COLORADO SPRINGS & PIKES PEAK - A Delightful Family Destination
Written: Mar 02 '03 (Updated Sep 02 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: MAGNIFICENT SCENERY, Diverse variety of attractions
Cons: Large crowds, especially at Garden Of The Gods and Pikes Peak
The Bottom Line: Colorado Springs is a friendly little city packed with activities... natural attractions, museums, zoo, amusement park and a great American family restaurant, The astonishing scenery alone is worth the visit.
|
|
|
| radioroger's Full Review: Colorado |
As Colorado's second largest city, the Colorado Springs metro area has a population of about 465,000, making this small city comfortable for city dwelling travelers as well as country bumpkins such as us. Within a 25-mile radius, there's a smorgasbord of culture, family activities and beautiful natural scenery... from bustling touristy areas to serene pastoral settings.
The Colorado Springs area was the final destination of our 2002 family vacation before our long drive back to Ohio. We started out early Sunday morning from Dillon / Silverthorne, Colorado east on I-70 to Denver, then south on I-25 to Colorado Springs... a beautiful drive. We spent just one day in the area, but with all there is to do, we could have easily spent two or three days. The Colorado Springs area boasts a very wide variety of attractions and activities suitable for families. My mother, my 9 and 11 year old girls and I all enjoyed the area. We spent the night at Motel 6, just off of I-25 on the north side of the city. They had a pool, and we got our inexpensive, clean, comfortable room as advertised.
United States Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy is just north of the city. We did not spend much time here. We just wanted to take a quick look. The Academy is easily accessible from I-25 at Exits 156B (north) and 150 (south). At the small visitors center about 4 miles from the north entrance, visitors may watch a brief film about the Academy and pick up maps and more info about the Academy. The road circles the perimeter of the Academy and has numerous scenic pulloffs.
Why would tourists have any interest in visiting a military academy? Simple... the scenery. The United States Air Force Academy stands out from other colleges because of its location. Remotely situated in the Rampart Range foothills, the beautiful complex is visible from long distances. The architectural centerpiece of the Academy is the unique Cadet Chapel. Its external design consists solely of 17 towering triangular arrowhead-shaped parallel spires, somewhat resembling a stack of fighter jets pointing to the sky. The chapel's angular design is a nice complement to Pikes Peak and the mountain scenery in the background.
A B-52 bomber and a few other aircraft are displayed on or near the grounds. One great photo opportunity is located at the corner of Stadium Boulevard and the Exit 156 access. Two fighter jets are mounted as to appear that they are in flight. The red, white and blue one is a perfect photo subject with which to pose your family. The majestic Pikes Peak provides the background (Photo is posted on my website... address is listed at the end of this review).
The Academy was not crowded with tourists, but we visited at about 9 or 10 AM on a Sunday morning, so I can't offer an accurate assessment of the crowds during peak visitation times. If you're just driving through, allow yourself about ½ hour. If you're stopping at the visitors center and want to take a closer look at the inside the chapel, you might take an hour or an hour and a half. Again, the Academy is easily accessible from I-25, and it's a nice little diversion after hundreds of miles of highway driving.
We visited between 9 and 10 AM on a Sunday in August, 2002
Weather: Beautiful sunny morning
Ease of Accessibility: A-
Cost: A
Kid-Friendliness: C
Overall Experience: B-
Garden Of The Gods - Colorado Springs
Although flora and fauna are well labeled and thoroughly described at the Visitor's Center, it's the huge sandstone formations that are the highlight of this geologic anomaly. The Garden Of the Gods looks like a cross between rugged mountain terrain and the abrupt relief of Wile E. Coyote's desert. Trees are uncommon... exposing the rocky scenery of the earth itself.
