Make Colorado Springs your next destination location! Not only is this city ranked as one of the best places to live, but it is nestled right beside some of North America's most beautiful mountains. SOOO, that means loads and loads of hiking adventures!
Felicia Lee (@felicialynnelee) has been so kind to share her expertise on where to start our explorations of this amazing city. She's shared with us her TOP 3 hikes as well as some bonus adventures to mix things up.
PIKES PEAK
This is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America at 14,115 ft. It is 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado.
There are many different ways to get to the top of the mountain. You can hike it, the most popular trail is the Barr Trail that starts in Manitou Springs. It’s a 13.5 mile hike with a 7,000ft elevation gain.
There is a scenic drive to the top of the mountain. It takes about an hour and a half. It does require a time entrance ticket for $2 per car. And then it has a $15 per person fee to visit the top. It is an amazing scenic drive with many overlooks and visitor centers to visit.
There is a Cog Railway that will take you to the top of the mountain. It is a 40 min ride that costs $58.50 per person. Ride up provides information about the history of the city and info about local flora and fauna. At the top you have 40 mins to visit and explore before the ride back down. The famous Pikes Peaks donuts are offered at the top.
GARDEN OF THE GODS
This is a park with incredible red rock formations that people can hike, climb and drive through.
There are 21 miles of trails through the park that anyone can visit for free. The trails wander all over the park and give amazing views everywhere you look. They have guided tours and adventure challenges if you want to add more to your trip.
There is rock climbing in the park where you can climb any of the rock formations.
There are many different tours offered as well. Bike, horse-back riding and jeep tours are just a few of the options.
CITY OF OPEN SPACES
The city offers over 1,200 acres in open spaces that have hundreds of miles of trails and are located all over the city.
These are great ways to get out and hike if you don’t have time to drive up into the mountains.
The biggest parks are Palmer Park, Austin Bluffs and Blue Stem Prairie. These parks are quite large and you forget you are in the city.
They are a great place to see wildlife and wildflowers and are a lot of fun to explore.
BONUS ADVENTURES...
Manitou Incline is an incredibly intense hike that is located in Manitou Springs at the base of Pikes Peaks. It is a one railroad track that has been converted into 2,744 steps.It’s one mile long but ascension is between 41% - 68% and is 2,000 feet in elevation gain.
Manitou Springs is a great little part of town to visit that has many good places to eat and shop. Known for its mineral water there are many places to try the water out. It’s a great little town to visit.
Old Colorado City is another great little town to visit that offers novelty stores and restaurants to visit. It’s not far from Cave of the Winds and other historical places to visit.
Thanks Felicia for all of your amazing information. I'm excited for my next Colorado road trip!
