Adventure in Colorado Springs, Colorado!

Garden of the Gods

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure through Colorado Springs’ iconic Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark renowned for its stunning red rock formations and captivating history. This natural paradise offers a unique blend of outdoor excitement and geological wonder, making it a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.

Arrival and Getting Started

Fly into Colorado Springs Airport and rent a car for a scenic 20-minute drive to Garden of the Gods. Upon arrival, make your first stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Here, you can delve into interactive exhibits about the park"s geology, wildlife, and history. Pick up a park map, check current trail conditions, and chat with rangers for hiking recommendations.

Morning Adventure - Rock Climbing

Kickstart your day with a rock climbing session among the towering sandstone formations. Whether you"re a novice or an experienced climber, local outfitters like Front Range Climbing provide guided climbs that cater to all skill levels. Tackle popular spots like the Kindergarten Rock and Montezuma’s Tower, offering breathtaking views and heart-pumping ascents.

Midday Exploration - Hiking or Mountain Biking

Post-climb, choose between an array of hiking trails or bring a mountain bike to explore the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved loop that winds around the park’s most famous rock formations. For a more secluded experience, hike the Siamese Twins trail – a 1-mile round trip that rewards with unique vistas of Pikes Peak framed by geological formations.

Evening Wind Down

As the sun begins to set, find a spot at the High Point Overlook. Here, you can relax and enjoy the mesmerizing play of colors on the rocks as the sun dips below the horizon.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the dramatic red rocks at Garden of the Gods were formed millions of years ago due to geological upheaval? The park"s name originated in 1859 when two surveyors believed it was a place fit for gods to assemble.

Departure

As your day ends, drive back to Colorado Springs, filled with unforgettable memories of an adventure-packed day in one of America’s most awe-inspiring natural playgrounds.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Pikes Peak Highway

Why Visit?

Discover the exhilarating heights of Pikes Peak Highway, a spectacular route that spirals up one of Colorado"s most famous mountains, Pikes Peak. Embark on a day-long odyssey through breathtaking landscapes and outdoor thrills that will captivate the heart of any adventure lover.

### Morning Ascent

Begin your journey from Colorado Springs, heading west to the entrance of Pikes Peak Highway. Entry fees apply (cars: $15 per person, with lower rates for children and seniors), and it’s wise to arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the crisp, clean mountain air. As you start your 19-mile drive up the highway, your first stop will be Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop, where you can rent a kayak or try your hand at fishing (season permitting), offering a peaceful yet invigorating start to your adventure.

### Midday at the Summit

Continue your drive towards the summit, stopping at designated pullouts to enjoy the views and snap photos. The drive itself is an adventure, with hairpin turns and steep inclines testing your driving skills. At 14,115 feet, the summit of Pikes Peak offers panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Don"t miss the newly renovated Summit Visitor Center, where you can learn about the mountain’s history and its significance to the region.

### Afternoon Descent

On your way down, stop at Glen Cove Inn for a hearty lunch and perhaps some bouldering or rock scrambling nearby. As you descend, keep an eye out for wildlife, as bighorn sheep, mule deer, and the occasional black bear can be spotted.

### Essential Tips

- Check weather conditions beforehand; the summit can be much colder.

- Consider altitude sickness; drink plenty of water and ascend slowly.

- Leave no trace: Be mindful of the environment during your explorations.

Embark on this thrilling high-altitude adventure on Pikes Peak Highway, where every twist and turn brings a new breathtaking vista or exciting activity.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

United States Air Force Academy

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the United States Air Force Academy, a bastion of military education and aerial prowess located in the stunning rugged terrain just north of Colorado Springs, Colorado. This prestigious institution not only trains the finest air and space leaders but also offers a mesmerizing adventure for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Getting There

Your adventure kicks off as you drive or take a taxi from downtown Colorado Springs, approximately 20 minutes south of the Academy. Conveniently accessible via Interstate 25, take exit 156 and follow the signs directly into the base.

Morning - Visitor Center and Cadet Chapel

Begin at the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, open from 9 AM to 5 PM, where you can immerse yourself in the Academy"s rich history and pick up a campus map. Don"t miss the awe-inspiring Cadet Chapel, famed for its seventeen spires soaring skyward. Inside, the stunning architecture continues with separate chapels for different faiths. Be sure to check visiting hours ahead as access may vary.

