Colorado
Springs is about 70 miles south
of Denver. It is at the base of Cheyenne Mountain
with Pikes Peak looming up behind. The
area has a multitude of things to see and
explore. We spend about two nights and three days in
the "Springs".
Probably the most spectacular sight is Pikes Peak. You can go to the top either
by
car, or by cog railroad.
There are spectacular views going either
by either transportation.
Another big attraction is the Garden of the Gods, composed of red rock
formations looming up into the
air. It is a must see.
The Air
Force Academy is at Colorado Springs. I
believe it is the largest of the military schools,
area wise. It is located just north of Colorado
Springs, west of I-25. The Academy Complex is in a
forested area. Here is a picture of the Chapel.
Colorado Springs is the home of the United States Olympic Training
Center. It has daily guided tours. You can
buy
sweaters, jackets, caps and other items at the
Olympic
memorabilia shop. Proceeds from these sales go to
the
training of our athletes.
Another attraction is The
Broadmoor. It
is an exclusive hotel area. There are two private 18
hole golf courses. You have to be staying at the
hotel in order to play these courses.
The Cheyenne Zoo is directly behind the Broadmoor,
and is
located on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. Half-way
up the mountain is Will Rogers shrine.
It can be
seen from the patio of the Broadmoor.
Seven Falls is
in that same general direction. It is quite a
walk from the parking lot to the site of the falls.
There is another place in the area called Santa's
Workshop. This is a good attraction for the
children.
The Royal
Gorge Bridge is a few miles west of Colorado
Springs. Take Colorado Highway 115 at the south end
of the city. Near the parking lot area, is a place
where you can see deer. You can almost go up and pet
them. Here is a picture. It is a
breath taking experience to walk across the
bridge.
Two different years when we were in Colorado Springs, we would take a side trip. We went south on I-25 to state highway 165, turn west through Colorado City and Rye. When we got to state highway 67 we would turn north to Canon City then on into Colorado Springs. On highway 165 we would go by Bishops Castle. This is a beautiful drive through the mountains.
If golf is your thing, there are lots of good golf
courses in and around Colorado Springs.
