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Colorado Springs Travel Activities & Destinations

Colorado Springs is the most populated city in El Paso County, Colorado. Home to over 372,000 inhabitants, Colorado Springs is the 2nd most populated city in the State of Colorado.

Colorado Springs is located slightly east of the geographic center of Colorado state and 61 miles south of the State Capitol in Denver. At an elevation of 6,035 feet (about 1839 meters) Colorado Springs resides at over a mile above sea level, while some areas of the city reside much higher. Colorado Springs is located near the base of a very famous American mountain, named Pikes Peak, at the east edge of the southern Rocky Mountains. In 2006, Colorado Springs was selected by Money Magazine as the number one Big City in "Best Places to Live".

Colorado Springs Tourism

Most vacationers in Colorado Springs are attracted to the surrounding natural wonders such as the famous Pikes Peak mountain. Colorado Springs has numerous trails and national parks due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, making it a popular travel destination for its beautiful scenery. With the nearby Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has also gained popularity for its large rock formations and other geological features.

Attractions in Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak is one of America's most famous mountains and one of America's national treasures. It is is home to a diverse and abundant combination of plant and animal wildlife. People have traversed Pikes Peak's valleys and hillsides for centuries searching for sport, natural beauty, education and spiritual enlightenment.

Pikes Peak Toll Highway runs through Pikes Peak Summit House and Glen Cove and Crystal Reservoir. The highway toll is $10.00 per person or $35.00 per car, whichever is less.

Approximately six miles from the tollbooth, you will visit Crystal Reservoir. At Crystal Reservoir, you can pan for gold in the mining waters, rent a paddleboat, or take in the beautiful mountain views. Half way through the trail, you can stop and take a break at Glen Cove. This will help you acclimate to the high altitude while offering you an opportunity to visit a friendly gift shop and eat at the restaurant. As you continue your climb, you'll come across the Summit House, where you will find a warm and cozy spot to enjoy world-famous high-altitude donuts, photo opportunities, a gift shop and the restaurant itself. For more information on Pikes Peak and the hours of operation, call 719-473-0208.

"Cave of the Winds"

67% of the visitors to Cave of the Winds are repeat visitors and nearly all of them say they'll return again in the future. When visiting Pikes Peak region, we hope you will stop to enjoy their hospitality for yourself. They will welcome you and your family to enjoy the perfect combination of recreation, relaxation, natural beauty, and history blended to create a mountain full of great memories and fun.

Decade after decade and century after century, water persisted against rock, leaving behind crystalline deposits of limestone sediments. As rock gave way to space, a cave was born. Cave of the Winds is an underground cave system of rooms and passages, decorated with limestone stalagmites, stalactites and flowstone curtains draping from the ceiling. Often referred to as Jewels of nature, these limestone formations took centuries to form and have been preserved for all to enjoy. Nestled at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this incredible and scenic cave system chronicles over 200 million years of geological history. Informative tour guides will lead you through one of three different caverns while explaining how they were formed, in addition to their history as one of Colorado's most marvelous natural attractions.

Colorado Springs Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

A visit to the Pikes Peak region is not complete without a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - the only mountain zoo in America! At this unique zoo, your family will experience unforgettable adventures, combining breathtaking mountain scenery with over 740 animals from around the world. This includes hand-feeding a herd of giraffe (the largest herd of giraffe of any zoo in the world).

From lions and giraffes to hippos, bears, monkeys, and penguins, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see over 30 endangered species like the lowland gorilla and Siberian tiger.

Here you can also come face-to-face with great apes, watch your kids enjoy the children's petting zoo and play area, ride a 1920's historic carousel, and see the most spectacular views of Colorado Springs all in one location. Zoo admission also includes access to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission: Children: $6.00 (3-11) Adults: $12.00 Seniors: $10.00 Directions: From I-25 exit 138, drive west, (Circle Dr. becomes Lake Avenue) towards mountains, and follow the signs. Prices subject to change so call before visiting for exact pricing.

