8 landmarks you can't miss
Why: Pikes Peak is the ultimate landmark in Colorado Springs. It’s 14,110 feet, soaring above us by about 7,000 feet. It’s almost impossible to miss, looming in the west. You can drive up, hike up, or ride up. The view from the top inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful.” It really is that spectacular.
How much:
To drive up the Pikes Peak Highway: $12 per person; $5 kids 5-15; Carload (up to 5 people $40. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
To take the Cog Railway: $33 for adults; $18 kids 3-12; Free for kids 2 and under if held on lap
To hike: Free
How to get there:
Highway: Hop on Hwy. 24 west. Go through Manitou Springs for about 10 miles. Turn left at the stoplight in Cascade and follow the signs.
Barr Trail and Cog Railway: Take Colorado Avenue west into Manitou Springs. Turn left onto Ruxton Ave. Follow Ruxton to the end and look for a parking spot.
Why: Monumental red sandstone rocks standing tall is enough to take your breath away. The bright red stand out against the brilliant blue sky. The winding road can take you on a quick tour or park your car and stroll around.
How much: FREE
How to get there: Take Exit 143 off I-25 and head west for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto 30th Street. The Visitor Center will be on the left. The park will be on the right.
Why: Cave the Winds is one of Colorado’s great natural wonders. Winding below the earth’s surface, 500 million-year old rock formations await.
How much: Adults $18-$22 (depending on which tour you take); Kids 6-11 $9-$12; Under 5 are free for Discovery Tour but not allowed on Lantern Tour.
How to get there: Take Exit 141 from I-25 and head west on Highway 24 for six miles. The entrance to Cave of the Winds is on the right.
Why: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is literally sitting on the side of Cheyenne Mountain! They’re a leader in conservation, captive breeding, and animal care. The Zoo connects people with wildlife and wild places. Plus, the view from the mountain is spectacular.
How much: Adults (12-64): $14.25; Seniors (65+): $12.25; Kids (3-11): $7.25; Kids (2 and under): Free
How to get there: From I-25, take exit 138. Go west to the Broadmoor Hotel and turn right just in front of the hotel. Follow the signs up to the Zoo.
Why: Seven waterfalls in one! Nestled deep in Cheyenne Canyon, water cascades 181 feet in 7 different ways. It’s been dubbed the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” At night, the falls are lit up.
How much: Adults: $9.25 during the day, $10.75 at night; Kids (6-15): $5.75 day; $6.75 night; Kids (5 and under): Free
How to get there: From I-25, take exit 138 and go west. Turn right at the Broadmoor Hotel, right again at Mesa, and left onto Cresta. Turn left onto Cheyenne Boulevard and follow it into the main gate.
• United States Air Force Academy
Why: One of the service academies in the United States, the Air Force Academy is a prestigious and rigorous institution that trains our young people for their careers as Air Force Officers. It is home to the iconic Cadet Chapel. Please bear it mind it is a military installation and visitors are expected to show ID as well as follow all rules.
How much: Free
How to get there: From I-25, take Exit 156B (the North Gate) or Exit 150 (the South Gate). Proceed to the guard station.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, sits a Christian conference and retreat center unlike any other. A ministry of The Navigators (along with NavPress and Eagle Lake Camp) Glen Eyrie is a haven for those seeking time away from the demands and hectic schedule of everyday life to reconnect with loved ones and God. Our Christian Conference and Retreat Center is a place of serenity and rest—over 800 acres of stately pines and whispering aspen, lush lawns, sparkling waterfalls and majestic sandstone rock faces. The air is alive with the sound of birdsong and breeze through the trees—often the only sounds of a Glen Eyrie afternoon.
3820 N. 30th St.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
800.944.4536 719.634.0808 719.272.7448 fax
• United States Olympic Training Center
ocated within the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., the $8 million Olympic Visitor Center hosts approximately 140,000 visitors each year. It is the primary facility providing the general public with information about the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympic Training Centers and the Olympic Movement.
The Center includes the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Rotunda, the U.S. Olympic Store, indoor/outdoor patio eating facilities, a 225-seat auditorium and meeting facilities. It also features numerous art exhibitions that change several times a year. Other Olympic memorabilia displays are scattered throughout the Visitor Center including interactive kiosks at which guests can obtain information on all American Olympic athletes. Just outside, the Carol Grotnes Belk Sculpture Garden features four bronze sculptures and a 12-foot-tall Olympic Ring Wall amidst a landscape of flowers and foliage. Overhead, the rooftop terrace has an Olympic flame display and offers panoramic views of the entire complex and the Irwin Belk Olympic Path.
Toll-Free Information Number: 888-659-8687
Visitor Center Front Desk Information Number (9AM to 5PM): 719-866-4618
1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
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2010-06-16 18:52:58
