Summer’s Guidebook to Everything Local
City/town information
Manitou Springs, named after the Ute Indian Chief Manitou and its mineral springs, is a scared and historic place unlike anywhere in the world you won't want to miss.
There are endless things to do in this truly Colorado Town from historic sightseeing, hiking, off roading to shopping and dinning, you do not wan to miss this town during your visit.
649 locals recommend
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, named after the Ute Indian Chief Manitou and its mineral springs, is a scared and historic place unlike anywhere in the world you won't want to miss.
There are endless things to do in this truly Colorado Town from historic sightseeing, hiking, off roading to shopping and dinning, you do not wan to miss this town during your visit.
Woodland Park is known as The City Above the Clouds and is popular with those who love the outdoor activities of the Pikes Peak region and a quick mountain getaway. During the summer, in particular, Woodland Park bustles with outdoor concerts and festivals and a Friday farmers' market.
129 locals recommend
Woodland Park
Woodland Park is known as The City Above the Clouds and is popular with those who love the outdoor activities of the Pikes Peak region and a quick mountain getaway. During the summer, in particular, Woodland Park bustles with outdoor concerts and festivals and a Friday farmers' market.
Besides all the fun things to do around Cripple Creek, and gambling in our new (and historic) casinos, we have a rich gold mining history to share with you. A cowboy named Bob Womack had been searching for gold for nearly 15 years and finally discovered the precious metal in 1890 in Poverty Gulch, which later became the town of Cripple Creek.
Between 1890 and 1910 thousands of prospectors flocked to the region dubbed the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” More than 22,400,000 ounces of gold (approximately $11.2 billion in today’s dollars) was extracted from more than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor region. However, by the early 1940’s gold production was down to less than one percent of what it once was and by 1990, the town was almost dead with only 600 residents. In 1991 with legalized gambling, the town was revitalized and many of the historic buildings were refurbished as casinos.
The Cripple Creek Historic District is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Today’s visitors can experience the rich Cripple Creek history through its unique shops, attractions and museums.
228 locals recommend
Cripple Creek
Besides all the fun things to do around Cripple Creek, and gambling in our new (and historic) casinos, we have a rich gold mining history to share with you. A cowboy named Bob Womack had been searching for gold for nearly 15 years and finally discovered the precious metal in 1890 in Poverty Gulch, which later became the town of Cripple Creek.
Between 1890 and 1910 thousands of prospectors flocked to the region dubbed the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” More than 22,400,000 ounces of gold (approximately $11.2 billion in today’s dollars) was extracted from more than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor region. However, by the early 1940’s gold production was down to less than one percent of what it once was and by 1990, the town was almost dead with only 600 residents. In 1991 with legalized gambling, the town was revitalized and many of the historic buildings were refurbished as casinos.
The Cripple Creek Historic District is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Today’s visitors can experience the rich Cripple Creek history through its unique shops, attractions and museums.
With a rich historic past, a vibrant downtown, and a world-class ski resort, Breckenridge, CO offers its guests more than just a place to visit. It offers the ultimate mountain experience.
While most think of Breckenridge as just a ski town, it packs in the fun with all four seasons’ adventures and experiences. Fall in love with mountain life with these things to do in Breckenridge.
596 locals recommend
Breckenridge
With a rich historic past, a vibrant downtown, and a world-class ski resort, Breckenridge, CO offers its guests more than just a place to visit. It offers the ultimate mountain experience.
While most think of Breckenridge as just a ski town, it packs in the fun with all four seasons’ adventures and experiences. Fall in love with mountain life with these things to do in Breckenridge.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
10 Cliff RdCripple Creek, Colorado, USA
Mount Princeton Historic Bath House & Hot Springs
15870 Co Rd 162Must Visit Truly Colorado Towns
Just a mile west on Chipita Park Road is the beautiful and historic village of Green Mountain Falls.
From world class hiking that draws visitors from around the word its hard to find words to describe how truly special this place is. You have to experience it for yourself!
50 locals recommend
Green Mountain Falls
Just a mile west on Chipita Park Road is the beautiful and historic village of Green Mountain Falls.
From world class hiking that draws visitors from around the word its hard to find words to describe how truly special this place is. You have to experience it for yourself!
In busy Old Colorado City, galleries and quaint gift stores cluster alongside jewelers, candy shops, and tattoo parlors in 19th-century brick buildings along Colorado Avenue. Dining options range from American eateries to Italian trattorias and Greek tavernas. The Old Colorado City History Center Museum has exhibits on early pioneer settlement, and Simpich Showcase features puppet productions and a folk doll museum.
