U.S. News and World Report has named UCHealth and CommonSpirit as the top two hospitals in southern Colorado.

The national publication recently released its 2025-2026 Best Regional Hospitals rankings, which are designed to help patients and their physicians choose the most suitable general (as opposed to specialty) hospital for their individual needs. Evaluators looked at more than 4,500 medical centers in 15 specialties and 17 procedures.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Ben Harder, U.S. News’ managing editor. “With a ‘Best Hospital’ recognition, Americans, in consultation with their medical providers, can confidently choose a regional hospital known for providing superior care for their specific illness or condition.”

UCHealth Memorial Hospital was ranked No. 1 in Colorado Springs and tied for third-best in the state with UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. CommonSpirit Penrose-St. Francis was ranked No. 2 in Colorado Springs and tied for sixth-best in the state, with Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette and Swedish Medical Center in Englewood.

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora was named the top medical center in the state.

“It’s an honor to be ranked and have so many of our specialty services receive high performing scores,” said Kristi Olson, president of Penrose Hospital.

“Quality does not happen by accident,” said Lonnie Cramer, president and CEO of Memorial Hospital. “It takes a concerted effort centered on the desire for continuous improvement, which ensures our patients receive the very best care possible.”

To earn a spot in the U.S. News rankings, a medical center must earn a “high performing” ranking — meaning in the top 10% of evaluated hospitals — in at least nine procedures and conditions.

UCHealth Memorial scored “high performing” in 13 procedures and conditions, including lung cancer surgery and heart attack treatment.

“Our nurses, care teams and providers bring their expertise, compassion and resilience to every patient interaction,” said Kelly Gallegos, chief nursing officer at UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

“This honor reflects their extraordinary work and the relentless pursuit of clinical excellence across all areas of care. We are incredibly proud of our teams.”

CommonSpirit scored highly in nine procedures and conditions, including hip and knee replacement and various cancer surgeries.

Gina Temple, president of St. Francis Hospitals, said the U.S. News ranking reflects “the compassionate, high-quality care our dedicated teams provide to our patients every day.”

Hospital data included CommonSpirit’s Penrose and St. Francis hospitals, as well as UCHealth Memorial’s central and north locations, officials said.

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