I would personally skip Pikes Peak and do the Royal Gorge railroad instead. I really didn't like how touristy Pikes Peak is but maybe that's because of my love affair with Mt. Evans.
Great places to eat: Phantom Canyon Brewery Jack Quin's (both down town)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a great giraffe herd. I always recommend that. And the Will Rodgers Shrine.
Royal Gorge Railway is a great idea. Rafting should be great in the upcoming weeks due to all the snow this winter. The actual Royal Gorge is only open on weekends for guided tours since the fire last June.
PM me if you want some recs for things to do a little farther out from the Springs. I'd be happy to help!
Post by Wallflower on May 20, 2014 21:24:55 GMT -5
I love Pikes Peak, but then my preference is for it over Mt. Evans. :-) The cog is a nice way to go up, too. My suggestion for Garden of the Gods is to get some lunch and eat in the park. (Funny story - when my brother and SIL were visiting, he thought it was an actual garden and that we were visiting as a treat for my SIL, the avid gardener. He was prepared to be a bored but supportive husband/brother. lol)
I second the Air Force Academy, especially if they are doing tours of the chapel - it is stunning!
As for Royal Gorge, check first. As of right now, I believe they are still closed due to last year's fire. The web site says that they'll be open in summer 2014, though.
Post by BunnyMacDougal on May 20, 2014 23:51:36 GMT -5
Royal Gorge and Manitou Springs were our favorites, though Manitou Springs takes like 5 minutes to see. Seven Falls is pretty neat. And so is Pike's Peak if you ask me....