Colorado Springs - here comes dayhiker

“I have a conference in Colorado Springs May 9-12. This is a Sunday -Wednesday. I'll likely go on Saturday so that I'll have a day and a half of free time.

I have never been out West. Any advice or recomendations of things to see/do. I just found out about this and haven't had time to research it yet.”

“dayhiker, you definately have to check out Garden of the Gods.....very cool rock formations close to CO springs. Lots of rock climbers there.”

“Thanks for the tip. I'm going to be gathering as much and see what I can put together that will balance my interest with my wifes. If I go dragging her up a few 14'ers they're could be problems.”

“Forgot to mention some other attractions.....Pikes Peak! You can drive halfway up on a highway, but check before you go. It is often closed in bad weather. You can also take a cog train to the top. If you wanted to do some serious hiking, I believe there is a 12-13 mile trail from the base - Pretty hard, though. If you go there, your wives would enjoy shopping in Manitou Springs. its a cute little mountain town with tons of touristy stuff. I think there is also an old castle there you can tour. If you want to drive a little ways, check out the Royal Gorge. Its gotten very commercial, but the "natural" part is pretty cool. I think you will enjoy your time out there. It is beautiful. I will be out in Brekenridge over New Years.”

“Uh, hey Dayhiker, just how many wives do you have?”

“Here's a second for the Royal Gorge. My wife and I drove down there from Breck in July 2000. Fun to watch the rafters going down the Colorado from 1053' above them.

It's expensive though.”

“Just one at the moment.”

“More questions. $400 airfare from B'ham to Colorado Springs on one of the majors.

$280 on Southwest to Albequrque(sp). It's about a 5 hr drive. I'll be paying the airfare for my wife. The difference in my airfare would pay for a large chunk of the car rental that I'll have to get anyway. The reason I'm considering this is for the drive. Would the drive be worth the time. Again, I have never been out West. It may be best to just fly right to CS and soak it all it and do short drives in that area instead of trying the long drive from NM.”

“Hey I lived there at one point in my life!! It's great you will love it!!”

“Hey Bit, when I was out there 2 yrs ago I was one of those rafters below the Royal Gorge.
BTW it is the Arkansas River ;)”

“Oops.”

“The tour thru Cheyenne Mt (war games) is neat. None of the antennae's bristling on top belong to the military. I've always liked the gorge leading to Estes Park.”

“Can Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak be done in one day?”

“To maximize the mountains you'd drive through from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs go north to Santa Fe and take 285 north to Alamosa, Colorado, then Salida and pick up 50 east. Just past Canon City take 115 NE to Colorado Springs.

If you have time on the way back, take 50 about 10 miles past Gunnison, pick up 149 south through Lake City and then angle over through Creede. From there angle SW hrough Pagosa Springs and then SSE back to Santa Fe via Tierra Amarilla. That takes you pretty much through the heart of the San Juans and South San Juans. Figure six hours from Colorado Springs to Lake City and at least another six to get back to the airport.

If you fly into Colorado Springs, and/or are limited for time, and/or don't want to fool with the crowds on the driveable Pikes Peak, you might consider a drive west to Cripple Creek via County Road 8. From there you could drop SE through Adelaide and pick up 115 back to Colorado Springs. Make sure you have a good map to pick up CR8 out of Colorado Springs.”

“Sounds like I might best be served by flying into CS and then exploring Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in greater detail. Comments?”

“Day. I would vote for the drive, if you want to maximize the observation of the terrain. Jeffers' plan sounds like the real deal. The road from Alamosa to Salida gives you great views of the San Juans and the Sangre de Christos. The Great Sand Dunes Park is in the San Juan Valley, also.”

“DH. I go out to Co. most every year elk hunting. Its really a great state to visit. The places everone has mentioned are awesome. If you drive it will take you 24 hrs of strait driving. We go out 40 and back 70. The scenery is about the same as it is here until you get to Ok. Then the drive up through the corner of NM and SE Co. is fun in the snow. Coming back 70 it ain't much to see unless your into nothing. The most scenic way to see Ka. is in the middle of the night in a blinding snowstorm. But its kinda neat to see all of that flat land. Hope you enjoy your trip.


