mbchas

Hi -- We have to be in Colorado Springs in late August but will be flying into Denver. We have two free days for sightseeing/day hikes/scenic viewing, etc. but not sure if we should stay near Denver or Boulder go straight to Colorado Springs area, or maybe somewhere like Breckenridge? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Gretchen

Denver, Boulder or the mountains for sure--you'll have enough of CO Springs if you have to go.

sylvia3

I know that many disparage the Springs area, but there's Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Cheyenne Mt. zoo, Pike's Peak, REd Rock Canyon,etc., and it's a <50 minute scenic drive to drive to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument or an hour drive to historic Cripple Creek (and casinos).
Some might be jaded or consider the area touristy, but there's a LOT to do and see. (And frankly, I live in Boulder, and there's not that much to do that can't be done elsewhere.)

Gretchen

They're gonna be theret too--and can see all that. They can see something else also.

sylvia3

Well, I read "two free days for sightseeing/day hikes/scenic viewing"; on that basis, I would say there's plenty to do and see in the Springs area and surrounds.
And Denver might have things to do, but not so much "day hikes/scenic viewing"

Melnq8

The OP hasn't mentioned how long they'll be in Colorado Springs and if they'll have time to see it while there.

If you only have two free days to work with period, spend them in the Springs, plenty to do. Don't miss Garden of the Gods.

mbchas

Thanks for the suggestions. I have to say you all sound like my mind right now, back and forth, back and forth... We won't have time to see Colorado Springs while we're there, sorry I should have said that. We're dropping our son off at college and will be doing college stuff.

However, we've also added to our plan in the last day. My son and husband now will go out early for some fishing; I'll still only have the 2 days though. So I'm thinking maybe just get a condo for a week in or near Colorado Springs. It does sound like there's a lot to do there even if it's touristy. Is Cripple Creek worth a visit even if we don't like casinos? Thanks for all the input!

Melnq8

Yes, Cripple Creek makes a good day trip from the Springs. It's a beautiful drive and the views from the Visitor's Center overlooking Cripple Creek will give you a good feel of the area (the visitor's center is excellent, be sure to check it out).

You might enjoy a tour of the Mollie Kathleen gold mine and a poke through town to check out the historic buildings, maybe a drive to Victor (or take the narrow gauge railroad).

You could stop for lunch on the way up/down 24 at Wines of CO or maybe Joni's Deli in Woodland Park. Lots of options.

5alive

One question I'd ask you first off is, will you be coming to campus to visit your student occasionally? If so, the "nearby" activities that can be spread out over various afternoons might be better saved until those later visits. You may never have two complete days together again until graduation. For that reason, I'd suggest you see a different part of Colorado. We did a day trip to Breckenridge and wished we'd stayed longer. We went to a mine, and did an amazing horseback ride up among the black-diamond ski runs and through a little brook.

We spent a lot of time in Colorado Springs as my husband's relative lived there. There are a lot of things to do near there already mentioned, but our favorite was Pike's Peak. It is a beautiful trip, the tram was great.

The other things not already mentioned would be a trip to the Air Force Academy and a trip to the US Olympic Training Center. Also, the Broadmoor Hotel holds a large classic car show in late August.

http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USO...-Springs/Visit

Finally, if you do hit some serious heat, go to the Garden of the Gods either quite early in the day or at nearly dusk. We went in August and the heat got to be miserable as there is little shade on the main paths. We actually liked Palmer Park which is right in the city, but there's deer wandering around so it's more than a play structure and a soccer field.

mbchas

Thanks Melnq8, Cripple Creek does sound like fun. Then, just when I was wishing I had more time, 5alive pointed out the obvious--I can come back, duh. Thanks, 5alive!

I think, since we have to fly into Denver anyway, that we'll take the scenic route to Colorado Springs through Breckenridge then possibly stay at a B&B near Woodland Park before we head into Colorado Springs. There seem to be several there that look nice. I love mines so I'll definitely schedule one in there somewhere if I can and Pike's Peak also. As far as heat goes, we're from Charleston, so that will not be a problem!

Thanks again. I'm looking forward to our trip, even though it will be short!