How to Spend the Perfect Day in Pueblo, CO
Got 24 hours to spend in Pueblo? That’s plenty of time to sip solar-roasted coffee, hike sun-splashed trails, devour some famed Colorado green chiles and cruise along a historic riverwalk.
In Southern Colorado, Pueblo delivers a little bit of everything, from a rich history to unique flavors, fantastic outdoor recreation and even a nostalgic neon surprise once the sun sets. Here’s some of the essential stops to make your first visit to Pueblo count.
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1. Coffee Stop
Fuel the day with a locally brewed coffee. Solar Roast Coffee, touted as the world’s only commercial solar-powered coffee roaster, serves specials at its Main Street café that might include the Pueblo Mocha Granita, a little sweet with a touch of peppery spice. Or swing by Mane Brew, become a regular, and try inventive seasonal specials like August’s funnel cake latte, crafted to celebrate the state fair that comes to town.
2. Morning Hike
With 300 days of sunshine each year, Pueblo features hiking trails that beckon residents and visitors all year long. Lake Pueblo State Park is laced with routes showcasing sweeping views of the Greenhorn and Wet Mountains, as well as the majestic Pikes Peak, which inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.” Hike among 200-year-old junipers or follow paths that trace the shoreline of the reservoir.
As a gateway to San Isabel National Forest, Pueblo Mountain Park offers some quick routes like a 1.4-mile stroll along a seasonal stream on Devil’s Canyon Trail or a 1-mile climb on Tower Trail to a historic 1937 fire tower standing watch at 7,400 feet.
3. History Shot
Dive into Pueblo’s past. Tour the opulent 37-room Rosemount Museum, built in 1893 for businessman John A. Thatcher and his wife, Margaret, whose favorite flower inspired the home’s name. Explore El Pueblo History Museum, where exhibits highlight the diverse cultures that shaped the region and you can see a re-created 1840s adobe trading post and plaza. Step into the Steelworks Center of the West to discover how Pueblo’s 1882 steel mill helped build the American West.
4. Lunch Quest
In Pueblo, green chiles reign supreme, and restaurants have their own spin on the city’s signature slopper: a hamburger or cheeseburger smothered in green chiles and crowned with raw onions. Consider it your delicious mission to find the best one. Or swing by Fuel & Iron Food Hall, where five local vendors serve up everything from wings to a bison slopper and curries, all inside a beautifully restored historic hardware building.
5. Afternoon Art
For an inspired afternoon, stroll along the Creative Corridor, an easy-to-navigate area that’s packed with art galleries, museums, street sculptures, shops and more. Some highlights include the exhibits at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center and, if you have little ones in tow, the Buell Children’s Museum. Shop for a souvenir at Steel City Art Works Gallery, where you can find paintings, jewelry, pottery and other items created by local artists.
6. River Cruise
Take a narrated boat tour along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk and discover the waterway’s rich past, once traveled by Native Americans for hunting and trade. After a devastating 1920s flood diverted the river, the Arkansas returned to its historic downtown channel in 2000.
Today, the 32-acre waterfront anchors Pueblo’s revitalized city center. Boat rides operate May through September, but the scenic Riverwalk is open year-round for strolling.
7. Evening Glow
Bask in the glow of neon lights in Pueblo’s Neon Alley. Dozens of carefully restored retro signs bathe the passageway in a rainbow of color. Once shining above diners, motels, movie theaters and other local businesses, these nostalgic treasures now glow again in the Union Avenue Historic District. Part project, part secret outdoor museum, the collection is curated by neon enthusiast Joe Koncilja.
8. Nightcap
End the night on a high note at one of Pueblo’s local breweries. The Walter Brewing Co. keeps a lively calendar of themed events. Shamrock Brewing Co. blends brewery and Irish pub, where fish and chips paired with an Irish red ale feels just right. And at Brues Alehouse, you can sip locally brewed beers, savor beloved signature dishes and enjoy live music by the waterfront.
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