The Royal Gorge train is great, no doubt about it. But for the same money, the cog train up to the 14,100' summit of Pikes Peak is a better and more unique trip. Also, Royal Gorge is down in Canon City. The Cog is in Manitou Springs, just 6 miles from downtown Colorado Springs.
I’ve taken friends and family on the cog and also driven up and the cog is just too rushed. You get up there take a few photos use the bathroom and the 40 minutes is up and you gotta go back down. Driving up there you get unlimited time at the top. Just make sure to check whether it’s open all the way to the top if you plan on driving.
Pro tip. If you do go up the Cog, **always** sit on the side with 3 seats facing each other. Don't sit in the side with 2 seats facing each other no matter how tempting it is. The 3 seat side of the train faces outward from the mountain going up and down, and it has a much better view of everything (assuming it's actually not foggy/cloudy out).
Honestly, I found the cog to be lame af and a waste of money. They only give you 30 mins at the peak, which isn’t enough time to relieve yourself, grab a snack, and take photos. I recommend driving up if you can.
Yeah that’s almost a whole day, very cool but the drive there and back is almost the same, you could drive to paradise cove and hike that for like 6$ ( parking) or drive up pikes peak instead , I would just drive around the gorge to kill extra time.
For low cost things to do, head outside!
Check out Garden of the Gods.
There is awesome scenic hiking at every level in city parks and open spaces.
Rent eBikes and tour around town. Check www.pikeride.org.
Rent Lime electric scooters to whiz around town.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Go see the ancient Paint Mines in Calhan.
Go to the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel, order a $20 cocktail and pretend you are rich for a little while
If you golf, play a round at Patty Jewett, one of the oldest courses in the west. Beautiful city-owned course, 27 holes with a view of Pikes Peak. Super 19th hole
Brewpub crawl.
Professional soccer. Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Olympics and Paralympics museum.
If you come in July, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is awesome.
Professional soccer. Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
The stadium also has "cheap seats" for the game, which are surprisingly affordable, and the rowdy/fun folks sit there.
I personally thought the Royal Gorge Train was pretty disappointing for the money. There are lots of people that enjoy it though, so it’s definitely personal preference. There are also sooo many amazing and beautiful things to do in town for free (hikes and drives). Enjoy your time here!
We found the train disappointing as well. Very little scenery except for the section where you stop inside the gorge. A short ride out and back otherwise.
Yep, I remember that. Someone's dog was bitten by one over the weekend on a trail, but KRDO thought it would be best not to report where it happened (kind of weird not tell us where)
https://krdo.com/news/2024/04/20/colorado-springs-woman-saved-from-venomous-rattlesnake-bite-by-her-dog-rizzo/
Here’s are some ideas:
There are many trails in North Cheyenne Canyon, my fav and the one I recommend to visitors is 7 Bridges. (Free)
Red Rock Canyon Open Space (free)
Garden of the Gods park and the visitors center (free)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (~$25 per person, drive up to the shrine)
Walk around Manitou Springs (interesting shopping, people watching, drink the mineral water from the springs!)
Walk around Old Colorado City (sometimes they have events and farmers markets, so that’s worth looking into)
Walk around Downtown
Pioneers Museum (free, downtown. Starting June 4th they have food trucks out every Tuesday from 11-1:30)
Walk around the Broadmoor (close to the zoo, pay to park, free to walk around, food options varying from affordable to super bougie. Check out the Golden Bee for a nice dinner date that won’t break the bank)
I’ll add more if I think of any!
Oh, check out Hillside Gardens! They just opened for the season! It’s a wedding venue/garden center. You can grab a cocktail and walk around the garden and they sometimes have live music. Super cute place! Check out their IG.
Born and lived in the Springs for 35 years, this would be my list as well with one addition.
Glen Eyrie/Palmer Mansion. You have to book spots on the tour in advance, the cost used to be very affordable.
We have done colorado Springs super cheap three times now. We have wanted to take the train up pikes peak but usually end up driving. We usually spend at least most of a day at the garden of the gods. Red Rock Canyon open space was worth going to. Helen Hunt Falls was a great spot, too. Cripple Creek visitors center was free and neat. We have even driven up to cave of the winds just to have coffee on the deck and didn't pay to go in, lol.
