| Colorado Springs grew on the back of the Pike's Peak | | | | Fountain Creek Regional Trail, to name a few. |
| Gold Rush dating back to the 1850's, and in the 1870's | | | | 3. Whitewater rafting. There are over a dozen |
| attracted many, as its dry climate and mineral waters | | | | companies in the area. From beginner to extreme, you |
| were thought to cure tuberculosis and other diseases. | | | | will find what you need. Amenities include changing |
| Fast forward: In 2006, Money Magazine rated | | | | areas, wetsuits, meals, etc., that vary with each |
| Colorado Springs as the best big city in which to live | | | | company. |
| (cities with a population over 300,000). Because of its | | | | 4. Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of two |
| natural attributes, the mineral waters, climate and the | | | | mountain zoos in the nation. They participate in |
| rugged Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is also a | | | | conservation and breeding,and their work includes |
| strong tourist destination. | | | | wolves, gorillas, zebras, giraffes, and leopards. The zoo |
| The city has its 'old west' history, yet is distinctly | | | | is actually on the side of a mountain. |
| modern. There are several blue chip companies that | | | | An unusual attraction is situated near the zoo, called |
| have their base of operations here (Agilent, SNIA,and | | | | the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. It really has little to |
| Atmel to name a few) and the area is also a major | | | | do with Will Rogers and is in fact the tomb of Spencer |
| center for military establishments (Fort Carson, United | | | | Penrose. Penrose was a local adventurer and financier |
| States Air Force Academy)and national defense | | | | of Colorado Springs business enterprises, including the |
| agencies(Peterson and Schreiver Air Force Bases, | | | | Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Broadmoor Hotel. His |
| NORAD and more). The population has grown to such | | | | eccentric wish was that his tomb be named after his |
| an extent that measures are being taken to tackle the | | | | friend. It's worth a visit for the splendid view from the |
| problem of traffic congestion. This kind of | | | | observation tower there. |
| forward-thinking benefits citizens and visitors alike. | | | | 5. Horseback riding. Anything from a working horse |
| There are numerous visitor attractions in Colorado | | | | ranch to riding stables, beginner to experienced riders. |
| Springs and an average of 250 days of sunshine a | | | | 6. Ballooning. How would you like to see Pike's Peak |
| year in which to enjoy them. It it easy to list seven | | | | from this angle? Or fields full of antelope? You can |
| adventures. | | | | also ride in a sailplane (glider). |
| 1. Rock climbing. The Garden of the Gods park lives up | | | | 7. Fly fishing. Walk-wade, float, your choice. The guides |
| to its name. It has stunning red, sandstone rock | | | | are excellent and really enhance the experience. |
| formations and is a terrific natural playground for the | | | | Recommended sites: |
| residents of Colorado Springs. It is also a popular | | | | Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway |
| destination for rock climbers. Pike's Peak reaches | | | | Cave of the Winds |
| 4302 meters. The air is thin and there can be snow | | | | Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway - ascends to the |
| any day of the year. You might check out the Pike's | | | | summit of 14,115 foot tall Pikes Peak |
| Peak Alpine School for guided rock climbing, | | | | Manitou Cliff Dwelling |
| mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing & | | | | There is also golf, bike tours, scenic tours, casinos, |
| snowshoeing, alpine touring, trekking and expeditions, | | | | shopping and more. |
| avalanche clinics, for all ability levels. | | | | We have reached seven haven't we? Please enjoy |
| 2. Hiking and Biking Trails abound at Bear Creek | | | | your vacation in Colorado Springs. |
| Regional Park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and | | | | |