In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was so impressed by the magnificent view of Pikes Peak, that she wrote the celebrated phrases to “America the Lovely.” The fantastic Pikes Peak Area certainly evokes spacious skies and purple mountain majesties. Who wouldn’t need to spend a weekend in Colorado Springs exploring this majestic area?
Simply an hour’s drive from Denver the place I dwell, this space is very easy to entry, I’ve visited the area a few dozen occasions. Extra if I depend the journeys I made with my household, as a child rising up in western Kansas. My grandmother lived in Colorado Springs throughout her later years, and I really feel virtually as if I grew up within the space.
On a weekend in Colorado Springs, you possibly can fulfill your thrill-seeker tendencies as you zipline throughout the 1,250-foot-deep Royal Gorge or bicycle down the winding freeway from the summit of Pikes Peak. If high-octane journey just isn’t your velocity, chances are you’ll choose to bask in wonderful eating, golf, or a spa remedy on the elegant Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Or do all of it! It’s all right here for the taking throughout your weekend in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Area.
The place is the Pikes Peak Area?
The Pikes Peak Area encompasses a big space that features a number of counties and cities. It sometimes consists of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and naturally the area’s namesake, Pikes Peak, also called America’s mountain.
Map of Issues to do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Area
Nuts and Bolts on your Weekend in Colorado Springs
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The air is skinny right here. With out loads of water, the excessive altitude may end up in a headache or nausea. It’s possible you’ll need to strive an electrolyte drink combine that helps support in acclimating to the altitude. Along with a good water bottle, necessities embrace a fleece jacket or puffer vest, sunblock, a hat with SPF, and lip balm additionally with SPF issue. I additionally extremely suggest taking child aspirin each day beginning 3 days BEFORE you come to Colorado – it could possibly assist with altitude adjustment.
Whereas the elegant Broadmoor Lodge is motive sufficient to go to Colorado Springs, there may be a lot to do within the space, chances are you’ll determine to remain for greater than a weekend. In case you’re on the lookout for mushy journey, trip a horse or Segway via Backyard of the Gods or discover Cave of the Winds by happening a haunted lantern tour (bear in mind to duck otherwise you’ll conk your noggin). Your coronary heart charge will climb as you ascend the 224 stairs to the highest of the Broadmoor Seven Falls. Rewards are unbelievable views and bragging rights. Or watch bull riders compete on the rodeo on the ProRodeo Corridor of Fame.
This itinerary covers every little thing from the place to have an IPA on an outside patio to the place to raft Class III rapids. Journey awaits. So, seize your pack and hit the street.
Day One Morning: Contemporary Beignets, Spices, and Books
The primary cease on your weekend in Colorado Springs is La Baguette French Bakery & Café, on East Pikes Peak Avenue, in your method to Tejon Avenue. Don’t let the plastic banner hanging throughout the entryway idiot you. As soon as inside, you’ll discover mushy lighting, classical music enjoying, hardwood flooring, and the aroma of recent beignets and café au lait. Sit at a desk close to the window and plan your day.
One in all my favourite outlets on Tejon Avenue is The Savory Spice Store. The aroma alone is value stopping on this regionally owned treasure. With 400 spices and herbs that they mix onsite, the perfume will entice you to take a look at the exotic-sounding salts. (Ask for a pattern) On my latest journey there, a buddy from Toronto stocked up on Ghost Pepper Salt, which provides intense warmth to any dish, and a jar of Hickory Smoke Sea Salt. The store even has a recipe for Ghost Pepper Salted Double Chocolate Cookies.
I settled on a four-pack of sauces referred to as Scorch Set, which incorporates 4 bottles of the recent stuff: Smoked Jalapeño, Smoky Ghost, Scorching Thai Inexperienced, and Aleppo Pepper. My nephew loves something scorching and can recognize this reward. The field reads, “Some prefer it hotter.”
Tattered Cowl, Colorado’s bookstore darling, opened its first location outdoors of Denver in June 2022. Positioned at 112 North Tejon Avenue, the shop has 8,000 sq. toes of every little thing guide lovers want and the service for which Tattered Cowl is known.
