Colorado Springs

Cradled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a high-altitude city known for its outdoor grandeur and military heritage. With 2020’s population of 478,961, it is the second-largest city in Colorado (after Denver) and about the 40th largest in the U.S.. Remarkably, its population grew by 15% from 2010 to 2020, reflecting its booming economy and desirability. The greater Pikes Peak region (Colorado Springs MSA) has about 755,000 people.

The economy is robust and diversified: military and defense, high-tech industry, and tourism are the main pillars. The city is home to several U.S. Air Force facilities (Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and the U.S. Air Force Academy outside city limits), making defense contracting a major employer. Tech and service industries are growing too. Tourism is especially important: in 2018 over 23 million visitors came to the region, generating $2.4 billion in economic impact, drawn by natural attractions and recreational opportunities.

Colorado Springs lies in Central Colorado, 69 miles south of Denver along I-25. Uniquely, the city sits in a semi-arid high-altitude basin at about 6,035 feet (1,839 m) above sea level, at the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Pikes Peak (14,115 ft summit) towers immediately to the west, and the city’s background is framed by mountain ridges and desert mesas. To the east spread the broad high plains. Garden of the Gods (free public park) with its dramatic red sandstone formations lies on the city’s northwest edge. Major neighborhoods and attractions hug the foothills or follow Fountain Creek. The geography lends an “alpine city” feel despite Colorado Springs being far from the actual alpine zone.

The climate is notable: semi-arid continental with strong mountain influences. Colorado Springs enjoys abundant sunshine (around 243 sunny days per year) and low humidity. Summers are warm (highs often 80s–90s °F) and dry, with cool nights. Winters are generally mild but can vary sharply – the city benefits from Chinook winds that rapidly warm winter days, yet it still sees winter snow and freezes. Average snowfall is moderate (around 30 inches/year) – snowfall that falls often melts quickly under sun or warm winds. Visitors should pack layers: the high altitude means even summer afternoons can be cool, and UV radiation is strong year-round.

The Colorado Springs area has deep roots: Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples first inhabited the region. After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the area was contested territory among several nations. In 1859 gold fever brought the founding of Colorado City (now part of Colorado Springs) at the confluence of Fountain and Camp Creeks. For a brief time (1861–62) it served as the first capital of the Colorado Territory. In 1871 General William Jackson Palmer, a railroad magnate, envisioned a resort town near Pikes Peak to attract wealthy Easterners seeking health and recreation; he founded Colorado Springs Company and laid out “Fountain Colony,” soon renamed Colorado Springs. The city was incorporated in 1871, reflecting Colorado’s railroad and mining booms.

Its early nickname “Little London” came because Palmer invited many British immigrants, giving the city a cosmopolitan air. The Broadmoor resort opened in 1891 as a lavish hotel and golf course, signaling Colorado Springs’ resort-city aspirations. Nikola Tesla even set up an experimental station here in 1899, drawn by the altitude and electric springs. Military presence grew during and after WWII: Fort Carson (then Camp Carson) was established in 1941, followed by Peterson Field (USAF base from 1942) and nearby NORAD headquarters in Cheyenne Mountain during the Cold War. Notably, Ent Air Force Base (closed in 1976) and its reuse as the Air Force Academy (founded 1954) made Colorado Springs an enduring Air Force hub.

Through the 20th century, Colorado Springs was primarily a quiet military and resort town. The city’s economy remained linked to defense and tourism. Its natural beauty attracted outdoors enthusiasts, and numerous hiking, climbing, and winter sports traditions grew up around Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. A footnote of modern history: Colorado Springs became known as “the Evangelical Vatican” in the late 20th century (many religious organizations headquartered here) though that is a broader cultural note more than a tourist draw. Important recent events include devastating wildfires in the 2010s (Waldo Canyon Fire, Black Forest Fire) that highlighted the city’s wildland interfaces, and the opening of new attractions like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (2020). Throughout, Colorado Springs has remained an outdoor paradise city built around Pikes Peak’s legacy (the song “America the Beautiful” was inspired by Pikes Peak views).

Colorado Springs’ culture blends frontier ruggedness with family-friendly civility. The pace of life is moderate: not as frenetic as Denver or Seattle, but busier than a rural town. The city has a reputation for being conservative (especially socially), but also very philanthropic and community-oriented. Its residents are generally health-conscious and active; mountain biking, hiking and skiing are part of life. English is the main language, with Spanish commonly heard in many neighborhoods.

