8 Things to Add to Your 2023 Colorado Springs Bucket List

From thrilling adventures to culinary explorations, Colorado Springs is the perfect place for crossing items off your bucket list! Here’s our list of top things to do in Colorado Springs in 2023.

Whether you’re visiting Colorado Springs for the first time or call this beautiful city home, there are plenty of bucket list activities that are calling your name this year!

2023 is a year for adventure — from trying new foods to taking on new heights — your friends at Rocky Mountain Food Tours are here to help you! We’ve put together a list of the top eight things to do in Colorado.

1. Visit the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum

Are you ready to be inspired to find your own “Olympic-size” dreams for this year? There’s no better place to discover and fuel your goals for 2023 than Colorado Springs’ new state-of-the-art U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Throughout the 60,000-square foot facility at the base of majestic Pikes Peak, you’ll discover 12 interactive exhibits honoring and exploring the United State’s Olympic history, values, achievements, artifacts, and more.

2. Explore The Highest Zoo in America

Did you know that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo holds the title of the “Highest Zoo in America,” at an impressive elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo provides stunning views of Colorado Springs and access to more than 200 species of animals. This zoo experience will take you on a global animal adventure — from feeding giraffes to taking a sky-high chair ride above the animals and city. And don’t miss the new “Water’s Edge: Africa” exhibit where you will get up-close-and-personal with penguins and watch mighty hippos swim in a meandering pool.

3. Discover Unique Local Food on a Food Tour

This is the ultimate foodie bucket list item! If you’ve never eaten at five restaurants in one afternoon, you’re missing out! Thankfully, we’ve got you covered! With the help of your friends here at Rocky Mountain Food Tours (that’s us!), you’ll get to experience a sampling of some of Colorado Springs’ top restaurants over the course of three hours. You’ll also learn unique facts about Colorado Springs’ history, visit the restaurant of a celebrity chef, explore hidden dives, visit artisan food shops, and more!

We run tours every week, year round! Join us for the Original Tour that started in 2010, or try one of our newer tours! View our calendar and sign up today!

4. Stay a night at the historic Broadmoor Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to blend in with the rich and famous, a night at the historic Broadmoor Hotel might just do the trick! From John Wayne to Prince Harry, the Broadmoor has hosted a long list of celebrities and notable figures since its founding in 1918. The resort’s luxurious suites have views of its world-class golf course, five-star spa facilities, and of course, the nearby Rocky Mountains. While it’s not a cheap stay, it’ll be worth every penny! (Insider Tip: Are you local to Colorado? Click here for The Broadmoor’s special “Colorado Appreciation” rates from January-April!)

5. Drink Tea in a Castle at Glen Eyrie

The Glen Eyrie Tea is a traditional English tea served in the stunning Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. This historic landmark was once home to the founder of Colorado Springs, General Palmer, and his family. Since its completion in 1871, the castle has since become a hotel and retreat center, providing visitors a unique experience they won’t soon forget. The Glen Eyrie Tea includes a variety of tea options and a seasonal menu of gourmet bites and delicious sweets.

6. Go Rock Climbing in Garden of the Gods

While not for the faint of heart, rock climbing in Garden of the Gods is a one-of-a-kind experience! Front Range Climbing Company provides private climbing guide services to help make your climbing experience safe and enjoyable. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are looking to advance your skills, your guide will be there each step of the way to help you reach new heights.

If you’ve never climbed before and are looking to practice a bit before you hit the great outdoors, CityROCK Climbing Center in Downtown Colorado Springs is a great place to start!

7. Go on a White Water Rafting Adventure

A Colorado bucket list isn’t complete without a white water rafting experience! Just an hour outside of Colorado Springs, Echo Canyon River Expeditions is the most accessible guided rafting adventure to the city. While they’re the largest provider in the state, they are family owned and operated, providing a professional yet intimate experience. From gentle family floats to scenic thrills, Echo Canyon offers a variety of options for all skills levels. After your adventure, relax with some food and drinks at their on-site 8 Mile Bar & Grill.

8. Zipline Across the Royal Gorge 

The Royal Gorge’s Cloudscraper Zipline is the country’s highest zip line, soaring 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. While this bucket list item is sure to get your adrenaline going, this state-of-the-art attraction is equipped with safety harnesses and braking systems to ensure your ultimate safety and enjoyment!

Are you ready to make memories this year? Be sure to tag us in your 2023 bucket list adventures!

Cheers! Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

EXPLORE MORE TOPICS

attractionseditor's pickevents & holidaysgift ideashistorylocal diningtours we've takentravel