Day One Afternoon: Backyard of the Gods, by foot, horse, Jeep, bike, or Segway
The primary time I visited the Backyard of the Gods I used to be eight years previous, touring with my mother and father and sitting within the backseat of our automotive with my grandmother and sibling. We slowly drove on the street close to the hovering pink sandstone formations. My dad, who was a wanna-be geologist, defined the geology, flora, and fauna to us, stating the long-lasting rock formation referred to as the Kissing Camels.
However these aren’t my grandma’s gardens. Right now, guests can glide on a Segway, both with or with out a information, via the gardens with the wind and solar on their faces, and possibly raindrops, too.
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Adventures Out West units up purchasers with a Segway and helmet, provides a brief coaching within the car parking zone, and leads purchasers on a tour via the gardens.
On my tour, guides Daniel and Greg took time to level out the Kissing Camels formation, identical to my dad did so a few years in the past, in addition to clarify different options of the park. Security is their primary precedence. A few occasions, when Daniel heard thunder, we pulled over and took cowl.
The app on his telephone reported thunder ten miles away, however we nonetheless waited it out, which I appreciated. On parts of the tour, we had been on the street with vehicles; Daniel and Greg made sure that we adopted all security protocols.
Using horses via the Gardens can be an choice. Academy Using Stables matches visitors with a horse, information, and every little thing wanted for a leisurely trip. Whereas I selected to see the gardens from a Segway, my buddy determined to trip a horse and stated it was a soothing, mellow tempo. The Customer and Nature Heart is a superb place to be taught concerning the flora, fauna, and geology of the world.
Try one other horseback using journey in Colorado at Vista Verde Ranch
Broadmoor Seven Falls, a string of waterfalls, is an alternative choice for the afternoon. It’s possible you’ll not plan to climb every of the 224 steps to the highest, however when you begin the ascent and acclimate, you may simply preserve going. Carry the necessities together with a jacket and water bottle. The steps will lead you to trails, together with the most well-liked, Inspiration Level. Take a selfie on the high, after which trip the elevator down. Taking the elevator each up and down can be an choice.
Day One Night: Manitou Springs
Positioned on the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs will get its nickname, Hippie Mayberry, from the chilliness vibe, avenue musicians, artists, mother and father pushing their children in a stroller, and pleasant of us. Everybody right here says hello.
One choice for dinner is Manitou Brewing Firm the place you possibly can sit outdoors on the patio and sip one of many brewery’s beers or discover a desk inside, the place it’s noisy, crowded, and energetic. Similar to a very good bar must be. Their web site reads, “Our beer is born from the pristine waters positioned close to the highest of the height.”
The night time I used to be there with a few pals, three of us squeezed right into a desk for 2, however we had been completely comfortable. One in all my pals prefers wine to beer, a truth which she shared with the server who promptly delivered samples he thought she may like. She settled on Beelicious Blood Orange Honey Blonde. My Excessive Floor IPA (6.9 %) paired properly with the Bronco Burger with candy potato fries.
I had by no means closed down a bar in my life, however that modified at Manitou Brewing Firm. However solely as a result of they shut at 8 p.m. We had been the final ones leaving because the supervisor was taking down the skin sandwich indicators. She smiled and stated, “We hit the hay early right here in Manitou Springs!”
Another choice, with a very totally different vibe, is Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama. It’s tacky however in a enjoyable means. You’ll have a alternative of entrees within the restaurant, then go upstairs to the theatre the place native actors play the components of the villain and heroine. Viewers members boo and hiss the dangerous man, and ooh and ahh the honest maiden. The night time I used to be there, the pianist tickled the ivories like a professional.
For dessert, Josh & John’s Home made Ice Cream serves a gluten-free lilac scoop, made with taro root, named Purple Mountain Majesty, or a mix of brownies and chocolate referred to as Moose on the Free. There’s additionally Vanilla Bean, Almond Pleasure, and extra. Ice cream is regionally churned. This candy deal with will get constantly excessive rankings.
Cacao Chemistry Chocolatier and Patisserie, on Tejon Avenue, provides samples of chocolate bark, however you received’t need to cease there. Additionally they promote Valrhona darkish chocolate, French almond macarons, and connoisseur cookies.
Day Two Morning: Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain
Begin your day early to get to the highest of Pikes Peak. It’s one of the best time to keep away from most visitors, particularly when you plan to bicycle down. Adventures Out West matches purchasers with a motorbike and helmet and excessive visibility vest for the two-hour trip. And, most significantly, they’ll provide you with ideas in addition to information you as you trip down Pikes Peak Freeway.