Midday - Falcon Athletic Center

Adventure enthusiasts will revel in a visit to the Falcon Athletic Center. Here, explore the state-of-the-art facilities used by cadet-athletes, including the Falcon Stadium. If timed right, you might catch a thrilling Air Force Falcons football game or a dynamic practice session.

Afternoon - Hiking the Trails

Cap off your visit by hitting the Santa Fe Trail that runs through the Academy grounds. Stretch your legs on this historical trail, which offers not just a good hike but also panoramic views of the Academy and the awe-inspiring Rockies beyond.

Interesting Fact

The Academy is also a designated arboretum, with over 43 species of trees populating the grounds, making your outdoor adventure as educational as it is breathtaking.

Whether you"re an aviation aficionado or an outdoor enthusiast, the United States Air Force Academy promises a day of adventure and inspiration.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Pikes Peak

Why Visit?

Embark on an electrifying adventure to Pikes Peak, one of Colorado"s most iconic summits and a veritable paradise for thrill-seekers. Standing tall at 14,115 feet, this majestic mountain offers not just sweeping vistas but a variety of high-altitude adventures.

Getting There: Begin your journey in Colorado Springs, easily accessible by air through the Colorado Springs Airport or by road from Denver International Airport, about 1.5 hours away. From Colorado Springs, the gateway to Pikespeak is a scenic 30-minute drive via the I-25 and Highway 24.

Day 1: Conquer the Summit

Kick-off your adventure early morning by driving up the scenic Pikes Peak Highway. The 19-mile road twists and turns, offering breathtaking views and thrilling driving experience. Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the world-famous doughnuts at the Summit House - they"re the only doughnuts made at such a high altitude!

Day 2: Hiking the Barr Trail

For the more adventurous, the 12-mile Barr Trail provides a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit. Starting from Manitou Springs, plan for a full day trek, or camp halfway at Barr Camp to enjoy the serene wilderness under star-lit skies.

Day 3: Cycling Downhill

Experience the thrill of biking down Pikes Peak. You can rent a bike at the summit and enjoy a guided descent. Feel the rush of the wind and the adrenaline pumping as you speed down the mountain on two wheels.

Interesting Fact: Pikes Peak inspired the song “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates, who was awe-struck by the sight from the summit.

This high-altitude adventure will leave you breathless in more ways than one, promising not just physical exhilaration but a deeper connection with America"s mountainous magnificence.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Why Visit?

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Adventure Itinerary

Embark on an exhilarating journey to one of America"s most unique zoological parks, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, nestled in the scenic hills of Colorado Springs. This altitude-loving zoo, sitting at an elevation of 6,714 feet, promises not just a wildlife experience but an adventure of its own.

Morning Ascent: Journey to the Zoo

Start your day early and grab a hearty breakfast in downtown Colorado Springs before making your way to the zoo. Drive up the winding road or, for the more physically inclined, hike the challenging Struthers Trail, a 3.6-mile trek that leads directly to the zoo"s entrance. This moderate hike offers stunning vistas and a refreshing start to the day.

Zoo Exploration: Wildlife Encounters & More

Upon arrival, your first stop is the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit to greet the local residents, including majestic moose and elusive lynxes. Don’t miss the chance to feed the giraffes; standing at eye level with these gentle giants on the specially designed platform is a thrill you’ll never forget.

For a surge of adrenaline, head to the Mountaineer Sky Ride. This open-air chairlift takes you on a picturesque journey above the zoo, offering panoramic views of the animal exhibits and the surrounding wild landscape.

Interactive Fun: Animal Experiences

Join the Electric Safari in the late afternoon (available seasonally), where the zoo lights up with vibrant displays and you can enjoy the crisp mountain air under twinkling lights. It"s an enchanting way to see the zoo from a different perspective.

Wrap Up: Mountain to Metro

Conclude your adventure with a serene drive back into Colorado Springs. Grab a bite at a local eatery, reminiscing about the day’s adventures and the incredible wildlife encounters.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is not just a place to see animals but a venue that offers a vivid encounter with nature, elevated by the beauty of its mountainous backdrop.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.