that shouldn’t be missed in summer! There’s also the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb that features cars and motorcycles climbing to the summit!
- White Water Rafting- If whitewater rafting floats your proverbial boat, the Arkansas River will provide all of the thrills you’re looking for!
Fall (September through November)
- Picking Apples- Colorado Springs boasts several beautiful apple orchards. There you can pick as many apples as you like and enjoy some fresh apple cider with the whole family.
- Oktoberfest Events- One of the best Oktoberfests in the United States is right here in Colorado Springs.
- Scenic Drives- For breathtaking views and vibrant fall foliage, point your car in the direction of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway!
Winter (December through February)
- Snowboarding and Skiing- There’s no doubt that Colorado Springs is well known for its amazing snowboarding and skiing. Winter is the best time to get your powder on around here!
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo- When the temperature has plummeted but you’re still looking for a fun activity, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a great choice. Many of their exhibits and attractions are indoors where it’s cozy and warm. Plus, it’s the only mountain zoo in the United States, with over 750 amazing animals. You can even feed the giraffes!
- The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum- Another excellent cold weather activity, this unique museum looks at the storied history of the Olympics and Paralympics.
Spring (March through May)
- Biking and Hiking- Just as in summer, spring is a great time to enjoy the many trails around Colorado Springs.
- Visiting Manitou Springs- This charming town is unique for the Manitou Cliff Dwellings found here, and the awe-inspiring mineral springs.
- Riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway- Ride the highest cog railway in the world to the summit of Pikes Peak and astounding Rocky Mountain views? Yes, please!
- Experiencing the Garden of the Gods- You’ve no doubt heard of the astounding red rock formations found in Colorado Springs. In summer, the wildflowers against this backdrop are a truly stunning sight!
Downtown Colorado Springs is Vibrant and Attractive All Year
No matter what time of year you visit, Downtown Colorado Springs shouldn’t be missed! With quaint shops and excellent restaurants, you can spend hours window shopping, sipping wine, and enjoying the city’s unique vibe. Some people like it so much they stay the entire weekend!
Rent a Car to See for Your Trip to Colorado Springs
There’s an awful lot to do in and around Colorado Springs. While the city does have decent public transportation, we recommend renting a car instead. That way, you can explore the entire area at your own pace. For example, if you’re enjoying yourself at an attraction, resort, or restaurant, you can stay longer.
One caveat is if you decide to stay at your resort the entire weekend. If so, Renting a car probably won’t be necessary. Most hotels have everything you need to enjoy your stay without having to leave the premises.
Use a Rideshare Company
If you don’t want the hassle of renting a car, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are a great choice. Most of the popular sites around Colorado Springs are within a 10 to 15 mile radius of the city’s center. That makes it relatively affordable to use a rideshare service. Plus, even if you go in winter and don’t know how to drive in snow, your rideshare driver will.
Don’t Go Too Hard on Saturday
Here’s the thing about Colorado Springs; it sits over 6000 feet above sea level! For some people, that means altitude sickness is a real issue. To prevent it, we suggest taking it easy on Saturday while your body gets used to the altitude. Then, once Sunday arrives, and your body is used to it, you can go all out.
Here are a few other simple tips for preventing altitude sickness while enjoying your weekend in Colorado Springs.
- Stay hydrated. We recommend drinking as much water as possible during your stay.
- Try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Alcohol dries out your body and can make altitude sickness feel even worse.
- Don’t drink too much coffee. Coffee, like alcohol, dries out your body and can increase altitude sickness symptoms.
- Look for symptoms of altitude sickness including headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. If you start to feel them, rest immediately and drink water or a sports drink like Gatorade.
- Try to avoid respiratory depressants. Some medications, including sleeping pills, depress (reduce) your breathing. This can impede your acclimatization to Colorado Springs and make it more difficult to enjoy yourself. Unless they’re prescribed by a healthcare provider, leave them at home.
Consider Centrally-Located Accommodations
There are quite a few charming bed-and-breakfasts in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. By staying at one, you set yourself up to be close to many attractions. That can make it easier to decide what activities to enjoy and, more importantly, get started enjoying them quickly.
Check Availability and Hours Before Leaving Home
As we’ve talked about, some activities are only available during specific times of year. Two of the best examples are snowboarding and skiing, which are only available in winter.
With that in mind, it’s always best to check availability and hours before leaving home. That way, if an activity, event, or attraction isn’t available, you won’t be disappointed when you arrive.
Self Storage in Colorado Springs
No matter what time of year you decide to visit, Colorado Springs is fun, inviting, and invigorating! There’s always something to do and see, places to explore, and exciting new experiences to enjoy!
If you’ve come to Colorado Springs and decided to stay, SecurCare Self Storage can help you settle in. Our safe, secure storage units in Colorado Springs, CO, are the perfect solution. You can store your household goods as well as jet skis, winter sports gear, and much more!
Reserving a storage unit in Colorado Springs is easy, also. Simply reserve it online and, once you’re finished, your storage unit in Colorado Springs will be ready when you arrive.
Until then, we hope that your weekend in Colorado Springs is memorable and fun! It’s a great place to visit, no doubt, but an even better place to call home!