Colorado Springs was recently ranked by US News & World Report as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. Each year, millions of people worldwide visit or move to the Colorado Springs area to achieve this much-touted quality of life. So, what is it about Colorado Springs that makes the area so great?
We would argue that the local attractions play a large part in making Colorado Springs a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Check out these top destinations in the Colorado Springs area.
The state of Colorado is best known for being home to the Rocky Mountains, and the city of Colorado Springs is no exception. You can see the picturesque peaks of the Front Range from anywhere in the city, and many local trails feature stunning views that stretch for miles beyond Colorado Springs’ footprint. Whether you are in Fountain, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Falcon, or Colorado Springs proper, you can enjoy the sight of the sun dipping under the western peaks.
In fact, the mountains have a profound effect on everything that happens here in Colorado Springs because they shape our climate, our economy, and even how we think about ourselves as a city. As a result, the Rockies are so much more than a pretty view to look at when you drive around town or take a hike up a trail—they are what makes us who we are as a city.
Pikes Peak dominates the Colorado Springs landscape and is the most visited mountain in North America. In fact, the 14,000+ foot peak is commonly known as “America’s Mountain” due to its popularity among tourists and residents alike. The mountain is a Colorado Springs icon and the namesake for many businesses in the area.
To see the beautiful views of Colorado Springs, the Front Range, and all points west from the peak, visitors may travel Pikes Peak Highway. This is a gravel road with hairpin turns that leads to the summit. It is also one of America’s most famous roads, having been featured in dozens of films and television shows. Pike’s Peak Highway opens in mid-May and closes in the autumn, subject to local snowfall.
Garden of the Gods is a scenic red rock formation in Colorado Springs. The rocks are primarily red granite and gneiss, which form deep cracks and fissures when exposed to rainwater or snowmelt. This is what gives the Garden its distinctive appearance with dramatic cliffs, pinnacles, and arches. Colorado’s first settlers described the area as a place fit for the gods to assemble, giving the popular natural area its name.
Garden of the Gods Park is one of Colorado Springs’ most popular attractions. The park, which sits below the Rockies and overlooks Pikes Peak, provides a variety of hiking trails and horse trails throughout, with a number of gorgeous views. You can also find rock climbing adventures for climbers of all levels wanting to test their skills on the rock formations.
The US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is a one-of-a-kind sporting destination. This is the headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee and the primary training center for many US teams. Throughout the year, the facility holds various sports camps and competitions, which draw in many spectators. Many tourists who visit Colorado Springs make a point to stop at the US Olympic Training Center to view the on-site art and sports exhibits and take the guided walking tour.
The 140-acre Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a unique opportunity to interact with exotic species from all over the world in a Rocky Mountain setting. This is an extremely popular family destination, as there are plenty of exhibits and activities to keep the little ones entertained. Elephants, rhinos, monkeys, tigers, and other animals are all part of the zoo experience, but a crowd favorite is the giraffe feeding exhibit.
In addition to the many animal species represented, the zoo boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Take the lift up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun for an even better vantage point.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Colorado Springs and nearby Manitou Springs. It’s an opportunity to explore the cave system that has developed beneath the Rocky Mountains. The 90-minute Lantern Tour takes you deep into the earth for a scenic experience you will never forget.
In addition to cave tours, the park offers many different activities to ensure you stay entertained. Most notable is the TerrorDactyl, a large swing that lifts visitors high over the nearby gorge. From the Cliffhanger Climbing Wall, popular balancing experience Geronimo’s Leap, ax throwing, and more, there is something for everyone at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.
Old Colorado City, the original capital of the Colorado Territory, is located to the west of downtown Colorado Springs. This region, which has roots dating back to 1859, was once abuzz with activity from farmers, miners, and other settlers looking for a new life in the West. Nowadays, it is known for its unique boutiques and shops as well as local eateries. In addition, the region hosts Territory Days each summer, an outdoor street fair that celebrates the rich history of Old Colorado City.
Colorado is widely known as a hub of craft breweries, and Colorado Springs is certainly no exception. The city boasts over 20 craft breweries, each with its own unique take on local craft brews and excellent food. In particular, the Ivywild area features a fully renovated former high school that houses Bristol Brewing Company, creators of Laughing Lab, and other popular brews. Colorado Mountain Brewing has two locations with award-winning food and beer. No matter your taste, there’s a Colorado Springs brewery serving up spectacular suds and great food for you.
As you can see from the list above, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer—and that’s not even including the many other amenities the city boasts. It’s why we at Johnson Law Group have been proud to make Colorado Springs our home and why we strive to serve the area with the best family law services possible. Contact us today to learn more.
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