388 locals recommend
Old Colorado City
In busy Old Colorado City, galleries and quaint gift stores cluster alongside jewelers, candy shops, and tattoo parlors in 19th-century brick buildings along Colorado Avenue. Dining options range from American eateries to Italian trattorias and Greek tavernas. The Old Colorado City History Center Museum has exhibits on early pioneer settlement, and Simpich Showcase features puppet productions and a folk doll museum.
CO-9, Fairplay, CO, USA
CO-82, Colorado, USA
World Class Hiking Trails in Green Mountain Falls
We are so fortunate to be in walking distance from this trail where you will find sparking waterfalls and incredible mountain views that await you on this challenging and beautiful trail hike.
22 locals recommend
Catamount Trailhead
11195 Hondo AveWe are so fortunate to be in walking distance from this trail where you will find sparking waterfalls and incredible mountain views that await you on this challenging and beautiful trail hike.
We are so fortunate to be in walking distance from this trail where you will find sparking waterfalls and incredible mountain views that await you on this challenging and beautiful trail hike.
Crystal Falls
6720 Mt Esther AveWe are so fortunate to be in walking distance from this trail where you will find sparking waterfalls and incredible mountain views that await you on this challenging and beautiful trail hike.
Lovell Gulch Trailhead
2400 Rampart Range RdCrags Trail Head
615 Teller Co Rd 62Raspberry Mountain Trailhead
456-798 Teller Co Rd 62Red Rocks Trailhead
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
3550 W High StHorsethief Park Trailhead
Colorado 67Ute Valley Park
1705 Vindicator DriveSightseeing
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY:
Location: The Pikes Peak Highway Gateway is located in Cascade, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs. To get there from Colorado Springs, go west on Highway US-24 and turn left onto Fountain Ave. You will see signs for the Pikes Peak Highway.
Time: The round-trip journey takes about 2-3 hours, not including stops for photos, time spent at the summit and other activities.
Fuel: There are no gas stations along the highway. Be sure that you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before you start your scenic drive.
Elevation gain: The highway's entrance begins at 7,400 feet and climbs all the way up to 14,115 feet to the summit of the mountain.
ACTIVITIES & RECREATION NEAR PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY
Fishing - there are three lakes available for fishing. Crystal Reservoir and North and South Catamount Reservoirs, all located in what is called the North Slope Recreation Area. For more information about fishing, go here: ColoradoSprings.gov
Hiking - trails can be found off the highway or you can choose to hike up Pikes Peak via Barr Trail rather than drive. Hiking on the highway is not permitted.
Biking - you are able to bike both up and down Pikes Peak Highway. Learn more.
Boating - non-motorized boats may be rented at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center during the summer months.
FOOD & GIFT SHOPS
Food can be purchased at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, Glen Cove Inn and the Pikes Peak Summit House. Each of these location also include Gift shops.
The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is found just after mile marker 6. It's a good place to stop and grab a snack or purchase bait to go fishing. Ranger-led classes and paddle boat rentals are available in the summer months.
Glen Cove Inn is found at mile marker 13, about half way up the mountain. Here you can find restrooms and a nice sit down area with food for purchase.
The Pikes Peak Summit House sits at the top of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level. Here you can browse the extensive gift shop, use the restroom and grab some food. Options include salads, sandwiches and sides. Be sure to try the world-famous donuts, the only donuts made at an altitude over 14,000 feet. These donuts have special, high altitude ingredients. So, make sure to eat these at the top of the mountain, as the change in altitude will change the texture of the donut.
PIKES PEAK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES & SCENIC STOPS
Definitely stop at Crystal Reservoir on your scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway. The water and peak create a perfect picturesque moment.
Devils Playground also makes for a great stop to get out, walk around and take some beautiful photos.
At the Summit House, you'll want to take photos by the elevation sign and also near the edge where you can see for miles upon miles.
RATES & HOURS OF OPERATION
Payment: Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash. Find a coupon for $2 off in the back of the Official Visitor Guide.
Weather: Be sure to check the weather before you go. Part of the highway could be closed due to snow. Always bring a jacket, even in the summer months. The temperature is, on average, close to 30 degrees cooler at the top. Find the Pikes Peak Summit forecast on the National Weather Service webpage.
Picnic Areas: Picnic areas can be found along the highway. Look for the pull-offs with the picnic signs on the side of the road and on the map that you will receive at the tollgate.
Vehicle Restrictions: Find out about vehicles permitted on the highway here.
Safety: For safety information visit the City's website here.
https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/safely-using-mountain
139 locals recommend
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
5089 Pikes Peak HwyQUICK FACTS ABOUT PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY:
Location: The Pikes Peak Highway Gateway is located in Cascade, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs. To get there from Colorado Springs, go west on Highway US-24 and turn left onto Fountain Ave. You will see signs for the Pikes Peak Highway.
Time: The round-trip journey takes about 2-3 hours, not including stops for photos, time spent at the summit and other activities.
