Colorado Springs Vacation Blog

Welcome to the Colorado Springs Vacation Blog.

This blog will:

Let you know when new Web pages appear here
Keep you in the loop about upcoming events and activities
Point out special deals and surprises

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America the Beautiful Park

Spring is in the air, and it's a great time to spend an afternoon in one of Colorado Springs' amazing parks. Over the next couple of weeks, we're going to be posting some new parks pages with lots of photos.

First up, America the Beautiful. Enjoy!

See more of America the Beautiful Park.

70F & Sunny in March? Time to Hike the Trails!

Hiking starts early this year for Colorado Springs, with summer-like weather in the middle of March.

Check out our Hiking Trails Guide to pick your favorite trail!

Full Moon Hike at Garden of the Gods!

Another must-do celestial wintertime activity is upon us. So get your heavy layers on and grab a hot cup of cocoa! The full moon hike is happening at the Garden of the Gods. And this week it is a bright one.

$5 for adults, $2 for kids, or a $12 family rate. Everyone gets a FREE Starlight Necklace!

Friday, Dec 28th at 6:30pm. Garden of the Gods Visitor Center.

719-219-0108

'Tis the Season for Stargazing...

Winter is an ideal time to watch the skies in Colorado. It's true--with clear skies and low haze, stargazing is best out west. One of our favorite places to watch meteor showers and check out heavenly bodies is down in the San Luis Valley by the Great Sand Dunes and the UFO Watchtower. Very low light makes for great viewing. So bundle up and look up, who knows what you'll see this winter!

Click here to read Denver Post article

USA Pro Challenge zooming through Colorado Springs

This year, Stage 5 of the bike race will not only go cruise through Garden of the Gods but do a loop through downtown, on Cascade and Tejon. Get there early for great viewing seats!

Click here to see more info on USA Pro Challenge

Zip line 120 feet above Manitou!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly? Adventures Out West now makes it possible to soar over Manitou Springs at 30mph. Try their $90 "extreme" zip line adventure, or their value $60 trip. Looks like fun!

Click here to check out the Zip Line!

Added some new pics on our Rock Climbing page

... check 'em out!

May Morning photo of snow on Pikes Peak

Took this the morning after a day of rain in the city. Mesa Overlook.

Fat Middle-Aged Lady makes it to the top of The Crags!

Just got started hiking about three months ago and have totally fallen in love with it! The weight is slowly starting to come off and I can feel myself getting stronger...

Permalink -- click for "Top of the Crags"

Hummingbird Festival!

Fun for the whole family. Starsmore Discovery Center will host their annual Hummingbird Festival on Saturday in North Cheyenne Canon Park, near the entrance of Seven Falls. Lots to do, see, and learn.

Visit Friends of Cheyenne Canon Park

Driving the Pikes Peak Highway

19 miles to smiles. The road to the summit of Pikes Peak is now completely paved and waiting for you and your family to drive it. Conquer a 14,000 foot mountain in your car! See bighorn sheep! Witness snow in the middle of summer! It's the Pikes Peak Highway.

Permalink -- click for "Driving the Pikes Peak Highway"

Colorado Springs one of top 15 cleanest cities in the U.S.

Breathe deep! The air in the Springs is apparently some of the cleanest in the nation, according to a report by the American Lung Association. So all that wonderful mountain air out here doesn't just feel fresh, it's now scientifically proven to be so.

Read the full article in the Gazette

Hiking Pikes Peak Barr Trail

Hiking Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is a rite of passage for many visitors to Colorado Springs.

A classic Colorado 14er, Pikes Peak is 14,410 feet above sea level, and this granddaddy of all Colorado Springs hiking trails runs up the front face to the summit in 12.5 miles.

And with names like Bottomless Pit, the Cirque, and Golden Staircase describing adventures along the way, you gotta wonder, who wouldn't want to hike it?!

Permalink -- click for "Hiking Pikes Peak Barr Trail"

Palmer Park

Palmer Park in Colorado Springs is one of the most popular parks in town, providing a 730+ acre sanctuary right in the center of the city. With so much space, it's easy to feel like you're miles away from civilization.

Permalink -- click for "Palmer Park"

Whoa! Royal Gorge Park gets a ZIP LINE in April!

We've been wanting to visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for a long time. Now we've got one more high-flying reason! The Soaring Eagle Zip Line opens this April.

If zipping is your thing, also check out Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours and zip your way down over 1 mile of line. (This is not affiliated with the park).

Either way, let us know what you think! Send us your photos or post them on our Facebook page. Happy Zipping!

Monument Valley Park

Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs is an idyllic stretch of mature trees, ponds, a babbling creek, and beautiful gardens that bring a peaceful refuge even though its right next to downtown.

Permalink -- click for "Monument Valley Park "

Colorado Jet Charters

Want to travel to Colorado but can't stand the hassle of flying? Would you like a more convenient option to get to and from the Rocky Mountains? Then read our guest blog from Logan at jetcharters.com to learn more about the benefits of air charter travel to Colorado Springs.