The Garden Of The Gods Visitors Center is terrific. They have plenty of maps and information and a nice multimedia presentation (a possible wait). The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They all seemed to truly enjoy their jobs. The Visitors Center has a very good, albeit expensive gift shop with unique GOTG souvenir items, as well as many other unrelated and unusual items. Several months after our visit, my daughter fondly recalls the free samples of watermelon fudge they provided. I know, that sounds disgusting, but it was actually quite tasty... and no, we didn't buy any. They have a good reasonably-priced little snack bar / restaurant at the Visitors Center... which produces a deliciously irresistible aroma (try the soup, they were featuring chili when we visited). Outdoors, the sidewalks are lined with the indigenous fauna, well labeled and well kept. Because the Visitors Center is built into the side of a hill, these plant specimens are near eye-level, making it possible for all to easily enjoy them. I also recall a young boy, maybe 8, who was mesmerized by the sight of hummingbirds zipping to and fro amongst the many hummingbird feeders. The best aspect of the Visitors Center is the amazing view. Clearly, the site of the building was chosen solely for this reason. Looking down upon the Garden, two gigantic red rock formations perfectly frame Pikes Peak. The terrace is designed to easily photograph the scene with or without human subjects. There are GOTG signs, petunia baskets, and other accouterments to assist creative photographers. The view is also visible from inside the center, as the entire front of the center is equipped with giant picture windows. (Once again, I refer to my website to see photos... anytime a photo op or amazing scenery is described, its probably on my site)This is an exceptional visitors center. It was well-planned, creatively-designed and is skillfully operated by a sincere staff. The Visitors Center is open daily from 8-8 June-August, 9-5 the rest of the year. Admission is free, but you'll be hard pressed not to spend any money. The show is $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Bus tours of the Garden Of The Gods are available, although we drove ourselves. Bus tours are $3.75 for adults and $2.50 for kids 5-12 (2002).
The Garden's main loop is only about (going from memory here) 6 or 7 miles long. If I recall correctly, the speed limit is 15 mph (somebody please correct me if I'm wrong) and the traffic is even slower. Whatever the speed limit, be patient, and allow yourself at least 2 hours to drive and to enjoy the park. The road through the park is a narrow, 2-lane winding road punctuated by many small hills. Pulloffs and trailheads are numerous. We saw two brave rock climbers scaling the sheer cliffs of the larger formations. It was only upon seeing these daring fellows tiny silhouettes against the rock, that I appreciated the enormity of the sandstone formations. They don't look quite so big from the Visitors Center. The park is lined with several hiking trails, paved and unpaved, suitable for little kids as well as parents who may not exactly be in tip-top physical shape. One rock formation is called "Kissing Camels". When you see it, you'll know why. Another is called "Balanced Rock"...also aptly named. Appearing to defy gravity, this huge (~50 foot diameter) rock rests precariously upon a small contact point (8-10 feet) with the rock foundation below it. We literally waited in line to take novelty strong-man photos of us "lifting" this rock. The only major negative about the Garden Of The Gods is one that can be expected of most popular, quality attractions... the enormous crowds. The Visitors Center, the roads and the pulloffs were all packed, uncomfortably so. The only relief from the crowds came while on the hiking trails. While other people were always present and visible, at least we had some elbow room. In fairness, we visited in the middle of a Sunday at the height of tourist season. It's also worth noting that the Visitors Center and the park demonstrated quite an effort to accommodate those with special physical needs. Certainly, there's only so much that can be done when hiking and physical activity are such a large part of an experience, but the handicap accessibility is great for a park of this nature.
The Garden Of The Gods is a remarkable attraction. Those who have developed and maintained the park have done an outstanding job of ensuring the park can be enjoyed by everyone... families with small kids, 80-year old grannies, rugged hikers and rock climbers, history buffs, gardeners, and on and on.
We visited between 11 and 1 PM on a Sunday in August, 2002
Weather: Partly sunny w/ clouds and occasional light shower
Ease of Accessibility: B
Parking: C-
Cost: A
Quality: A-
Crowds: C-
Kid-Friendliness: B
Handicap Accessibility: B
Overall Experience: B
Pikes Peak Highway - A Precarious Drive To God's Inner Sanctum
Pikes Peak is nowhere near the top of the list of Colorado's tallest peaks, but it is undoubtedly the state's most famous mountain... for several reasons. First of all, Colorado has dozens of peaks over 14.000 feet. The tallest is Mt. Elbert with a height of 14,433 feet, so there's not much disparity between the tallest Colorado peaks... and at 14,110 feet, Pikes Peak is not far from the top. Secondly, Pikes Peak stands alone... a lone sentinel at the edge of eastern Colorado's prairie... visible from many miles away. Finally, because it is so huge and massive, you can actually DRIVE to the SUMMIT of Pikes Peak.