BAMA”

“To maximize the mountains you'd drive through from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs go north to Santa Fe and take 285 north to Alamosa, Colorado, then Salida and pick up 50 east. Just past Canon City take 115 NE to Colorado Springs.

That is a pretty cool drive.

From there angle SW hrough Pagosa Springs and then SSE back to Santa Fe via Tierra Amarilla.

That is also very cool. Pagosa Springs is great. I think it was $5. There are a bunch of pools, all different temps.

Abiquiu is Georgia O'Keefe territory and very scenic, between Tierra Amarilla and Santa Fe. Good place to get gas at the Market in Abiquiu. Nearer Santa Fe, The Village Market in Teseque is great, especially breakfast. Huevos Ranchero or Posole.”

“there is plenty to do in that area...GOG is a chooch place...it is one of the coolest 'city" parks that I have ever been in, but as for hiking...boring...walking around is ok. you could go up to Mueller St Park for some GREAT day hiking or to Florrisant Fossile bed NM for additional day hiking. If you are going to be staying in CS...then I'd recommend skipping GOG on the weekend and reccomend doing something else...you can hit GOG at dusk after your conference for some awsome sunset photos.

I can lend you a very good topo map of the entire area with trails and all. I will bring it to the Gulf next month if you want it.”

“Hi Dayhiker, I live in the east at the moment, but I love it out there, many worthy hikes, you can check out a few pics of the Garden and The Royal Gorge, ( if you kayak you can run the gorge in the pics you can see the kayakers as the little colored specs at the bottom in the river) heres a link to a few pics, my first on webshots
http://community.webshots.com/user/calmwater3”

“What? Nobody thinks he and his wife should visit the Van Briggle Pottery studio in C Springs?? One of the finest Arts and Crafts pottery collections in the country.

Philistines!”

“This is a pretty cool site with 312 hiking possibilities.

colorado.com, hiking, southcentral CO”

“Take a stroll through Garden of the Gods, stretch your legs with a dayhike on the Barr Trail, see the chapel at the Air Force Academy, visit the Indian Cliff dwellings in Manitou.”

“I'll visit that next time out promise (Van Briggle Pottery studio in C Springs) didn't know about it at the time I was there)”

“and........I couldn't figure out how to post a hyperlink on the forum.”

“Thanks so much for all the info. I'm still digesting it and will have more questions.

I'll take you up on the topo stikmon, thanks for the offer.”

“seems like no one can read and understand your post..."HE WILL ONLY HAVE A day and a half of free time"...the suggestions you all are throwing out are great...IF HE HAD MORE TIME...and he will be with his wife, so...no backpacking, no kayaking...day trip stuff is what is called for.

We'll talk...”

“Boxcar couluir on pikes peak will have awesome snow conditions that time of year. rent some crampons and ice axe and knock out your first colorado 14er then ride the train back down. that will take a full day.”

“Okay, so how much free time will you have?”

“stiky hit it, about a day and a half for goofing off and that's it.”

“Uh, I was trying to chap stikmon's a$$...”

“he's gonna drag his wife with crampons in snow and ice up Pikes Peak...RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!

you guys crak me up...

He's gonna be a chooch for the day and half that he has...can't follow instructions can ye? uhhhhhhhh honey...can you hand me that pipewrench...I can't seem to find the hammer...sheesh.”

“I know you were MM. I figured stiky was busting everyones balls. I would love to get my first 14'er, but it will probably have to be by train up Pikes Peak. If it was July with most of the snow gone I might could get my wife to do that. Sept before last she did a 10 mile day hike up Standing Indian Mtn on the AT with me. We had about 2500' gain and loss and she didn't break a sweat. Yes, I know 5500' elev is different than 14k, but we could get in shape for it. We'll still have a blast at the lower elev.”

