16 Ways to Play in Colorado Springs
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Named after explorer Zebulon Pike, Pikes Peak is often referred to as America’s Mountain. Many historians say that Katharine Lee Bates was inspired by her visits to Pikes Peak when she penned the words to America the Beautiful. Although not the tallest mountain in Colorado, Pikes Peak in undoubtedly the most famous. Come visit in the summer to witness the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds. The newly renovated Pikes Peak Cog Train is scheduled to make its inaugural appearance in 2021.
Colorado Springs is already home to the Olympic Training Center and many Olympic and Paralympic committees and organizations. Now the city is getting ready for the upcoming opening of the modernistic Olympic and Paralympic Museum. It is the first museum in the nation totally dedicated to honoring current and past athletes representing the United States.
The museum is located in the industrialized southwest sector of town. The new structure is just one part of a revitalization effort in the southwest downtown area, which will include other new buildings, street construction, and a new streamlined bridge across the railroad tracks that will connect the museum with the America the Beautiful Park, a beautiful 30 acre green area nearby.
Russel Shaw is the veteran owner/operator of Springs Beer Tours in Manitou Springs. In his entertaining and informative tours, Russel brings alive the history, people, and places that make Manitou Springs special. Tours include the Original 1872 Tour, The Prohibiton Tour, and customized private tours.
Try great tasting craft beers from Laughing Lab, Bristol Brewing, nearby Breckenridge Brewery, and other great craft breweries on these fun, educational tours. Russel’s motto and philosophy definitely held true the night we toured Manitou in November.
“There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.”
Garden of the Gods is the iconic landmark often associated with Colorado Springs. Huge red rock formations like Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels, Sleeping Giant and other whimsical structures provide a vivid backdrop to Pikes Peak to the west. Over two million people come to Garden of the Gods each year, making it the most visited park in the city. With over 21 miles of trails and numerous events held here throughout the year, this free city park is a must see.
Often referred to as, “The most unique resort in the world,” The Broadmoor Golf Resort was voted the #1 golf resort in North America by Golf Magazine, as well as #1 in North America for guest services by Golf Digest. The Broadmoor is the only Forbes Five-Star resort and AAA Five Diamond resort in Colorado. With their commitment to excellence in everything they do, a stay at The Broadmoor is always a memorable experience.
This beautiful resort used to be a dairy farm. Then it was a casino with a small hotel, built by a Prussian Count in the late 1800s. The casino burned down in 1908, was rebuilt, and then sold in 1916 to mining magnate Spencer Penrose, who was determined to build a first-class resort at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, melding the beauty of the Rockies with the opulence of Europe.
Seven Falls
Seven Falls at The Broadmoor bills itself as “the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado,” the only waterfall in Colorado earning a spot on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls. Guests approach the canyon from The Broadmoor, following the meandering stream up to the main feature, a series of seven waterfalls cascading from a height of 181 feet. To reach the top of the falls, adventurous hikers can climb the 224 steps to the top of the falls for a magnificent view of the falls and the canyon below.
With the physical activity, fresh air, and magnificent views, we worked up quite an appetite. We had reservations at Restaurant 1858, a beautiful mix of rustic and elegance at the foot of the falls. My wife had the Inspiration Point Hikers Salad, with Kale, Roasted Marinated Beets, Tri-Color Carrots, Blueberries, Goji Berry Savory Granola, and a light Acai Pomegranate Vinaigrette. I had the tasty Smokestack Angus Burger with Hickory Smoked Bacon and Pimento Cheese as we enjoyed the view outside our window and the impeccable service. I highly recommend you make time for Seven Falls when you visit Colorado Springs.
The United States Air Force Academy, created in 1959, is committed to excellence. It is the youngest service academy, and is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in a picturesque location just north of downtown Colorado Springs. The Air Force Academy provides world class education to over 4,000 talented cadets each year. With the creation of the US Space Force, the Air Force and the academy are even more vital to our nation’s security. Check out the fascinating visitors’ center, the famous Air Force Chapel, and the expansive 18,000 acres of this beautiful campus.
The Royal Gorge and Bridge in Canon City is just an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs. The highest suspension bridge in Colorado, the bridge was constructed in 1929. Upon arriving at the park, visitors can easily see why they say:
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: Combining God’s Splendor with Man’s Ingenuity.
