Colorado Springs
 

I'm headed to Colorado Springs mid-March with someone who is attending a conference at the Broadmoor....any suggestions on what to see/do? I like the outdoors but realize weather may be prohibitive at that time of year!

Should have lots of options. Weather should be mild and snow free in CS but higher in the mountains will still be snow. Typical tourists things -- Garden of the Gods, Pike Peak Cog railroad, Air Force Academy, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions~I wsn't sure about Garden of the Gods at that time of year!

Garden of the Gods is a good option year round. There's a very nice visitor's center with great views of the park.

You might also enjoy Old Colorado City - lots of interesting shops in a pretty part of town. Manitou Springs is a possibility too - both are on the west side of town.

You might be interested in the Olympic Training Center too.

Weather providing, there are some nice hikes very near the Broadmoor and even more up around Cheyenne Canon.

Enjoy my hometown!

It is Spring and weather can vary a lot. Don't know specifically about CS but for the Denver area, March is the snowiest month with April the wettest month. But the storm are generally quick hitters -- bad one day, great the next. Just be prepared for some weather.

tenthumbs -- I laughed when I read your message because I remember attending a conference at the Broadmoor in April some years ago....I've never been so cold in my life! I think Colorado Springs is gorgeous, as is the Broadmoor, but plan for "springtime in the Rockies" and bring your woolies.

I live in the mountains in Northern California.....as they say, if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes!!! I'm hoping for decent enough weather for a few outdoor activities, like the mentioned hikes, but I know to plan on indoor ones as well!!

Garden of the Gods may be a misleading title. It isn't a "garden." It is beautiful rock formations. Our grandson lives there and we visit often, but I'm not sure if they actually ever close the GOTG. I know you can Google it and get lots of information.
The other suggestions are good. Manitou, where you catch the Cog Railroad, is an interesting little village. Make reservations for the railroad, and check for closings. Manitou is on the edge of Colorado Springs.
There's also an excellent zoo and a tall waterfall, but I can't remember the name of the falls.
It can be really cold, and the altitude can be brutal, gives me a headache every time I go, so be prepared with clothes and drink lots of water.
There's always Cripple Creek, if you can get there. Casinos, mostly, but good scenery on the way.

That would be "Cheyenne Mountain Zoo" and "Seven Falls." There are breath taking views from the overlooks at the zoo, and they've added a mountain chairlift. It may not be running all year, depending on weather. You can also see the Helen Hunt Falls, nearby. Old Colorado City is a long avenue of shops and cafes, running from Colorado Avenue all the way into Manitou Springs. Pick it up around 25th Street and walk. Stop in at the Rocky Mountain fudge shop, or have lunch and a drink at the Meadow Muffins Saloon. Enjoy!

Going up Pikes Peak is great. Book it in advance.

Thank you, Virgogirl, guess I was having a "senior moment" with those names. I don't live there, DGS does, and we go fairly often, but I think CS is just beautiful, such a wide array of scenery, activities and even weather.

You may not get to enjoy the summit of Pikes Peak. If enough snow hasn't melted then the Cog and the highway will still be closed.

There are so many beautiful areas to explore in Colorado Springs that no matter where you go you will not be disappointed.