It's easy to live in a city and never really take advantage of everything it has to offer. You think to yourself, "Oh, I live here so I'll always have a chance to do it later!" But that's no way to live. You never know what might not be available later on.
Below is a list of some of the best things to do and places to visit in and around the Springs. Which ones have you done? Which ones are you planning to do?
“1. CHEYENNE MT. ZOO
One of the best zoos, if somewhat unknown, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits on the side of a mountain at 6,800 feet above sea level. The zoo boasts more than 500 types of animal, many of which live in environments specifically built for them. The zoo is home, as well, to 30 endangered species including the Siberian tiger.
Probably the most "famous" of the animals at this zoo are the giraffes, which are the most prolific captive herd in the world. There's an antique carousel, built in the same year that the zoo was founded. Some of the more popular exhibits include Primate World which brings you up close and personal with an amazing variety of monkeys and apes, Wolf Woods with it's endangered wolves in their mountainside habitat, Asian Highlands featuring Siberian tigers, Amur leopards and other cats in their natural habitats.
All of this comes with a fabulous view of the city below. If you're not up to the hiking, there's a
tram that you can ride all day for only $1.00. Ride up and walk down if you like.
2. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
A trip to the Springs wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Academy, which just celebrated it's 50th anniversary.
See the fabulous Cadet Chapel with it's 17 sparkling spires that rise 150 feet into the air. The chapel is open Monday through Saturday for most of the year. It's closed for a few days around graduation when many of the graduating officers have weddings there. See Arnold Hall and the Honor Court as well as Falcon Stadium.
3. GARDEN OF THE GODS
Spectacular - that's the only way to describe the Garden of the Gods. It's really the site you most see in advertisement for the Springs. (As a matter of fact, I saw a Colorado Spring travel poster featuring this rock garden when walking down the Champs Elysees in Paris.)
The garden is made up of giant red sandstone formations worn smooth over millions of years by the elements. The park has a wide variety of nice, easy hiking trails. Or take a horseback ride through the park. (Some fools get married there)
The beautiful, new visitor center offers maps and exhibits on the area as well as a cafeteria. Don't miss the 12 minute theater presentation How Did Those Red Rocks Get There? ($2 adults, $1 children 5-12, free for children under 5). Technical rock climbing is allowed in some areas but climbers are required to register at the visitor center.
4. PIKES PEAK
Pikes Peak towers over the city from it's 14,110 foot height. This famous landmark is perhaps best known as the spot which inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. From the summit, one can indeed see spacious skies and off in the vast distance, amber waves of grain.
There are two options for reaching the summit: the Pikes Peak highway or the Cog Railway. If you've driven from the plains, you may want to reconsider taking your car up the highway. Your carburetor will be set for a much lower altitude and your car may not like the trip. This trip is not for those with an extreme fear of heights and ESPECIALLY for those with heart or breathing problems. Even those in great shape may feel lightheaded - don't hesitate to get help if that is the case. They keep plenty of oxygen handy for just that eventuality.
The highway is paved for the first 7 miles then gravel from there to the top. There are 156 curves and, if you drive, you'll come to appreciate those intrepid racers that speed up the mountain every July.
The other alternative is the cog railway. From this very nice train, you can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery, especially once you break out of the forest at timberline - 11,500 feet. Watch for the bighorn sheep and the marmots. The marmots, while cute, are a major pain to hikers and climbers alike. The 9-mile route takes 75 minutes. You'll have 40 minutes at the top to enjoy the view, the restaurant and the gift shop. Then it's down again in the Swiss built rail car.
Remember, it's likely to be cold and windy at the summit, even on the hottest summer days.”
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