Garden of the Gods
The towering rock formations of Garden of the Gods are known nationwide.
This park is loaded with formations of all sizes ranging from hundreds
of car sized ones to 250 foot Gateway Rock on the park's east side.
The central courtyard is an entertaining maze of pillars and one of
the favorite attractions is spotting the tiny climbers dotting the
walls. Several miles of roads weave through the park, and several
years ago the main loop was turned into a one-lane drive, with the
second lane turned into a great biking lane. The park is now more
popular than ever and is the best place in town to meet people from
across the country.
Pikes Peak Highway
The twenty mile road that climbs to the top of Pikes Peak is one of
the most spectacular drives in America. It starts in Cascade, ten
miles west of Colorado Springs, and starts out steep. It stays steep
the whole way except for the few miles as it passes Crystal Reservoir
on the plateau above Green Mountain Falls. The view of Pikes Peak
across the lake is one of the most beautiful in Colorado. As the road
climbs above treeline the view towers above miles of mountains and
forest. Once on top, mountain ranges a hundred miles away come into
view, and there's nothing to block the view in any direction.
Colorado Springs looks like a finger painting, 8000 feet below.
Royal Gorge
Fifty miles south of Colorado Springs, and just west of Canyon City,
is the Royal Gorge. This 1200 foot canyon is one of the most exciting
places in the region to really feel the dizzying heights of huge cliffs.
You can cross the canyon on the big bridge (walk or drive), or take the
tram, which is a little scarier as it swings 1200 feet above the river.
There is also a cable car that goes to the bottom. The park is one of
the busiest tourist spots in the region but it's still one of my favorites.
Seven Falls
In the southwest corner of Colorado Springs are North and South
Cheyenne Canyons. North canyon is a city park of towering cliffs,
and south canyon is Seven Falls. The 150 foot falls is really a series
of seven or eight cascades in a narrow crevice. A long stair follows
the cascade to the top, offering interesting views of the water and
valley from a variety of vantage points. Another stair and elevator
provide views from another angle, and a trail follows above the
canyon rim.
Air Force Academy
North of town on a forested plateau is the huge Air Force Academy.
This military base is open to the public and is one of the region's
most popular tourist spots. A drive or bike ride around the base is
scenic enough in its self, but the main attraction is the cadet area
with the visitor center and towering chapel.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
There are three ways to the top of Pikes Peak: Hike the Barr Trail,
Drive the Highway, or ride the Cog Train. The Cog starts in Manitou
Springs and make the steep ten mile climb along the south side of
the peak. (The highway goes up the north side.) The train is a little
more leisurly than a car and the conductor provides geography and
history lessons as you go.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Thirty five miles west of Colorado Springs is Florissant. This
beautiful area of rolling hills and trees is one of the most fossil
rich locations in the country, and is now protected as a National
Monument. It's monument status is meant to protect not develop, and
is fairly undeveloped with a small visitor center and lots of scenic hiking.
Pike National Forest
The Pike is a million acres of mountains and forest that start in
Colorado Springs and sweep west nearly to Breckenridge. It's loaded
with trails and jeep roads that can take you to mountains, rivers,
cool rocks, ghost towns and wilderness. When you get tired of the
busy tourist stops, grab your bike, motorcycle, fishing pole and
camera, and spend a week exploring your own corner of the forest.
North Cheyenne Canyon Park
This impressive canyon is a city park with towering cliffs, a creek,
waterfalls, forest and picnicing. On the southwest side of town,
it's right next to Seven Falls, and is nearly as spectacular, plus
it's a hub for loads of trails leading into the mountains.
