Fountain

Day Trips

Touch down in Fountain and settle into your lodging before heading to the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Wander the interactive exhibits to learn about local ecosystems while watching birds along the creek. Capture the serene riverside vistas and set the tone for your immersive Colorado adventure.

Grab a picnic lunch by the water’s edge and savor freshly made sandwiches at the center’s outdoor tables. Embark on the Willow Trail, a gentle loop that reveals wildflowers and possible deer sightings. Photograph the vibrant flora and fauna as you leisurely explore the park.

Return to town for a hearty meal at a farm-to-table restaurant, sampling local produce. Stroll through Main Street’s charming shops and art galleries for unique souvenirs. Wind down under the starlit prairie sky with a nightcap at a cozy local brewery.

Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee at a historic café downtown. Set off on a self-guided walking tour to admire 19th-century architecture and learn about Fountain’s founding. Chat with locals as you explore landmarks like the Cabretta Hotel.

Lunch awaits at a family-run taco joint serving authentic Mexican fare. Visit the Fountain Museum to delve deeper into the town’s history and peruse vintage photographs. Continue the tour by popping into antique shops for hidden treasures.

Dine on classic American comfort food at a local diner where the walls are adorned with memorabilia. Catch a live music performance at a nearby venue or enjoy an open mic night. End the evening with a moonlit stroll through the city park.

Wake up early for a drive to Pikeview Reservoir, where fishing enthusiasts can cast for bass and trout. Enjoy the calm water reflections as gulls drift overhead. Stretch your legs with a trail loop that provides panoramic views of the foothills.

Head back to town for brunch at a bakery specializing in artisan pastries and savory quiches. Savor farm-fresh eggs and locally roasted coffee while planning your afternoon. Stop by a nearby farmers market to sample homemade jams and honey.

Treat yourself to a craft cocktail at a speakeasy-style lounge, sampling locally distilled spirits. Order small plates like charcuterie boards and grilled cheese for sharing. Relax beneath string lights and soak in the laid-back evening vibe.

Drive north to Colorado Springs and arrive at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as it opens. Feed the friendly giraffes on the mountaintop for spectacular views of the zoo and city below. Learn about wildlife conservation from zookeepers during informative talks.

Descend into town for lunch at a garden café near the Olympic Training Center. Explore the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum to gain more insight into regional history. Walk through Monument Valley Park’s winding trails along Cheyenne Creek.

Return to Fountain for dinner at a wood-fired pizza restaurant popular with locals. Enjoy a slice under the warm glow of Edison bulbs. End the day with a stroll along a creekside trail before calling it a night.

Drive to Garden of the Gods before sunrise to watch the red sandstone formations glow in the early light. Hike the Perkins Central Garden Trail, stopping to photograph balanced rocks and towering spires. Join a free ranger-led talk to learn about the geology.

Head to Manitou Springs for lunch at a quirky bistro known for its organic salads and wraps. Sip from the town’s natural mineral springs along the historic spring route. Browse artisan shops and galleries in downtown Manitou.

Dine at a cozy tavern offering bison burgers and local microbrews. Catch street performers on the main drag or try your luck at a vintage arcade. Finish your evening with a curl of candy from the famous Penny Arcade.

Board the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway for the scenic ascent to the summit. Enjoy panoramic mountain views from the observation car as you climb above treeline. Step off at the summit to soak in 360-degree vistas of the Rockies and plains.

Have lunch at the summit house cafeteria, indulging in classic comfort foods with a view. Spend time at the summit gift shop picking up commemorative souvenirs. Hike a short segment of the Barr Trail if you’re up for a gentle altitude challenge.

Descend back to Manitou in time for dinner at a family-owned steakhouse. Toast your summit success with a mountain-themed cocktail on the outdoor patio. Watch the sunset over the foothills before returning to Fountain.

Visit the U.S. Air Force Academy for a guided campus tour, starting at the iconic Cadet Chapel. Learn about cadet life and Gliderport flight operations from an academy guide. Snap photos of the striking modernist architecture.

Enjoy lunch at the Academy’s award-winning club restaurant overlooking training fields. Explore the nearby Falcon Stadium and see where football traditions come to life. Drive along North Cheyenne Canon Road for scenic photo stops.

Back in Fountain, sample authentic German fare at a biergarten with outdoor seating. Pair your schnitzel with a locally brewed lager. Cap the evening with live polka music or a tranquil stroll in the beer garden under twinkling lights.

Rise early for a two-hour drive south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Hike the High Dune for sunrise views over the sea of sand with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop. Feel the fine sand shifting beneath each step.

Picnic beside Medano Creek as water trickles over the dunes, offering a fun wading spot. Rent sandboards or sleds to glide down the dunes’ slopes, laughter guaranteed. Explore the dunes’ edge to find hidden wildlife tracks.

Return to Fountain and dine at a Southwestern restaurant serving enchiladas and tamales. Reflect on your day’s desert adventure over a spicy margarita. Relax in your lodging with star-filled night skies visible through your window.

Head west to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to walk across one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Take in the dramatic canyon views and listen to the roar of the Arkansas River far below. Visit the park’s educational exhibits to learn about local geology.

Ride the aerial gondolas across the gorge or try the Skycoaster for an adrenaline rush. Enjoy lunch at a café overlooking the river, sampling rustic sandwiches. Stroll through the park’s botanical gardens, spotting native wildflowers.

Drive back to Fountain for dinner at an upscale bistro offering seasonal tasting menus. Opt for a wine pairing to complement each course. Conclude the evening with a decadent dessert while recounting your canyon exploits.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a farmstead café featuring omelets with local mushrooms and cheeses. Chat with the owner about sourcing ingredients from nearby ranches. Savor locally roasted coffee as you plan the day’s final adventures.

Embark on a self-guided brewery tour of Fountain’s craft scene, sampling IPAs, stouts, and saisons. Learn about brewing techniques from friendly brewmasters behind the bar. Nosh on gourmet pub snacks like truffle fries and artisanal flatbreads.

For your last night, reserve a table at a fine-dining restaurant celebrating Colorado’s four-season cuisine. Raise a final toast to your Fountain journey with a cocktail infused with local herbs. Take an after-dinner stroll down Main Street, pausing to admire the illuminated historic buildings.