48 Hours in the Rockies: A Weekend Adventure in Colorado Springs

The drive to Colorado Springs

After smooth flights, we landed in Denver, grabbed our rental car, and started the drive south. The highway was busy with traffic, but it kept moving, and before long the mountains began to peek over the horizon. We were tired and ready to be done traveling, but the excitement of finally reaching Colorado Springs gave us a second wind.

Travel tip: Give yourself extra time for the drive from Denver—traffic is steady, but the views make it easier to enjoy the ride.

Checking in: The Mining Exchange

We checked into The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, a boutique spot in downtown Colorado Springs that was once a 1902 stock exchange building. The place had so much character, with exposed brick, high ceilings, and oak floors in the rooms, mixed with modern touches like a spa-style bathroom. It felt both historic and stylish. Unique details, like the hotel’s Crystal Concierge service, added charm, and we loved having the BLK MGK coffee shop on-site for a quick caffeine fix and the Golden Hour bar for evening cocktails in a lively setting.

Travel tip: Ask for a room on an upper floor if you can—many have great views of downtown or the mountains, and the high ceilings make them feel extra spacious.

Settling in & exploring

After getting settled, we wandered around downtown Colorado Springs, soaking in the historic streets, colorful houses, and mountain views in the background. Dinner was at Gunther Toody’s Diner, which was such a fun throwback. The 1950s décor, jukebox tunes, and big plates of classic comfort food made it feel like the perfect introduction to the city’s quirky side.

Travel tip: Downtown has a mix of nostalgic places like Gunther Toody’s along with local breweries and coffee shops. Try a bit of both—it’s the best way to get a feel for the area.

Scenic drive: Castle Rock & Manitou Springs

After breakfast, we drove through Castle Rock, named after the butte that looms over the town. Even from the highway it’s impressive, and the little town below has that small, welcoming feel.

A little farther down the road is Manitou Springs, which couldn’t be more different—bright, artsy, and quirky in all the right ways. The streets are full of shops, galleries, and even an old arcade, plus the famous mineral springs that bubble up right in town.

Travel tip: Bring a water bottle and try the spring water—it’s a unique part of the town’s charm. Each fountain has a different taste, thanks to the minerals, and the locals are proud of it.

Garden of the Gods

Then it was on to Garden of the Gods, and honestly, the place doesn’t look real. Towering red rock formations rise out of the ground with snowy Pikes Peak as the backdrop—it’s like a giant painting you can walk through. We wandered the trails for a while, and the way the rocks lit up against the blue sky was unforgettable. Even though it’s a popular spot, there are quieter corners where you can pause and just take it all in.

Travel tip: Try to visit early or close to sunset. The lighting makes the rocks glow, and it’s easier to enjoy the views without big crowds.

The Pikes Peak Highway & Summit

The highlight of the day was driving the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile stretch of road that winds its way up to 14,115 feet. The drive itself is half the adventure—tight switchbacks, steep drop-offs with no guardrails in places, and constant elevation changes that make your stomach drop and your heart race. The higher we climbed, the thinner the air felt, and the scenery kept changing—from dense forests to wide-open ridges and rocky alpine tundra.

Not long after entering the highway, we passed Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas-themed amusement park tucked at the base of the mountain. The parking lot was packed with families, but we kept going, curious about what was waiting farther up.

One of the most beautiful stops was Crystal Reservoir, a sparkling alpine lake set against the backdrop of the mountains. The name comes from its crystal-clear water, which perfectly reflects the peaks towering above it. Standing on the shore, the deep blue water against the jagged mountain ridges was breathtaking—it looked like a postcard come to life.

Farther up the road are the North and South Catamount Reservoirs, but both were closed when we visited. Even so, passing the signs and seeing the turnoffs reminded us of just how many hidden lakes are tucked into the slopes of Pikes Peak.

Another unforgettable stop was Devil’s Playground, a wild area filled with massive boulder fields scattered across the mountainside. The name comes from how lightning bounces from rock to rock during storms, but on a clear day it’s a place to scramble up the tallest boulders and look out over sheer cliffs. Standing on the edge of those huge rocks made our knees shake, but the views were unmatched—raw, wide open, and unforgettable.

At the summit, the world seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. The views were almost overwhelming—rolling plains to the east, rugged peaks to the west, and on a clear day, the ability to see across multiple states. The sheer vastness made us feel tiny in the best possible way. Scattered around the summit were plaques and monuments marking the mountain’s history and the explorers, climbers, and dreamers who made their mark here. Reading them while standing at the edge of the world gave the place an even deeper sense of significance. We also caught sight of the bright red Cog Railway tram as it rolled in, adding a splash of color to the rocky peak. After soaking in the atmosphere and braving the chilly summit winds, we ducked inside for a quick warm-up before beginning the careful descent.

Travel tip: Bring a jacket and pace yourself. The summit is always colder and windier than the base, and the thin air can sneak up on you.

Glen Cove Inn

On the way down, we stopped at the Historic Glen Cove Inn. Once a stagecoach stop, it’s now a rustic lodge where you can grab food, shop, or just take a breather before finishing the descent. It’s got that old-time mountain feel that ties the whole drive together.

Travel tip: Glen Cove is a perfect rest stop if the altitude leaves you feeling a little drained.

Dinner & drinks

After a full day, we were ready for comfort food. Bubba’s 33 was exactly that—casual, lively, and loaded with burgers and pizza. Afterward, we stopped at Gunslinger Brewing Company for some local beers. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff made it a great place to wrap up the night.

Travel tip: Bubba’s gets busy on weekends, so go early. At Gunslinger, ask the staff for beer suggestions—they know their brews.

Breakfast at The Mining Exchange

We started our final morning with a delicious breakfast right at The Mining Exchange Hotel. The ambiance was as much a part of the meal as the food itself—high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and the soft morning light filtering through large windows created an atmosphere both historic and cozy. It was a calm, fitting way to wrap up our stay before checking out.

Travel tip: If you’re staying at The Mining Exchange, make time for breakfast—the vibe alone makes it memorable.

Scenic drive to Denver

The drive back to Denver was a complete change of pace. Instead of winding mountain roads and busy Colorado Springs, we cruised through flat pastures and ranchland dotted with cows and horses. At one point, we saw a summer storm in the distance, rain streaking down against the green fields. It looked dramatic from afar, but by the time we reached it, the storm had already passed. The air felt fresh, the skies cleared, and the landscape looked even more vibrant. It was peaceful, open, and the perfect contrast to the high-altitude adventure from the day before.

Travel tip: Weather out here changes quickly, so don’t be discouraged by a storm on the horizon—it usually passes just as fast as it appears.

Lunch at Moonlight Diner

Before heading to the airport, we stopped at the Moonlight Diner, a retro spot near Denver with chrome outside and red vinyl booths inside. The vibe was friendly and nostalgic, and the menu was packed with diner classics—burgers, fries, and thick milkshakes that were exactly what we needed before the flight.

Travel tip: Its close-to-the-airport location makes Moonlight a great last stop. Definitely order a milkshake—they’re worth it.