Know Before You Go: About Colorado Springs
Nestled on the plains practically midway between Wyoming and New Mexico on well-traveled I-25, Colorado Springs basks in the shadow of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in the middle of desert and farm climates
The birthplace of actor Lon Chaney—silent film's original Phantom of the Opera—Colorado Springs has about two-thirds the population of Denver, Colorado's state capital 70 miles to the north. If you count Denver's entire metro area, though, the population swells to over 2.5 million, making Colorado Springs a pleasant getaway from gridlock.
Cloud-Free Days in Colorado Springs
If Denver is the Mile-High City, Colorado Springs is the higher-than-a-mile city—the elevation downtown is 6,035 feet above sea level. If you're new to high elevations, it's best to acclimate for a day or so before you make any active expeditions into the mountains. You're in luck if sunny weather appeals to you—the mountains protect Colorado Springs from most severe high-altitude weather, and bright, cloud-free days are common. Bring your thermals when visiting in January—the temperatures range from daytime highs of 42 degrees to nighttime lows of 14 degrees. In summer, the temperature ranges between the mid-50s to the upper-80s.
Scenic Adventures Abound
You can't miss Pikes Peak, which dominates your field of view whenever you look westward, and you'll feel a magnetic pull to go there. You can hike to the top of the 14,115-foot peak named after Zebulon Pike, who ironically never made it to the peak. Once at the top, you can hum the tune to "America the Beautiful," which Katherine Lee Bates composed at Pikes Peak. If hiking isn't your thing, you can take the Pikes Peak cog railway to the summit, or you can drive. On your way, consider stopping at the Garden of the Gods—a city-managed park with prehistoric rock formations—for some oohing and aahing with a southwest flavor. Or take an Australian walkabout at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on the opposite side of the city.
A Salute to Industry
When walking or driving from your hotel to one of the downtown attractions, such as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts center or the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, don't be surprised to see men and women in various types of uniforms: Colorado Springs is home to the United States Air Force Academy, and it's also an Olympic Training Center. More than 30 Fortune 500 companies have campuses in Colorado Springs, including Lockheed Martin, Hewlett Packard and Verizon Business.
By Car of By Plane
Most roads heading south to Colorado Springs pass through Denver, and the same is true for most air routes—but not all. Colorado Springs Airport serves as the hub for a handful of domestic carriers, including United, Delta, American, Allegiant and Alaska airlines. Arriving at the tastefully decorated Colorado Springs Airport, just a short drive from downtown, is a relaxing alternative to navigating the mayhem of the Denver airport. Whether you arrive by plane or by car, you'll probably want to explore, and the most interesting roads from downtown Colorado Springs lead west.
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Colorado Springs is a dynamic city with so many options to explore and experience.