Local traditions and events center on the outdoors and community. The Labor Day Lift-Off is one of the country’s largest hot-air balloon festivals, blanketing the skies with hundreds of balloons over Memorial Park. Colorado Springs also hosts PrideFest (July), Greek Festival, and various arts gatherings. Every spring, Dallas Blooms style, the Denver Botanic Gardens partnership brings the famous annual garden displays (though “Blooms” is Denver’s, Colorado Springs has a smaller “Spring Planting Festival” at the Botanic Gardens and the Easter Egg flights). The Emma Crawford Coffin Races in nearby Manitou Springs are a quirky local legend (racing decorated coffins down a hill to honor an Irish immigrant legend). The city’s food scene is anchored by Southwest flavors: expect green chilies, craft breweries (over 30 in the Pikes Peak region), and a booming farm-to-table movement. April sees Pikes Peak Green Chili Festival, celebrating Colorado’s cuisine (green chili cheeseburgers, etc.).

Neighborhood character varies: Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs (now on the western edge) offer historic brick storefronts and artisan shops reflecting Colorado’s early settler era. Downtown is more corporate, but now hosts galleries and the American Mountaineering Center. The overall vibe is friendly: locals will greet hikers on trails, cheer on the Air Force Academy Falcons (NCAA football team), or chat about the latest community events. There’s a subtle Western flair – you might spot cowboy boots and hats on Main Street – but it coexists with mountain modernism (tech companies, bioscience). Unlike some big cities, Colorado Springs feels intimate; people often know their neighbors, and there is a general ethos of respect for nature (recycling is big, as are master-planned “green” communities).

The mountain setting gives Colorado Springs unique must-sees. Foremost is Pikes Peak itself. Visitors ascend by the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway (just reopened after refurbishment) or drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit, where a new complex (gift shop, views) opened in 2021. The summit’s panorama (captured in the 1893 song “America the Beautiful”) draws hikers and sightseers. Nearby, Garden of the Gods is a spectacular park of towering red sandstone fins and balanced rocks. It’s free to enter, and offers hiking, rock climbing, bike paths, and even free yoga classes under cliffs. Visitors can drive through or take guided tours; the sunsets here are famous for painting the rocks gold.

The historic Air Force Academy (just north of the city) attracts many visitors: its futuristic Cadet Chapel is an architectural marvel, and the visitor center offers tours of the parade grounds and grounds. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center hosts a public visitor center where one can glimpse athletes training (lots of TV monitors). In 2020 the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum opened downtown – a gleaming glass and marble museum dedicated to Team USA’s history. Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs hides the famed NORAD Combat Operations Center, which offers tours by reservation inside the cavern (especially interesting for Cold War history buffs).

On the educational/cultural side, Colorado Springs’ ProRodeo Hall of Fame (celebrating rodeo stars) reflects the region’s Western roots. The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum offers local history exhibits. Nature and science attractions are ample: the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is unique for its mountainside setting and many animals (you can feed giraffes on a hillside), and Seven Falls (a series of seven waterfalls in a canyon) is a short drive and very photogenic. Closer in, the Penrose Heritage Museum (military vehicles) appeals to military history fans, and the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site recreates pioneer life.

For family fun, there’s the Manitou Cave of the Winds (stalactites tour), and near Pikes Peak, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun (panoramic view). Downtown offers Kissing Camels Sculpture, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and museums of history and botanical gardens. Strolling through Old Colorado City’s shops or downtown’s Tejon Street (urban plaza) gives a taste of city life. Seasonal events like the Garden of the Gods Trail Marathon or the endurance-style Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon draw runners annually.

Getting to Colorado Springs is straightforward. The nearest airport is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which handles flights from major hubs (Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, etc.). Denver International Airport is 1–2 hours north, offering far more international routes. By road, I-25 runs north-south through the city, linking Denver and Albuquerque. There’s also an Amtrak service (“Pikes Peak Flyer” for a short commute to Denver) but no longer long-distance passenger rail (the Rocky Mountaineer train to Denver ended in 2018).

Within the city, public transit (Mountain Metropolitan Transit buses) covers many neighborhoods, but rentals, cars, or rideshares are more convenient to reach dispersed sites like Garden of the Gods. Downtown is fairly walkable, and the free “Downtown Circulator” shuttle loops the core. The city is bike-friendly with many trails (like the Pikes Peak Greenway along Fountain Creek). Colorado Springs is quite safe for tourists; even downtown is stable at night, though always use common-sense around late hours. The “thin air” of high altitude means newcomers should hydrate well and avoid overexertion until acclimated. Sunscreen is a must even in cool weather, and evening jackets are advisable year-round due to altitude-driven temperature drops.

Tipping and etiquette follow U.S. norms. English is universal; Spanish is common in some areas. Currency is USD. Retail prices may be slightly higher than average, reflecting Colorado’s higher cost of living. Also note that Colorado Springs does not allow recreational marijuana sales (only medical dispensaries), unlike Denver just a short drive away.

In summary, Colorado Springs offers an unparalleled fusion of natural splendor and American western heritage. Visitors experience a family-friendly, outdoorsy culture – from panoramic mountain vistas to hometown rodeos and aerospace expositions – all with the crisp air and “cowboy meets scientist” vibe that define this fast-growing Rocky Mountain city.