The Pikes Peak Highway starts out high and climbs 6710 feet from the toll gate to the summit. It is a 60 mile round trip to the summit from Colorado Springs. On the way you will encounter lots of tremendous scenery. You'll roll right along for the first few miles... perhaps you'll begin to believe that the whole drive will be a piece of cake. Then you'll climb above the treeline and the situation changes dramatically. The final 11 miles are unpaved. Carved into the side of the mountain, the final stretch has numerous hairpin curves, no guard rails and long, steep drops off the side of the road. The drive is definitely not for the faint of heart. Admittedly, I was a touch nervous, but my 11-year old refused to look out the car window and laid down on the seat. You will creep along at about 15 mph... you will not wish to drive any faster. As you climb ever-higher above the tree line, the air becomes increasingly thin and the view becomes more dramatic. Upon reaching the 14,110-foot summit, you'll likely experience a sense of accomplishment. Spend a few minutes in the Summit House, which contains lots of info about Pikes Peak, the obligatory gift shop, and a snack bar with hot food. Most adults will notice the scarcity of oxygen at the summit. According to a gift shop employee, visitors pass out from oxygen deprivation regularly. They have oxygen on hand and paramedics stationed at the summit. We did not witness any such episodes, but we were told that a kid had passed out cold earlier in the day. One of their most popular t-shirts is a spoof of the famous "Got Milk?" advertising campaign. The shirt reads "Got Oxygen?". Although I did feel a tad light-headed, none of us experienced any ill-effects from the altitude, including Mom. If you're in decent health and you don't overexert yourself, you should be fine.
Of course, the view from the Pikes Peak summit is incredible. On a clear day, visitors can see for great distances. Since you are at the summit, no matter where you look, you are looking down upon the horizon... inspiring a feeling of being "on top of the world". There are some dangerous steep drops at the summit, so keep an eye on adventurous kids.
Certainly, you want to be sure that your brakes are in good shape and you have plenty of gas before attempting this drive. I had thought the drive back down the Pikes Peak Highway would be more difficult because of the extensive braking, but that really wasn't the case. However, a few miles down the road, motorists must stop at a brake checkpoint. A ranger checks the brake temperature of each vehicle passing through. Those with hot brakes are asked to pull over into a parking lot to allow the brakes to cool. We were asked to pull over and wait ½ hour. Roughly one out of three vehicles was pulled over, although it didn't appear that many stayed for more than 10 minutes or so. "Coincidently", the brake checkpoint is located right in front of a small gift shop, so tourists may shop as they allow their brakes to cool.
The Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road and is very heavily traveled despite the fact that a big chunk of it is unpaved. The toll is $10 per person. Kids under 16 are free. The maximum charge per private vehicle is $35. The entrance to the road is about 10 miles west of Colorado Springs just off US 24. Directions are clearly marked from the highway. The road is open daily from 7-7 from May 1 to mid-September, 9-3 the rest of the year when weather permits. Don't be deceived by what appears to be a relatively short drive. Considering the very slow moving traffic, crowds, roadside stops and possible time to let your brakes cool, allow at least 3 ½ hours for your round trip... possibly 4 or more hours. Whether your kids (or you for that matter) enjoy the drive really depends on everyone's personality, likes and dislikes. I loved it. Mom loved it. My younger daughter was OK with it and my older daughter whined about the perilous drops just outside the car windows (which I found mildly amusing... call me sadistic). Bus tours are available from Colorado Springs for those who prefer not to drive. The summit is also accessible via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway which embarks in Manitou Springs. It is expensive. The fare is $25.50 for adults and $13.50 for kids 5-11 (2002). Reservations are required for the Cog Railway. (719) 685-5401
We visited between about 1 and 5 PM on a Sunday in August, 2002
Weather: Partly sunny w/ clouds and occasional light shower
Ease of Accessibility: C
Parking: B-
Cost: B
Quality: A-
Crowds: C
Kid-Friendliness: C
Handicap Accessibility: C
Overall Experience: B
Laser Show At Cave Of The Winds
