The second-biggest city in Colorado is home to the diverging spirits of the Old West and that of modern culture, as travelers can choose between rustic diversions like the nearby town of Manitou Springs or the sleek facilities of the U.S. Olympic Complex. Or, pack up your gear and hike up Pikes Peak for awe-inspiring views of the Rockies as well as the Great Plains. For big spenders, some of the best lodging in town is closer to Mt. Cheyenne, thus offering easier access to the outdoors, while less lavish hotels can be found along I-25.
Must-See Nature -- With Free Admission
- Towering red rock formations make Garden of the Gods a natural landmark worth visiting again and again to see the park’s breathtaking scenery at different times of day. Paved paths make it easy for visitors to get around by car, foot or even horseback.
- Hiking enthusiasts can’t afford to miss the trails at North Cheyenne Cañon Park, where hummingbirds frequent the feeders and waterfalls provide cool, mountain water to refresh perspiring explorers. The canyon itself, 1,000-feet deep, is spectacular to view from any angle.
State-Of-The-Art Headquarters In Colorado Springs
- The U.S. Air Force Academy, open for self-guided tours, allows visitors to see cadets marching on the grounds and even occasional plane maneuvers. The pièce de résistance on campus is inarguably the architecturally impressive chapel, which rises into the sky like a lineup of fighter jets standing upright.
- As the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic team, the Olympic Training Center offers guided tours of the facilities to see where the athletes prepare for the games. With luck, visitors can even see them in action in the gyms or pools!