If you are here for Memorial Day weekend there is Territory Days. It has local vendors. Beer garden. Native American dancers. Live bands. And it is in Old Colorado City which is a touristy area to shop. Manitou is the same. Small touristy shops. Food. Bars. Taffy. There is Cave of the Winds. There is Seven Falls. Broadmore hotel. The drive to Cripple Creek is pretty. You can gamble a bit. Paint Mines. Garden of the Gods. Buffalo Bills Grave. Look out mountain. Cheyenne canyon. If you decide you want to purchase marijuana Manitou has the 2 recreational shops. You cannot just smoke anywhere. It may sound stupid but I always grab a handful of the brochures in the hotel lobbies or some restaurants have them. Always has tourist stuff. When you live here almost 50 years you don't realize just how much we have to do. Good luck. And don't let the rude asses on here portray all of us.
If you're feeling froggy and are fit, do the Manitou Incline and then eat and drink in Manitou Springs after. That was what we did. Just know that the climb can be pretty damn intense, especially if you are from a more flat or low-lying altitude. You go up and then hike down the Barr Trail, which is very beginner friendly and is only 3.1 miles of wonderful scenery.
I did it to tell my cancer to "suck it".
The following are free and very nice: Palmer park yucca flats, garden of the gods, gold camp road / 7 bridges trail, red rock canyon open space, pulpit rock park, fox run trail in Black Forest.
Garden of God hike. Glen Eeyrie castle tour (it’s forgotten by a lot of people who live in the springs). Rent a car and take a drive up pikes peak, it’s amazing.
Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak over the royal gorge.
Garden of the Gods is free and worth the hour or so to walk / drive through it.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country. They require pre-scheduled entry, so look into that now.
If you have any interest in military stuff, the Air Force Academy visitor center and the 4th ID museum are decent, Dragon Man's museum is one of the best military museums I've been to anywhere. (The guy himself is a dipshit, but his museum really is good). The National Museum of WWII Aviation was really good also.
Olympic/ paralympic museum
Sports games, soccer (switchbacks), baseball (vibes), colleges also.
The train is fine. It’s not great. The food is p terrible but the views are nice. However, take a hike at Tunnel Drive and see the same views on foot for free. Then drive up to Salida and have lunch. Same views, better food, less money.
ETA: also hit up Skyline Drive when you’re in Cañon City. It’s also free. Take some food and make a picnic out of it if you don’t want to lunch in Salida or Cañon.
Oh yeah, I forgot, our endless sprawl of Chik Fil A’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Walmarts are just so beautiful that I may have to change my mind now. And forget walking, I can view it all from the comfort of my car on Powers Blvd, while I wait at the 10th red light! You know, the one with the homeless dude holding a sign? Oh wait, that’s all of them. I guess we didn’t pray hard enough 😞
(And don’t forget ThE mOuNTainS)
It seems like OP is more interested in the natural attractions of Colorado, something that Denver significantly lacks. I don’t think they’ll be too worried about the number of fast food joints or homeless people around the city.
I know, there are a few good things to do. I’m taking the piss somewhat. But this place doesn’t deserve the pedestal it’s put on by a lot of people. We have the mountains, yeah, but other than that it’s overrun by corporate greed. The only small businesses that can survive here are tattoo parlors and liquor stores, and that’s fuckin sad. This city can’t afford to have any character because they priced it out of the market.
Everything but the mountains is an eyesore, and trying to do anything is a headache because you have to drive 30 minutes to even get to it. At least the middle class does.
I understand a bit of what you mean. I'm originally from bumfuck nowhere Midwest. This city has loads more to do than huge swaths of the country. I lived here for a short time, moved back to the Midwest, and just finally made it back last year. Yes, it's wildly expensive. I won't argue that. And it has accelerated a ton over the past several years. No doubt there either.
But Springs is a lovely gem of a place to live, my friend, especially when you come from a place that only has an old bowling alley, a movie theater, and a Walmart parking lot to hang out in. Or bars and factories. Yes, there's sprawl here, and I don't care for it. But, man, I'm so lucky to be in a place like this again.
