The natural surrounding of this area account
for the array of outdoor activates that the Colorado Springs area is famous for.
Whether it Winter or Summer fun, it is all here in Colorado. That is why more
and more families are choosing this area for their home.
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Pikes Peak
The largest attraction in the area is 14,110-ft/4,300-m Pikes Peak (which lies
west of Colorado Springs), named for the man who discovered it in 1806,
Zebulon Pike. It's one of America's most visited mountains, partly because
there are several ways to visit it. You can hike 12 mi/20 km up the Barr Trail
to the summit, ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or drive the 20-mi/30-km
scenic highway and enjoy the spectacular view from the Summit House. For a
real thrill, descend the mountain on a bicycle along the Pikes Peak Highway.
The annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb takes place on 4 July.
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Near Pikes Peak, in the Manitou Springs area, are several
other attractions:
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Garden of the Gods is made up of unusual red sandstone
rocks that have been tilted and sculpted into fascinating shapes.
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Cave of the Winds is an underground cavern in the
tradition of the classic (i.e., somewhat touristy) cave tours.
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Miramont Castle is a large and odd mansion constructed of
stone and clapboard that was built in the late 1800s.
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Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum contains replicas of
ancient Anasazi-style structures.
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Seven Falls is closer to Colorado Springs. It is a
group of waterfalls best viewed from the lookout known as Eagle's Nest.
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The Air Force Academy has an appealing mountain setting
north of the city .
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The U.S. Olympic Training Center includes 20 sports
complexes where prospective Olympic champions train.
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The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
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World Figure Skating Museum Hall of Fame.
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Plan to make a stop at the Broadmoor Hotel even if you
aren't staying there. Originally built in 1918, it now encompasses 30
buildings and some 700 rooms, including spa facilities.
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which has 800 animals in
natural-habitat enclosures. After leaving the zoo, drive up winding Cheyenne
Mountain Highway to see the Shrine of the Sun, a memorial dedicated to Will
Rogers.
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Golfing, hot-air ballooning and rock climbing are big in
the Colorado Springs area. Hot spots for rock climbing include the Garden of
the Gods, the limestone crags on the west side of Pikes Peak and the granite
formations at nearby Turkey Rocks. Of the city's annual events, standouts
include the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (August) and the Colorado Springs Balloon
Classic, one of the larger balloon gatherings in the U.S. (Labor Day weekend).
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Plan to make a tour of the surrounding region during your
visit to Colorado Springs. A circular route to the west and south will take
you through some of the state's best attractions.
