Standing atop the majestic 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, it’s easy to understand why Katharine Lee Bates penned the lyrics to “America the Beautiful” from this spot in 1893. This iconic mountain, which watches over Colorado Springs, inspires national pride and awe in nature’s wonders.
Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, beckons travelers with a mix of breathtaking natural attractions and a quintessentially American atmosphere. Despite being Colorado’s second-largest city, Colorado Springs retains a small-town vibe with its walkable downtown and welcoming streets. However, the city’s spread-out attractions make having a car a necessity. Below are five great reasons why Colorado Springs should top your travel list.
1. Summiting Pikes Peak: America’s Mountain
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The experience of summiting Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain, is unforgettable. Adventurers can choose from three routes to reach the top. Hiking enthusiasts might opt for the 13-mile (one-way) Barr Trail, a challenging path with a 7,000-foot elevation gain that takes you through diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows and rugged terrain above 11,000 feet. It’s not easy and requires an early start, especially in summer, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
If hiking sounds too strenuous, you can hop aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which reopened in 2023 after a complete renovation. This historic railway, built in 1891, is the world’s highest and longest cog railway and the highest railroad in the U.S. Conductors narrate the journey to the summit and share fascinating facts and tales about the region.
Another option is to take the scenic drive up the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile road filled with panoramic viewpoints. The steep, winding drive can be nerve-wracking due to sheer drop-offs, but the breathtaking vistas make it well worth the trip.
2. Stay in Luxury at The Broadmoor
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For those seeking the ultimate luxury, The Broadmoor is a world-renowned five-star resort with a reputation for impeccable service and elegance. Modeled after a European lakefront village, this historic resort has been a luxurious retreat since 1918, attracting world leaders and power players.
Set on sprawling, manicured grounds, the resort is home to three championship golf courses designed by architects like Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Jack Nicklaus. These courses are consistently ranked among the world’s best and offer unique challenges against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Beyond golf, The Broadmoor has a wealth of activities for every taste, including falconry lessons, where you’ll learn about and interact with falcons, owls, and hawks.
On Sundays, The Broadmoor offers a legendary brunch buffet that even non-hotel guests can experience. The lavish spread includes everything from freshly made breakfast favorites to decadent crab claws and oysters, all accompanied by bottomless mimosas.
3. Tour the United States Air Force Academy
Graduation day at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (United States Air Force Academy/Facebook)
Another must-visit landmark in Colorado Springs is the U.S. Air Force Academy, located north of downtown. Spanning 18,500 acres, the Academy is a hub of military history and features striking architecture, including its iconic Cadet Chapel.
Start your visit at the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, where you can learn about cadet life, academics, and the Academy’s military traditions. From there, take a self-guided tour of the expansive campus, which includes stops at the Honor Court, Falcon Stadium, and a display of a historic B-52 bomber. If you visit on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 11:45 a.m., between mid-August and mid-May, you can witness cadets marching by squadron across the Terrazzo for their noon meal—a sight that will stick with you long after your visit.
4. Explore the Garden of the Gods
Oleg Kovtun via Getty Images
One of Colorado Springs’ crown jewels is the Garden of the Gods, a city park showcasing towering crimson-red sandstone formations that rise dramatically against the backdrop of the sky. This geological wonderland is a photographer’s dream and offers a loop road for sightseeing by car with plenty of pullouts for those jaw-dropping rock formations.
For the more adventurous, the park also offers hiking, biking, and rock climbing opportunities. Best of all, admission to this natural marvel is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly option for travelers.
5. Get Inspired at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
U.S Olympic & Paralympic Museum (U.S Olympic & Paralympic Museum/Facebook)
For sports lovers, no visit to Colorado Springs is complete without a trip to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, which opened its doors in 2021. This state-of-the-art museum is an homage to the athletes who have competed on the world’s biggest stage, showcasing interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and memorabilia from past Olympic Games.
Visitors can relive iconic Olympic moments and even try their hand at sports like bobsledding and ski racing through the museum’s interactive simulators. The museum also traces the history of the Olympics from its origins in ancient Greece to the modern era, inspiring visitors with stories of perseverance, dedication, and triumph.
Becca Blond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer focusing on pet, solo, luxury, and adventure travel. She lives with a psychiatric disability and travels with her service dog, Poppy. Becca is the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet travel guidebooks across five continents. Her byline regularly appears in Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Thrillist, Matador Network, Planetware, and others. When not on the road, she calls Denver home.
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Publish date : 2024-09-26 12:22:00
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