Keeping Busy in and around Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Ready to head to Cheyenne Mountain State Park for a few days? Wondering whether you’ll be able to stay busy? We’ve got you covered – and we promise that you’ll be busy! There’s a lot to do in and around Cheyenne Mountain State Park. So much, in fact, that you won’t be able to fit it all in in one weekend! Whether you’d like to get your thighs burning on the Incline, enjoy tasty eats at the Crystal Park Cantina, or get the endorphins pumping on the Terror-Dactyl, this part of Colorado has something for everyone. 

Inside Cheyenne Mountain State Park itself are miles of well maintained hiking and biking trails. Not all of the trails are dog friendly, so make you check the dog trial map before you head out with your pup. This is a great way to spend the day and earn those s’mores! 

If you’re interested in leaving the park for the day, consider checking out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Just a 15 minute drive from the campsites in the park, this zoo is tucked against Cheyenne Mountain with the exhibits on the mountain side. The exhibits throughout the zoo put you up close and personal to many animals. My favorite part about our visit to the zoo was feeding the giraffes. If you’re thirsty, grab a beer at the Lookout – a bar/restaurant with a great view of Colorado Springs and beyond. 

A few minutes farther away (about 15 miles northwest) is a small town called Manitou Springs. If you REALLY want to earn your s’mores, check out the Manitou Incline. The Incline is a looooooong (looooong) staircase (2,000 feet in elevation gain in a little under a mile) and is a formidable challenge for any athlete. It took me a little over an hour to complete it but those more athletic than I can finish it in 30-40 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend it for people with a fear of heights. 

After you finish the Incline, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Crystal Park Cantina. We discovered this restaurant on a tip by Ryan’s parents – and they did not lead us astray! The food is wonderful – well worth the trip. Highly recommended! 

If you’re the thrill-seeker-type, check out the Terror-Dactyl at Cave of the Winds (maybe before lunch). This huge swing drops you 150 feet into a canyon. I haven’t been brave enough to try it yet – but I’ll let you know as soon as that changes. 

Of course, Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds are also excellent stops. Garden of the Gods is approximately 14 miles north of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It is a small park known for its beautiful rock formations and is a must-do destination for rock climbers. The visitor’s center offers parking for RVs and trailers, which is a better option than trying your luck in the park (especially on a busy day). From there, it’s a short walk into the park. Cave of the Winds is right outside of Manitou Springs and is full of caverns and caves that you can explore. 

If you’re looking for some elevation gain (even more than on the Incline!), head to the top of Pikes Peak. If you’re from a lower elevation, remember to drink a lot of water while you have your head in the clouds. 

Finally, there are numerous air force and army museums that will make great rainy day activities. Check out the Peterson Air & Space Museum or the National Museum of World War II Aviation. 

I told you there’s a lot to do!

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