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Must Visit Attractions in Colorado Springs

, 6 Options Found

The Garden of the Gods is a public park and United States National Natural Landmark that was deemed a "fit place for the gods to assemble" by Rufus Cable, one of the two surveyors tasked with identifying a site for Colorado City in 1859. With its towering spires of red sandstone pitted against the incongruous greenery of its surrounds, Cable's inspired choice of name is an apt summary of the wonders that it contains. The jagged pinnacles, mammoth needles, and precariously balanced rocks strewn across the landscape are glorious monuments thrust upward, sideways and slanted by tectonic undercurrents, subsequently whipped by the wind into curious shapes. From the biological perspective, the Garden of the Gods is a remarkable merger of the vegetation typical of both highlands and lowlands creating a kind of chronicle of the evolution of planet earth. The land was bequeathed to the City of Colorado Springs by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins, who originally owned this parcel of land. The only stipulation was that it must remain “free to the entire world.” Riddled with nature trails and hiking paths, the Garden of the Gods is a popular spot for outdoor activities like horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking that is always free, in keeping with Perkins' wishes.

Located in the foothills just west of the The Broadmoor, this park is the perfect locale to visit if time is limited and you want to get a sense of some mountain hiking. It offers hiking trails through mountain canyons, many of which offer great views of the Rockies to the west. The canyons are also popular with climbers. There are plenty of picnic shelters, and for wildlife and fauna information visit the Starsmore Discovery Center inside the park.

Towering 14,110 feet (4,300 meters) above Colorado Springs, this mountain serves as one of the nation's most famous landmarks. Believed to be the sacred home of the Ute people, this summit vaults wondrously above mosaicked landscapes, and can be seen at its majestic best from the Garden of the Gods balcony. The Barr Trail, a 13-mile (20.9-kilometer) path meanders itself along precarious slopes, providing an arduous yet rewarding way to reach the summit. The Pike's Peak Cog Railway, and the Pikes Peak Highway, alternate paths that lead to the summit, wind through stands of pine and aspen before cresting above treeline. A soul-stirring experience for many, Pike's Peak is best known for having inspired Katherine Lee Bates to pen the utterly patriotic America the Beautiful.

This three-block historic district of restored brick buildings once served as Colorado's original capitol back in 1861. Today it is both a shopping and dining magnet. Old brick buildings and thick towering trees hem both sides of Colorado Avenue to create a visually appealing feel. The district is replete with numerous shops, galleries and restaurants. Special events such as Territory Days draw big crowds.

Partially encased by a one-mile canyon, the sight of seven separate falls splashing together down 181 vertical feet borders on stunning. Picturesque by day, dancing with color at night, this is not to be missed. Ride the elevator to the Eagles Nest observation platform for a great view or climb up 224 steps to reach the one-mile nature trail offering a panoramic peek of the city below. Parking is limited after 6p. Timings are subject to monthly change.

Hanging 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River is the world's highest suspension bridge. Looking down the narrow canyon with steep granite cliffs, it is hard to imagine how this spectacular bridge was constructed in 1929 without any major accidents. Riding the aerial tram or the world's steepest incline train through the gorge offers heart-stopping excitement. A visitors center, nature center, restaurant and kiddie rides are all part of this magnificent 500-acre park. Located in Canon City, one-hour southwest of Colorado Springs.

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