There are so many things for a visitor to do and see in Colorado. What are some of the most interesting?
Visitors to Colorado can walk or drive over the world's highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge at Canyon City, 1053 feet above the ground. They can see some of the most beautiful natural red rock formations in the world, with the rocks forming natural landmarks that look resemble such things as a steamboat, at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. They can go to the top of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in the world at 14,110 feet (although many mountains in Colorado are even higher.) They can see what has been called "the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado," Seven Falls, a waterfall with a particularly beautiful view at night, because of colored lights. There are so many things to do and see in Colorado, that a person would not have time to do them all in one vacation.
There is little doubt that the most famous attraction in Colorado is Pikes Peak. It was on a trip to the summit of the famous mountain that Katharine Lee Bates felt inspired to write about the "purple mountains majesty," and composed her famous song, "America the Beautiful."
Visitors can go to the top of the peak, which is 77 miles from downtown Denver and six miles from Colorado Springs, over the world's highest cog railway, which is also the highest train in the United States, and highest Colorado Railroad. It might be quite warm at the base of the mountain, but a person might see a snow covered peak any month of the year. I remember when I used to live in Colorado and relatives visited, they had a snowball fight at the summit on July 4!
Current rates for a ride to the top are $28 per adult from April 9 to June 30 and $29 from July 1 to August 31 and $16 for children from 3-12 from April 9 to June 30 and $17 from July 1 to August 31.
The Royal Gorge has restaurants, a theater, with an historical display, gift shops, restaurants, a hiking and bike path through the scenic trails, an Arial tram, the steepest incline railway in the world, and the "Royal Rush Skycoaster." It also has animals for children to ride, a petting zoo, and a wildlife park.
The Panoramic view from the bridge is truly breathtaking, and the Royal Gorge is often compared to the Empire State Building in New York and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge is over 1/4 mile long and 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River.
One can drive or walk across the bridge, or ride across on an Arial tram car across telephone wires. The tram is the world's longest single span Arial tram. You will get a breathtaking view of the river and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains below. The incline railway will take you to the bottom of the gorge. Daily admission to the park is $20 for adults, $18 for Senior Citizens, and $16 for children. Parking is free.
At the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, one can view huge, beautiful sandstone red rocks, which nature formed into shapes which have been given names such as: Gateway Rocks; Tower of Babel; Balanced Rock; Cathedral Spires; Three Graces; Sleeping Indian; Siamese Twins; Scotsman; and Pig's Eye.
At the park, one can visit the Free Museum of Natural and Cultural History, obtain a free map of the park; or view an educational theater 12 minute presentation, "How did those Red Rocks Get There?" for $2 for adults and $1 for children 5-12. The Garden of Gods Visitor and Nature Center is at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs.
At the Seven Falls, at 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, one can watch as the water from the waterfall cascades 181 feet in seven steps down a solid cliff of granite. Crystal clear water formed the falls at the southern most edges of the Pikes Peak watershed. The view is beautiful at any time, but especially so, because of colored lights, at night.
There are special rates for groups. Regular rates are: $8.25 per adult in the daytime, $9.75 at night; $5.25 per child, 6-15 in the daytime, $6.25 at night; and $7.25 for seniors, members of the military, and AAA members in the daytime, and $8.75 at night.
At the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs, at 3330 Chuckwagon Road, one can view a working mountain cattle ranch, an authentic old western town, with a dozen restored buildings with contents of the 1800's and early 1900's. One can also eat a meal that includes BBQ Beef or Chicken, foil wrapped potatoes, Flying W (baked) beans, chunky applesauce, old fashioned spice cake, biscuits, and coffee, lemonade, or iced tea. After supper you will hear a Western concert, with three part harmony, by the Flying W Wranglers and plenty of jokes about the American cowboy.
The complete package is $19.50 for adults and $9.50 for children eight and under. Those who would prefer a New York Strip steak may pay $26 instead. The town opens at $4:30; dinner is at 7:15; and the show begins at 8:30.
This article has featured in detail only a few of the interesting things to do in Colorado. There are too many to feature all in one article. One might also visit the Colorado Railroad Museum near Golden, one of the best privately supported railroad museums in the country. Denver has its own red rock formations, named, "Red Rocks." The state is also famous for its ski resorts in Vail and Aspen. Visitors can also tour the United States Air Force Academy, a little north of Colorado Springs, and a little less than 70 miles south of Denver, on Interstate 70. In Cripple Creek one can view a gold mine, pan for gold, and visit a casino.
If you do visit Colorado, these are just some of the attractions you might want to consider. There are others that can be found online or through various other sources, including AAA.