“I've been there numerous times. Sounds like day trip stuff. I've done the cog train. It was spectacular! I've driven up, too -- well, I was a passenger -- anyway, the road was closed that day. The only thing you need to do is PRAY for a non-cloudy day. On the cog train was the only time I've been up Pikes Peak on a clear day. Like I said, spectacular! They allow you maybe a half an hour to run around on top. Be sure you have good clothes for that. I went up in Sept. It had snowed some. People in sandals were freezing their butts off on top. As I recall, the cog railway is a good half day, maybe slightly over.

I'd second the vote for driving to Cripple Creek. You'll head west out an awesome gorge on Highway 24 (Is that the right number?) Take the turnoff for Cripple Creek. You'll go past Mueller State Park, which has granite outcroppings and is very nice (**I** told Stikky to go there.... LOL! ... although I think he also figured that out on his own.) There's a cool hike back to Dome Rock, which is on a turn-off a few miles past the main park entrance. I mt. biked that, probably 9 miles roundtrip. But whether or not you go the whole way, it's a good trail. Pretty flat, all in all, if you're worried about elevation problems, breathing, etc.

Cripple Creek is fun. What was an old mining town was supposedly "saved" by low-stakes gambling instituted by the state. There are still many neat old buildings. Food is cheap cuz of the gambling. There's some entertainment in the various casinos.

Also in Cripple Creek: The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine (haven't been there, but it sounds awesome), a steam train that travels to Victor. If you take the road to Victor, you'll get to contrast what the old mining town MINUS GAMBLING looks like. (although gold mining has been started again, and it's ripping the tops off the mountains. Not pretty. But might be interesting to see... and see what that's done to the town's economy, IF any effect.)

As I recall, there is a mining headframe right by the football field in Victor. lol... Continue past Victor and there's a road that should turn off to the left that takes you up the mountain a bit. It leads to an "open air" museum of sorts on gold mining and minerals. Signs and kiosks explain what all the old structures were used for. (also from here you have an awesome view of the backside of Pikes Peak... you can see the road which takes a crazy diaganol line up the mountain!)

Go here to read more on Victor, plus more links for other places to visit on the page I see it says they've built a new loooooong bridge on Highway 67 so that new mine could expand operations. I recall, when I was there, driving under some of the metal mine structures that stood over the road.

The above site also lists historic foot trails that have been created and driving tours, like Jeffers mentioned.”

“Cripple Creek website

By the way, I would advise staying away from Royal Gorge. I had bad experiences with rude people there. And vowed to always share that information with those considering it as a stop.

If you like pizza, try Beau Joe's in Old Colorado City (kind of as you head to Manitou Springs, vaguely, but north)... anyhoo. GREAT PIZZA that I drive out of the way for whenever I'm in Colorado!!! (The original one is at Idaho City)”

“Oops, it's in Idaho SPRINGS.

wow they even give you a coupon discount on this website good for all locations WOOO HOOOOO!”

“The Brewpub in the Antlers Hotel has a great nut brown ale, among other beers.”

“there is a beau joe's in denver now also.

i went to denver for work a few years ago and running girl and boy went with me. they headed to idaho springs one day with running girls brother and had some pizza while they were there. i had to work. they still talk about the pizza.”

“I've been out sick, but will read all of this when I get caught back up. I was hoping you'd respond lizs. Several months ago I posted a scenario where I might get to go to CS or maybe Pheonix and you had some ideas at that time. My questions were much more general then and you answered accordingly. I'm definitely going to CS this go around and it looks like you gave me the detailed stuff I was looking for. Thanks.”

“This trip is getting close now. What do yall think of this?

I should be through checking in by 12 on Sat. Drive over to Manitou Springs, eat, do to cog railway up Pikes Peak, get back by 5 or so, and check out the shops for the rest of the day.

Sunday driver over to Mueller State Park that stikmon mentioned. Do a short (<3 miles) dayhike (any recommendations), check out Garden of the Gods or the Air Force Academy chapel.

One evening during the week check out whichever didn't get looked at on Sun (GoG or chapel).