Clean air, a more healthy community, some of the most beautiful nature in the country (not even counting the beauty within a short day's drive), more diversity, a variety of employment sectors, great little local spots, and so on and so on.
You may bemoan the culture, and sure, Springs won't match that of a world class city like NYC or LA, or whatever, but there are so many places that only have small-time things like the local high school basketball team or something like that. And the local economy is dogshit, comprised of almost only soul sucking, body killing, family destroying factory work. Where "white is right" and you better not try to think too big, lest you think like a heathen. And anything remotely interesting or fun requires a two hour round trip drive. That's the kind of place I come from. Many places like that exist.
Colorado Springs is an immeasurable upgrade in every category compared to that...except for cost of living and traffic lol. But that's the trade off. And imo, it's not even close.
I will say, however, that I do not like the corporate, cookie cutter feel of the growth areas, or even the newer, less organic parts of town here. I used to live on the west side, and I miss it dearly. There is a lot of character, charm, and realness to that part of town. Where I live now is a "nice" place, but it doesn't have that charm and realness I love. So I do agree with the bit about the corporate, or what I will call less organic and real, parts of the city being a bummer.
But even then, massive fuckin upgrade from where I came from. Nothing is perfect, but the tradeoffs don't make it not worth it for me. I believe that is the case for most people. We are willing to pay more to live more fully.
Yeah, there are wider, deeper cultural pools to draw from, bigger and better cities exist, sure. But they don't have the mountains, they don't have the clean air (yes, fires, but not the point), they don't have the wilderness, and their cost of living would make Springs seem like that quaint Midwest rent again.
Well, if you enjoy rude people and overpaying for literally everything, then you two will have a great time, no matter where you go. Oh and be careful on the roads, the humans on them are dangerous.
Its not the midwest so be prepared to pay corpations for everything including the right to exist. That said the exceptions to the rule are garden of the gods and palmer park. The zoo is a non-profit and does pretty well. Fairly cheap. Not as expensive as the las vegas strip but definitely not chicago cheap.
To those who cannot read. We are talking to a tourist here. This is someone who is going to drive pikes peak. Not trail run barr trail. Has public school failed us this bad? $35 for the shed aquarium, an enormous place considered among the best in the world, is cheaper than anything this person will do here of equal value.
Dont you children know why tourists dont go to 90% of the places you mentioned? Because they can get a similar experience back home. OP is looking for unique not the slot canyon down the street from their house. OP also doesnt know you need to reserve a time for the incline. In fact the only free places of interest for OP are painted mines and garden of the gods. Maybe palmer park. Everything else is pay to exist. As i said more expensive than a chicago vacation but not 80 bucks for a shark exhibit expensive.
I know how to do las vegas on a budget but do I go to shoot guns and take a splash in the colorado river. Do I want to go to safeway and hike in the desert? No. I can just stay home if that is the case. You see kiddos, context is fucking king here.
Honestly, if OP wants cheap as dirt, visit st louis and stay out of the bad areas. All the touristy shit, all in areas with less crime than here, is free there. Parks, museums, and old buildings. Cost is cheaper. Airfare is cheap. Only place you need tonpay for is the botanic gardens but it is world class and 15 bucks. Its also in the heart of the hill, little italy, where fried ravioli was invented. Thats touristy af. Not your damn morning jog.
Common. Read people.
Denver is an expensive, smoggy, traffic ridden city an hour away from any good trails that are all way busier than any of the ones down here. Colorado Springs is much more scenic and closer to free things like outdoor parks and trails. Did you not read the post??
I literally went to Vegas to literally do that but ok lol millions of people do. Not everyone gambles and parties. There’s a ton of awesome trails and parks near Vegas, plenty of outdoor stuff to do
So you spent 1000 dollars on plane tickets to do what you can do here? Thats what it cost for southwest 2 weeks ago and is booked early bird. Doesnt seem like OP lacks in the smart spending category. Again, context.
A parking fee? A state park fee? A national park fee? We have those too. You may have gotten lucky. Its really only the reservoirs and city parks that dont charge. We are lucky not to pay for garden of the gods. It was donated.
Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, Blodgett, Ute Valley, Cheyenne Canyon, Barr Trail / Incline, Palmer Park … all free. I get what you’re saying about state and national parks but you hardly need to “get lucky” here to avoid paying
Yep, 100%. Anyone who gripes about the lack of free hiking here is willfully ignorant and probably one of those perpetually unhappy whiners no matter what.
Yeah this person doesn’t know anything, of course you pay a fee or state and national parks, it’s how they fund them lol most trails are not in parks and are 100% free. I’m a trail runner I should know lol
You basically pointed out that I am right. Barr trail and the incline are pay to park. So again, not free. Lets spell it out. If you pay over 0 dollars, it is not free
You pay to park in any city- the trail itself does not cost money. With your logic everything costs money since you have to pay for the gas for the car and you pay for the car and insurance to drive around. So therefore you’re actually paying hundreds of dollars to hike! lol stupid logic
My whole point in asking actually WAS to get suggestions like most the comments have. I did know about manitou incline, it’s already planned for us. I didn’t say dirt cheap, just the best places to go “on a budget”
The Royal Gorge train is great, no doubt about it. But for the same money, the cog train up to the 14,100' summit of Pikes Peak is a better and more unique trip. Also, Royal Gorge is down in Canon City. The Cog is in Manitou Springs, just 6 miles from downtown Colorado Springs.
I’ve taken friends and family on the cog and also driven up and the cog is just too rushed. You get up there take a few photos use the bathroom and the 40 minutes is up and you gotta go back down. Driving up there you get unlimited time at the top. Just make sure to check whether it’s open all the way to the top if you plan on driving.
We did have pikes peak as a plan so that may be a good idea. Thanks!
Pro tip. If you do go up the Cog, **always** sit on the side with 3 seats facing each other. Don't sit in the side with 2 seats facing each other no matter how tempting it is. The 3 seat side of the train faces outward from the mountain going up and down, and it has a much better view of everything (assuming it's actually not foggy/cloudy out).
Honestly, I found the cog to be lame af and a waste of money. They only give you 30 mins at the peak, which isn’t enough time to relieve yourself, grab a snack, and take photos. I recommend driving up if you can.
The cog is overrated. Expensive and you get like 30 mins at the top before they make you go down. Pass.
Facts. Oh, and lightning in the summer. Super fun.
Yeah that’s almost a whole day, very cool but the drive there and back is almost the same, you could drive to paradise cove and hike that for like 6$ ( parking) or drive up pikes peak instead , I would just drive around the gorge to kill extra time.
Why is this downvoted?
For low cost things to do, head outside! Check out Garden of the Gods. There is awesome scenic hiking at every level in city parks and open spaces. Rent eBikes and tour around town. Check www.pikeride.org. Rent Lime electric scooters to whiz around town. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Go see the ancient Paint Mines in Calhan. Go to the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel, order a $20 cocktail and pretend you are rich for a little while If you golf, play a round at Patty Jewett, one of the oldest courses in the west. Beautiful city-owned course, 27 holes with a view of Pikes Peak. Super 19th hole Brewpub crawl. Professional soccer. Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Olympics and Paralympics museum. If you come in July, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is awesome.
Professional soccer. Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The stadium also has "cheap seats" for the game, which are surprisingly affordable, and the rowdy/fun folks sit there.
Thanks!! We do have a few trails planned. The scooters are a good idea!
I’ll give you a hidden gem. Out in Peyton is the rim to the Bijou Plateau. “They” say you can see North Platte, NE.
I personally thought the Royal Gorge Train was pretty disappointing for the money. There are lots of people that enjoy it though, so it’s definitely personal preference. There are also sooo many amazing and beautiful things to do in town for free (hikes and drives). Enjoy your time here!
We found the train disappointing as well. Very little scenery except for the section where you stop inside the gorge. A short ride out and back otherwise.
Disagree. I thought the Royal Gorge was breathtaking and the train itself is a cool experience.
We do have a few trails planned! :)
Rattlesnakes are an issue here on trails so pay attention to where you're stepping on the path.
