The region has been a favorite of pioneers and adventurers for more than 150 years. Today is no different – it’s a tourism hotspot and a week wouldn’t be enough to see everything. But… if time is limited, try these must-visit spots:
PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY
The nine-mile journey to the top of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak is back and better than ever due to a recent facelift and spiffy new Visitor Center at the top. Reserve your seat aboard the world’s highest cog railway and set aside 3.5 hours for the roundtrip, which includes roughly 40 minutes at the top. Prior to boarding, buy snacks or drinks in the gift shop – no outside food allowed. Then, hop on the train, relax and enjoy the scenery, including 2000-year-old bristlecone pine trees. You might even spy bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes and other wildlife. At the summit, immerse yourself in 360-degree views of the Pikes Peak region. Make sure to grab a fresh, hot donut – a tradition here for generations!
PRO TIP: Don’t forget a coat, even in summer. It’s frequently 30-40 degrees cooler at the top.
CogRailway.com
CRIPPLE CREEK
Like gambling? Go west, young man (or woman)! This historic town has long been about providing an opportunity to strike it rich. Prospectors swarmed the area between 1890 and 1910, extracting more than 22 million ounces of gold from mines in Cripple Creek and Victor. Although the gold rush abated, the town made a comeback when gambling was legalized in 1991 and those beautiful historic buildings got new lives as casinos. It’s worth the easy, hour-long drive – just head west on Hwy 24 and take a left at Divide for stunning views and endless entertainment. Don’t gamble? Descend 1,000 feet below ground to tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, watch a classic melodrama at the Butte Theater, take a ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad or visit one of the local museums.
PRO TIP: Don’t feel like driving? Hop on the Ramblin’ Express shuttle bus from the Springs or Woodland Park; gamble a minimum amount to get most of your fare back.
VisitCrippleCreek.com
CasinoShuttle.com
GARDEN OF THE GODS
This natural national landmark is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions, and with good reason. It. Is. Stunning. And free. And unlike some other beautiful places, this one is ultra easy access – right in Colorado Springs. First stop: The Visitor and Nature Center, where you can travel through time at the Geo Trekker Theater, check out the exhibits and galleries and grab a bite at the café. Then, head into the park via foot, horseback, Jeep, open-air trolley, bike or Segway, or just drive your own car. Try an “Adventure Challenge,” a sort of outdoors escape room led by Garden of the Gods staff. Or climb – all levels available among the massive sandstone formations here. Unsure what to do? Let the Garden of the Gods’ online “Trip Planner” do the work for you – just type in how much time you have, whether you’ll have kids with you and what you enjoy. Voila!
PRO TIP: Try to get there early in the morning or later in the day for smaller crowds.
GardenofGods.com
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
You’ve never been to a zoo like this one. Perched on the side of a mountain, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is consistently ranked as one of America’s best. Why? Well, have you ever fed a giraffe? How about a rhino? Assisted in a training session for a playful striped skunk? These are just a handful of the many daily interactive opportunities. Then, there are the big annual events like Boo at the Zoo and Electric Safari. And each admission raises 75 cents for wildlife conservation – a whopping $5 million since 2008. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to more than 30 species of endangered animals, many of which you can view from the Mountaineer Sky Ride. What really sets this zoo apart, though, is the views.
PRO TIP: Wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen – this local gem sits at nearly 7,000 feet and it’s more of a hike than a walk.
CMzoo.org
THE FAMOUS
Don’t fight it if you’re extra hungry here – just blame it on the fresh air and altitude. You need protein. Steak, probably. Head over to The Famous for dinner. Opened in 2002 and modeled after some of Chicago’s finest late-night steakhouses, steak is clearly king at this swanky downtown establishment. But ask anyone who has been there and they have a favorite “extra” at the Famous – things like “the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had” and “the best French onion soup.” A friend of the writer’s goes in just for the flourless chocolate torte; another for the onion straws. Portions are large and shareable.
PRO TIP: This eatery is upscale and priced accordingly. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, swing by at happy hour for BOGOs and other specials.
TheFamousSteakhouse.net
Have a few extra days? The Pikes Peak region offers endless options for entertainment. Relive the old days at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, check out the gorgeous new United States Air Force Academy Visitor Center, spend a few hours at the interactive United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum or take in a fun, western-style dinner and show at the Flying W Ranch.
Facebook.com/ManitouSpringsPennyArcade
USAFA.edu/visitors
USOPM.org
FlyingW.com