Visitors can enjoy fantastic views while crossing the bridge, hiking the many trails, riding the gondolas, and dining in the onsite restaurant. Adventurous souls may want to tackle the Cloudscraper Zipline, the Royal Rush Skycoaster, or the new Via Ferrata rock climbing trail. There’s even a special Tommy Knocker Playland for the kids.
Wine Tasting
Although not known for their wines, Colorado has it’s share of great wineries and many place to do tastings for wines from around the world. One popular place in Colorado Springs for wine tasting is the laid back Wine Gallery Wine and Spirits. Another great place to try is the whimsical Swirl in downtown Manitou Springs, with its upside down multi-colored umbrellas lining the ceiling.
Feel like a physical challenge? Join the thousands of professional and amateur athletes (as well as just plain tourists) as they tackle the one mile steep hill the call The Incline. The trail is what used to be a 3 foot narrow path for a funicular railway that was washed away in a rockslide in 1990. Very fit athletes can make the climb in under 30 minutes, but most people take close to an hour to complete the climb. So how many steps is that? The Incline now consists of approximately 2,744 steps made of old railroad ties. That’s a lot of steps!
Remember The Incline starts at 6,500 feet and rises another 2,000 feet before reaching the top. Because of the altitude and the extreme steepness (an average of 41% incline) of the steps, pace yourself and don’t overdo it. Be sure to stop now and then to rest and to enjoy the fantastic panoramic views as you ascend the climb.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is conveniently located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. It is the highest zoo in the United States at an elevation of 6,714 feet, and the surrounding beauty of the mountains and valleys adds to the experience of spending time with all types of animals from around the world. The functional areas of the zoo comprise about 40 acres, with another 100 acres adding the the tranquility and privacy of the zoo.
Feeding the giraffes is a favorite activity of visitors as well as a whole host of other planned activities. Try the Goat Encounter, the Chicken Parade, Wolf Feeding, the Grizzly Bear Show, and other entertaining, enjoyable activites. The Cheyenne Zoo was named #6 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Come visit and see why.
For a lively change of pace, check out the annual Emma Crawford Coffins Races in Manitou Springs. In addition to the participants in the coffin races, many of the guests also dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Combine 10,000 guests, many in costume, with the coffin races, great restaurants, pubs, shops, and other attractions, and you have the grandest of Halloween parties. The Coffin Races are held annually on a weekend before Halloween each year.
Photo courtesy Emma Crawford Festival
The World Famous Penny Arcade at Manitou Springs is loads of fun with all types of arcade machine throughout. Antique games like pinball, skeeball, racing games and others are plentiful in several buildings just off main street in Manitou Springs. Over 400 games offer golden oldies as well as some more modern offerings. In addition to the indoor arcade games, in the outside areas there are many types of electronic cars and animals to test your driving skills. The World Famous Penny Arcade is definitely good for hours of family fun.
Pamper Yourself in Luxurious Lodgings
If you are looking to by pampered, Colorado Springs is the place to be. Luxurious lodgings like The Broadmoor, The Cliff House, The Lodge at Flying Horse, The Antlers, and other luxury hotels can be found downtown and in the outskirts of town. In addition to these luxury hotels in Colorado Springs, there are also many luxury B&Bs like St. Mary’s Inn and Crescent City Inn that offer posh rooms, fantastic food and service, spa treatments, and other special amenities to make your stay memorable.
Eat, Drink and Relax at Top Notch Eateries
Colorado Springs is a cornucopia of great eating and drinking establishments. Some of the best fine dining starts at The Broadmoor at top rated restaurants like The Terrace, The Penrose Room, and Del Lago. Other fine dining restaurants include Carlos Bistro and The Melting Pot. For more casual fare, Uchenna (Ethiopian), Urban Egg, The Omelette Parlor, Marigold Cafe and Bakery, and Mountain Shadows Restaurant are some local favorites.
Golf in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is home to several great golf courses. These scenic, challenging golf courses include The Broadmoor, Patty Jewett, Kissing Camels, The Club at Flying Horse, and Colorado Springs Country Club.
Click below to learn more about other great Colorado attractions
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.