We did not actually enter The Cave Of The Winds, although it was an attraction I would have liked to visit had time permitted. My oldest daughter and I decided to explore the area Sunday night before going to bed. After all, this was our last hurrah before we began our long trek back across the featureless plains the next day. We decided to watch the nightly laser show at Cave Of The Winds, on US 24, about 6 miles west of I-25. Viewers are seated outdoors in a large set of high-school-football-stadium style bleachers on one side of a canyon. Laser images are beamed onto the cliff face on the other side of the canyon. Each set of animated laser images is accompanied by a popular song. The entire show was of a patriotic nature, heavily focusing on salutes to the military. Predictably, the show featured Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA". Remember that our visit was the first summer following the 9/11 attacks, and the USAF Academy was nearby. Some of the animated images were quite interesting... as an example, I recall a flying aircraft. Although the show was enjoyable and unusual, it fell short of my expectations. The laser images were not exceptionally bright, the music was too loud and the sound quality was marginal. From what I've seen of today's laser technology elsewhere, this venue could possibly benefit from updating their equipment. It didn't seem as though they were making the most of what they had to work with. I would have also liked to have seen some different subject matter in addition to the patriotic theme. The crowd was sizable, but bearable. The best aspect of my visit was getting to spend some one-on-one time with my daughter... the one who was nervous about the Pikes Peak drive. The show is only about 40 minutes long and its about the same price as a movie... $6 for adults and $3 for kids 6-15 (2002). The show starts at 9 PM. The steep twisting drive from the highway to the venue was interesting, and the nighttime Colorado Springs view was striking. If you plan to spend the early evening at Cave Of The Winds, then the laser show is worth checking out since you're already there... but I don't recommend making a special trip, unless you're within a couple of miles or you can't find anything better to do.
Again, we did not enter the actual cave, although I've read others' praise about Cave Of The Winds. So if nice, safe spelunking is your thang, consider adding it to your itinerary. Their standard tour is a 45-minute, ½ mile romp among the stalactites and stalagmites. It's $15 for adults and $8 for kids 6-15 (2002). More extensive 3-4 hour tours and other packages are also available.
We visited at 9PM on a Sunday in August, 2002
Weather: Cool, clear summer evening
Ease of Accessibility: B-
Parking: B
Cost: B-
Quality: C-
Crowds: B
Kid-Friendliness: C
Overall Experience: C
Our time in the Colorado Springs area was most enjoyable. We spent only one day there, so we only saw a portion of the area's attractions.
Here are a few of the area's other top attractions:
ProRodeo Hall Of Fame - I-25 Exit 147 - Illustrates the heroes of rodeo as well as the sport's history.
Santa's Workshop - North Pole - A big 27-acre theme park located near the entrance of the Pikes Peak Toll Road. Geared toward the wee ones, this park features a gigantic ferris wheel.
Seven Falls - A scenic little spot. The seven falls are actually a very steep cascade down a canyon wall. Visitors may take stairs or elevator to view from the top. The falls are illuminated with multicolored lights at night. It's quite expensive for all you get... $7 for adults and $4.50 for kids during the day (2002)... even more after sunset. I visited this place many years ago. It is pretty, but if budget is a priority, put Seven Falls toward the bottom of your list... and don't forget, it doesn't cost a doggone thing to look at Niagara Falls.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Situated on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, above the Broadmoor Hotel. Take I-25 exit 138, the Circle Drive exit, and drive west to the Broadmoor Hotel. Turn right at the hotel and follow the signs to the Zoo. This is a private zoo, but has been acclaimed for its quality. It's known for its giraffe breeding program. Adult admission is $10. Kids 3-11 are $5
World Figure Skating Museum Hall Of Fame - 20 First Street... ½ mile NE of The Broadmoor - This is a small museum dedicated to the beautiful sport. Admission is $3.
The Broadmoor - This magnificent hotel / resort is financially inaccessible for most. However, it is considered a world-class facility. Its setting is gorgeous.
United States Olympic Complex - A 37-acre complex for those who hope to represent the U.S. in the Olympics - 1750 E. Boulder Street
Western Museum Of Mining and Industry - Illustrates the area's rich mining history with exhibits and multimedia displays.
Cripple Creek - A remote little town about an hour from Colo. Springs offering several gambling casinos.
All in all, Colorado Springs is a friendly little city packed with things to do. Whether you're just passing through as we were, or your selecting a destination... I recommend Colorado Springs.
Photos of the Colorado Springs area and my other travels are posted on my website: www.mikebechtol.com
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
radioroger
|
 - Top 1000 |
|
Location: Rural Ohio
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 32 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.