This will give me a short hike, my wife some shopping, and both of us will get Pikes Peak.

Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Thanks.”

“The Pikes Peak Railroad is spectacular... pray for visibility that day! When you get back that day, however, I think shops might be closed. Not sure of that. It would make sense that in Manitou Springs they would stay open for the post-train trip crowds. I'm thinking of Old Colorado City, which is not too far from there. I think they maybe close at 6. I'd advise going to Beau Jo's for pizza in Old Colorado City. yum, Yum, YUM!!! (mouth watering now! lol)

At Mueller, I did the Dome Rock hike. You go past the main turn-off to Mueller and from 2-4 more miles. There's another park access area with parking lot on the right. Depending on what ya want, this trail had little in the way of elevation gain or loss, crosses a stream umpteen times and sits in a small canyon lined with pines (?) and granite rock outcroppings.

Also, you are sooooooooo close at this point, you should go see Cripple Creek. I love old mining towns. This one has kind of been restored due to the limited stakes (I think) gambling allowed there... plus it means cheap food in the casinos. I recall prime rib or something, a whole dinner, for maybe $5. Don't know if you've been to old western towns, but they're a kick.

I've never been to the Air Force Chapel.”

“I checked Cripple Ck, but it was over an hour drive. With only half a day on Sat and most of Sunday I'm a little hesitant to commit 2+hrs to driving.

You think the shops will be closed at 6 on a Saturday?”

“Isn't there a tradition that hikers acually hiking up the peak 'moon' the cog railway riders?

Might keep an eye out for that. ;-)”

“Just found this forum. Thought I'd pitch in my $0.02, being that I live in the Springs.

As far as Manitou goes, there will be some shops that are closed by 6, and some that are open a little later. You should be able to find some things to do (I'd highly reccomend the Artits Co-op near Adam's Mountain Cafe if it's open) no problem. If too much is closed down early there, try taking Colorado Avenue back into the Springs and check out Old Colorado City (firt Colorado Territorial Capitol)...basically same kinda thing as Manitou.

I'd advise avoiding Garden of the Gods at all cost on Sunday, it'll be packed unless you're in by/around sunrise and even then there will probably be a lot of photographers (lucky for me I only live a mile from the park, so I get to do that regularly). It'd be a much better weekday trip.

Can't speak to the Academy chapel, I've never bothered to go there.

Mueller is a great choice. My favorite "local getaway" (Florissant Fossil Beds are good too, but there won't be any wildflowers to make the hiking interesting that early). I'd probably check with the headquarters on trail conditions before you drive out there. High elevations got 24+ inches of snow last weekend, and are expecting a few more today and tonight. I've got a PDF map of the trails in the park, if you want I'll email it to you. All the trails I've been on there are great. This time of year, I'd probably reccomend Elk Meadow, School Pond, Geer Pond to the series of overlooks and back Outlook ridge or Rock Pond trails. Another thing you'd want to check on w/headquarters is which trails might be closed...I believe Elk calving season is upon us and that would affect what areas are accessible.

If you really want to get to Cripple Creek, it's only 15 miles down the road from Mueller and would probably only tack on 45 minutes total driving time (sightseeing not included) to the trip...just a thought.

Lastly, if you find yourself wanting to get out of the evening and do some hiking, the City has a lot of trails and parks. Just check out this link:

http://www.springsgov.com/Page.asp?NavID=399

for details. The North Cheyenne Canyon area would probably be my reccomendation as you could also check out the Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (built on the side of the mountain, only mountain zoo in the nation) if you liked.

Also, if you're looking for places to eat or hang out, let me know style/ethnicity you like and I'll reccomend ya a few.

Hope you have fun.”

“Wow, a great and informative post from a new poster!

Thanks, dsal32!”

“Thanks for the tips and email. I'll email you with follow up questions. Right now here's what I'm considering:

Arrive at the Broamoor around 12 on Sat. Check baggae since check-in isn't til later. Head to Royal Gorge and see the sights. We might raft, but it's doubtful. We might do the train. Be back by 5 and go to Flying W Ranch for supper.

