3 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Colorado Springs

While Florence is a big prison town, it's a small town in heart and feel.  If you're looking for more to see and do without going too far, it's only a short drive north to Colorado Springs.  My good friend Camille from Colorado Springs Tours and Reviews is guest posting for me today on three things you don't want to miss in Colorado Springs.

3 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is full of history, natural beauty, and fun events. There is so much that sometimes it’s hard to know where to even start: At the Olympic Training Center or what about Manitou Springs? If you only go to Colorado Springs once, there are 3 things that you definitely don’t want to miss. It doesn’t matter if you are going with your entire extended family or just by yourself, these sites are perfect for everyone.

1.  Pikes Peak- It’s hard to miss but take the chance to actually go to the top. The views are amazing and the experience a must. If you drive to the top be sure to make time to stop along the way. There are some amazing, fun spots on the way to the top. Don’t like the driving on the winding roads? Take the Cog Railway instead. It’s a fun way to enjoy the scenery without having to worry about all the turns. If you are up for a real adventure, try one of the bike tours. There is even one where you can horseback ride first, take a bus the rest of the way then ride your bike all the way down!
2.  Garden of the Gods- Rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, picnicking- Garden of the Gods has it all. Start at the Visitor Center to check out Colorado’s own dinosaur and learn more about the area. If you need a wheelchair or stroller friendly walk in the Garden, head towards the first parking lot. It’s the only paved route in the Garden. Don’t have time to walk around? You can drive around the whole Garden and stop at the pull outs to take some amazing pictures. One of my favorite spots to stop is Balanced Rock. It’s the perfect spot for the classic picture. Have some extra time? At the entrance to the Garden of the Gods is Rock Ledge Ranch, a working historic ranch. Check out their event calendar to go on a day when they have all kinds of fun activities.
3.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo- The only mountain side zoo in America, its one not to miss. Not only will you love the views but you’ll be amazed at the giraffe herd. You can even feed them (watch out for the long tongues!) or feed the elephants. Watch the Grizzly Bears swim through the water, and see the Hippo demonstration. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo knows how to do it right. It’s full of fun attractions for the little ones as well as adults. Plan to stay the whole day! At the end of your trip but sure to drive to up to the Will Roger’s Shrine included in your admission.

While there is plenty more to see and experience in the Springs, start with one of these and you won’t be disappointed.  

Camille blogs at Colorado Springs Tours and Reviews where she and her family of 7 continue to discover Colorado Springs one tour at a time. To follow along on her adventures be sure to check out her Facebook page or get great ideas for your next visit from her Pinterest page.