Colorado Springs - That Bad?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Colorado Springs in November. Several of the posts I've read about the city make it sound as if it were a sprawling ugly maze of suburbia covered in smog. I would love as many impressions of the city I can get. What do you think of it? Is it really that bad?

No, it's not that bad. I think the reason it sounds bad on this forum is that there are such beautiful places around CS; it seems a waste to stay in the city when the other options are so much better. It IS pretty spread out, and a lot of people there tend to be military and/or ultraconservative.

Amy,<BR><BR>There are many beautiful sights to see and things to do in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Yes, it is spread out and, yes, it is ultra-conservative (as well as ultra religious) but it is stiil a beautiful area.

Yup!

The ultras (religious and conservative) make life miserable there. I hated it, but spent four years of my life there while at the Air Force Academy. (No, not all military folks are conservative!!)<BR><BR>It IS beautiful countryside, even though CS itself is just okay.

Hi Amy. Why are you going to Colorado Springs? If its to see some of Colorado's beauty as travellyn said there are many options that would be better. If you must go the only place IMHO worthwhile is the Broadmoor.<BR><BR>Co Spgs is rather pretty but the groups such as Focus on the Family, EXTREME right wing, have really taken over the tone and flavor of the town. <BR><BR>

You're right. No, Colorado Springs isn't northern New Jersey. (Sorry NJ). You could spend a busy, rather quiet weekend there visiting some the sites. But, as other posters said, you can base yourself out of a more interesting location, and day trip to Colorado Springs. Smog shouldn't be much of an issue unless there's a really cold pattern keeping the smog close to the ground.

It's a nice looking city. But it is a city, so you'll see what you'd see in any other city. However, Pikes Peak as a backdrop makes for some nice scenery.<BR><BR>And, I don't care that it is ultra-conservative and ultra-religious, since I'm only a visitor. I wouldn't live there.

I have to agree that I hate living in Colorado Springs and have lived in other parts of Colorado that I much more prefer. It is a city but a very small city. The downtown area is pretty small but the rest of the city has really spread out. I would just say that Colorado Springs is a day trip, there are much more interesting and beautiful places to stay in.

I visited Colorado Springs at my job, quite a few times in 1987, before I retired. I thought it was a great place. It was beautiful, clean and easy to get around. I went there again this year, visiting my grandson at the AF Academy. The town has gone to hell. Academy Boulevard is nothing but one big mall, and traffic is horrendous. They've overbuilt the place, and it looks like a mess.

Amy,<BR>My husband and I went to Colorado Springs this past July. It was on a business trip. Normally for vacations my husband and I go to an island. We live at the beach and enjoy visiting others. We weren't too excited when the location for the conference was Colorado Springs but we were surprised how much we enjoyed it. We stayed at the Broadmoor which is an amazing resort. The Golden Bee was a really fun Ragtime bar to pay a visit to. Pikes Peak is something to experience. I wasn't impressed with the city itself but the points of interest I was. Others at our Conference went on rafting trips, spa, and golfed. Colorado Springs was very spread out and had the typical Targets and chain foods.

*L* An old friend moved there. A year or so ago, I got an e-mail asking about some wierd right wing evangelical group here. Seems their child's art teacher's young adult daughter is here now evangelizing through the auspices of the local branch of this wierd right wing evangelical group. The mother was really worried about her coming here and wanted some information.<BR><BR>I did a little research. Came to the conclusion that the part to be REALLY concerned about was where she found out about the wierd right-ring evangelical group to begin with. That turned out to be in their own church in Colorado Springs. I told my friend that we stopped sacrificing virgins years ago.

Thank you for all of the postings so far. We are visiting Co. Springs for a business trip...so we dont really have a choice in destinations. Out of curiosity, I noticed that many of you noted the conservative majority in the city as one of its major drawbacks. In what way did this effect your experience there? How does the mere presence of conservative christians diminish the quality of life in this place? Also, can anyone give me another city Co. Springs is comparable to in character, size, feel etc? Thanks :)

I am beginning to suspect that there may be more to Amy’s post than travel questions. <BR><BR>It is not so much the &quot;mere presence of conservative christians diminish the quality of life in this place?&quot; as it is that they try to dictate everyone morals. Know that my values may differ greatly from yours or theirs. I do not appreciate it being jammed down my throat or the intolerant and yes hate filled views of some of the better known groups.<BR><BR>If you are here to promote a religion or other special interest groups Amy please there are other forums for that.<BR><BR>

