Colorado is an incredible destination regardless of the time of year. Follow one of these adventure itineraries or use them as inspiration to create your perfect off-season Colorado getaway.
Planning the vacation is the hard part – our hats off to you if someone in your group already has your Colorado vacation dialed in! But chances are you need a little guidance, so here are some local-crafted itineraries put together by our Royal Gorge Cabins staff. These attractions and activities are what we recommend as locals to get the most out of few days in the area.
Please note that these are all self-guided and self-reserved activities! We aren’t able to reserve these itineraries for you, but we’ve taken the leg work out of it for you. You’ll find info about the attractions, links where you can purchase tickets, drive times, and some insider tips thrown in there to make is as easy as possible for you. Enjoy!
Itineraries at a Glance
BUDGET GETAWAY – 2 DAYS Ideal for some of the best attractions in the area – many of which are very affordable or free! KID FRIENDLY Read More
STAY LOCAL – 2 DAYS Avoid all the driving and stick to a few of the best local attractions and activities Read More
Vacation itineraries are all in the details. We’ve put together the timeline details, attractions, and documented any hard-to-find locations that the locals know but google may struggle with. Here are some of our favorite places to visit when we see shorter days, cooler weather, and fewer people.
Budget Getaway
kid friendly itinerary
Vacations are spendy – we get it. Here’s a budget-friendly two day itinerary with some of the classic adventures in the area that will leave some cash in reserves for that well deserved dinner out at the end of the day.
*Insider Tip: Royal Gorge Bridge Tickets are valid for the following day as well – just ask an attendant at the Bridge before leaving the park!
Self-guided & Self-purchase tickets/reservations
Budget Getaway Itinerary
Day of Week Restrictions
No known daily closures for these activities
Reservation Needs for this Itinerary
No advanced reservations required for activities listed
DAY 1
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic wooden train tressle.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – A short drive will take you to the famous Royal Gorge Bridge where you can take in the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, ride the aerial tram, and enjoy other rides and attractions. Lunch, snacks and drinks are available on-site.
Skyline Drive – Head into Cañon City, taking a left turn onto Skyline Drive. This razor ridge road is so narrow it only allows for one-way traffic heading towards town, and along the drive you can stop to check out dinosaur prints in the cliff side.
Historic Downtown Cañon City – stroll the shops, galleries and restaurants. From the end of Skyline Drive, we recommend making a right turn heading south on North 5th Street for a little over 1/2 a mile until you reach Main Street.
Dinner at one of the many restaurants in town or return to your cabin to cook dinner on your own.
DAY 2
Garden of the Gods – Drive a scenic one hour 15 minutes to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. A free park area, you can choose to drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the network of trails.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post – You’ll find something for everyone here; souvenirs, t-shirts, art, local history, a cafe and coffee shop, and locally made fudge.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Choose from a few unique and fascinating cave tours. You can also up the adrenaline with high adventure rides on the rim of the impressive canyon the caves sit upon.
Ghost Town Museum – At under $10 per person, it’s hard to pass up this museum that will take you on a trip to the past of the old west. Authentic buildings, stage coaches, and other artifacts fill the space with hands on activities as well.
Dinner in Colorado Springs or back at your cabin.
Stay Local
Sometimes once you land at your vacation destination you don’t want to spend half of your time driving from one location to the next. With the Stay Local package, you can keep drive times to an absolute minimum. And the best part is you’ll still get in on some of the best attractions in the Royal Gorge Region!
*Insider Tip: When visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge, head to the aerial tram first thing. We sometimes see winds pick up in the afternoons which can close the tramway if the winds become strong enough.
Hike Canyon Rim Trail or Overlook Trail – Located about 5 minutes from our cabins is this trails boasting impressive views within the Royal Gorge Trail System. Either trail travels in part right along the rim of the 1,000 feet deep Royal Gorge and Arkansas River.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Within a mile of the Canyon Rim Trailhead is the famous Royal Gorge Bridge where you can take in the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, ride the aerial tram, and enjoy other rides and attractions. Lunch, snacks and drinks are available on-site.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – Open daily for wine tastings on a walk-in basis. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through a flight tasting of their award winning wines.