Sunday: Spend day in Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City. Sun afternoon do the cog railway.

Monday: after conf ends head over the GoG for some sunset photos on red rocks.

weather.com lists the temps as mid 60's and mid 30's for high/low. Since it's so elevation dependant, does that sound ball park correct to you? If so, then I'd guess Pikes Peak will be near freezing at mid day?

Thanks.”

“Ohhhhhh, staying at the Broadmoor...SWEET. You'll be less than 5 minutes from all the trails in N. Cheyenne Canyon...it'll be perfect if you want a nice evening walk. One of my favorite things to do when I have out of town guests is drive them up to Old Stage Road (ask the Broadmoor people how to get to the Broadmoor Stables) and show them the valley at night from one of the turnouts. Great view.

Royal Gorge Park is expensive, but it's a really cool place. There's a nice little winery in Canyon City (Holy Cross is the name, free tasting! Woo-hoo!) that produces some very good and unique wines (if you're into that). I'm not much of a white wine guy myself, but their Chardonnay is nice.

Anyway, back to the weather. I'm partial to Accuweather.com for 15 day forecasts and www.koaa.com for local Springs weather. The Weather Channel tends to predict us 5-10 degrees below what we actually hit. Accuweather is saying that for your trip sunny (we get 315+ days/year of sun in Colorado Springs) highs low-mid 70s, lows in the low 40s. You're correct about the elevation...the Broadmoor is probably right around 7k ft, and Pike's is 14,110. It will be considerably colder up there than when you start, definately take a jacket, I'd reccomend taking an entire outer shell like you would to be prepared for bad weather on a dayhike (WINDPROOF). The two main concerns w/the difference in elevation will be wind (it just friggin' HOWLS up there), and UV exposure. If it is sunny, you will burn QUICKLY here, especially at 7-14k ft. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

Here is a link to the "Pike's Peak Cam"

http://www.pikespeakcam.com/

It's located IN COLORADO SPRINGS about 7,500-8000 feet below the peak itself. You can get a good idea of what goes on up there from that cam. I'd suggest checking it mid-day to early afternoon monday. Weather conditions are SUPPOSED to be similar to what's predicted for your trip...You'll probably be able to see spindrift whipping off the peak like a small cloud (gusts are supposed to be around 50 mph in the city, which is pretty typical this time of year). No one will touch weather predictions for the peak, not even the Barr Trail or Cog Rail people.

Anyway, I'm going to quit rambling now.”

“Up to about 3 days before, predictions tend to be a crapshoot (what with the cold mountain air hitting the warm gulf air at the plains here). Those temperatures (40-70) look about right to me, but this week it was near 80 on wednesday, and snowing Thursday. Today the high is supposed to be 35.”

“Thanks a bunch. Any recommendations other than Royal Gorge?

Any recommendations for lunch at Manitou Springs? It'll be Mothers Day and our kids will be 1000 miles away. I'd like to do a good lunch on Sunday for my wife.”

“I could make you a ton of reccomendations other than Royal Gorge, but you probably won't have time. There's a stretch of Highway 50 between Canyon City and Salida that's known as Bighorn Sheep Canyon for the obvious reason. I also absolutely love the Salida/Buena Vista/Leadville corridor, but you proabably don't want to do that much driving. Personally I would probably go hit Buena Vista and Leadville instead of Royal Gorge, but I don't think you could do them justice in the amount of time you could do Royal Gorge in.

As for lunch in Manituou, I would reccomend:

1) The Craftwood Inn http://restauranteur.com/craftwood/

2) The Briarhurst Manor
http://www.briarhurst.com/

3) Mission Bell Inn
http://www.missionbellinn.com/

Other places not in Manitou but not far from you would be:

Brunch at the Broadmoor
Brunch at the Sunbird (no link but I take the wife there every year for our anniversary brunch. GREAT food and an even better view)
If you like Greek food, Jake and Telly's in Old Colorado City is the only place in town and has one of the best wine lists.”