One of the underappreciated advantages of being stationed in Colorado Springs is the geography. You're not just living in a city with good outdoor access — you're living in one of the best basecamp cities in the country. Within two hours in almost any direction, you have ski resorts, national parks, historic mining towns, white-water rapids, giant sand dunes, and high-altitude wilderness. Military families who make a point of exploring the region during their tour consistently say it's one of the things they miss most after they PCS out. Here are the day trips worth putting on your list.
Breckenridge — About 2 Hours Northwest
Breckenridge is the most popular mountain town day trip from Colorado Springs, and it earns the traffic. The historic downtown is walkable, well-maintained, and lined with restaurants, shops, and breweries that work year-round — not just ski season. In winter, Breck is one of the top ski resorts in the state with over 187 trails and reliable snow. In summer, the mountain opens for hiking, mountain biking, and lift-accessed trails with views that stretch across multiple ranges. The Fort Carson ITT office sells discounted ski passes for Breckenridge and several other Front Range resorts — stop in early in the season before the best discount windows close. The drive takes you through South Park and over Hoosier Pass at 11,539 feet, which is an experience in itself on a clear day.
Royal Gorge — About 45 Minutes West
Royal Gorge is the closest dramatic scenery from Colorado Springs and one of the most underrated stops in the state. The gorge drops 1,200 feet from rim to the Arkansas River below, and the suspension bridge that crosses it — once the world's highest — is still genuinely impressive. Beyond the bridge, the park has zip lines, an aerial gondola, a sky coaster, and hiking trails along the rim. It's a solid half-day trip that works for families with kids across a wide age range and doesn't require the planning or early start that a full mountain day does. Pair it with lunch in Cañon City on the way back and it makes for a full, easy day without a long drive.
Cripple Creek — About 45 Minutes West
Cripple Creek sits at 9,500 feet on the back side of Pikes Peak and is one of those Colorado towns that feels like it exists in a slightly different era. It was one of the richest gold mining districts in the world at its peak, and the historic downtown still carries that character — Victorian-era storefronts, a narrow-gauge railroad that runs seasonal excursions, and a low-key pace that's genuinely relaxing for a day away from post. There's a casino district if that's your thing, but Cripple Creek works just as well without it. Kids enjoy the railroad and the elevation novelty. The drive up through Divide and the Shelf Road corridor is scenic enough to be worth the trip on its own.
Great Sand Dunes National Park — About 2.5 Hours South
Great Sand Dunes is one of those places that surprises people every time — massive dunes rising up to 750 feet against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in the middle of the San Luis Valley. It's surreal in a way that photos genuinely don't capture. You can sled down the dunes, wade across Medano Creek at the base, or hike to the ridge for views of the entire valley below. It's a slightly longer drive than the other options on this list — plan for a full day — but it's one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado and worth the distance. Families with kids consistently rate it as one of their favorite day trips from the Springs.
Pueblo Reservoir — About 45 Minutes South
Pueblo Reservoir is the most overlooked day trip option near Colorado Springs and it fills a specific niche that nothing closer quite covers: water. The reservoir sits at 4,900 feet with 60 miles of shoreline, solid fishing for walleye, bass, and crappie, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping available right at the water. For families who want a beach-adjacent experience in a landlocked state, it's the closest practical option. It's also significantly less crowded than anything closer to the Springs, which makes a weekend morning there feel like a genuine escape without a long drive. The Fort Carson Outdoor Recreation office rents watercraft and camping gear at reasonable rates — worth checking before you buy anything for the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Colorado Springs?
Royal Gorge and Cripple Creek are the closest at about 45 minutes. Breckenridge is about two hours northwest and worth the drive year-round. Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 2.5 hours south and one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado. Pueblo Reservoir is 45 minutes south and the best water recreation option near the city.
How far is Breckenridge from Colorado Springs?
Breckenridge is approximately two hours from Colorado Springs via US-24 west through Hartsel and over Hoosier Pass. The drive is scenic and manageable as a day trip, though starting early is recommended to make the most of the day.
Can military families get discounts for day trips near Colorado Springs?
Yes. The Fort Carson ITT office and Outdoor Recreation program offer discounted tickets for ski resorts, attractions, and equipment rentals. Stop in during your first week of in-processing and check what's available — it's one of the most underused resources on post.
Is Great Sand Dunes worth the drive from Colorado Springs?
Yes — but plan for a full day. The dunes are about 2.5 hours south and offer an experience unlike anything else in Colorado. Most people who make the trip say they wished they'd gone sooner.
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