5 days in Pikes Peak Region 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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Garden of the Gods and United States Air Force Academy. There's still lots to do: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, look for gifts at Commonwheel Artists Co-op, see the interesting displays at Penrose Heritage Museum, and enjoy unforgettable views with a balloon tour.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Colorado Springs trip maker site.

Joplin to Colorado Springs is an approximately 10.5-hour car ride. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Joplin in May, with highs in Colorado Springs at 68°F and lows at 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Cañon City.

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

You've now added Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to your itinerary. On the 30th (Tue), admire the striking features of The Abbey Events Complex, explore and take pictures at Skyline Drive, then snap pictures at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and finally relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Cañon City itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Colorado Springs to Cañon City takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May in Cañon City, expect temperatures between 72°F during the day and 46°F at night. You'll set off for home on the 31st (Wed).