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the only certified public wildlife sanctuary in the state of Colorado. The AZA is America's leading accredited organization that sets meticulous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by motivating the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.

Colorado Casinos

There are multiple casinos just outside Colorado Springs. These are: Brass Ass Casino, Bronco Billy's Casino, Deuces Wild Casino, and Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino.

Colorado Springs Golf

Colorado Springs Golf courses include: Patty Jewett Golf Course in Colorado Springs, Shining Mountain Golf Course in Woodland Park, and Valley Hi Golf Course in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Amusement Park

Bigg City Amusement Park, located at 5825 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Colorado Springs Fishing

Angler's Covey: Experience Colorado fun and adventure! Join Angler's Covey for a full-day or half-day private water or corporate guided fly fishing trip. All equipment, waders and fishing flies included. You're sure to go home with more than a big fish story!

Colorado Springs Horseback Riding/Hiking

"Cowboy U" Colorado: "Cowboy U" Colorado offers everything from an easy 1-hour trail ride (for guests of all ages) in the Pike National Forest to a 5-day pack trip in the Lost Creek Wilderness. M Lazy C (Mule Creek) Ranch: Here is a sampling of what M Lazy C (Mule Creek) Ranch can provide for you:

Horseback Riding Hay & Wagon Rides, Carriage Rides, Pack Trips, Cattle Drives, Chuck Wagon Meals, Cowboy Shooting Range, Group/Corporate Activities, Weddings, RV Sites, Horse Camping, Guest Cabins/Lodging, and Fly Fishing Trips

River Rafting Companies in Colorado Springs

Adrift River Runners, Rafting Adventure Outfitters, American Adventure Expeditions, 4 Corners Rafting, Arkansas River Tours, Bill Dvorak Kayak & Rafting Expeditions, Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting/Cottonwood County Snowmobiling, Canyon Marine Whitewater Clear Creek Rafting, and Colorado Adventures/Wilderness Aware Rafting: Twice named "Colorado Company of the Year!" Rafting on 5 exciting Colorado Rivers including America's most popular rafting river - the Arkansas River, located near Colorado Springs. Raft the Royal Gorge, the highlight of your Colorado vacation.

Colorado Springs Rock Climbing

Gravity Play: Guided rock and ice climbing trips plus classes for your entire family or company party. Some rock climbing destinations include the Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks Open Space, and Cheyenne Canyon.

Pikes Peak Alpine School: Guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing & snow shoeing, treking, alpine touring, avalanche clinics, expeditions, all ability levels.

Colorado Springs Scenic Tours

Adventures Out West Jeep Tours: Scenic Entertainment on Pikes Peak. Our Jeep tours explore the rugged south side of Pikes Peak via Gold Camp Road. Our informative cowboy driver guides will tell stories of the old west and show you the splendor nature.

Attic, The Old Town Tours: 150 Years covered in just 90 minutes. Tour Old Town and experience true Wild West history. Learn Of Gold, Local Characters, Ghosts, Hidden Underground Tunnels, Saloons And The Infamous Red Light District.

Colorado Adventures 4x4 Jeep Tours: Immaculately maintained open top jeeps are the perfect way to enjoy the Colorado mountains. Choose a dramatic climb on 14,000-foot high peaks or venture through historic mining towns. Friendly and knowledgeable guides do the driving for you so you can take in the scenery.

Rockhound ATV Rentals: Ride a variety of Pikes Peak Area's back country's most popular trails with the best views in Colorado. From beginner to advanced, Rockhound ATV will direct you to a trail best fitting to your level of experience.

About the Author

Don Guy is an avid traveler and co-founder of MrVacation.com, a vacation rental directory offering vacation rentals and vacation homes for sale. When planning a Colorado Springs vacation, search MrVacation.com for the perfect Colorado home, condo, or villa vacation rental your entire family will enjoy.