*reservation required* You absolutely can drive up the mountain to the top. But, we have a couple pro tips: *Call before you go and make sure you can drive all the way to the top! *Bring/wear warm clothes! It’s about 30 degrees cooler on top. *Only drive up if you are a confident mountain driver; the drive is sketch. If you’re looking for a less crazy option, book the Cog Railway! This is great, relaxing alternative and you’ll probably see some wildlife on the way up/down!
You can drive, bike, and/or walk through the park! It is completely free to the public, unless you want to schedule a tour. Chelsea has done many tours (Segway and biking) through Adventures Out West and has loved every experience! You also can schedule a GOG bus tour, but schedule in advance as seats book up quickly.
GREAT place to walk/hike! There are different levels of hiking, so check out AllTrails.com before you go!
We love this place! Great vibes, shipping containers with food from local restaurants, great beer (and some cocktails!), and perfect views!
A great coffee shop (in Chelsea and Brian’s neck of the woods!)! We highly recommend the iced vanilla latte with oat milk, extra sweet.
Chelsea’s all time favorite coffee shop!!! She highly recommends the iced cranberry lavender latte with oatmilk, extra sweet.
Delicious food and fun vibe! We go for the blackberry margarita and stay for the yummy green chile alfredo (literally it’s good on everything).
GREAT spot for the gluten free people!! We love the Pupusa Colorado and the agua fresca! Such a good spot and locally owned by the sweetest woman!
Yummy, local spot with creative flavors! You can’t go wrong - all of the flavors are incredible!!!
OUR FIRST DATE SPOT!! *reservation required* We highly recommend the lettuce wraps and their fancy cocktails!
Of course Chelsea would recommend a pizza spot…but it really is so good!!! The buffalo chicken on the Sicilian crust is a fave! And the ranch is to die for.
*reservation required* If you need a workout, this one will challenge you!! Great views at the top, but only go if you have plenty of water and have acclimated to the altitude!
*reservation required* Beautiful views, all kinds of animals from all over the world, yummy food…you can’t go wrong! Be sure to use your ticket to drive up to the Shrine of ***
Retro arcade!! Super fun way to spend a few hours playing skeeball, Pac-Man, and all of the best childhood arcade games!
You might just find Brian and Chelsea here Wednesday night to welcome you all to the Springs! This is a great rooftop bar and restaurant with awesome views of Pikes Peak!
Their Nashville chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries are to die for! We love to eat here and watch the sunset, but Brian also loves to play a round of golf here!
Quaint pizza restaurant in the middle of a downtown neighborhood! We love their dar poeta pizza, sub the zucchini for mushrooms. Also, they have handmade sodas that are slap yo mama good.
Great breakfast spot! Amazing blueberry pancakes and hand pressed juices!
Our favorite Indian food! We highly recommend the butter chicken and garlic cheese naan. Great leftover and on Uber eats if you need a night in!
Hotel block! Added this to the list, so you can see how far you are from each recommended activity on the map.
We LOVE their poke nachos. Their happy hour drink AND food deals are GREAT!
A sweet little local spot in the heart of Old Colorado City! We love any of their pasta dishes, especially the tortellini Alfredo.
We love this spot for lunch, brunch, or for dinner (it is called “Till” at dinner time!). Don’t be confused…it’s located in downtown Colorado Springs, not in Garden of the Gods. Their banana bread French toast is to die for…and they also have healthy, delicious salads!
THE BURGERS ARE FANTASTIC. Also, their potato wedge “home fries” are super delicious with a side of ranch. Very rustic, local feel!
This is a Walker Family favorite! Located outside of town in Green Mountain Falls, it’s a beautiful drive up and back with a great atmosphere and delicious food.
Although this is a coffee shop, their bagels are divine! Chelsea’s favorite drink here is the honey lavender latte with oatmilk (extra sweet as always).
Get you some Christmas spirit in May. This is a small amusement park with carnival games, small rides, simple shows, and good vibes only. It’s tucked up in the mountains, so bring a jacket and layer appropriately! You might even see some reindeer if you’re lucky!
Cheyenne Canyon is a beautiful spot for hikes of all levels! Download the AllTrails app, pick your ability level, and get after it.