# From Water to the Skies Above, Five Colorado Springs Mancation Ideas Men Who Love *By James Hills — Updated January 2025* While Colorado has no shortage of natural beauty, there’s a special place along the eastern edge of the Rockies, about an hour south of Denver called Colorado Springs. From whitewater rafting on cool mountain rivers to road trips into the sky where you can reach an elevation of 14,115 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs is a fantastic destination for guys seeking outdoor adventure. ## Drive up Pikes Peak Highway At 14,115, [Pikes Peak Highway](https://www.pikes-peak.com/) is one of the highest roads in the United States. The 19-mile scenic road was first opened in 1915 and operates all year long though in 2019, parts of the road are only accessible via shuttle bus as the road is undergoing maintenance while they work to build the new summit house. The 12.42-mile road will take you through multiple climate zones and scenery ranging from alpine forests to bald rock above the tree line and you may even drive above the clouds. Along the way, you’ll be able to see fantastic views of the Rockies, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding terrain. ### Northwest Passage Expedition Cruises: Following The Wake Of Legendary Arctic Explorers Northwest Passage expedition: Follow Amundsen's legendary Arctic route aboard HX expedition ships. Experience polar bears and historic Franklin sites. Perfect for sophisticated adventurers seeking exc ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/hHP_uBlI4h2l49eC5HUWgQ.425) ### Planning An Alaskan Cruise Mancation? Here's What You Need to Know An Alaska Cruise is a fantastic mancation idea, here are some tips to make it an amazing experience. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/hHP_uBlI4h2l49eC5HUWgQ.612) ### Transport & Customized tours of Sri Lanka! Customized Sri Lanka tours with transport, led by qualified local guides with over 8 years of experience, for travelers seeking the best. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/hHP_uBlI4h2l49eC5HUWgQ.1811) ### Fantastic Thailand 9 Day Tour A 9-day Thailand tour from Bangkok's temples to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Phi Phi Islands, suited to travelers of all ages. Viator (affiliate) $1,239.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/hHP_uBlI4h2l49eC5HUWgQ.546) Promoted by FlowAds While driving up Pikes Peak Highway is not a competitive event, there are multiple races throughout the year ranging from the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. ## Casual Hiking In Garden of the Gods There are many places to go hiking in Colorado at various skill levels. However, most people can enjoy hikes at [Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark](https://www.gardenofgods.com/) where trails range from half a mile to three miles. In total there are approximately 15 miles of trails here for the more adventurous of you. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ARN7ZYkICkIJrwlgtak-jQ.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ARN7ZYkICkIJrwlgtak-jQ.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ARN7ZYkICkIJrwlgtak-jQ.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ARN7ZYkICkIJrwlgtak-jQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## Extreme Hiking at Manitou Incline Originally designed as a cable car route to carry materials to build pipelines on Pikes Peak, the Manitou Incline is now an extreme hike that rises nearly 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile!   ## Unplug and Recharge Your Brain While Camping If you’ve never experienced the night sky in Colorado’s wildlands then you are in for a special treat. With limited light from urban areas and mountains to block the existing light, laying back and exploring the night sky in Colorado Springs is a great way to relax and recharge your brain. There’s no better way to do it than going camping and unplugging from technology for a few days. There are numerous camping opportunities in the Colorado Springs area that range from organized camps to rustic campsites. For instance, the Barr Camp was constructed in 1922 and the historic cabin now welcomes hikers with spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts. Accommodations there range from cabins and lean-to shelters to tent sites. On the other hand, there is Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Pike National Forest both of which offer sites to set up tents and enjoy a more rustic environment. Whichever you choose, make sure to protect the natural beauty that drew you there, and remember to Leave No Trace! ## Cool Off With Some White Water Rafting Sometimes, it’s more fun to float down a river than it is to hike up a mountain. Luckily, Colorado Springs offers some fantastic opportunities for enjoying the rivers here. This includes full and half-day whitewater experiences on the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge as well as scenic float trips for those seeking a less extreme adventure. Andy Neinas has run [Raft Echo](https://www.raftecho.com/) for many years now and his suggestion would be to travel to Colorado in the beginning of the summer for the most intense conditions, while if you wanted a slower river then come towards the end of the summer while the water calms down.   ## Pump Up Your Adrenaline on the Terror-Dactyl at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park [Cave of the Winds Mountain Park](https://caveofthewinds.com/) has a variety of attractions from the 1,200 Bat-a-Pult zipline, Via Ferrata where you can scale sheer limestone cliffs by climbing up iron steps bolted into the wall, and then there’s the Terror-Dactyl. This ride sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff of Williams Canyon where riders are then launched into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour for the ultimate adrenaline kick. ## Air Force History Tours Any mention of Colorado Springs as a mancation destination must include a nod to this being the home of both the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, NORAD Headquarters, and the United States Air Force Academy. While public tours of Cheyenne Mountain Complex are not available, there may be periodic tours available for family and friends of those that work here. If you know someone, this would be a cool opportunity to see this famous location featured in movies from the 1983 WarGames to the 1997-2007 TV show Stargate SG-1. However - even if you aren't able to get a tour here (Colorado Springs tourism says tours are highly unlikely), we still think it's cool to be in the same area. However, the public is permitted to tour the grounds of the [Air Force Academy](https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/). This includes the Planetarium, Cadet Chapel, and Visitor Center, where you can learn about the Academy's history and mission, as well as The Terrazo, where several retired aircraft are on display, including an F-15A Eagle, F-16A Fighting Falcon, F-150D Thunderchief, and an F-4D Phantom II. Whatever your mancation adventure style, [Colorado Springs](httpss://www.visitcos.com/) is a great place to seek it out. While Denver, Colorado or going skiing in the Colorado Rockies might seem like the thing to do on your Colorado guys getaway list, this town has a lot to offer as well. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/FhUNIF3EIvntG5F9NF7pQQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 09 January 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### More than South Beach on a Miami Mancation Jul 03, 2025 [More than South Beach on a Miami Mancation](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/south-beach-and-more-on-a-miami-mancation.html) #### How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure May 10, 2022 [How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-have-a-perfect-colorado-summer-guys-weekend-adventure.html) #### Great American Road Trips That You Need To Do At Least Once! Mar 28, 2015 [Great American Road Trips That You Need To Do At Least Once!](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/great-american-road-trips-that-you-need-to-do-at-least-once.html) ### Related Articles #### Royal Gorge Route Railroad Is Built For Men Who Never Outgrew Trains [Royal Gorge Route Railroad Is Built For Men Who Never Outgrew Trains](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/royal-gorge-route-railroad-guys-trip.html) #### The Off-Road Trip You Didn't Know You Needed - Craters, Volcanoes, and Dead Sea Cliffs in Israel [The Off-Road Trip You Didn't Know You Needed - Craters, Volcanoes, and Dead Sea Cliffs in Israel](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/offroad-mancation-jeep-tours-israel.html) #### Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip [Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/metaphysical-guys-trip-destinations.html) #### How to Plan a Destin Guys Trip: Golf, Deep-Sea Fishing, and A Beach-House [How to Plan a Destin Guys Trip: Golf, Deep-Sea Fishing, and A Beach-House](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/destin-guys-trip-planning-guide.html) #### Colorado ATV Tours From Leadville: Riding the Highest City in America [Colorado ATV Tours From Leadville: Riding the Highest City in America](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/colorado-atv-tours-leadville-high-country.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [From Water to the Skies Above, Five Colorado Springs Mancation Ideas Men Who Love](https://mantripping.com/travel/colorado-springs-mancation-ideas.html)* **Tags:** Mancation , Mancation Destination, Colorado Guys Trip Ideas