You’ll trip with employees in a Jeep on the best way up, and earlier than your bike trip down, you’ll have time to go to the newly renovated and aptly named Summit Welcome Heart on the high. Right here, you possibly can be taught concerning the space, and the reward store sells every little thing from kitchen magnets to fleece jackets. And no matter you do – don’t overlook to strive a few of their world-famous donuts on the high!
Different choices are to trip the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or rent another person to do the driving and schedule a tour with Grey Line. You’ll be above 14,000 toes on the high of Pikes Peak so take some layers as it is going to be chilly on the high.
If altitude is a priority, an alternative choice is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings to discover the structure of historic cliff dwellers. Take a self-guided tour of the archeological and pure historical past protect and get an concept of how Native People lived a whole bunch of years in the past. The day I visited, the children liked with the ability to climb across the constructions.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is one other glorious choice on your weekend in Colorado Springs, and I like to recommend taking the 90-minute haunted lantern tour. Be suggested: footing is uneven; there are stairs to climb; it’s darkish aside from the candle you’ll carry in a lantern; you’ll have to duck to keep away from hitting your head, and it’s not one of the best concept for anybody who suffers from claustrophobia. However, when you’re okay with the aforementioned, then go!
I liked exploring the darkish tunnels and listening to our information, John, aka Hippie, weave eerie and generally weird tales of the parents who initially found the caves.
Hippie was one of the best storyteller I’ve ever heard. He lowered his voice to a whisper when the story obtained to a scary half to construct suspense. Everybody in my group agreed we might have listened to him inform tales concerning the historic rock formations and the cave’s historical past for hours.
Day Two Afternoon: Royal Gorge Adventures
The Journey Channel named ziplining over the Royal Gorge because the primary bucket record merchandise in Colorado. I hadn’t deliberate to zipline over something, particularly the 1,250-foot-deep Royal Gorge. However after I realized that it was primary on everybody’s bucket lists, how might I not?
A buddy stated she would zipline throughout the gorge if I might. We every signed a waiver, stepped on the scales, (100 kilos is the minimal and 245 the utmost), listened to last-minute directions, obtained strapped in, took a deep breath, after which…we flew over the gorge!
The trip was breathtaking. And quick. I might do it once more in a heartbeat.
For an additional large thrill whereas within the Royal Gorge Bridge and park space – make sure to additionally take a look at the By way of Ferrata. A By way of Ferrata (Italian time period which means ‘iron path’) is a protected climbing route, constructed with a metal cable rail mounted to the rock, steel steps, ladders, suspension bridges, and zip wires. You might be clipped in the whole time and have a particular harness to put on along with particular ‘sticky’ footwear.
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Another choice for the afternoon is to enterprise to the small city of Cripple Creek, stuffed with wealthy gold mining historical past. The trip is gorgeous, and you must plan on an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs. In case you’re in Cripple Creek on a Saturday, take the trolley round city, the place residents gown in interval costumes and share the city’s historical past. They play characters reminiscent of Doc Susie who started her follow in Cripple Creek within the 1800s. She was the position mannequin for the favored tv present, Dr. Quinn, Medication Girl. You may also trip the Cripple Creek & Victor Slim Gauge Railroad, a historic steam practice and open-air trip that travels over 4 miles of tracks via the Cripple Creek mining district. The practice is coal-fired and there can be cinders. Railroad buffs love this journey.
Day Two Night: Spirits, Pizza, Barbecue, or Nice Eating
One in all my favourite corporations I realized about on my latest go to to Colorado Springs is 1350 Distilling, a craft distillery that makes regionally sourced distilled spirits. Their web site reads, “We’re navy and civilians, household, and pals, interweaving threads of American Spirit that embody the 13 stripes and 50 stars of our nation’s flag. Every product represents a distinct service: Military, Navy, Air Power, Coast Guard, Marines, legislation enforcement, firefighters and first responders.” Pattern their Leatherneck Whiskey, Fleet Admirals Barrel aged Rum, 5 Alarm Cinnamon Fireplace Bourbon, Wingman Gin, Minuteman Vodka.”