Fuel: There are no gas stations along the highway. Be sure that you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before you start your scenic drive.
Elevation gain: The highway's entrance begins at 7,400 feet and climbs all the way up to 14,115 feet to the summit of the mountain.
ACTIVITIES & RECREATION NEAR PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY
Fishing - there are three lakes available for fishing. Crystal Reservoir and North and South Catamount Reservoirs, all located in what is called the North Slope Recreation Area. For more information about fishing, go here: ColoradoSprings.gov
Hiking - trails can be found off the highway or you can choose to hike up Pikes Peak via Barr Trail rather than drive. Hiking on the highway is not permitted.
Biking - you are able to bike both up and down Pikes Peak Highway. Learn more.
Boating - non-motorized boats may be rented at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center during the summer months.
FOOD & GIFT SHOPS
Food can be purchased at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, Glen Cove Inn and the Pikes Peak Summit House. Each of these location also include Gift shops.
The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is found just after mile marker 6. It's a good place to stop and grab a snack or purchase bait to go fishing. Ranger-led classes and paddle boat rentals are available in the summer months.
Glen Cove Inn is found at mile marker 13, about half way up the mountain. Here you can find restrooms and a nice sit down area with food for purchase.
The Pikes Peak Summit House sits at the top of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level. Here you can browse the extensive gift shop, use the restroom and grab some food. Options include salads, sandwiches and sides. Be sure to try the world-famous donuts, the only donuts made at an altitude over 14,000 feet. These donuts have special, high altitude ingredients. So, make sure to eat these at the top of the mountain, as the change in altitude will change the texture of the donut.
PIKES PEAK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES & SCENIC STOPS
Definitely stop at Crystal Reservoir on your scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway. The water and peak create a perfect picturesque moment.
Devils Playground also makes for a great stop to get out, walk around and take some beautiful photos.
At the Summit House, you'll want to take photos by the elevation sign and also near the edge where you can see for miles upon miles.
RATES & HOURS OF OPERATION
Payment: Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash. Find a coupon for $2 off in the back of the Official Visitor Guide.
Weather: Be sure to check the weather before you go. Part of the highway could be closed due to snow. Always bring a jacket, even in the summer months. The temperature is, on average, close to 30 degrees cooler at the top. Find the Pikes Peak Summit forecast on the National Weather Service webpage.
Picnic Areas: Picnic areas can be found along the highway. Look for the pull-offs with the picnic signs on the side of the road and on the map that you will receive at the tollgate.
Vehicle Restrictions: Find out about vehicles permitted on the highway here.
Safety: For safety information visit the City's website here.
https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/safely-using-mountain
Green Mountain Falls Pond
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
County Road 96Food Scene
The Pantry
6980 Lake StMucky Duck Restaurant & Catering
10530 Ute Pass AveJoanie's Deli
110 E Midland AveHistoric Ute Inn
204 W Midland AveMayflower Chinese Restaurant
Peak View BBQ & Taproom
1139 US-24Adam’s Mountain Cafe
26 Manitou AveFern's Diner & Drinkery
The Wines of Colorado
8045 US-24Burrowing Owl
1791 S 8th StAJ's Pizzeria
250 Gold Hill Pl SFusion Japan
765 Gold Hill Pl SCAFE LEO
320 W Midland AveFront Range Barbeque
2330 W Colorado AveTie Dye Java Coffee Shop
10530 Ute Pass AveMcGinty's Wood Oven Pub
11115 W US-24Thunderbird Inn
17801 Teller County Rd 1Crystola Roadhouse
20918 US-24Grandmother's Kitchen
212 US-24Donut Mill
310 W Midland AveThe Loop
965 Manitou AveMona Lisa Fondue Restaurant
733 Manitou AveThe Rabbit Hole
101 N Tejon StMacKenzie's Chop House
128 S Tejon StKeg Lounge
730 Manitou AveThe Human Bean
275 US-24The Wines of Colorado
8045 US-24Family Fun
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
324 Beckers LnManitou Springs Penny Arcade
930 Manitou AveCheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdGreen Mountain Falls Skyspace - EAST Trailhead
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
201 S Fairview StNorth Pole Colorado Santa's Workshop
5050 Pikes Peak HwyWoodland Aquatic Center
111 N Baldwin StAdventure
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds RdThe Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
6 Lake AveGarden of the Gods
1805 N 30th StColorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
4729 Twin Rocks RdFlorissant Fossil Beds National Monument
15807 Co Rd 1Mueller State Park
21045 CO-67Catamount Recreation Area
3168 Co Rd 28Rampart Reservoir, Colorado 80921, USA
Manitou Incline - Reservations are Required
Rainbow Gulch Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA
Manitou Lake
Colorado 67Cheyenne Mountain State Park
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd