Pikes Peak Region Classic: 3-Day Kid-Friendly Off-Season Itinerary

3 Days of the best Pikes Peak Region attractions - kid-friendly and always a hit

3-Day Pikes Peak Region Classic

The Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge regions offer plenty of activities to choose from, so we’ve put together what we feel are the attractions that offer the most bang for your buck and create lasting family memories. These are the places we suggest to our families when they come visit the area, so we thought we’d share them with your family, too!

*Insider Tip: To help avoid altitude sickness during the Pikes Peak Cog Railway tour, stay hydrated and don’t move this activity up to day 1 of your visit. Your body needs time to acclimate to the altitude!

Self--Guided Activities and Self-Booked Tickets

Pikes Peak Region Classic Itinerary

  • Olympic and Paralympic Museum – closed Tuesday – Wednesday
  • Gold Mine Rock Shop – days of operation change throughout the winter

Day 1

  • Garden of the Gods – Drive a scenic one-hour-and-15-minute drive to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This unique (and free!) park lets you drive among the towering red rock formations or stop at one of the many parking areas to explore the easy hiking trails.
  • Garden of the Gods Trading Post – You’ll find something for everyone here; souvenirs, t-shirts, art, local history, a cafe and coffee shop, and locally made fudge.
  • Manitou Springs – Explore the vast array of local shops, galleries, restaurants, sample the naturally carbonated mineral springs at various stops around town, or check out the nostalgic penny arcade.
  • Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Choose from a few unique and fascinating cave tours. You can also get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling rides along the rim of the impressive canyon.
  • Dinner in Colorado Springs or prepare a meal back at your cabin.

DAY 2

  • Hike Point Alta Vista Trail –Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1-mile-out-and-back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy hike for most visitors. At the turnaround point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train trestle.
  • Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Within a mile of the Canyon Rim Trailhead is the famous Royal Gorge Bridge where you can take in the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, ride the aerial tram, and enjoy other rides and attractions. Lunch, snacks and drinks are available on-site.
  • Gold Mine Rock Shop –  If anyone in your family loves rocks, gems, fossils, or jewelry, this rock shop is a MUST-stop! We apologize in advance for the added weight to your suitcases.
  • Prepare a delicious dinner in your cabin or let someone else cook for you at a local Cañon City restaurant.
sunset from overlook of Royal Gorge Bridge

DAY 3

  • U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum – See the history of Team USA in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and learn about some of the greatest athletes in the world. This incredible, high-tech museum features hands-on exhibits that entertain and educate visitors throughout its 60,000-square-foot space. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

  • Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Newly renovated depot, trains and track, the Cog Railway is the ultimate way to travel to the top of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The 3.5-hour journey offers spectacular views and includes a 40-minute stop at the impressive Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, North America’s highest construction project to date. 

  • Try out a restaurant in Manitou Springs, or head back to your cabin and cook a meal on your cabin patio with your gas bbq grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are covered in this itinerary?

Day 1 destinations include Garden of the Gods, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Manitou Springs, and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. All of these attractions are in the Colorado Springs area.

Day 2 is a more casual day with a hike at Point Alta Vista Trail just minutes from your cabin, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and the Gold Mine Rock Shop. This day keeps you within minutes of your cabin.

Day 3 finds you back in the Colorado Springs area to tour the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway which takes you to the top of Pikes Peak.

How far is Pikes Peak from Royal Gorge Cabins?

The drive from Royal Gorge Cabins to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway depot takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes via Highway 115, covering about 60 miles.

If you plan to drive to the summit yourself via Pikes Peak Highway, don’t let the mileage fool you. The highway stretches approximately 19 miles from its entrance to the summit, and the winding mountain road requires extra time. Allow at least an hour each way, depending on conditions.

Before you go, check the official Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain website for current road conditions, operating hours, rates, and reservation requirements.

Is Pikes Peak accessible in the off-season?

Pikes Peak is generally open year-round in one of two ways. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway operates all year with a variety of departure times. For those brave drivers who are comfortable on mountain roads with a lot of exposure, The Pikes Peak Highway is typically open year-round, weather permitting, but may close temporarily due to conditions. Check the official Pikes Peak Highway website for current operating hours, closures, and reservation requirements before your visit.

Is this itinerary kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The Pikes Peak Region Classic is designed with families in mind. The three-day itinerary balances engaging attractions with a relaxed pace.

Days 1 and 3 involve the most driving, with trips to the Colorado Springs area. Day 2 keeps you close to the cabins, giving everyone a break from the road while still leaving plenty of time to explore.

If your kids love animals, consider swapping Day 3’s activities for a visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It’s a family favorite with incredible views of Colorado Springs from its mountainside setting.

Do these attractions require advance reservations?

Yes, some of these attractions do require advance reservations. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is probably the fastest to book up, so reserve those tickets early so you have your choice of departure times. Reservations are recommended, but not required, for the Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Reservations for tour times at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park are available online, but again, are not required.

Classic Pikes Peak Region attractions with a mountain cabin stay

Enjoy the best attractions in the Pikes Peak area with cabin rentals near Colorado Springs at Royal Gorge Cabins. Choose to easily extend this itinerary by checking out our local activities guide for ideas. Visit our things to do near Cañon City and Colorado Springs page or view all off-season itineraries for additional ideas. 

Although this part of Colorado enjoys plenty of sunny winter days, you may occasionally need to adjust your plans for the weather. If that happens, check out our Out of the Weather itinerary for more indoor activities and alternatives. Enjoy your stay and adventures!

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