Colorado Springs Area, including Pike Peaks

Pikes Peak Cog Railway at the summit

Lots to see and do in the Colorado Springs area.  It’s feeling more like Fall as we wrap up our time in Colorado.  We stayed at a park just south of Colorado Springs, in Fountain, Colorado. Nice park with full hook ups.  We have noticed the crowds at the parks are dwindling as the weather turns cooler.  Just like other areas of the State, there seems to be a lot of growth here, including new shopping centers and housing.  Like Denver, Colorado Springs is situated at the base of the Rockies and is home of the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center complex, both offering tours.

Sign posted in train boarding area

Pikes Peak has to be the main attraction here as the snow covered peak can be seen for miles.  When we were here in 1976 we actually drove the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit.  

 This time we took the Pikes Peak Cog Railway out of neighboring Manitou Springs.  A very enjoyable 3+ hour round trip that included about 40 minutes at the summit. Learning our lesson from 41 years ago when we drove to the summit in shorts and t-shirts; we dressed warmer and had extra clothes with us.  Even though it was 70 degrees in Colorado Spring on Sunday, it was 22 degrees (13 wind chill) at the top.

Quick picture at the Summit

View from Summit - Colorado Springs

Mountain Lake view from trail

There is a small gift shop at the summit with a snack bar and restrooms.  The vistas are pretty spectacular, but we could not stay outside long due to the temperature and high winds.  Views from the train were also breathtaking.  The train travels the 8.9 mile trip at a slow climb, sometimes at a 25% grade.  Starting at an elevation of 6,500 feet at the Manitou Springs station, it takes over an hour to reach the 14,115' summit.  Prior to departing the station, they offer oxygen cans for sale, in case you might need it for the trip.  We skipped this purchase and did not have any problem.  

Once the train was above the tree line, we started seeing snow.  There was a good amount at the summit; however, the wind was blowing it around pretty good.  There was some wildlife along the way, including ram sheep and deer.  In some spots the Aspens were hanging on with some color.  There were views of mountain lakes and the City of Colorado Springs in the far background.  The train runs year round and they use snow removal equipment on the tracks to keep it open as much as possible.  There are times they cannot run all the way to the summit if there is too much snow.

"Siamese Twins"

Garden of the Gods Park features unique red rock formations that seem to randomly crop up out of the earth.  Owned by the City of Colorado Springs this no fee park includes a 6.2 mile drive through the park, along with numerous walking and hiking trails.  There are names for all the different rock formations and sometimes you have to use your imagination a little to see how the name fits; other times it’s obvious. 

Road next to "Balanced Rock"

Key Hole in Siamese Twin Rock - View of Pikes Peak

"Balanced Rock"

Most of the red rock formations can be seen while driving through the Park or with a short walk, while a few others require a longer hike.  We enjoyed a morning of hiking here (nothing too strenuous) and ate lunch at the Trading Post café.  There is a very nice visitors center across the street from the main entrance of the Park.

If you look closely, Pike Peak can be seen through the “keyhole” in the rock I am sitting beside. 

Royal Gorge Bridge and Gondola

Royal Gorge is in Canon City, about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs.  It is more of a “tourist attraction” than other areas we visited.  We were here in 1976 also, however, it has been expanded to include gondola rides and zip lining across the gorge, a bungee swing, and an amphitheater for summer concerts, and more.  The bridge is a pedestrian bridge and there is a pretty hefty per person fee to even step foot on the bridge.   

Royal Gorge - Arkansas River

 While the gorge and bridge are quite a marvel (900 ft above the Arkansas River), it feels a little too “touristy” or commercialized for me. As you can see the pictures, the gondola ride could be quite an experience not to mention zip lining if you are brave and don't mind the fees.  We did not partake in any of the activities, but did have a nice picnic lunch at one of the picnic areas overlooking the gorge.  One interesting note is that in 2013 a wildfire destroyed the buildings, but caused only minor damage to the bridge.  They quickly rebuilt and added even more entertainment options; including the new gondola ride.

On our way back to Colorado Springs, just outside of Canon City, we found a very interesting road. Skyline Drive is a one-way road built right on the ridge of the mountain.  The road eventually wound around to downtown Canon City.  With drop offs on each side I had to admit to having sweaty palms a few times. Even with the overcast, it was a pretty nice view.

Skyline Drive Canon City

Views from Skyline Drive

Silver Cascade Falls Trail

We wanted to check out Cheyenne Mountain since it was directly west of our camp site and we saw several signs for a park.  We found two parks: Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a recreation area with some camping available, but mostly hiking and bike trails.  North Cheyenne Canyon Park, owned by the City of Colorado Springs, has a nice drive through the canyon and numerous hiking trails.  We did a short hike around Helen Hunt Falls (no, not the actress, a Colorado author), and Silver Cascade Falls.  A short, steep hike with several bridges over the falls.

Helen Hunt Falls

Silver Cascade Falls

I read later that there is a warming in this area for mountain lions and black bear being more active this time of year leading up to winter hibernation.  Probably should have checked this out BEFORE the hike, although I believe the warning applies more to the back country trails. The trail we were on was near a visitors center and roads.  Generally, we tend to shy away from trails with wild life warnings.

If you couldn't tell yet, we really love Colorado.  (Although Michigan will always be our first love!)  Colorado has so much to offer.  In previous trips we visited other areas to be considered when coming here: including Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction; Mesa Verde National Park; ski towns of Aspen, Vail and Winter Park; Durango, and the Silverton to Ouray - "Million Dollar Highway".

Leaving Colorado, we decided to head southeast through Oklahoma into Texas.  A visit to Waco, TX and HGTV Fixer Upper Magnolia Silos and Market is next.  From there we are hoping to head back northeast to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.