This is an amazing must-do while in Colorado Springs, NOT to be missed! I recommend starting early…read moreduring the summer. We did our self-guided tour and trail walk mid-morning. We started at the Visitor Center and spoke to the wonderful volunteers about recommended explorations. Digital and paper maps are available there but the road and the trails are also well signposted with maps throughout as well. Our hike with photo stops, a little bit of scrambling and a drive through the park as well as a visit to The Trading Post (cafe, ice cream and extensive gift shop) lasted about 2 hours so we ended about midday and were glad that we had an early-ish start. The main trail is paved with many optional and relatively short unpaved offshoots. The trail walk was an immensely enjoyable experience and we were indeed awed by these rock formations in this incredible setting! Thank you to the City of Colorado Springs for keeping this experience FREE to the public as promised to the original land owners. Visitors, consider a donation to be able to continue to share this wondrous area with all!

Millions of years ago, natural forces pushed massive sheets of red rock hundreds of feet straight…read moreup into the air, presumably because standard horizontal dirt seemed boring. Humans eventually discovered these giant stone slabs and named the location Garden of the Gods. The gods themselves left no forwarding address, but they clearly possessed a flair for dramatic architecture. In 1909, the family of a railroad executive named Charles Elliott Perkins deeded four hundred and eighty acres of this land to the City of Colorado Springs. They attached a single mandatory condition: the park must remain forever free to all people of the earth. In a world where people routinely attempt to place turnstiles around ordinary scenery, this legal clause remains a magnificent anomaly. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. Inside the main park, paved paths such as the Perkins Central Garden Trail allow our fragile bodies to walk among giant monoliths without tripping over tree roots. Famous formations with names like Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels sit silently against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. You can hike, ride a bicycle, scale the sandstone with ropes, or simply stand on the asphalt staring upward with your mouth slightly open. The entire landscape manages to remain accessible without feeling like a commercial theme park. The rocks are the main attraction, and they do not require artificial lighting, recorded sound effects, or ticket booths to command respect. If you spend a day in Colorado Springs, you will likely spend the rest of your life comparing every other rock formation on Earth to these red stones. Most of them will disappoint you.

The train ride and views at the top were unmatched but the food/drinks sold at the top were…read moreseverely overpriced and very low quality. We went first thing in the morning and the food was hard and cold.

Pikes Peak, known as "America's Mountain," is a must-visit destination with breathtaking views from…read moreover 14,000 feet above sea level. The summit overlooks the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding plains, making it one of Colorado's most memorable attractions. Getting to the top is easy by scenic highway, Cog Railway, guided tour, or hiking trail, making it accessible for both adventurers and casual visitors. The summit offers stunning vistas, a visitor center, and educational exhibits about the mountain's history and environment. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and temperatures that can be much colder than in Colorado Springs. Crowds and altitude can be drawbacks, and timed-entry reservations required during peak season but do not guarantee a parking spot at the summit. Tips: Visit in the morning for the best views and fewest crowds. Bring your own food, as the summit café is expensive and the famous donuts are overrated. Plan to spend about an hour at the top enjoying the scenery and exhibits.

Bear Creek Park is what I call, "my home park!" It is a paved path that leads to two lakes where…read moreyou can paddle board or fish! There are also horse stables, archery and picnic spots! This is a great park to get your daily exercise! A great place for biking,, running, walking, picnic tables, roller blading, a campground too! You are allowed to bring a dog on a leash. Views of mountains, red rocks and lakes one with a sandy beach! This is a fantastic park! There is a daily entry fee or you can buy a yearly pass. Colorado has so many excellent parks!

Wow- what a beautiful park!! I've driven by it on 470 all my life before finally going yesterday…read morefor an event for my son. The picnic shelters and bathrooms (porta and pit) were clean and stocked. The beach was nice and the lake was clean too but too cold for me! There were lots of nice trails for hiking and biking that I hope to check out next time.

a. The Breckenridge Visitor Center is a FREE museum. It isn't too big and there isn't a lot, but…read moreit's free. Can't complain about that. They have some pretty interesting stuff about Breckenridge history and one VR exhibit that was apparently pretty cool (dad and wife did, not me). b. The location is awesome. It is centrally located on Main Street right next to a play area and the pretty Riverwalk area. We hung out outside for a bit too. c. Wife said that we had to give some major props to employee Ethan. Ethan was very interactive with my kids (one, coincidentally named Ethan as well) and she really appreciated that. He was also very knowledgeable. She said that if/when I write a review for the visitor center I NEED to make sure I acknowledge Ethan. Mahalo nui e Ethan.

By far, the best rest room option in the center of downtown…read more Always clean, and the staff don't seem to get miffed that that is the main reason you are here! There is a ton of information on the town and even a little musesum. Right out front is a cute park, and all of this is centrally located in Breckenridge!

Seven Falls was absolutely, positively beautiful in every way. Words can't even describe it, but…read morehopefully these photos can convince you. Seven Falls started out with a semi-short shuttle ride to the actual scenery. From there, it just got more amazing. I understand how the steps could be strenuous for many, and it definitely wasn't easy, but a little stop to catch your breath is provided about midway through. I saw a couple people who didn't feel up to finishing the steps stopping at the rest point, taking some photos, and coming back down. The views were still stunning from that height. Heck, they're stunning from any height or viewpoint. There was also a little shop with delicious popsicles located before the steps. Clean bathrooms along the way as well. It all just seemed very well-thought-out. This was also partially due to the employees, who were all very helpful and pleasant. To put it simply, Seven Falls has it all-it's beautiful, clean, and unique. Amazing in every aspect, stunning from every angle. I felt immersed in the mountainscape from the first step out of that shuttle.

