Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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psteinx
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Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by psteinx »

Me (55M) and daughter (22F) will be staying over in Colorado Springs for 2 nights on long road trip in July. We get in late the night before, leave earlyish after the 2 nights, so we basically have 1 full day to explore.

I'm not big on summiting (by train/car/etc) Pike's Peak, because of concerns about altitude issues.

#1 interest, probably is white water rafting. There are full day (~5 hours on the water) and half day (~2 hours on water) options. I did this decades ago - obviously would go with outfitter/tour, on moderately severe rapids. A concern is that CO Springs does not seem to be THAT warm, even in July, and so going on the water in the morning may be too cold?

#2 interest, maybe, would be visiting an Old West/Mining Town. It seems the good ones are a fair bit out of town (previous thread on BH said ~1.25 hours?) Are they that good, or just a block or three of antique stores selling junk/memorabilia?

Could also do a good horseback/trail ride. Or explore things in CO Springs itself. Olympic training, Air Force Academy have little appeal, unless there's something really great about them for 2 visitors with little cultural connection to either.

Maybe one of the historic/narrow guage train rides?

We'll be hiking Utah parks in the following days, so don't really feel the need/desire to do much hiking around CO Springs, but if there's something really compelling...
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by livesoft »

psteinx wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:18 amWe'll be hiking Utah parks in the following days, so don't really feel the need/desire to do much hiking around CO Springs, but if there's something really compelling...
Many compelling hikes that would get you acclimated for Utah especially since you seemed to mention altitude as a concern.

I'd ask your 22F what they want to do and have them come up with some ideas. Not hiking leaves you going to tourist traps.

BTW, I was just in/near Colorado Springs a couple weeks ago. It was quite hot and I was coming from 100+F weather in Texas.
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JPH
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by JPH »

I enjoyed a trail ride in the Garden of the Gods many years ago.
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Elsebet
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Elsebet »

My company HQ is there and I was on-site a few weeks ago to meet my team (most of us work remote).

Besides Pike's Peak I was told to visit Garden of the Gods: https://www.gardenofgods.com/ I did not rent a car and worked all day and did team outings/dinners in the evenings so I didn't have time to get to it myself.

I was also told you can visit the Air Force Academy: https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/ From my office I could see them doing parachute jumps and training flights all day. I have to admit I spent quite a bit of time being distracted by that.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by sawhorse »

Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by wilshuer »

White water rafting is going to be a bit of a drive 1-2 hrs.

Garden of the Gods is nice, can wander around in Manitou Springs. Gold Camp road is a nice drive up to Cripple Creek if you're looking for old west town, has casinos but maintains the old west feel. Lots of mines nearby. Cripple Creek and Victor railway is an attraction there.
Colorado14
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Colorado14 »

While the water can be cool, July temps in CS are likely to be warm/hot. I wouldn't let cool water temps deter you from rafting.


Tips:

Please drink lots of water at higher elevations and during this season of drought.

The cog railway goes to the top of Pikes Peak but if you're trying to avoid elevation gains, this won't be a good choice for you. It's the only train in that area, narrow gauge railroads are in other parts of Colorado.

You can feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo if you're into that kind of thing.

Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City are nearby and are mostly tourist trap type of places. I don't know that I would describe them as hostoric western towns though.

Royal Gorge Park and train are nearby (an hour away.) That might be the kind of train ride you are seeking? Also there are white water rafting outfitters in the Royal Gorge area.

Let us know if you have additional questions.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by livesoft »

Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:51 amManitou Springs and Old Colorado City are nearby and are mostly tourist trap type of places. I don't know that I would describe them as hostoric western towns though.
I drove into Manitou Springs for lunch, but there was no parking available, so I left and had lunch in Old Colorado City, but still not at a great place. I will also note that the restaurant on top of Pikes Peak was horrendous this year.
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JAZZISCOOL
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by JAZZISCOOL »

JPH wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:16 am I enjoyed a trail ride in the Garden of the Gods many years ago.
Garden of the Gods is very beautiful but as others noted, it can be very hot and touristy in the summer.

I went to tea at the Glen Eyrie Castle a couple years ago that was fun. A little different than the other tourist ideas.

https://gleneyrie.org/

TripAdvisor has some other ideas.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions ... orado.html

The elevation of Colorado Springs is 6,035 feet, so a bit higher than the Denver metro area FWIW. Hydrating is a very good idea.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Colorado14 »

livesoft wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:57 am
Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:51 amManitou Springs and Old Colorado City are nearby and are mostly tourist trap type of places. I don't know that I would describe them as historic western towns though.
I drove into Manitou Springs for lunch, but there was no parking available, so I left and had lunch in Old Colorado City, but still not at a great place. I will also note that the restaurant on top of Pikes Peak was horrendous this year.

Hopefully other aspects of your trip were great. I wouldn't recommend eating at any of those 3 locations...