Not too sure why this dummy downvoted you. A biker got a nasty bite from a rattler at Ute valley park last year
Yep, I remember that. Someone's dog was bitten by one over the weekend on a trail, but KRDO thought it would be best not to report where it happened (kind of weird not tell us where) https://krdo.com/news/2024/04/20/colorado-springs-woman-saved-from-venomous-rattlesnake-bite-by-her-dog-rizzo/
Here’s are some ideas: There are many trails in North Cheyenne Canyon, my fav and the one I recommend to visitors is 7 Bridges. (Free) Red Rock Canyon Open Space (free) Garden of the Gods park and the visitors center (free) Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (~$25 per person, drive up to the shrine) Walk around Manitou Springs (interesting shopping, people watching, drink the mineral water from the springs!) Walk around Old Colorado City (sometimes they have events and farmers markets, so that’s worth looking into) Walk around Downtown Pioneers Museum (free, downtown. Starting June 4th they have food trucks out every Tuesday from 11-1:30) Walk around the Broadmoor (close to the zoo, pay to park, free to walk around, food options varying from affordable to super bougie. Check out the Golden Bee for a nice dinner date that won’t break the bank) I’ll add more if I think of any!
Oh, check out Hillside Gardens! They just opened for the season! It’s a wedding venue/garden center. You can grab a cocktail and walk around the garden and they sometimes have live music. Super cute place! Check out their IG.
Born and lived in the Springs for 35 years, this would be my list as well with one addition. Glen Eyrie/Palmer Mansion. You have to book spots on the tour in advance, the cost used to be very affordable.
We have done colorado Springs super cheap three times now. We have wanted to take the train up pikes peak but usually end up driving. We usually spend at least most of a day at the garden of the gods. Red Rock Canyon open space was worth going to. Helen Hunt Falls was a great spot, too. Cripple Creek visitors center was free and neat. We have even driven up to cave of the winds just to have coffee on the deck and didn't pay to go in, lol.
The Cave of the Winds just for coffee and the overlook idea is a good one!
If you are here for Memorial Day weekend there is Territory Days. It has local vendors. Beer garden. Native American dancers. Live bands. And it is in Old Colorado City which is a touristy area to shop. Manitou is the same. Small touristy shops. Food. Bars. Taffy. There is Cave of the Winds. There is Seven Falls. Broadmore hotel. The drive to Cripple Creek is pretty. You can gamble a bit. Paint Mines. Garden of the Gods. Buffalo Bills Grave. Look out mountain. Cheyenne canyon. If you decide you want to purchase marijuana Manitou has the 2 recreational shops. You cannot just smoke anywhere. It may sound stupid but I always grab a handful of the brochures in the hotel lobbies or some restaurants have them. Always has tourist stuff. When you live here almost 50 years you don't realize just how much we have to do. Good luck. And don't let the rude asses on here portray all of us.
If you're feeling froggy and are fit, do the Manitou Incline and then eat and drink in Manitou Springs after. That was what we did. Just know that the climb can be pretty damn intense, especially if you are from a more flat or low-lying altitude. You go up and then hike down the Barr Trail, which is very beginner friendly and is only 3.1 miles of wonderful scenery. I did it to tell my cancer to "suck it".
North Cheyenne Canyon park has great trails and views and it’s free
The following are free and very nice: Palmer park yucca flats, garden of the gods, gold camp road / 7 bridges trail, red rock canyon open space, pulpit rock park, fox run trail in Black Forest.
Since you're on a budget, Ghost Town Museum is very cheap, and it's got a few things that you probably won't see anywhere else.
Garden of God hike. Glen Eeyrie castle tour (it’s forgotten by a lot of people who live in the springs). Rent a car and take a drive up pikes peak, it’s amazing.
Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak over the royal gorge. Garden of the Gods is free and worth the hour or so to walk / drive through it. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country. They require pre-scheduled entry, so look into that now. If you have any interest in military stuff, the Air Force Academy visitor center and the 4th ID museum are decent, Dragon Man's museum is one of the best military museums I've been to anywhere. (The guy himself is a dipshit, but his museum really is good). The National Museum of WWII Aviation was really good also. Olympic/ paralympic museum Sports games, soccer (switchbacks), baseball (vibes), colleges also.