Dinner at a local Cañon City restaurant, or return to your cabin to make dinner and watch the sunset from your private patio.
DAY 2
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Historic Train Ride at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Drive 10 minutes to the historic train depot in Cañon City arriving at noon for your 12:30 train departure. Choose from a few featured classes of service for your two hour ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge. Incredible service, delicious meals and snacks, and a varitey of beverages are available for purchase.
Happy Endings Caboose – After your train ride, walk to the on-site Caboose for tastey crepes, coffee, or your favorite cocktail or Colorado craft beer. Closed on Monday.
Historic Downtown Cañon City – stroll the shops, galleries and restaurants. From the Happy Endings Caboose, walk north on South 3rd Street for two blocks. Main Street is one block north of Highway 50 / Royal Gorge Blvd.
Grab some dinner makings, head back to your cabin, and grill a meal on your patio, or enjoy one of Cañon City’s local restaurants.
Pikes Peak Region Classic
kid friendly itinerary
The Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge areas feature a plethora of activities to choose from, so we’ve put together what we feel are the attractions that provide the most bang for your buck – the attractions that will create the best memories for your family. These are the places we suggest to our families when they come visit the area, so we thought we’d share them with your family, too!
*Insider Tip: To help avoid altitude sickness for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway tour, stay hydrated and don’t move this activity up to day 1 of your visit. Your body needs time to acclimate!
Self-guided & Self-purchase tickets/reservations
Pikes Peak Region Classic Itinerary
Day of Week restrictions
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience – closed Monday – Wednesday
Olympic and Paralympic Museum – closed Tuesday – Wednesday
Gold Mine Rock Shop – days of operation change througout the winter
Garden of the Gods – Drive a scenic one hour 15 minutes to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This unique (and free!) park allows you to either drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the easy trails.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post – You’ll find something for everyone here; souvenirs, t-shirts, art, local history, a cafe and coffee shop, and locally made fudge.
Manitou Springs – Explore the vast array of local shops, galleries, restaurants, sample the naturally carbonated mineral springs at various stops around town, or check out the nostalgic penny arcade.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Choose from a few unique and fascinating cave tours. You can also up the adrenaline with high adventure rides on the rim of the impressive canyon the caves sit upon.
Dinner in Colorado Springs or prepare a meal back at your cabin.
Day 2
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail –Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Within a mile of the Canyon Rim Trailhead is the famous Royal Gorge Bridge where you can take in the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, ride the aerial tram, and enjoy other rides and attractions. Lunch, snacks and drinks are available on-site.
Gold Mine Rock Shop – If anyone in your family love rocks, gems, fossils or jewelry, then this Rock Shop is a MUST stop! We apologize in advance for the added weight to your suitcases.
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience – The Cañon City are is a source for some of the most spectacular dino fossil specimens ever discovered. The Dinosaur Experience includes a world-class museum with full-scale dinosuar fossil casts, real dinosar fossils, and even an active paleo lab where recently unearthed fossils are prepared. Kids especially will love the Wild Walk with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, and two ropes courses are also available for added adventure.
Prepare a delicious dinner in your cabin or let someone else cook for you at a local Cañon City restaurant.
Day 3
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum– See the history of Team USA in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and learn about some of the greatest athletes in the world. This high tech incredible museum features hands-on exhibits and will both enterain and educate your crew as you move through the 60,000 square foot building. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Newly renovated depot, trains and track, the Cog Railway is the ultimate way to travel to the top of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The 3.5 hour journey provides unsurpassed views, of course, and makes a 40 minute stop at the impressive Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, North America’s highest construction project to date.
Adventure Seeker
Designed for go-getters and true adventurers, the Adventure Seeker activities will challenge even the most in-shape visitor! We’ve packed this itinerary with LOTS of activities to pack your days and make the most of your visit to this incredible part of Colorado.
*Insider Tip: Make your reservations sooner than later for a lot of these activities. You’d be surprised how sought after some of these activities can be even in the off-season!
