February is Colorado Springs' quietest tourism month, which makes it the best value month — restaurants take reservations, trails are empty, and the mountain towns west of the city put on their winter festivals.
It's also peak season for the one thing the Pikes Peak region does that almost nowhere else does: ice sculpture at altitude.
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival — massive carved-ice installations lining the historic main street — is the region's marquee February event, an hour's mountain drive from the Springs. Pair it with the town's casinos or the Mollie Kathleen area's mining history for a full day trip.
Valentine's season plays to the city's strengths: The Broadmoor for the splurge, Old Colorado City's restaurant row for something warmer and cheaper, and the downtown theater and concert calendar for the reliable dinner-and-a-show formula. Check the date-night events page for what's on the calendar.
South-facing trails melt fast here even in February — Section 16, the Palmer Park mesas, and the Garden of the Gods loops are usually walkable between storms. The Manitou Incline is open year-round but icy steps make micro-spikes non-negotiable.
Happening right now
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is the signature regional event, and in town it's a strong month for museums, restaurants, concerts, and uncrowded winter hikes at Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon.
Yes, the Incline is open year-round with free reservations. In winter, traction devices like micro-spikes are strongly recommended — the steps hold ice in the shaded sections long after storms.
The classics: dinner in Old Colorado City or downtown, a show at the Pikes Peak Center or Ent Center for the Arts, or a Broadmoor evening. Our date-night events page lists what's actually on the calendar.
About an hour west via Highway 24 and Highway 67 — a scenic mountain drive that's part of the appeal. Check road conditions after storms.