Outdoor Wonders of the American West in Colorado Springs

Legend has it that in the late 1800s, two men visited what is now known as Garden of the Gods. One said, “This place would make a great beer garden.” Then the other said, “No, this is a garden fit for the Gods!” As a compromise, they named it Garden of the Gods. With amazing red rock formations, there is absolutely no doubt why it’s called the “land of mystical beauty.” In 2014 Trip Advisor™ readers voted this park the #1 park in the USA to visit and #2 in the world. It is an excellent spot for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding. When admiring the interesting and massive rocks with unique names such as Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels and Siamese Twins, you’ll wonder how these even came to be. Luckily, the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center offers a 14-minute movie that explains how these dramatic formations evolved.

Colorado Springs is located at the base of the 4,302-meter-tall Pike's Peak, the second most visited mountain in the world after Mt. Fuji in Japan. No visit to this amazing destination is complete without taking in the unforgettable vistas from the summit. There are several ways to get to the top: via hiking trails, biking the Pike’s Peak Highway, by car or the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. No matter how you decide to get there, there’s no shortage of beautiful nature along the way and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views at the top. Just imagine breathing in the crisp air and soaking in the warm sun; it’s completely energizing and exhilarating.

Suspended 291 meters above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Colorado and one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. The Royal Gorge nickname is, in fact, the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas.” It is so high up that it leaves visitors in complete awe. The view of the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River from the bottom, on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, offers yet another breathtaking scene in this land full of nature’s wonders. 

After taking in all the outdoor adventures of Colorado Springs, a great place to stop for lunch is the lovely mountain town of Manitou Springs. It’s home to a bevy of shops, al fresco dining options and unique galleries. You’ll probably also notice the cute little water fountains all over the town. These water fountains draw their refreshing mineral water from natural mineral springs, and you can drink from them anytime you want! Visitors and locals alike say the water, which tastes like soda water, acts as a natural medicine and will keep you feeling hydrated and renewed in this high-altitude climate.

There are many wonderful experiences you can take away from your Colorado Springs holiday. The natural beauty of this place will remain in your heart. It is a place you need to see with your own eyes at least once.