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail -Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Via Ferrata climbing adventure at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – “Via Ferrata” means “iron way” in Italian. You don’t have to be an experineced climber to take on this activity, but we strongly encourage you to be comfortable with heights! Hike down into the Royal Gorge with your experienced Guide, and your adventure begins as you ascend back up the cliff walls using the secure steel and iron anchor system.
Desert Reef Hot Springs – Nothing feels better after an exhausting day than a relaxing soak in warm and steamy artesian pools. Located in the secluded foothills near Florence, CO, Desert Reef is comprised of multiple soaking pools at temperatures ranging in the winter months from 100-104 degrees. Reservations required, and clothing optional. Closed on Tuesdays.
Dinner at Ito Steak House & Sushi – Locals know this is the place to go for delicious sushi and entrees. Located in historic downtown Florence, CO, Ito also serves tastey cocktails, beer, sake, and wines. Closed on Sundays.
Day 2
Manitou Incline – Bring your energy and thirst for a leg workout on the most challenging hike in the area. The Incline, as it’s known to locals, inlcudes 2,774 steps on a climb up 2,000 vertical feet in under one mile! There’s a reason Olympic athletes train here daily on the ascent. While 30 minutes is a solid uphill time for acclimated athletes, the average adventurer should plan on an overall total of 2-3 hours for the hike up the Incline and the descent down the 3 mile Barr Trail which is an incredible hike in itself. We recommend arriving early if you hope to find paid parking near the base of the trail close to Iron Springs Chateau, although there are a couple of other parking lots in Manitou Springs with free shuttles to the trailhead. Reservations required.
Historic Downtown Manitou Springs – Grap a bite to eat and explore the vast array of local shops, galleries, sample the naturally carbonated mineral springs at various stops around town, or check out the nostalgic penny arcade.
Zipline Tour with Adventures Out West– Board an Adventures Out West jeep, climb into a harness and zip from one cliff edge to the next on a two hour zipline tour on the edge of Manitou Springs. The AOW team guides even first timers on cables designed to pick up in speed as the tour progresses.
Garden of the Gods – Drive less than 10 minutes to the famous Garden of the Gods. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, you can choose to drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the network of trails.
Downtown Colorado Springs– It’s been a big day! Time to peruse the Happy Hour offerings in downtown Colorado Springs and find a delicous meal along the way.
Day 3
Fly Fishing with Angler’s Covey – Spend a half day on one of Colorado’s gold medal fishing waters with highly skilled guides from Angler’s Covey. Fishing locations vary based on time of year and where the fishing is at its best. You’ll need your Colorado state fishing license for this one, but no experience is necessary and all gear is provided!
Fremont Peak Trail – Summit Fremont Peak in the Royal Gorge Trail System for the second half of this adventurous day. We recommend parking at the Royal Gorge Park East Ridge Campground, and hiking up Fremont Peak Road. The 4WD road takes you to a prominent radio tower, and from there you’ll pick up Summit Trail to the peak. This is an out and back hike, and plan on 2-3 hours total for your hike.
Dinner at your cabin. Fire up the BBQ grill and enjoy some a well-deserved meal and relaxation!
Scenic Small Town Tour
Spend three days avoiding the crowds and immersing yourself in some of the coolest locally known activities in Cripple Creek, Florence, and Cañon City, Colorado. You’ll veer off the beaten path, dine at some pretty delicious shops, and learn fascinating history along the way. And all of this within a one hour radius of the cabins!
*Insider Tip: Use a trails app like CoTrex for trails you plan to hike, and download the map/route so when/if you lose cell phone reception you can still follow your course.
Self-guided & Self-purchase tickets/reservations
Scenic Small Town Itinerary
Day of Week Restrictions
Antique Stores in Florence, CO – varied hours, some are closed Monday – Tuesday
Aspen Leaf Bakery – closed Sunday – Monday
Desert Reef Hot Springs – closed Tuesday
Ito Steakhouse and Sushi – closed Sunday
Sally’s Bakery – closed Sunday – Wednesday
Phantom Canyon Road – seasonal closures, avoid if any snow/ice present
Photo credit: Ben KnightHike Point Alta Vista Trail -Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Antique Shopping in Florence – Known as the antique capital of Colorado, Florence boasts well over a dozen antique stores chockfull of treasures, furniture, and vintage items at their best.
Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe – A small town bakery at its best, you’ll experience excellenet service, delectible baked goods, and freshly prepared sandwiches on fresh bread that will surely satisfy your appetite. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Desert Reef Hot Springs – Nothing feels better after an exhausting day than a relaxing soak in warm and steamy artesian pools. Located in the secluded foothills near Florence, CO, Desert Reef is comprised of multiple soaking pools at temperatures ranging in the winter months from 100-104 degrees. Reservations required, and clothing optional. Closed on Tuesdays.
Dinner at Ito Steak House & Sushi – Locals know this is the place to go for delicious sushi and entrees. Located in historic downtown Florence, CO, Ito also serves tastey cocktails, beer, sake, and wines. Closed on Sundays.
Day 2
Scenic drive to Historic Cripple Creek, CO – About a one hour drive through a picturesque landscape along Country Road 11 will bring you to the historic Cripple Creek, once home to over 500 mines and the most lucrative gold mining of the time.
Outlaws & Lawmen Museum – Cripple Creek was a rough mining camp, so the the historic Teller County Jail saw a lot of lawless characters pass through and dwell within the cells! The muesum is very authentic right down to the original cells. Learn about the criminals who ended up there and the sherrifs who attempted to maintain order in a wild west town.
Cripple Creek Heritage Center – Thirsty for more gold country history? Head over to the Heritage Center where you’ll learn more about the gold mining history, geology, and human history of the area.
Vindicator Valley Trail – At one time hundreds of gold mines dotted the hills around Teller County, and here you’ll walk right past a number past mining operations and see authentic mining equipment and structures. The entire trail is a 2 mile loop – perfect for a walk or easy bike ride. From Cripple Creek, drive about 15 minutes on Colorado Highway 67 towards Victor, CO. You’ll pass the largest active mining operation in the United States as you head into Victor. Vindicator Valley Trailhead is located just north of Victor off Colorado Highway 81.
Phantom Canyon Road back to your cabin (weather / road conditions permitting) – So long as there hasn’t been any wintry weather in the recent past, Phantom Canyon Road is a beautiful, quite narrow, and exciting route to head back south towards your cabin. If the weather is not in your favor, return back to your cabin via Country Road 11 – the same route you came in on.
Pastries and Coffee Downtown Cañon City – Visit The Bean Pedaler or Sally’s Bakery to start your morning off. Afterward, check out the shops of downtown Cañon City. The Bean Pedaler is open 7 days a week. Sally’s Bakery is closed Monday through Wednesday.
Historic Train Ride at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Arrive at the historic train depot in Cañon City at noon for your 12:30 train departure. Choose from a few featured classes of service for your two hour ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge. Incredible service, delicious meals and snacks, and a varitey of beverages are available for purchase. Reserve in advance.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – Open daily for wine tastings on a walk-in basis. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through a flight tasting of their award winning wines.
Dinner at a local Cañon City restaurant, or return to your cabin to make dinner and watch the sunset from your private patio.
Out of the Weather
kid friendly itinerary
We typically see beautiful weather in this part of Colorado, but if you happen to choose a time with rainy or snowy weather we’ve put together a 3 day itinerary that will keep you out of the elements but still enjoying lots of indoor options sure to entertain kids or adults alike.
*Insider Tip: If the weather is iffy, it’s best to call the attractions your visiting before making the drive to Colorado Springs. Occassionally even major attractions will close due to weather.