I got the complimentary guest shuttle from Broadmoor to the base of this hike, after pre-…read morepurchasing a timed entry ticket a few days ahead of time. They open at 9:00 so I decided that would be a good time to start to beat the summer heat and I was correct. After about 3 hours here it started to get hot (July 2026) as well as more crowded and touristy. Walk up the 224 steps to see the top of the falls and keep going to get to Inspiration Point. It isn't the most beautiful hike or view I've ever seen in Colorado by a long shot, but I like most any kind of hike so I am glad I did it. After, I rode up the elevator to the Eagles next, reading the history of the place on signs along the way in the tunnel to the elevator. I walked down the steps after and it was a nice way to end my time at the falls. I think it's pricey for what you get but I wanted to see it. Be prepared that it gets packed with kids and is not a quiet peaceful view of the falls, but the hike past the falls is not crowded and was mostly adults during my time there. I don't feel a need to go back, and if I were bringing out of town guests I would likely take them to one of many other activities and outdoor adventures in the springs.

If you are heading to A basin, Breck, or hiking in the surrounding beautiful mountains Gateway…read moreVisitor Center is a god send. Great pit stop for your bathroom brakes. Cute little surrounding coffee shops and restaurants.

It's a welcome center, and when you are on the road, nothing is more welcome than a clean bathroom.read more

Helen Hunt Falls is not something you simply stumble upon. City slickers have to earn it a bit…read more Nearly three miles into North Cheyenne Cañon, the road leaves the city behind. Houses disappear well before the entrance to its mouth or rocky gates west of Starsmore Nature Center. Red granite walls rise closer, pine and cedar lean over the pavement, temperatures drop as the canyon wraps you in cool embrace. Helen Hunt Falls sits within a city park, but it never really feels like one. North Cheyenne Cañon is its own character. Intimate. Shaded. Winding. While the city feels far away, beware the tight hairpin curves and oncoming vehicles. In its own way, it is unique like South Cheyenne Cañon, home to the dramatic Seven Falls. Where Seven Falls dazzles with height and dramatics, this canyon offers its own closeness to stone, forest, and water. It is a place where the road slows, voices soften, and the canyon quietly reminds you how close wilderness can be to a city.

Super amazing quick little hike that you can drive up to near manitou springs with a good amount of…read morefree parking. The views from on top and bellow are spectacular and this is definitely meant for all ages. The twisty roads might be a little challenging for some drivers but it is definitely worth the drive if you can make it here!

As someone who was in the music industry for almost 30 years, I can't believe I've never seen a…read moreshow at this iconic outdoor venue. I have heard and talked about Red Rocks for decades, but had never been. My wife and I were in Colorado visiting friends and saw online that one of my favorite female voices of all time, Sarah McLachlan was playing a show at the same time we were in the area. It was a no-brainer! I could potentially make this one of my longest reviews ever, but I'll try to keep it short by saying this venue was everything I wanted it to be and more. Parking was easy as there were people directing you from the bottom of the hill up to the venue the entire way. I recommend getting there early like we did, so you don't have to shuttle from one of the outer lots. We had a short and simple walk from our parking lot to the entrance. I also recommend bringing some sort of rain gear just in case because of the random storms that show up in that area. The good news is they're gone almost as quick as they arrive, which was the case for us. After about 30 minutes of rain, the sun came back out, and it turned into a perfect summer night in Colorado. As for the concert, I've never been to a place where the venue gets talked about almost just as much as the artist. Sarah McLachlan is always incredible (still amazing after all these years) but our group talked about Red Rocks almost just as much as her. The view is amazing, there really isn't a bad seat in the entire place, and the acoustics seem to be almost perfect. We actually really liked their food options as well. That said, I wish I would've done my homework because a lot of people have brought their own into the venue and that's something. We probably would've done as well. Check their website for details before you arrive. One last note, don't forget to stop by their visitor center. I'm so glad we didn't skip it because not only does it share the history of this incredible venue, but they also have an area where they list off by year every single artist who has ever played there from the beginning to now. That was super cool! Truthfully, my entire Red Rocks experience was perfect. People who live in the area know what I'm talking about and if you ever visit Colorado, do yourself a favor and cross this amazing place off your bucket list. By the way, concerts are amazing here but it's also open to the public during the day just to check out. So cool!

Such a neat place and definitely worth visiting! I love that you can park and walk through the…read moreamphitheater for free as long as there isn't a concert or special event going on. Pictures really don't do it justice--seeing a world-famous concert venue built right into the massive red rock formations is an awesome experience. There isn't much shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially if you're visiting during the middle of the day. It's also pet friendly, which was a huge bonus for us since we were able to bring our dog along. Even if you're not there for a concert, it's a fun place to explore, take in the incredible views, and appreciate the unique architecture and natural surroundings. Definitely one of Colorado's must-see attractions!

This was our semi-annual visit to Denver which means we are also making our semi-annual visit to…read morethe beautiful western town of Golden, CO. Golden is a charming town with lots of shops and dining options. Being July, it's also fun to watch the people floating down Clear Creek - right next to the Visitors Center. As usual, the ladies in the visitors center are always friendly and welcoming. They are a valuable source of information regarding Golden.

The ladies working at the visitor center were very nice and helpful. Would recommend stopping on…read moreyour way into Golden as they said they have coupons. We didn't get them since we were almost done with our shopping by the time we stopped by. They did gave some souvenirs you could purchase there like pencils,magnets and postcards