Local Attractions
You could spend your days exploring the beautiful Pike's Peak
region of Colorado, take in the spectacular views from the front porch, or
relax in the family living room while enjoying a book or good old
conversation.
Visitors to the Pike's Peak region will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities
during their Colorado vacation including Garden of the Gods, Pike National
Forest, Mueller State Park, and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River in nearby Canon City, Colorado. An absolute must
is a journey to the 14,115 foot summit of Pike's Peak, the inspiration for
“America the Beautiful”. Sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular
scenery on the historic Pike's Peak Cog Railway, or for the more daring, drive
the breathtaking Pike's Peak Highway. You’ll also want to explore other
nearby attractions; such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Olympic Training
Center, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Seven Falls, Helen Hunt Falls, Cave of the
Winds, and Manitou Cliff Dwellings. There is also plenty of shopping and dining
in the quaint historic districts of nearby Manitou Springs and Old Colorado
City.
Air Force Academy
USAFA Mission Statement - Inspire and develop outstanding young men and women
to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character and discipline;
motivated to lead the world's greatest aero space force in service to the nation.
Cave of the Winds and Laser Canyon
Cave of the Winds has 4 different tours available, along with the laser show.
The Discovery Tour is a 45 minute guided walking and is our classic tour, the
one enjoyed by generations of visitors. An easy, relaxing walk, the Discovery
Tour is offered year round. Whatever the temperature outside, it's always a
comfortable 54 degrees inside Cave of the Winds.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926 by
philanthropist Spencer Penrose to house his growing collection of exotic
animals. In 1938, after substantial development, Mr. Penrose incorporated the
Zoo as a non-profit public trust for the people of Colorado Springs “for the
sole purpose of establishing and maintaining a zoological park to provide
recreation, education, conservation, and scientific facilities in the field of
zoology and related subjects, and to preserve the Zoo in perpetuity for the
people of the Pike's Peak region.”
Cliff Dwellings and Museum
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a rare historical treasure. Preserved
under a protective red sandstone overhang, authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings,
built more than 700 years ago, await you here.
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Experience the thrill of Colorado white
water rafting with Echo Canyon River Expeditions, one of the oldest, largest
and most respected Colorado rafting companies.
Florissant Fossil Beds National
Monument
A beautiful mountain valley just west of Pike's Peak holds spectacular remnants
of the earth's prehistoric life. Huge petrified redwoods and incredibly
detailed fossils of ancient insects and plants reveal a very different Colorado
of long ago. Visit this National Monument while exploring the auto Gold Belt
Tour Route, especially scenic in the fall
when the Aspen are displaying their golden foliage.
Focus on the Family
View the Focus on the Family website for
their Mission Statement, Guiding Principles and visitor information. A
recommended activity while on the way to visit the U.S.
Air Force Academy.
Garden of the Gods
Imagine towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped
Pike's Peak and brilliant blue skies. That’s the view from the beautiful Garden
of the Gods Visitor Center terrace. This free center is the gateway to Garden
of the Gods City Park. Here, the geology, ecology and cultural history of the
area spring to life through hands-on exhibits. Be certain to visit the largest
art gallery and gift shop in Colorado, the historic Garden of
the Gods Trading Post, located within
this beautiful red rock park.
Miramont Castle
A 46 room National Historic Landmark.
Self-guided tours through a Victorian museum featuring nine styles of
architecture. Located in historic Manitou Springs.
Olympic Training Center
Located within the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO., 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.
Pikes Peak Highway
The Pike's Peak Highway ascends to the summit of America's Mountain- Pike's Peak. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, Sangre De Cristo Mountain, Denver, Colorado Springs and New Mexico.
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
Since 1891, the Pike's Peak Cog Railway (the world's highest cog railroad and
the highest railroad in the United States) has taken passengers to the 14,115
foot summit of Pike's Peak. The Cog Railway is now open year round and departs
seven days a week. View Bighorn Sheep, Marmots and other wildlife.
Royal Gorge Country
Come experience Colorado's own world
wonder, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. At 1,053 feet high, the panoramic vistas of the
gorge are as awesome as the Grand Canyon. Spanning a quarter mile across is the
world's highest suspension bridge, an engineering feat as inspiring as the
Eiffel Tower. Other man-made marvels include the world's longest single-span
Aerial Tram and the world's steepest Incline Railway. Also, experience the
gorge in a truly magnificent way, via the historic Royal Gorge
Train Route. Covering 24 miles and
traveling directly through the gorge, the 2 hour journey is "the most
scenic train ride in North America."
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Take the scenic drive up Cheyenne Mountain, only 1.4 miles from the Zoo entrance, to this historic monument. Built by Spencer Penrose between 1934 and 1937, it stands dedicated to Will Rogers who died in a plane crash in 1935. The elevation of the Shrine is 8,136 feet on the top deck, and provides a spectacular view of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Pike's Peak Region.