1. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark and is definitely on my must-see list in Colorado Springs. You can walk around among 300 foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Pikes Peak and some brilliant blue skies. Great photo opportunities!
The Visitor and Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region and currently has all new interactive exhibits. You can learn how the amazing red rocks got there with the new Geo-Trekker theater experience, which is shown every 20 minutes.
We ate lunch on the terrace overlooking Pikes Peak, and I am told that this is one of Colorado’s most photographed views!
2. Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings
Another cool thing to see in Colorado Springs is the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings, which are made up of Anasazi ruins that date back 800 to 1000 years old!
According to the museum, the 40 room site was originally located in McElmo Canyon, which is in the southwest corner of Colorado near Mesa Verde and Dolores. The process of relocating these cliff dwellings began in 1904 and was completed in 1907 when the preserve was opened to the public.
The buildings reflect the architecture of the Taos Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. These Pueblo Indians are descendants of the Cliff Dwelling Indians belonging to the Anasazi cultural line. The three story pueblo building there was built at the turn of the century and was home to a Native American family of dancers who entertained the tourists for several generations up until the mid 80’s.
Over the years, the pueblo was expanded into museums of pottery and artifacts. There is a pretty cool souvenir shop at the end of the museum that has a lot of native made pottery, jewelry, and artifacts, as well as some Colorado made gifts.
You can walk around inside the buildings, climb in them, touch them, and read the history about each dwelling. It is pretty interesting, even for short-attention span people like me who don’t like to read history. For more information check out their website at https://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/
3. Pikes Peak
I was an outdoor recreation major at The University of Tennessee (yes, it is a real major), and I did a summer internship as a Wilderness Backpacking Guide in Colorado. I have always loved mountains – from the Smokies to the BlueRidge to the Rockies and even the Alps. They seem to put everything in focus and make me feel closer to God. And Pikes Peak is one of my favorites.
Pikes Peak, located in the Rocky Mountains west of Colorado Springs, is one of the most famous — and most attainable — 14ers in the country. There are actually 53 mountains in Colorado that achieve a height of 14,000 feet or more. Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet at the summit. It is one of the top 100 mountains in the United States!
There are several ways to do Pikes Peak. Although I did climb it years ago, this past trip we drove up to see the view. Much easier and by far the most popular way to the summit. Driving gave us the freedom to take things at our own pace and stop to take pictures when we wanted. We brought a picnic and enjoyed the hot chocolate at the gift shop at the top. Some other ways to see Pikes Peak are to ride a bike (this makes me tired just typing that), hike, or take a guided tour. Find out more info. here: https://www.pikes-peak.com/about-pikes-peak/
What’s your favorite thing to do in Colorado Springs?
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