a uccs student guide

Your north-side guide to living near UCCS

The honest version, not the tourist brochure. This is the coffee, the cheap eats, the trails, and the nights out that UCCS students on this side of Colorado Springs actually keep going back to. All of it a short walk or a quick drive from your door up on Cragmor. The west side has its own scene, this is ours.

Coffee + study

coffee and your 8 am

The one inside the University Center, so it's on the walk to your first class, not a drive across town. Grab a coffee and a grab-and-go sandwich between lectures.

A real local roaster over on Montebello, with a peak view from the window and enough of a cozy setup to camp out with your laptop. The banana bread latte has a cult following.

Bigger than it looks, with couches, big tables, high tops, board games, and a side room you can reserve for a group project. Actual students post up here for hours. This is your finals-week spot.

Cheap Eats

where to eat

The one-stop plaza up North Nevada with Chipotle, Noodles, Panera, Smashburger, and Which Wich, plus a Trader Joe's for the grocery run and a movie theater when you need a break. You'll end up here weekly.

The campus gastropub on the first floor of the University Center, named after the Mountain Lions' mascot. Easy pub food when you've got an hour between classes and don't want to leave campus.

A local, not-a-chain pizza spot people have loved since the '90s. The stromboli gets name-checked in half the reviews. Order ahead, it's mostly takeout and dinner only.

The go-to when someone says "brunch." Big portions, loaded hash browns, right up North Nevada near the Village. Worth the wait after a late Friday.

A divey, beloved New York slice shop that's been a Springs staple forever. Thin, foldable, cheap. Perfect for a group that can't agree on anything else.

The one that's still open and delivering when the study session runs long. Get the cheesy garlic bread, thank yourself later.

hiking + trails

get outside

Around 500 acres and roughly 10 miles of easy-to-moderate trails right next to campus, with big Pikes Peak views. The closest place to clear your head, walk the dog, or run before class.

A short, punchy climb to a 360 view of the city and the mountains. You can even spot Garden of the Gods from the top. Go for sunrise once, you'll get why the place is called The Lookout.

A cozy spot along the creek with one of the longer trail connections right out the door. Caffeine, then a walk, then back to it. Closed Sundays, so plan around it.

bars + breweries

nights out

The nearest spot for a booth, a beer, and a Pizookie after a group project. Not fancy, but it's right there and everyone's welcome.

A laid-back, veteran-owned taproom with darts, chess, and 20 taps, and a Monday board-game crowd. Easy, welcoming hang, and a good fit if you're military or just want a low-key night.

The historic downtown brewpub with pool tables upstairs and a late kitchen on weekends. Base camp for a night on Tejon Street, about 15 minutes down Nevada.

getting around

How you get there

Walk to campus
- The whole point. Class, the library, and Dwire Hall are a short walk from your door, so most days the car stays parked.
Hop the bus
- Mountain Metro buses stop nearby and run down North Nevada toward downtown when you want a night out without driving.
Bike + trails
- Bike racks on site, and the Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Rock trails connect right in for the days you’d rather roll than drive.
When you do drive
- On-site parking at home, I-25 a couple minutes away via Nevada or Austin Bluffs, and downtown about 15 minutes south. No parking-pass stress for your 8 a.m.

now leasing for uccs

live in the middle of it

The best way to get to know the north side is to live at the top of it.
Come tour and we’ll point you to our own favorite spots.