Another option for entertainment is to consider Cave of the Winds, which is 20 minutes from Colorado Springs.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by livesoft »

Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:04 pmHopefully other aspects of your trip were great. I wouldn't recommend eating at any of those 3 locations...
Had a great time backpacking mostly above 10,000 ft, so ready to go back.
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notBobToo
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by notBobToo »

#1 interest, probably is white water rafting
Buena Vista was always one of my favorites. A full day for sure (two hours up; half day rafting; two hours back), if you also take in the hot springs there, with natural pools along the river as well as a heated (springs fed) pool, clubhouse and other amenities. Then walk around the town, which is kind of neat with (other) interesting things to see and a decent dining and brew scene.

That said, for your trip, Canon City is closer, about an hour from the Springs. And you will be rafting in the Royal Gorge canyon, which is pretty awesome.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by quantAndHold »

Most of the things you mention (and indeed most of the best things in Colorado) are in the mountains, and staying in Colorado Springs isn’t really the place to stay for that. You might want to drive further up into the mountains, and have your tourist day up there.

White water rafting is best in the springtime, because the rivers are fed with snowmelt, and there’s more water then. Also, I believe they’ve been having the same drought that the rest of the west has had, so you may not be able to go river rafting. Regardless, the rafting is usually better on the west side of the continental divide.

What is your route? Do you need to go through Colorado Springs? Or would you be better off on I-70, going through Vail (beautiful mountain scenery) and Glenwood Springs (huge hot spring pool)? If it were me, I’d spend the night in Vail, and do my touristing around there.
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psteinx
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by psteinx »

Colorado Springs is the end of a long day's drive, from St. Louis area. Next stop after Colorado Springs is in the Bryce area.

Is there a way to check how good the rafting conditions are on various rivers, relative to normal? It seems the most likely for us would be Royal Gorge by Canon City.

We thought about staying in/around Denver (it's actually a little more direct for our overall route), but Colorado City seemed like a more interesting stopover.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Tom_T »

Many years ago, my spouse and I visited the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They had a museum, and my understanding is that it's expanded quite a bit since we were there.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by TallBoy29er »

psteinx wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:44 pm
Is there a way to check how good the rafting conditions are on various rivers, relative to normal? It seems the most likely for us would be Royal Gorge by Canon City.
Just call one or two of the companies that run the river. They'll be able to tell you. I would think it would be running well in early July. There is still mountain snow melt going on. You prob just missed the peak.

From CO Tourism Website

When is whitewater rafting season?
You may enjoy rafting from May through September. The intensity of the rapids will change throughout the season as the snow melts from nearby mountains. In May and June, when snowmelt is at its peak, the rivers run faster for a more thrilling adventure. Heading into August and September the flow is more mild and subdued. Rafting outfitters will be able to advise you on the best time for your trip according to your group’s ages and levels of expertise. Check with your guide for the latest conditions and advice.
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quantAndHold
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by quantAndHold »

psteinx wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:44 pm Colorado Springs is the end of a long day's drive, from St. Louis area. Next stop after Colorado Springs is in the Bryce area.

Is there a way to check how good the rafting conditions are on various rivers, relative to normal? It seems the most likely for us would be Royal Gorge by Canon City.

We thought about staying in/around Denver (it's actually a little more direct for our overall route), but Colorado City seemed like a more interesting stopover.
Denver itself is much more interesting than Colorado Springs, which is just a bunch of suburban sprawl. Two days of driving to get to Bryce from St Louis is two long, long days of driving. And any route you take that isn’t I-70 is going to take far longer to drive than it looks like on a map. The I-70 route is quite scenic and has plenty to do.

Googling “river rafting conditions Colorado”…it looks like outfitters aren’t running the Arkansas River this summer because the water is too high, but Clear Creek (which runs alongside I-70) is running well. That’s probably your best bet.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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sawhorse wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:40 am Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
+1

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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by cleosdad »

Parkinglotracer wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:54 pm
sawhorse wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:40 am Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
+1

Dinner at golden bee / bardmore
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Parkinglotracer »

cleosdad wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 9:43 am
Parkinglotracer wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:54 pm
sawhorse wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:40 am Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
+1

Dinner at golden bee / bardmore
Broadmoor.
Thanks !
motiv8ed
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by motiv8ed »

JAZZISCOOL wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:58 amHydrating is a very good idea.
+1 if you're just walking around.

+100000000 if you're exerting yourself at all!


motiv8ed
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by SimonJester »

Dont forget sunscreen and be sure to reapply every few hours if you are going to be outside. The high altitude will cause you to burn faster then at sea level... If you are going down to Canon City you can also check out the Royal Gorge Bridge, its one of the worlds highest suspension bridges.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by carac33 »

I am in Colorado Springs now and just did the white water rafting from Cañon City — half day. It was so great!!! We used a company River Runners. I was very nervous as I’m not a great swimmer, but it was no issue at all. You can see the details of the conditions of the river online and call the companies beforehand to see how it will be. There are a bunch of options, so you can probably wait until last minute to book.

