Colorado Springs, aka Olympic City USA, is an inspiring destination full of outdoor adventure, stunning scenic beauty, and unique experiences. Several walkable downtown areas, such as Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs, are perfect for shopping, unique dining, and craft beverage experiences.
“Colorado Springs is supremely group friendly,” says Lindsey Pevey, group sales manager with Visit Colorado Springs. “With so much to see and do, we hope your guests can spend at least two nights in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. The staff at Visit Colorado Springs is happy to help you create the perfect itinerary.”
Marvel
Garden of the Gods Park is a designated National Natural Landmark located on the west side of Colorado Springs. The free city park, open year-round, can accommodate full-size motorcoaches. The towering red sandstone rocks give this 1,340-acre park an otherworldly feel. Guests can drive and walk through the park, have a picnic, and take a trolley, Segway, or horseback tour. Before heading into the park, visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to learn about the park’s geologic and human history, dine in the new Gateway Café, pick up treasures in the gift shop, and see the 15-minute time-travel movie.
Credit: The Broadmoor
Ride
A trip to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak is a must for all visitors. Climb aboard The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a 9-mile trek up “America’s Mountain.” Once at the top, you’ll have spectacular, 360-degree views from the accessible walkway and the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. The views from the summit are so inspiring, they moved Katharine Lee Bates to pen the words to “America the Beautiful.” Learn about the mountain and its inhabitants through the interactive exhibits, enjoy a snack or meal in the café (you must try the high-altitude doughnuts!), and get yourself something to commemorate your trip in the expansive gift shop.
Credit: Jason O’Rear
Learn
With one ticket, see two amazing places that make Colorado Springs Olympic City USA. The new Podium Package provides entry to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. The museum is a great place to hear the stories and celebrate the achievements of Team USA. The training center gives you an up-close view of how athletes earn a spot at the museum. Both the museum and training center are accessible and will accommodate a variety of guest requests.
Credit: VisitCOS
Explore
Flying W Ranch is a Colorado Springs icon that has been serving up authentic Western fun since the 1950s. After a 2012 fire destroyed most of the ranch’s structures, it reopened in 2020 and is more spectacular than ever. Guests arrive in the early evening to explore the ranch, see the animals, and take part in fun activities, such as riding the mini train, climbing the stairs on Christmas Rock, ax throwing, practicing archery, and feeding the goats. When the dinner bell rings, guests are treated to a delicious chuckwagon supper of smoked meats, baked potatoes, baked beans, applesauce, biscuits, and spice cake. The evening culminates with the beautiful harmonies of the Flying W Wranglers, who will serenade your group with fireside favorites like “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”
Credit: Royal Gorge Region
View
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is located about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs. It is a magnificent geologic wonder that is spanned by the walkable Royal Gorge Bridge located 900 feet above the Arkansas River. Guests can also get across the gorge on the free gondolas. The more daring can dart across on the Cloudscraper Zip Line for an additional fee. The park includes other attractions like the Royal Rush Skycoaster, Via Ferrata, and Plaza Theater. Several cafés and eateries provide rejuvenation as you take in the magnificent views.
For more information, visit visitcos.com.
Lead image:
Garden of the Gods Park
Credit: Gray Warrior