1350 Distilling typically has meals vehicles on web site and has occasions reminiscent of Excursions and Tastes, but it surely’s greatest to test their web site. Additionally they have a patio with splendid views; order some spirits and lift a glass to the Entrance Vary and your favourite firefighter, navy member, or first responder.
White Pie is a couple of blocks from the Mining Trade and Kinship Touchdown. White Pie has a big patio and pizzas that embrace Sicilian and the Porky Porkorino, in addition to appetizers like roasted cauliflower and a charcuterie board.
In case you’re within the temper for barbecue and all of the trimmings, make reservations at Flying W Ranch. The ranch sustained main injury through the Waldo Canyon hearth in 2012 when practically the entire constructions had been destroyed. However, the family-owned ranch was rebuilt and opened once more in Could 2020. In case you go to in December, take a look at the ranch’s cowboy Christmas.
For a special day, or when you merely love first-class eating, Summit at The Broadmoor is stylish and refined, and so they serve delicacies that equals the Broadmoor’s excessive requirements. The restaurant is positioned a few block from the lodge, and you do not want to be a visitor on the Broadmoor to dine on the Summit. Your sommelier and server will information you thru the in depth menu. Summit was named considered one of America’s 10 Finest Lodge Eating places by Frommer’s. The gown code is resort informal.
Extra Sights for Your Weekend in Colorado Springs
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is an inspirational, well-designed, and glorious place to spend a couple of hours. The Olympic spirit prevails right here, and also you’ll discover interactive shows, medals, costumes, and torches. Olympians and Paralympians go to typically and are comfortable to pose for photographs and share their experiences with guests. USA Right now named the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum as one of many nation’s Finest New Sights. Get your skip-the-line ticket right here.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is world-renowned. Individuals of all ages love this zoo the place you possibly can contact a giraffe and produce other superb animal experiences. You’ll discover elephants, tigers, hippos, and extra.
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer to raft on calm waters, Echo Canyon River Expeditions is the corporate of alternative. You’ll be able to even buy a GoPro video of your journey after the journey. Echo Canyon has every little thing a rafter may wish, from wetsuits to particular river footwear. After your journey, dine at 8 Mile Bar & Grill which serves popcorn salad. (Attempt it!) Additionally a good selection? O’Dell IPA and burger with roasted garlic tomatoes.
The ProRodeo Corridor of Fame shows the historical past and legends of cowboys and rodeo. Guests can start their tour within the Corridor of Champions to find out about all issues cowboy and cowgirl. The night time I used to be there, I even obtained to satisfy the daredevil rodeo clown and take a selfie. Examine the web site for the rodeo schedule.
The place to Keep in Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor is greater than a spot to remain; it has numerous unbelievable experiences you are able to do in addition to merely sleeping there. In case you keep at The Broadmoor, test in early, retailer your baggage, and discover the attractive grounds, flowers, lake, and views. The Broadmoor has sufficient outlets to occupy you for the morning. Try the shoe retailer fashionable with each visitors and Broadmoor employees (assume Ferragamo). You’ll discover outlets focusing on jewellery, artwork, and fly-fishing gear. Broadmoor Fly-Fishing Camp 75 miles from the lodge is first-rate, distant, and nonetheless has the Broadmoor service requirements.
For a behind-the-scenes peek, name forward and test with the concierge to rearrange a tour of the kitchens. Excursions usually require that you’re a part of a gaggle and are supplied largely through the holidays, so test forward. There may be a further price, which ranges relying on the tour.
You may also look via the glass in the back of Café Julie’s and watch as pastry cooks work their magic. Café Julie’s serves informal breakfast and lunch, however the true gems are the chocolate delicacies they promote on the café. Every part from ganache to salty caramel truffles is made on web site from the best high quality of elements. I didn’t even like caramel till I tasted the luscious, wealthy, honey-brown, amber goodness, made onsite and offered at Café Julie’s.
Through the holidays, take a look at The Broadmoor’s 12 Days of Christmas cooking courses, a 12-day collection with a 60-minute demonstration every day. For a modest price, it’s a enjoyable, festive exercise. And, elegant.
The Broadmoor is the world’s longest-running Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5 Diamond Resort. Right here, you’ll have every little thing you can want on the three,000-acre property, with informal eating (Café Julie’s or Pure Epicurean), wonderful eating (The Summit), the Spa on the Broadmoor, and your decide of spectacular golf programs.
