4 days in Colorado Springs, Cañon City & Manitou Springs Itinerary

Stunning Garden of the Gods Park scenery, blue skies and the glory of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain have attracted visitors to Colorado Springs for more than a century.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): explore the striking landscape at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, then walk around Garden of the Gods, and then stop by Old Colorado City. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, then soar above the sights with a balloon tour, and then deepen your understanding at United States Air Force Academy.

For where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Colorado Springs journey builder.

Denver to Colorado Springs is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and flight. May in Colorado Springs sees daily highs of 68°F and lows of 42°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 5th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Cañon City.

Part of Colorado's Royal Gorge Region, Cañon City straddles the Arkansas River.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Wed): admire the landmark architecture of The Abbey Events Complex, then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then take a memorable drive along Skyline Drive.

To see photos, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Cañon City road trip planning site.

You can drive from Colorado Springs to Cañon City in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Cañon City are 72°F, while nighttime lows are 46°F. You will have some time to spend on the 6th (Thu) before leaving for Manitou Springs.

Manitou Springs' main street was once a trail that led directly to the base of Pike's Peak.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Thu): trek along Manitou Springs Incline.

For maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Manitou Springs trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Cañon City to Manitou Springs in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Cañon City in May, expect Manitou Springs to be slightly colder, temps between 64°F and 38°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can go by car back home.