Rush to Colorado Springs for a Grand Adventure
The city of Colorado Springs sits at the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains in the midst of awe-inspiring natural beauty. And with more than 300 sunny days a year, residents and guests alike are often treated to a backdrop of seemingly endless blue skies.
That makes for the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventure and exploration of the area’s rich natural and cultural history. Our guide will introduce you to some of the remarkable attractions located in and around Colorado Springs.
Natural Splendor
Majestic Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America, and the second most visited mountain in the world. Tourists can drive on a toll road all the way to the impressive 14110 ft. summit, take a ride up on the Cog Railway, or hike to the top on the 13-mile Barr Trail. The view from the peak is worth the effort—it was said to have inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write a poem that eventually became the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”
A registered National Natural Landmark, the magical Garden of the Gods Park features a landscape of dramatic 300 ft. sandstone formations. Visitors can hike, bike or ride the park’s trails on horseback, take a bus tour, or simply picnic while enjoying the mesmerizing view. Rock climbing is also permitted according to the park’s regulations. The Visitor’s and Nature Center houses exhibits and a short HD film about the park’s history and how the red rocks were formed.
Take a walk across the sky at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, which features the highest suspension bridge in the world. Built in 1929 it spans a quarter of a mile across the spectacular Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River. The park includes an incline railway that descends 1500 feet to the canyon floor, thrill rides, shows and wildlife exhibits.
You may also want to picnic or hike at Seven Falls. Water cascades 181 feet down a solid wall of Pikes Peak granite in seven definite steps. Take an elevator to reach the most impressive views of the falls, or climb the stairs and trails for panoramic views of the city and plains.
Cool Creatures
Consider an enlightening visit to one or both of these family-style attractions that foster learning. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to animal species from around the world, offering close-up animal encounters, train rides and shows in a breathtaking mountain setting.
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in nearby Woodland Park has a fascinating collection of fossilized species including dinosaurs, flying pterosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles and fish. Kids and their parents will be interested in the working fossil lab. Other kid-friendly activities include a dig site, videos, and other fossil-themed projects.
Team USA
World-class athletes come to Colorado Springs from around the nation to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, which is also the headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee. The huge facility occupies a former military installation, and has an elaborate visitor’s center with an informative film, art exhibits, memorabilia displays and a gift shop for avid fans of Team USA.
The U.S. Air Force Academy is a prestigious military college that educates officers for service in the Air Force. A visitor’s center provides information about the history of the Academy and insight into cadet life. A self-guided tour of some campus areas is also available.
Relive the Old West
Miners discovered gold in nearby Cripple Creek in 1891and it quickly became one of the world’s richest gold camps. The town now boasts America’s only vertical shaft goldmine tour, where visitors descend 1000ft. underground into the Mollie Kathleen mine.
The Ghost Town Wild West Museum includes rustic buildings and artifacts that recreate town life in the old west during the late 1800s. Kids will love panning for gold, the old-fashioned arcade and other hands-on activities.
The Flying W Ranch is a working cattle ranch that serves up chuckwagon suppers in a rustic, western village setting. The experience includes stage show of traditional cowboy music performed live by the Flying W Wranglers.
Finally, rodeo fans won’t want to miss the Pro Rodeo Hall of fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. Learn about the history of America’s original sport, visit the National Finals gallery, and see memorabilia from inductees to the Hall of Champions.
A Life of Leisure
An influx of gold-rush millionaires made Colorado Springs the wealthiest American city (per capita) at the turn of the century. One such gentleman, Spencer Primrose, aspired to build the world’s most beautiful resort right Pikes Peak area, intending to cater to the wealthy tourists who would come to visit the famed mountain. The result was the fabulous, Italian Renaissance-style Broadmoor Resort and its 18-hole golf course, which opened in 1918. The resort’s stellar reputation drew wealthy visitors from around the world, some of whom came for the mountain air that seemed to be therapeutic for those who suffered from Tuberculosis.
The historic Broadmoor has grown to encompass 3000 acres, with its own Cheyenne Lake, 54 rounds of championship golf, a tennis club, pools and hot tubs, 18 restaurants and a full-service spa. Today’s guests have luxurious accommodations and easy access to all of the exciting outdoor activities that Colorado is famous for.
Conquer the Outdoors
The Rocky Mountain terrain lends itself to thrilling outdoor pursuits ranging from mild to extreme. Raft or kayak the rapids of the Arkansas River, or opt for a more peaceful fly-fishing expedition. Rock climbers have a dizzying array of cliffs to scale. Take a hike or bike the areas many trails. Enjoy the unrivaled scenery on horseback, or from hot-air balloons in the wide blue sky.
For more information on the Colorado Springs area, see the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