Self-guided & Self-purchase tickets/reservations
Out of the weather Itinerary
Day of Week restrictions
Olympic and Paralympic Museum – closed Tuesday – Wednesday
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience – closed Monday – Wednesday
Happy Endings Caboose – closed Monday
Desert Reef Hot Springs – closed Tuesday
Space Foundation Discovery Center – closed Sunday – Monday
Garden of the Gods – Drive a scenic one hour 15 minutes to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This unique (and free!) park allows you to either drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the easy trails if the weather cooperates.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post or Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center – You’ll find something for everyone at the Trading Post; souvenirs, t-shirts, art, local history, a cafe and coffee shop, and locally made fudge. The Visitor & Nature Center also features a gift and souvenir shop, as well as exhibits, galleries, a super cool short movie covering millions of years of local geology and info so you can learn the history of this incredible part of Colorado.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Choose from a few unique and fascinating cave tours. You can also up the adrenaline with high adventure rides on the rim of the impressive canyon walls.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum– See the history of Team USA in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and learn about some of the greatest athletes in the world. This high tech incredible museum features hands-on exhibits and will both enterain and educate your crew as you move through the 60,000 square foot building.
Day 2
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience – The Cañon City are is a source for some of the most spectacular dino fossil specimens ever discovered. The Dinosaur Experience includes a world-class museum with full-scale dinosuar fossil casts, real dinosar fossils, and even an active paleo lab where recently unearthed fossils are prepared. Kids especially will love the Wild Walk with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, and two ropes courses are also available for added adventure.
Historic Train Ride at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Arrive at the historic train depot in Cañon City at noon for your 12:30 train departure. Choose from a few featured classes of service for your two hour ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge. Incredible service, delicious meals and snacks, and a varitey of beverages are available for purchase. Reserve in advance.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey or Happy Endings Caboose – The Winery is open daily for wine tastings on a walk-in basis. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through a flight tasting of their award winning wines.
Travelling with kids? Skip the Winery and opt for Happy Endings Caboose located on-site at the Royal Gorge Route Train Depot. Kids can get a crepe, ice cream, or other treats. And they serve cocktails and Colorado craft beers for mom and dad.
Desert Reef Hot Springs or watch a movie in your cabin – If you’re travelling with kids you’ll need to skip the hot springs and opt for a movie in your cabin. Located in the secluded foothills near Florence, CO, Desert Reef is comprised of multiple soaking pools at temperatures ranging in the winter months from 100-104 degrees. Reservations required, clothing optional, ages 18+ only. Closed on Tuesdays.
Day 3
Space Foundation Discovery Center – Dedicated to advancing STEM education, the Discovery Center is very much a hands-on kid-friendly environment fun not just for kids but adults alike. Test your drone flying skills in their new Drone Zone, control robotic rovers in a simulated Martian environment, see actual rocket boosters, satelites, space suits, and so much more. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Newly renovated depot, trains and track, the Cog Railway is the ultimate way to travel to the top of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The 3.5 hour journey provides unsurpassed views, of course, and makes a 40 minute stop at the impressive Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, North America’s highest construction project to date.
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic wooden train tressle.
Garden of the Gods – Drive a scenic one hour 15 minutes to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. A free park area, you can choose to drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the network of trails.
Hike Canyon Rim Trail or Overlook Trail – Located about 5 minutes from our cabins is this trails boasting impressive views within the Royal Gorge Trail System. Either trail travels in part right along the rim of the 1,000 feet deep Royal Gorge and Arkansas River.
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the 
Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1 mile out and 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turn around point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train tressle.
Located a few minutes from our cabins in the 
Hike Point Alta Vista Trail -Located a few minutes from our cabins in the 
Manitou Incline 
a half day on one of Colorado’s gold medal fishing waters with highly skilled guides from Angler’s Covey. Fishing locations vary based on time of year and where the fishing is at its best. You’ll need your Colorado state fishing license for this one, but no experience is necessary and all gear is provided!
Scenic drive to 
Pastries and Coffee Downtown Cañon City – Visit The Bean Pedaler or Sally’s Bakery to start your morning off. Afterward, check out the shops of downtown Cañon City. The Bean Pedaler is open 7 days a week. Sally’s Bakery is closed Monday through Wednesday. 
Pastries and Coffee Downtown Cañon City – Visit 
Garden of the Gods
Space Foundation Discovery Center