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The Mining Trade Lodge
Nonetheless, if you wish to keep within the downtown space of Colorado Springs, I like to recommend The Mining Trade, a Wyndham Grand Lodge and Spa, a historic renovated property. The lodge is conveniently positioned a block from Tejon Avenue, the place you’ll discover dozens of outlets, bars, eating places, and the just lately opened Tattered Cowl Bookstore. Go away your automotive with the valet earlier than check-in time and discover the world.
Rooms at The Mining Trade are quiet and comfy, with uncovered brick, giant home windows, and lofty ceilings. The employees is exceptionally pleasant. Once I was a visitor at The Mining Trade just lately, one other Denverite and I had been decided to observe the Colorado Avalanche playoff recreation within the foyer bar, which was empty on a late Monday night. The desk clerk got here to our rescue once we couldn’t discover the proper channel and even supplied to acquire a drink for us.
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Soul Group Planet
One other favourite for a weekend in Colorado Springs is Soul Group Planet. This distinctive lodge is a nod to Schitt’s Creek – a reworked previous lodge given a second hip life. The lodge focuses on solely regionally sourced merchandise and fosters an unbelievable neighborhood of locals and guests.
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“We attempt to cater to individuals who worth the surroundings, social good, and wellness. Each determination we make falls into one of many three mentalities that we’re constructed on: wholesome, variety, and inexperienced”
Soul Group Planet Lodges
Kinship Touchdown
Kinship Touchdown is a classy, new, high-tech property with a minimalist vibe. Registration is in the identical space because the bar. How handy! You’ll be able to even request a tent to pitch in your balcony and have a view of Pikes Peak. Children love this feature. Workers will even train you “how one can camp.” They supply a sleeping bag, tent, backpack, tenting range, meals, and every little thing you’ll want to sleep underneath the celebrities. The primary night time is in your balcony; you’ll spend the second night time at a close-by campsite. This can be a unbelievable means for first-timers to get a really feel for the outside with out worry of failure.
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The way to Get Round Throughout Your Weekend in Colorado Springs
You’ll be able to fly to Denver or Colorado Springs – there are professionals and cons to every. Flights to Denver Worldwide Airport could also be inexpensive than flying to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, which is smaller and fewer busy than DIA. It might be greatest to hire a automotive for this itinerary. If renting a automotive just isn’t an choice, you possibly can ride-share in Colorado Springs or prepare for transportation with a shuttle service, reminiscent of Grey Line.
Finest Time to Go to the Pikes Peak Area
Fall (late September and October) is an excellent time to go to the Pikes Peak Area when the aspen are golden and temperatures are crisp. However, that timing doesn’t work for everybody, so decide one of the best season for you and your loved ones, and simply hit the street.
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Guidebooks for Even Extra Details about Colorado Springs and Surrounding Areas
Try these guidebooks for extra ideas and concepts about how one can get essentially the most out of your weekend in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Area:
100 Issues to Do in Colorado Springs Earlier than You Die, by Kirsten Akens, lists every little thing from eating places the place you possibly can “eat vegan” (Moxie) to the place to “shred” (Memorial Park Skate Park). This guide is straightforward to digest, and Akens has a present for writing narratives.
Colorado Household Outside Journey: An All-Ages Information to Tenting, Climbing, and Getting Outdoors, by Heather Mundt, has a ton of concepts for actions within the Pikes Peak Area and the whole state. Mundt is a third-generation Coloradan and it’s apparent she loves Colorado and the outside. I do know Heather personally via the Society of American Journey Writers; she has the experience, enthusiasm, and credentials to suggest locations for folks of all ages and health ranges to camp, hike, and discover colourful Colorado.
For extra data, go to Pikes Peak Area.
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Meet the Creator: Sherry Spitsnaugle has lived in Denver for 3 many years and is the creator of 4 editions of Fast Escapes Denver, 25 Weekend Getaways in and across the Mile-Excessive Metropolis. Sherry, who’s a journey author, spouse, and canine mother, first expressed her urge to discover at age 4 when she packed up her little pink wagon and took off for an journey— across the block. Right now, she continues to meet her journey bug tendencies, exploring and writing about her experiences.
Instagram: sherryspitsnaugle
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