15 Best Things to Do for Couples in Colorado Springs
15 Best Things to Do for Couples in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs pairs red-rock scenery with a walkable downtown, which makes it one of the easier places to plan a weekend that feels both adventurous and relaxed. Whether you’re visiting for an anniversary, a proposal, or just a getaway, here are the best things to do for couples in Colorado Springs, sorted by the kind of day you’re after.
Outdoor Dates
1. Walk Garden of the Gods at Sunset
The red sandstone formations turn a deep orange as the sun drops, and the park is free to enter. Stick to the main paved trail if you want an easy stroll, or take the Siamese Twins Trail for a quieter, slightly longer walk with a natural rock window framing Pikes Peak.
2. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A three-hour round trip to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, with no hiking required. The train does the climbing while you watch the terrain shift from forest to alpine tundra.
3. Hike Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon
A moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that crosses a creek seven times, with waterfalls along the way. It’s popular but rarely crowded before mid-morning.
4. Take the Cave of the Winds Ziplines
For couples who want something more active, the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has ziplines and a canyon swing with views over Williams Canyon.
Scenic and Relaxed Dates
5. Drive the Pikes Peak Highway
If neither of you wants to hike or take the train, the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway gets you to the same summit by car, with pull-offs for photos along the way.
6. Visit the Broadmoor Seven Falls
A series of cascading waterfalls just outside downtown, with a short walk to an overlook. It’s a low-effort, high-payoff stop for couples short on time.
7. Picnic at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Less crowded than Garden of the Gods but with similar rock formations, this is a good pick for couples who want a quieter, more private outdoor date.
Food and Drink
8. Wine or Cocktails on Tejon Street
Downtown Colorado Springs has a concentrated strip of restaurants and bars along Tejon Street, good for a walkable dinner-and-drinks evening.
9. Brewery Hopping in the Ivywild Neighborhood
Colorado Springs has a strong craft beer scene, and Ivywild is one of the more walkable areas to try a few breweries in one evening.
10. Dinner with a View at the Summit House
Located near the top of Pikes Peak, this is one of the highest-elevation restaurants in the country — a memorable stop if you’re already up there for the train or drive.
Culture and Indoor Dates
11. Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
A combined art museum and theater that works well for a rainy-day or winter date, with rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of Southwestern art.
12. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
One of the few zoos in the country built into a mountainside, with a giraffe feeding experience that’s become a popular thing to do for couples in Colorado Springs specifically for its novelty.
13. Manitou Springs Arcade and Penny Arcade
A short drive from downtown, the historic arcade in Manitou Springs is a playful, low-key date option with vintage games alongside newer ones.
Overnight or Weekend Ideas
14. Stay at a Cabin Near Woodland Park
For couples wanting to extend the trip, cabins in the mountains above Colorado Springs offer a quieter overnight option with easy access back into the city.
15. Soak in Natural Hot Springs Nearby
While Colorado Springs itself doesn’t have hot springs, Salida and Buena Vista are both within a 1.5 to 2-hour drive and make a good add-on for a weekend trip.
Best Time of Year for a Couples Trip
- Fall: Cooler hiking weather and fewer crowds at Garden of the Gods.
- Summer: Longest daylight hours for the Cog Railway and outdoor activities, but also the busiest season.
- Winter: Quieter trails and a chance to see Pikes Peak snow-capped, though the Cog Railway and Pikes Peak Highway may have limited winter access.
Final Thoughts
Colorado Springs works well for couples because it doesn’t force a choice between adventure and comfort — you can hike or zipline in the morning and be at a downtown restaurant by dinner. Pick two or three activities from this list based on your pace, and you’ll have a full, well-rounded trip without over-planning it.
