Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak are located there.
The second-largest city in Colorado has developed from a sleepy Victorian vacation town in the 1870s to a chic, contemporary travel destination. Its beauty and natural wonders haven’t been lost to modernity. Colorado Springs, 96 kilometers south of Denver, offers outdoor activities, friendly locals, and stunning landscape. Colorado Springs was chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations because of its walkable historic districts, dedication to sustainability, abundance of natural attractions, and recreational options.
Investigating the Pikes Peak Area
After Mount Fuji in Japan, Pikes Peak, also referred to as America’s Mountain, receives the second-highest number of visitors worldwide. Beautiful trips across the area are available on three antique trains: the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Take a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, one of the world’s most approachable and engaging museums. Other well-liked sights are the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center, a refuge for wolves, coyotes, and foxes; the Royal Gorge Bridge, the tallest suspension bridge in North America; and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is situated in a stunning mountainous environment. Beautiful new exhibits and breathtaking views of the surrounding area can be found at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.
Opportunities for Recreation: Mild to Severe
The foothills and mountains, which are within a short distance from the city, provide leisure options such as beginner and advanced hiking and cycling trails. Garden of the Gods Park is a National Natural Landmark where you may tour the towering red sandstone rock formations by car, Jeep, Segway, electric bike, trolley, and horseback. Don’t miss it. See fossils and petrified redwood tree stumps by hiking through Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and going whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. See the breathtaking Broadmoor Seven Falls and zipline above the pine forest by hiking up. Take a lantern tour of Cave of the Winds and see historic gold mines, many of which are still in operation today. Two excellent options are Mollie Kathleen Mine and Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine. Take a leisurely stroll to sample the waters of Manitou Springs’ diverse mineral springs, and then challenge yourself to an intense hike up the Manitou Incline route above the town. Aside from cycling down Pikes Peak Highway, adventure seekers can also climb via ferrata trails at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
Accommodations and Local Culture
Visit the galleries, boutiques, museums, and other sites to learn about the local culture. See tools of the trade at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy, follow an engaging tour at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and discover how the area came to be regarded as a wellness destination at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. In the historic areas of downtown Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and Old Colorado City, spend some time strolling around charming city streets while indulging in fantastic food, shopping, and craft beer. Explore Colorado Springs’ lovely downtown on your own by visiting the Art on the Streets displays.
With alternatives including The Broadmoor, The Mining Exchange Hotel, Kinship Landing, and Garden of the Gods Club & Resort, as well as cabins and glamping tents at Royal Gorge Cabins near Canon City, you’re sure to discover the ideal location to stay. Adventurers will adore the dude ranches, families will love the Great Wolf Lodge resort’s indoor water park, and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in the neighboring cabins or in an RV park or campground.