The Perfect Fall Colorado Itinerary: 3-4 days in the Pikes Peak Region
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Moonrise Cottage is the best home base for your magical Pikes Peak Region weekend getaway. With 3 bedroom, 2 baths, a spacious open floor plan, fun kids bunk room with toys, fully loaded kitchen, and the most convenient location in Green Mountain Falls - it's the perfect destination for groups and families!
DAY 1 - Enjoy Local Food and Settle into Moonrise Cottage
Driving in from Colorado Springs? As a bonus activity, stop at Manitou Springs or Cave of the Winds on your way up or down.
Arrive at Moonrise Cottage for 4pm check-in.
Drop your bags and head to a nearby restaurant to splurge a bit on your travel day.
Blue Moose Tavern
Casual. Beer. 1 minute away.
The Mucky Duck
Upscale. Wine & Cocktails. 1 minute away.
Settle in for the night. Get cozy in front of the fire, relax and get ready for the next day's adventures!
DAY 2 - Take a Hike
Wake up. Make coffee at our coffee bar, or head to The Pantry just 500 ft from the cottage for coffee and some amazing homemade breakfast!
For an easy flat walk, take a stroll around Gazebo Lake just across from The Pantry or let the kids play on the adjacent playground.
Or take a more challenging hike - We love the Thomas Trail Loop and further away, one of the several hikes at Red Canyon Open Space just a 14 minute drive from the cottage.
Small Waterfall: Thomas Trail Loop
Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop : Red Rock Canyon Open Space
After your hike head to Woodland Park for groceries at the local Safeway, Natural Grocers or Walmart and wine at Banana Belt Discount Liquor (right near each other, all about 8 minutes away).
Or you could stop on the way home if you hiked at Red Rock Canyon Open Space at the Safeway in Manitou Springs, lots of options!
Come home, pour a glass of wine and cook a nice dinner in our great kitchen, or use the propane BBQ!
Start a fire, play games, do a puzzle, or cuddle up for a movie.
DAY 3 - Hit up a Near By Town
CRIPPLE CREEK - 45 minute drive
Historic mining town turned gambling town! Enjoy the fall colors on the drive up. Visit the Heritage Center to get started, head over to the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum, take a ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, then finish the day with a ghost tour.
WOODLAND PARK - 8 minute drive
Known as the City Above the Clouds there is plenty to do and see here. You won't want to miss the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center - rated #2 best dinosaur exhibit by the Travel Channel, make a stop at Antler Alley for a great photo with Pikes Peak in the background, grab a pie or just a slice at AJ's Pizzeria for lunch, then take a tour at the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
MANITOU SPRINGS - 13 minute drive
Manitou Springs has 8 naturally-carbonated mineral springs! Stop in at the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau (354 Manitou Ave.) for a cup, a map, and a chart of the mineral makeup of each spring. In between touring the springs stop for a treat at Patsy's on Main St. Pop into the Penny Arcade for some good old fashioned Skeeball. Then stroll down main street enjoying Manitou's many local shops, boutiques, and galleries. Grab a bite to eat right next to the arcade at the Border Burger Bar for creekside dining on their patio.
OLD COLORADO CITY - 19 minute drive
If historic character is your thing this is where you will want to be! You can easily spend all day strolling the tree-lined brick sidewalks perusing the eclectic boutiques, specialty shops and award winning restaurants. One of our favorite restaurants is Thunder & Buttons right on Colorado Ave.; however, you really can't go wrong eating anywhere in Old Colorado City!
DAY 4 - Enjoy Nature on the Way Out
Wake up and make a cup of coffee or grab some at The Pantry with breakfast - they will give you a cup to go if you're needing a bit more Joe before traveling home.
Check out of Moonrise Cottage by 10am - don't forget to sign the physical guest book before you leave.
If you are leaving through Colorado Springs and are in a hurry try to at least plan a drive through Garden of the Gods - it's free and only takes about 20 minutes! Because really you cannot come to the Pikes Peak Region without experiencing the Garden of the Gods!
If you have a bit more time to spare start at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for some retail therapy (get your last minute trip souvenirs) and Starbucks coffee. This is also the place to get the perfect recommendation for that last hike or adventure for whatever time you have remaining.
If you have about 2.5 hours to spare we highly recommend taking a jeep tour or even a guided horseback ride, if this sounds like a plan make sure to schedule reservations ahead of time!
There is an endless amount of things to do and see near Moonrise Cottage! When you book with us, we’re happy to make personal recommendations to help make your trip as special as possible. Please feel free to forward our newsletter on to anyone who would be interested in booking a stay with us!
Book Moonrise Cottage direct to save on fees, or on VRBO or Airbnb
