Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is the historic west side of Colorado Springs, a walkable district of brick storefronts, tree-lined sidewalks and Pikes Peak views where the region’s story began. Founded in 1859, years before Colorado Springs, it now packs more than 100 independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs into a few charming blocks of West Colorado Avenue.
Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs, CO
In 1859, the small settlement of El Dorado at the entrance to Ute Pass was renamed Colorado City, becoming the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak region. It briefly served as the capital of the Colorado Territory before the capital moved to Golden in 1862. The town later boomed as headquarters of the Colorado Midland Railway and as a mill town for Cripple Creek gold. Because Colorado Springs was founded as a dry town, Colorado City became famous for its saloons and brothels, until it voted to go dry in 1914 and was annexed by Colorado Springs in 1917.
Today, the Old Colorado City Historic Commercial District on the National Register of Historic Places preserves Queen Anne, Italianate and Romanesque Revival buildings. Start at Bancroft Park, where a historic log cabin and a marker honoring Colorado City as the first territorial capital stand beside the pavilion, then visit the Old Colorado City History Center in the former First Baptist Church building at 1 S. 24th Street. Pair a stroll with the red rocks of Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon Open Space, both just minutes away.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Colorado City Business District by ERoss99 (CC BY-SA 3.0); Broadway Street, Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs (54557115419) by Lumen Wilde (CC BY-SA 2.0); City Hall of Colorado City by Jeffrey Beall (CC BY-SA 3.0); OldCourthouse-ColoradoCityCO by Plazak (CC BY-SA 3.0); BP, Pioneer County Office, front by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 4.0); Old Colorado City Plaza, June 1978(build date) by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 4.0); Old Colorado City Public Library by Erie Bard (CC BY-SA 4.0); West Two Plaza, 1995, Old Colorado City by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 4.0); Old Colordo City first capital marker by Flyfreezer761 (CC0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
Old Colorado City celebrates the season with Scarecrow Days through Oct. 31 and Trick or Treat Street on Oct. 31, 2026, followed by the Christmas Stroll in early December. The First Friday ArtWalk brings open galleries and music each month, and Territory Days fills the streets on Memorial Day weekend. See shopoldcoloradocity.com for the full calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Old Colorado City?
- Shopping: Browse more than 100 boutiques, galleries and antique shops.
- Dining: Enjoy patio cafes, pubs and restaurants.
- History Center: Learn about Colorado City’s wild early days.
- Bancroft Park: See the historic cabin and capital marker.
- Events: Join the First Friday ArtWalk or Territory Days.
Was Old Colorado City the capital of Colorado?
Colorado City briefly served as the capital of the Colorado Territory before the territorial capital moved to Golden in 1862. Denver became the state capital later.
When is the Old Colorado City History Center open?
The volunteer-run History Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in winter and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in summer. It may close for bad weather.
Is parking free in Old Colorado City?
Old Colorado City has street parking and several public lots near Colorado Avenue. Rules can change, so check signs when you park.
How far is Old Colorado City from downtown Colorado Springs?
Old Colorado City is about 2 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs along Colorado Avenue, roughly a 5- to 10-minute drive, and just east of Manitou Springs.
Old Colorado City is centered on West Colorado Avenue at 24th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Call the Old Colorado City History Center at 719-636-1225 or visit shopoldcoloradocity.com to plan your visit.