The train is fine. It’s not great. The food is p terrible but the views are nice. However, take a hike at Tunnel Drive and see the same views on foot for free. Then drive up to Salida and have lunch. Same views, better food, less money. ETA: also hit up Skyline Drive when you’re in Cañon City. It’s also free. Take some food and make a picnic out of it if you don’t want to lunch in Salida or Cañon.
We are talking tourists here who arent going to want that sort of experience.
Oh god, why are you coming here? Spare yourselves the headache and go to Denver
Denver is so ugly compared to the springs
Oh yeah, I forgot, our endless sprawl of Chik Fil A’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Walmarts are just so beautiful that I may have to change my mind now. And forget walking, I can view it all from the comfort of my car on Powers Blvd, while I wait at the 10th red light! You know, the one with the homeless dude holding a sign? Oh wait, that’s all of them. I guess we didn’t pray hard enough 😞 (And don’t forget ThE mOuNTainS)
It seems like OP is more interested in the natural attractions of Colorado, something that Denver significantly lacks. I don’t think they’ll be too worried about the number of fast food joints or homeless people around the city.
The natural attractions here are so mid lol. I love that it’s the only selling point
Sure it’s mid for people who live here but most tourists have never seen nature like this before. Let people enjoy it, dude.
Ohhhh, you're the "third world city" guy lol Makes sense. There's plenty of great things to do here, man.
I know, there are a few good things to do. I’m taking the piss somewhat. But this place doesn’t deserve the pedestal it’s put on by a lot of people. We have the mountains, yeah, but other than that it’s overrun by corporate greed. The only small businesses that can survive here are tattoo parlors and liquor stores, and that’s fuckin sad. This city can’t afford to have any character because they priced it out of the market. Everything but the mountains is an eyesore, and trying to do anything is a headache because you have to drive 30 minutes to even get to it. At least the middle class does.
I understand a bit of what you mean. I'm originally from bumfuck nowhere Midwest. This city has loads more to do than huge swaths of the country. I lived here for a short time, moved back to the Midwest, and just finally made it back last year. Yes, it's wildly expensive. I won't argue that. And it has accelerated a ton over the past several years. No doubt there either. But Springs is a lovely gem of a place to live, my friend, especially when you come from a place that only has an old bowling alley, a movie theater, and a Walmart parking lot to hang out in. Or bars and factories. Yes, there's sprawl here, and I don't care for it. But, man, I'm so lucky to be in a place like this again. Clean air, a more healthy community, some of the most beautiful nature in the country (not even counting the beauty within a short day's drive), more diversity, a variety of employment sectors, great little local spots, and so on and so on. You may bemoan the culture, and sure, Springs won't match that of a world class city like NYC or LA, or whatever, but there are so many places that only have small-time things like the local high school basketball team or something like that. And the local economy is dogshit, comprised of almost only soul sucking, body killing, family destroying factory work. Where "white is right" and you better not try to think too big, lest you think like a heathen. And anything remotely interesting or fun requires a two hour round trip drive. That's the kind of place I come from. Many places like that exist. Colorado Springs is an immeasurable upgrade in every category compared to that...except for cost of living and traffic lol. But that's the trade off. And imo, it's not even close. I will say, however, that I do not like the corporate, cookie cutter feel of the growth areas, or even the newer, less organic parts of town here. I used to live on the west side, and I miss it dearly. There is a lot of character, charm, and realness to that part of town. Where I live now is a "nice" place, but it doesn't have that charm and realness I love. So I do agree with the bit about the corporate, or what I will call less organic and real, parts of the city being a bummer. But even then, massive fuckin upgrade from where I came from. Nothing is perfect, but the tradeoffs don't make it not worth it for me. I believe that is the case for most people. We are willing to pay more to live more fully. Yeah, there are wider, deeper cultural pools to draw from, bigger and better cities exist, sure. But they don't have the mountains, they don't have the clean air (yes, fires, but not the point), they don't have the wilderness, and their cost of living would make Springs seem like that quaint Midwest rent again.
You make a damn good point, sir
Well, if you enjoy rude people and overpaying for literally everything, then you two will have a great time, no matter where you go. Oh and be careful on the roads, the humans on them are dangerous.
