Colorado Springs
I was fourteen the first time I saw the Rocky Mountains. It was at the end of a really long day driving through nothing but flat grasslands and farms. Then out across the plains, I saw the mountains for the first time rising above Colorado Springs. The plains reached nearly to the city, then there were a few rolling hills and then the Colorado Rockies rose up with Pikes Peak most prominent against that backdrop. I was back there recently, after a lot of years, and saw many of the same sights. These are a few that I can highly recommend.
Garden of the Gods
The dramatic rock formations of Garden of the Gods is really just right outside Colorado Springs. It was pretty crowded during my recent visit, but it is worth battling the traffic. The visitor center is worth a stop, but you need to drive through the park, make a few stops and admire the views.
Pikes Peak
I guess you can hike, bike or drive to the top. I took the train and I enjoyed the ride. It’s like a guided tour, with hosts in each car telling stories and pointing out various points of interest. There is ample time at the summit to eat (or get one of the donuts that are baked at altitude), explore and take pictures. Pikes Peak is a serious mountain of more than 14,000 feet. Be prepared. The air is thin up there.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
This monument preserves a particularly rich collection of insect and plant fossils found in the shale of the Florissant Formation. The 34-million-year-old fossils date back to the Eocene and early Oligocene Eras. The primary attraction outside the visitors center is petrified remains of an ancient redwood forest. Take time to hike some of the trails. It’s a beautiful spot.
The Arkansas River
Driving along banks of the Arkansas River was something I discovered by accident. the Royal Gorge and Bridge are worth a look, but the road north that follows the river is simply stunning. It winds through narrow canyons with the mountains as a backdrop. Stop for lunch in Salida and take some time to walk along the river. This is really a worthwhile side trip.
There are many more things to do, particularly around Colorado Springs. If you have an extra day, a drive down to Great Sand Dunes National Park is a doable day trip. I made the trek and did not regret it.