We also ate at a restaurant Skirted Heifer—highly recommend! It’s located in Colorado Springs.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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sawhorse wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:40 am Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
I’d do the Air Force Academy, then the Garden of the Gods.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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sawhorse wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:40 am Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy
celia wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 9:24 pm I’d do the Air Force Academy, then the Garden of the Gods.
We were in CS a few weeks ago, and the chapel at the academy is closed until 2025. There may be other attractions there though.

I'd second the recommendation for Garden of the Gods, but do it as early in the morning as possible to avoid both crowds and heat. After visiting there, I'd highly recommend a visit to Pike's Peak.

The OP might be interested in the World War II Aviation museum at CS. My father and I visited it, and it was fantastic. The information and artifacts alone were incredible, and the aircraft, all of which are still operational, were amazing. It could be an all-day activity for someone interested in the subject.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:51 am You can feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo if you're into that kind of thing.
Our 7 year old daughter loved that zoo, and the rest of us enjoyed it a lot too. Very busy though.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by JAZZISCOOL »

willthrill81 wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:09 pm
Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:51 am You can feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo if you're into that kind of thing.
Our 7 year old daughter loved that zoo, and the rest of us enjoyed it a lot too. Very busy though.
Yes, in fact a friend told me yesterday she went there recently and ended up spending $40 on feeding the giraffes since it was so fun (adult). :happy
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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JAZZISCOOL wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:02 pm
willthrill81 wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:09 pm
Colorado13 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:51 am You can feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo if you're into that kind of thing.
Our 7 year old daughter loved that zoo, and the rest of us enjoyed it a lot too. Very busy though.
Yes, in fact a friend told me yesterday she went there recently and ended up spending $40 on feeding the giraffes since it was so fun (adult). :happy
Wow! I believe that a small serving was $1, and a large was $2. $40 is a lot of feeding! But it was a lot of fun. It's certainly one of the best zoos we've ever visited. My wife preferred it to the one at San Diego.
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celia
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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willthrill81 wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:06 pm We were in CS a few weeks ago, and the chapel at the academy is closed until 2025. There may be other attractions there though.
Since we are in early summer right now, some of the upper class cadets are with the incoming freshmen in the woods doing training, athletic skills, and squadron building activities. Others are learning survival skills or parachuting.

During the school year, they have a noon roll call in the quad before they march into the dining hall. It is huge and all cadets can eat at the same time.

Trivia question
Q: Why does the Air Force Academy Chapel have 17 spires?

A1: for the 12 apostles and 5 joint chiefs of staff

A2: https://www.usafa.edu/5-things-you-may- ... et-chapel/
Last edited by celia on Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

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celia wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:52 pm
willthrill81 wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:06 pm We were in CS a few weeks ago, and the chapel at the academy is closed until 2025. There may be other attractions there though.
Since we are in early summer right now, some of the upper class cadets are with the incoming freshmen in the woods doing training, athletic skills, and squadron building activities. Others are learning survival skills or parachuting.

During the school year, they have a noon roll call in the quad before they march into the dining hall. It is huge and everyone can eat at the same time.
Interesting. Thanks.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by powermega »

US Olympic Muesum (NOT the training center, the new museum that opened up downtown). https://usopm.org/

Garden of the Gods. https://www.gardenofgods.com/

Glen Eyrie Castle. https://gleneyrie.org/


I would normally list the Air Force Academy here too, but the chapel is under renovation.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by SurferLife »

Based off of what you said you want to do, I’d look at the Royal Gorge area. The suspension bridge is stomach dropping and you can drive across it. Also the river tours. You might be interested in the great sand dunes national park, but that’s 3 hrs away, but it’s unique! You could also drive up to some of the ski resorts like Breckinridge (2hrs) and do their summer activities, which are so numerous! If you drive the back way to the ski resorts and not I70 through Denver, it’s one of the most beautiful drives I’ve done.
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psteinx
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by psteinx »

Just back from the trip.

Ended up doing a "full day" (~4 hours on the water + ~1 hour lunch) whitewater expedition on the Arkansas, into Royal Gorge. Was fun - though had one scary bump that almost (but not quite) took me and my daughter out of the raft.

Then walked Garden of the Gods later in the day. Was ok - worth doing I guess because it was close to our hotel, but would have been disappointing to me if it were the primary object of our Colorado Springs stopover.

Next day drove West and mountains west of Denver were pretty cool. Brief stopover in Vail just to walk around and that was worth seeing - very pretty but also very $$$.
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Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

Post by Colorado14 »

Thank you for the update! Hopefully you had fun.
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