What to do in El Paso County, CO

Just one hour’s drive from Denver, on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, you will find an enchanting, rugged wilderness marked with otherworldly red rock formations. This is the Garden of the Gods, a sprawling city park where it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. Explore this natural marvel with a tour or on your own, and admire the famous rocky landscape of Colorado.

Step onto the campus of the US Air Force Academy to discover what goes into the training of the country's elite air force personnel. Every year, the military institution puts hundreds of cadets through a rigorous 4-year academic program.

Situated within Pike National Forest, 113-kilometres south of Denver, Pikes Peak is a majestic mountain range renowned for its sweeping vistas and stunning natural scenery. Stretching an impressive 4,300 metres into the blue Colorado sky, this national historic landmark attracts thousands of visitors every year including families, nature lovers, photographers and anyone else who has an appreciation of nature and adventure.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a large complex on the side of a mountain. Laying claim to being America’s only mountain zoo, it sits at an altitude of 6,800 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level. The 140-acre (57-hectare) site is home to more than 800 animals representing over 200 species.

Venture deep into a vast underground cave network, hold on tight for hair-raising rides and enjoy stunning canyon views at the Caves of the Winds. There are adventures and activities for all the family at a natural wonder that was formed 500 million years ago.

Go biking, hiking and camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a wilderness expanse at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain. The diverse terrain comprises 2,701 acres (1,093 hectares) and encompasses prairies and forested areas.

Glen Eyrie Castle is a large 19th-century house built for the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer. The English Tudor-style castle was constructed in 1871 and sits on 800 acres (324 hectares) of grounds in the Rocky Mountains. Today the castle and its estate is owned by a Christian organization called The Navigators