Enjoy this lively and lovely guest post from a much better Henthorne. Birdie is taking over on this one, with an inside look at their favorite things in Colorado Springs, and why they made the move from Midwest to Mountains.
Growing up, my family made it a point during the warmer months to go on after-dinner walks in the woods. Woods Walks. We were lucky to be surrounded by a robust Metro Park system, one that gave us easy access to tranquil trails just a short drive from home. We’d clear the table after our meal, lace up, and head to the nearest park for a little time outside.
I hated these hikes.
I’d love to blame it on preteen hormones, but honestly, I think I was just straight-up rude and fussy. I remember being absolutely terrified—borderline feral—about the daddy long legs spiders crossing the trail in front of me. How dare they? Why were there so many? Get. Me. Out. Of. Here.
If those long-legged intruders could see me now.
These days, I live in Colorado with my wife, our dog, and two cats—and I couldn’t be happier. We moved out here a few years ago in search of change, chance, and growth, drawn in by the high desert landscape and the promise of something new. Colorado Springs is where we chose to park our Jeeps and start fresh.
And we love it here. It’s a mid-sized city with minimal traffic, unbeatable access to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and some of the most epic sunrises you’ll ever see. I like to joke that we should keep Colorado Springs a secret to preserve its authenticity—but the truth is, it’s too good not to share.
So here it is: a little glimpse into why you should visit Colorado Springs. Just be careful—you might find yourself wanting to come back. Or stay, like we did.
1. Garden of the Gods Towering red rock formations that look like they were dropped straight out of a Southwest dream—and somehow, it’s completely FREE to visit. You can drive, hike, or just sit and take it all in, but if you can swing it, go early. Sunrise here is something special: soft light hitting the rocks, fewer crowds, and that quiet, almost surreal stillness before the city wakes up. It never gets old, and somehow always looks different.
2. Purple Mountain Majesty: Pikes Peak Yes, that “America the Beautiful” mountain. When Katharine Lee Bates first looked out from Pikes Peak, she was so moved by the view that she went on to write one of America’s most iconic songs, “America the Beautiful.” Whether you drive the highway, take the cog railway, or hike it if you’re feeling bold, standing at 14,115 feet makes you feel very small in the best way. And at the summit? Piping hot, cinnamon sugar donuts that somehow taste even better at altitude. No, it’s not just the elevation talking—they’re genuinely that good, and absolutely not to be missed.
3. An Unreal City Park System From the canyon walls of North Cheyenne Cañon Park to the red rock playground at Red Rock Canyon Open Space—which we’ll always love a little extra, since it’s where we got engaged—and the sweeping city views at Palmer Park, you’re never more than minutes from a trailhead.
4. Manitou Springs Equal parts quirky, artsy, and historic mountain town. Come for the mineral springs, stay for the charm—and if you’re here in October, don’t miss the Emma Crawford Coffin Races. The tradition dates back to the late 1800s when Emma Crawford, a young woman who loved the mountains, was buried on Red Mountain. Years later, her coffin was unearthed by erosion and slid down the mountain—so naturally, the town now honors her with a costumed coffin race down Manitou Avenue. As one does.
5. Massive Open Space Dog Parks Spots like Bear Creek Dog Park and Palmer Park give your pup room to roam, splash, and live their best off-leash life. Bonus: mountain views for you while they get their zoomies out.
6. Bike Trails Galore The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail runs through the heart of the city, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and breweries—perfect for a cruise that turns into an all-day adventure. And brewery hopping, of course.
7. Front Range Access, Always Living here means the mountains aren’t a “weekend trip”—they’re your backyard. Quick drives get you into the foothills, alpine lakes, or scenic overlooks without much planning at all.
8. Breweries for Days The craft beer scene punches way above its weight. Favorites like Goat Patch Brewing Company and Red Leg Brewing Company bring great beer, laid-back vibes, and dog-friendly patios—aka the perfect post-hike/bike reward.
9. Bluebird Days & 300+ Days of Sunshine It’s not a myth—the skies really are that blue, that often. And it’s not just the sunshine that gets you—it’s the way it shows up. Golden hour here stretches, the sunrises light up the plains, and the sunsets hit the mountains just right. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped mid-sentence to say “wait…look at that SKY.”
10. Olympic City USA Energy Home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum—you’ll regularly be humbled by casually getting passed on a run or ride by someone training for Team USA.
11. Desert Reef Hot Spring A little off the beaten path, but worth every second of the drive. Soaking in these mineral pools with wide-open desert views feels like you’ve landed on another planet—in the best, most peaceful way possible.
12. Warm, Dry Days & Cool Nights Summer here means heat without the heaviness—no sticky humidity, just dry air and endless blue skies. But the real magic? The way the temperature drops at night. Windows open, cool breeze rolling in, maybe a fire crackling or a hoodie thrown on after sunset. It’s the kind of climate that quietly turns ordinary evenings into your favorite part of the day.
13. The People (and the Pace) A city full of transplants, creatives, outdoor lovers, and people chasing something different. It’s got just enough going on without the overwhelm—big enough to explore, small enough to feel like yours. And we do.