Permalink -- click for guest post "Jet Charters Take You Farther"

Pikes Peak - My Family & I's Experience

America's Mountain was breathtaking, hearing how tall it was from sea level. We hiked up the mountain and it took us almost the whole day, but we couldn't get to the very top...

Permalink -- click for full blog post "My Family & I's Experience"

Colorado Springs Parks

Colorado Springs Parks are some of the most beautiful in the country and might be the city's greatest asset. We've put together an overview to show off some of the thousands of acres of trails, trees, and streams you and yours can play in and around. Remember, most parks are within city limits, and all are FREE!

(More parks pages to come, with lots of photos!)

Permalink -- click for "Colorado Springs Parks "

Horse Carriage Rides in Old Colorado City

We've had several requests recently about the horse carriage rides through Old Colorado City. What a fun and romantic way to celebrate the holidays! From what we can find, it looks like two businesses in town offer these rides. Academy Riding Stables (888) 700-0410 and 3G's Front Range Carriage Service (719) 633-0556. Let us know if you go. We'd love to hear about your experience!

NORAD Tracks Santa

It's that time of year again! Santa will be sailing through the skies on his sled soon, and NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) right here in Colorado Springs will be tracking his every move. Watch Santa's progress online at the link below. And Merry Christmas!

Click here to visit the "NORAD Tracks Santa" website!

Restaurants in Colorado Springs - Visitor Reviews

Our visitors have kindly shared several restaurant reviews about their favorite dining experiences in the Springs. What's your favorite restaurant? We'd love to see your review!

Permalink -- click for "Restaurants in Colorado Springs Visitor Reviews"

Manitou Incline Visitor Reviews

A collection of our many visitor reviews who have braved the 2000 vertical feet of the Manitou Incline. Read about their challenges and celebrations!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Manitou Incline Visitor Reviews"

Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids

Kids on vacation like to be entertained. Trails and museums are great, but if you're looking for some big-time excitement, then check out our picks for things to do with Kids. Complete with bells, lights, noise and action!

Permalink -- click for "Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids"

Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Families

There are an endless list of things to do in Colorado Springs, and if you're looking for something specifically for FAMILIES, you're especially in luck. Here are a few of our favorites, focusing on adventure, learning, and fun.

Permalink -- click for "Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Families"

Two Unforgettable Colorado RV Itineraries

Ever dreamed of taking the ultimate road trip? How about seeing the beautiful state of Colorado from behind the wheel of an RV? Then check out this guest post from Joe Laing of El Monte RV Rentals, who shares the "must-see" sights when RVing Colorado, including, of course, our beloved Colorado Springs.

Permalink -- click for guest post "Unforgettable Colorado RV Itineraries"

Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs is a wonderful collection of shops and art galleries, restaurants and brew pubs, museums, parks, a college, and even a movie house. All along tree-lined streets and with a view of Pikes Peak.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Downtown Colorado Springs"

Colorado Balloon Classic

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and that means it's time for the Colorado Balloon Classic! Touted as the largest and longest continuously running hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain region, this is one lofty spectacle you need to see for yourself. And it's FREE!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Balloon Classic"

Colorado Springs Brew Pubs

The Springs is lucky to have a huge selection of microbreweries, each with their own unique atmosphere and choice of beers, from lagers to ales to specialty. If you're looking for a great place to hang out and imbibe hand-crafted brews, take a look at our brew pubs!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Springs Brew Pubs"

Manitou Incline Gear on Cafepress

We've had so many visitors share their wonderful stories about the Manitou Incline here on the website, its become abundantly clear people have a major passion for the most popular and challenging trail in Colorado Springs.

So we decided to create an Incline-focused online shop! Now if you'd like a souvenir to celebrate your first time reaching the summit, or you're just an Incline addict, you can visit our Manitou Incline Gear store on Cafepress.

Let us know what you think, and if you have ideas you'd like us to create!

Happy Hiking and Shopping!

Click to visit MANITOU INCLINE GEAR store

Colorado Springs Vacation has a Facebook Page!

Share your photos and stories about Colorado Springs on our Facebook page. Got a Pikes Peak pic? Photos of your family at Garden of the Gods? We'd love to see them! And so would our FB friends. Stop by, say hello, and let us know your favorite things about Colorado Springs. Hope to see you soon!

http://www.facebook.com/coloradospringsvacation

StadiumJourney.com reviews Security Service Field

Colorado Springs' own baseball stadium gets a wider look from this unique and useful website that reviews stadiums across the country. See how we stack up against other Minor League stadiums.

Click here for their review

Viral Video: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

A Youtube video of a lion across the glass from a small child went viral this week, and was filmed in Colorado Springs at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Too funny!

