Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Colorado after Denver. Located at an altitude of more than 1800 meters on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, the town offers outdoor fans breathtaking scenery. The abundance of possible activities inspires adventurous tourists as well as holidaymakers interested in the rich cultural heritage of the region. If you decide to travel to Colorado Springs, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.
Experience the fantastic nature
Colorado Springs is a perfect base from which to explore some of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Hiking, climbing and mountain biking are among the most popular activities here. You can get a real adrenaline kick with rapid rides over ziplines or white water rafting on roaring mountain rivers. Leisurely canoe excursions, on the other hand, are a much more relaxed alternative to enjoy the landscape.
Colorado Springs’ Top Scenic Attractions
An absolute highlight and must for every visitor to the city is the “Garden of the Gods” on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. The park with its striking rock formations made of red sandstone is located at the foot of the 4300-meter-high Pikes Peak, the landmark of the region. The summit can be reached not only on trekking routes, but also by cogwheel railway, which has been running since 1891, or by car. The view from the top is really fantastic. The Garden of the Gods Park is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails and can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback. The sometimes bizarre stone cliffs are a true paradise for climbers.
Another tourist attraction in the Colorado Springs area is the Broadmoor Seven Falls Falls. The water of the South Cheyenne Creek pours here in the gorge washed out by the river over a seven-tiered cascade. If you want to experience the impressive spectacle from a very special perspective, you can choose between several zip lines of different lengths and “fly” over them in this exciting way.
One of the tallest suspension bridges in North America, the Royal Gorge Bridge, which spans the wild Arkansas River, is also a must-see destination if you’re in this part of Colorado.
Attractions in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs not only offers its guests an incomparable and varied nature, but also sights that remind us of the cultural heritage in the area. The place looks back on an exciting history and if you want to learn more about the Native Americans, you should definitely visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum. While exploring the replica dwellings of the pueblos, carved into the cliffs, you will learn a lot of interesting things about their lives. This information is supplemented by many exhibited objects.
At Pikes Peak there is Glen Eyrie Castle, a castle-like building in the English Tudor style, which you don’t expect in this part of the United States. The building dates back to the 1870s and belonged to one of Colorado Springs’ city fathers. Today it houses a restaurant with a hotel and is one of the most popular photo motifs, especially since it is also located in a breathtaking landscape.
The gold rush in the area is still commemorated by numerous monuments, such as the historic Cripple Creek & Victor gold mine. Mine tours by bus are offered, on which visitors are driven to various places related to the search and mining of the precious material.
For animal lovers, the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center is a great tip. This is a sanctuary for native wildlife and during a guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of the highest animal parks in the USA, is also worthwhile for anyone who loves animals and likes to observe them. The area is extremely successfully embedded in the landscape and invites you to explore it extensively.
Things to do in the city itself
Colorado Springs truly enchants every visitor and is perfect for a few relaxing days. There is an excellent gastronomic offer and extensive shopping sprees through the charming shops in the beautiful centre provide variety. Under no circumstances should tourists miss out on roaming the historic district of Old Colorado City and perhaps visiting one or the other museum. In addition to the Pioneers Museum with exhibits from the beginning of settlement, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry can also be recommended. This is an excellent insight into industrial history.
During a trip to Colorado Springs, nature experiences and outdoor activities in the unique landscape of the Rocky Mountains can be combined with relaxing hours in a magical city. Tourists with a wide variety of ideas get their money’s worth here.
