A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Colorado Springs vs. Vernon for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Colorado Springs and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Both Vernon and Colorado Springs have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its shopping. Vernon is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Colorado Springs different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon and Colorado Springs. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Both Colorado Springs and Vernon have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Colorado Springs or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Colorado Springs and Vernon.

Colorado Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Vernon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Vernon is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon More Beautiful?

Colorado Springs is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Vernon is a family-friendly mountain town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Couples?

Both Colorado Springs and Vernon are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Vernon is not popular with students.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vernon is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Colorado Springs or Vernon a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs and Vernon both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable mountain town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Colorado Springs and Vernon. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Colorado Springs than Vernon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Colorado Springs, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Colorado Springs, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Colorado Springs that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Vernon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Colorado Springs.

One day in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing town of Vernon. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colorado Springs and Vernon, we can see that Colorado Springs is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Colorado Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colorado Springs than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colorado Springs Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Colorado Springs and Vernon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs or Vernon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colorado Springs and Vernon. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Colorado Springs is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 71°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Colorado Springs usually receives more rain than Vernon. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Colorado Springs as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Colorado Springs is cooler than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Colorado Springs usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Colorado Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Colorado Springs is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colorado Springs in January average around 26°F (-3°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Vernon. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Colorado Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Colorado Springs is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 45°F (7°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Colorado Springs usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Colorado Springs