Click here to see video

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is located near Balanced Rock on the south end of Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. Here you'll find a gift center, cafe, and Colorado's oldest and largest art gallery.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Garden of the Gods Trading Post"

Colorado Springs Sky Sox

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Colorado Rockies. Going to a Sky Sox game is a fun activity for just about anyone. Who doesn't like a down-home baseball game?

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Springs Sky Sox"

Cripple Creek Colorado

Cripple Creek's main street is flanked by saloons and casinos, and the general view is mountains for miles. Sitting at 9494 feet above sea level, this former gold camp is a fun day-trip or weekend escape from Colorado Springs.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Cripple Creek Colorado"

Colorado Springs Travel Guide Books

A Colorado Springs travel guide is always helpful to have as a go-to reference while youre on vacation. Your best bet is a great book, full of the information youll need at any given moment.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Springs Travel Guide"

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is a great place to begin your adventure when visiting the awesome and beautiful Garden of the Gods Park--a registered National Natural Landmark located right here in Colorado Springs.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Garden of the Gods Visitor Center"

Dragonmans Shooting Range

As Colorado Springs shooting ranges go, Dragonmans has got to be the most unique. Dragonmans is an outdoor shooting range, open year round, with three different distances for long range rifle, rifle, handgun & shotgun.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Dragonmans Shooting Range "

Colorado Springs Shooting Ranges

Colorado Springs shooting ranges offer both public and membership-required options in the Pikes Peak area for pistol, rifle, shotgun, clays and trap shooting.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Springs Shooting Ranges"

National Trust names Colorado Springs "Distinctive Destination"

Colorado Springs has been named a "Distinctive Destination" for 2011! Thanks to unique places like Garden of the Gods, amazing views of Pikes Peak, and it's historic downtown, the National Trust added our fine city to the list.

Link to Article

FREE Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Looking for free things to do in Colorado Springs? Between the tours, museums, festivals, and beautiful city parks, youll find plenty of free activities in and around the Pikes Peak region.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs"

US Olympic Training Center

The US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is home to an Aquatics Center, two Sports Centers, one of the largest Shooting Centers in the world, and much more. Best of all, its very close to downtown, and gives FREE hourly tours.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "US Olympic Training Center"

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is made up primarily of the Taylor Art Museum, but also features the FAC Theatre Company, the Bemis School of Art, a high-end bistro called Amuze at the FAC, and a Museum gift shop.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center"

Colorado Skiing on a Budget

Colorado skiing might be an expensive dream for some. But you dont need to empty your bank account to experience amazing powder days. You just have to get creative! Read our tips for skiing on a budget.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Skiing on a Budget"

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

These Colorado hot springs in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs are a 2.5 hour drive from Colorado Springs, and would make an excellent destination for people seeking a romantic getaway or a break from nearby skiing, hiking, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa"

The Springs Resort

This Colorado hot springs resort in the southwest part of the state is a good 4 hours from Colorado Springs in a mellow town called Pagosa Springs, but The Springs Resort experience is worth the drive.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Springs Resort"

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Our favorite Colorado hot springs choice if you’re coming from Colorado Springs, the Mt Princeton Hot Springs Resort is only 1.5 hours away and gives you a great hot springs experience.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Mt. Princeton Hot Springs"

Colorado Hot Springs

Colorado hot springs are a natural part of the Colorado experience. Soothing mineral waters, babbling brooks, beautiful scenery. Here are some of our favorites.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Colorado Hot Springs"

Keystone Ski Resort

Keystone Ski Resort has it all: over 3000 skiable acres, 100 ski runs, tree skiing, cat trips, night skiing, and one of the best snowboarding terrain parks in the country. If you're looking for a ski trip near Colorado Springs, make the drive to Keystone.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Keystone Ski Resort"

Breckenridge Ski Resort

The Breckenridge Ski Resort is the most popular ski resort in all of North America, offering 2300 skiable acres and 300 inches of snow annually. And its only a two hour drive from Colorado Springs.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Breckenridge Ski Resort"

Breckenridge Open for Skiing and Riding!

Take a trip out to Breck and see why it's become the most popular ski resort in North America. A two hour drive from Colorado Springs if you take 24 to 9. Happy powder days. Visit breckenridge.com for more info.

Loveland's 4-pack ski passes on sale!

Loveland Ski Area is selling their 4-packs for only $119. No restrictions and no blackout dates. These tickets are valid anytime during the 2010-2011 season.

Quite a deal! Four tickets for $30/each.

They're only available through Loveland 's website or by calling the ticket office at 303-571-5580 X 136. Visit skiloveland.com for more info.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area has one of the highest elevations for skiing in Colorado, producing abundant powder and giving its visitors amazing views from the Continental Divide. Only a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Loveland Ski Area"

Rocky Mountain Super Pass

The Rocky Mountain Super Pass is an annual ski pass put out by the Winter Park, Copper, and Steamboat ski resorts offering unlimited skiing and snowboarding access.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Rocky Mountain Super Pass"