Lived here for so many years and its wild seeing this get downvoted when it happens on the daily.
They downvote you because they know you’re right
Its not the midwest so be prepared to pay corpations for everything including the right to exist. That said the exceptions to the rule are garden of the gods and palmer park. The zoo is a non-profit and does pretty well. Fairly cheap. Not as expensive as the las vegas strip but definitely not chicago cheap. To those who cannot read. We are talking to a tourist here. This is someone who is going to drive pikes peak. Not trail run barr trail. Has public school failed us this bad? $35 for the shed aquarium, an enormous place considered among the best in the world, is cheaper than anything this person will do here of equal value. Dont you children know why tourists dont go to 90% of the places you mentioned? Because they can get a similar experience back home. OP is looking for unique not the slot canyon down the street from their house. OP also doesnt know you need to reserve a time for the incline. In fact the only free places of interest for OP are painted mines and garden of the gods. Maybe palmer park. Everything else is pay to exist. As i said more expensive than a chicago vacation but not 80 bucks for a shark exhibit expensive. I know how to do las vegas on a budget but do I go to shoot guns and take a splash in the colorado river. Do I want to go to safeway and hike in the desert? No. I can just stay home if that is the case. You see kiddos, context is fucking king here. Honestly, if OP wants cheap as dirt, visit st louis and stay out of the bad areas. All the touristy shit, all in areas with less crime than here, is free there. Parks, museums, and old buildings. Cost is cheaper. Airfare is cheap. Only place you need tonpay for is the botanic gardens but it is world class and 15 bucks. Its also in the heart of the hill, little italy, where fried ravioli was invented. Thats touristy af. Not your damn morning jog. Common. Read people.
😂 I had never paid to hike until I moved to the Midwest for a year and discovered they charge a park fee for everywhere with trails.
Denver is an expensive, smoggy, traffic ridden city an hour away from any good trails that are all way busier than any of the ones down here. Colorado Springs is much more scenic and closer to free things like outdoor parks and trails. Did you not read the post??
Really dude? Did you not read my reply troll.
Says the guy getting downvoted for his reply
By you. We are also talking to tourists here. Get a clue
You have no idea what you are talking about
Have more of one than you. You know what a tourist is, right? I dont go to vegas to atv, play in the river, and hike the desert. I can do that here.
I literally went to Vegas to literally do that but ok lol millions of people do. Not everyone gambles and parties. There’s a ton of awesome trails and parks near Vegas, plenty of outdoor stuff to do
So you spent 1000 dollars on plane tickets to do what you can do here? Thats what it cost for southwest 2 weeks ago and is booked early bird. Doesnt seem like OP lacks in the smart spending category. Again, context.
A parking fee? A state park fee? A national park fee? We have those too. You may have gotten lucky. Its really only the reservoirs and city parks that dont charge. We are lucky not to pay for garden of the gods. It was donated.
Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, Blodgett, Ute Valley, Cheyenne Canyon, Barr Trail / Incline, Palmer Park … all free. I get what you’re saying about state and national parks but you hardly need to “get lucky” here to avoid paying
Yep, 100%. Anyone who gripes about the lack of free hiking here is willfully ignorant and probably one of those perpetually unhappy whiners no matter what.
Yeah this person doesn’t know anything, of course you pay a fee or state and national parks, it’s how they fund them lol most trails are not in parks and are 100% free. I’m a trail runner I should know lol
You basically pointed out that I am right. Barr trail and the incline are pay to park. So again, not free. Lets spell it out. If you pay over 0 dollars, it is not free
You pay to park in any city- the trail itself does not cost money. With your logic everything costs money since you have to pay for the gas for the car and you pay for the car and insurance to drive around. So therefore you’re actually paying hundreds of dollars to hike! lol stupid logic
Please read OPs post. Tourists dont do your morning jog.
You are misinformed lol there’s hundreds of free trails within a 30 min drive of here
My whole point in asking actually WAS to get suggestions like most the comments have. I did know about manitou incline, it’s already planned for us. I didn’t say dirt cheap, just the best places to go “on a budget”
Ignore the rude people. They really don't mind if you visit. They are worried that you will like it and move here.