Coskier,<BR>You are correct in your asumption that my questions are double edged. My husbands firm is sending us to Colorado Springs for conferences and possible relocation negotiations. Having never been there, I am curious both about what to see and do on our visit, and about what Co. Springs is like in general...so that I might disertain what it might be like live there beyond what I can gather in our short stay there. I was a little stunned that you implied I was trying to push some sort of political agenda. That was out of left field and the farthest thing from my thinking. I completely agree with you that this type of forum is the least appropriate place for such discussion. You are mistaken sir, my motive is driven purely by my curiosity

Amy,<BR><BR>We go to Colorado Springs several times a year and during our brief visits (usually a couple of days) the politics and religious beliefs of the communities generally go unnoticed... generally. That said, however, I must tell you that I have also visited there only to find THOUSANDS of people lining the streets and roads displaying right-to-life and anti-abortion signage.<BR><BR>I don't know what your politics or religious beliefs are (nor do I care) but I think what people here are saying is that &quot;The Springs&quot; has a bit of a reputation. Many local and national ammendments and agendas are &quot;born&quot; out of Colorado Springs and IMHO many of them incite people to hate.<BR><BR>I still enjoy Colorado Springs and I still visit people there who have no problem living their own lives in their own way. There is a presence, though and if you end up living there, you will be more than aware of it.

Then my apologies Amy. Tom you put it perfectly!<BR><BR>Amy if your politics are very conservative then you may well like living in the Springs. If not I suspect you will find it somewhat frustrating. <BR><BR>As to your other question I would compare Co Spgs to a slightly bigger Wichita, KS albiet with better views and higher housing prices. <BR><BR>Oh btw I am a she not a he. Not that it matters normally but I think of Co Spgs as not very women friendly. <BR><BR>Hope they are putting you at the Broadmoor, it is wonderful.

Of course 'people' say it's a terrible place. Don't want any more people moving here. I lived here in the late 1960s and just moved back in May of this year. WE love it. Yes, no place is perfect but some of these responses make you wonder who these folks are and what's their agenda.

Larry, I can assure you that I have no &quot;agenda&quot; in disuading people from living in Colorado Springs. Personally I cannot stand the town and I want to move back to Denver which is far more populated. Colorado Springs is not even close to slowing down in terms of growth anyways. <BR><BR>I completly agree with coSkier with the &quot;down your throat&quot; comment. A local warehouse church here was recently featured on the news for wielding fake guns outside near a busy street during &quot;missionary terrorist training&quot;. If that gives you any idea of some of the kooks here. I especially enjoy watching the Focus on The Family CEO give a &quot;morality speech&quot; every morning during a commercial break for The Today Show. I don't care what you want to do with your free time but don't try to invade mine.

Amy in doing your research into Colorado Springs you might want to search on the group &quot;Focus on the Family&quot; The largest right wing organization in Colorado based in Colorado Springs. As it was said if your politics are similar you will like the Springs if not well....<BR><BR>FOF is anti-choice, anti-gay, and against sex education curricula that are not strictly abstinence-only. <BR>FOF also focuses on religion in public schools, encouraging Christian teachers to establish prayer groups in schools. <BR><BR>FOF supports student-led prayer in public schools, although it points out that it doesn’t support teacher-led prayer for fear that a teacher would encourage Christian students “to pray to Allah, Buddha or the goddess Sophia against the wishes of the parents and/or students.” (“Religion in Public Schools,” February 1998.) <BR><BR>FOF also supports private school vouchers, tax credits for religious schools, rejects education efforts that address multiculturalism and recommends that Christian parents to withdraw from the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) on the grounds that it has a liberal social agenda. FOF supports faith-based social services and “charitable choice.”<BR><BR>FOF works against hate crime legislation, and supports “reparative therapy” for homosexuality,<BR>For those ex-gays who cannot change, FOF considers sexual celibacy another option. <BR>

There are just a lot prettier sections of Colorado further west--Aspen, Breckenridge, Ouray, Silverton, Telluride.

The PTA has a liberal social agenda? That is a hoot!<BR><BR>Sorry that your thread got hijacked Amy, but you did ask about the mere presence of conservative christians.<BR><BR>Oh BTW think of the Springs as a small Salt Lake City.

Why hasn't anybody mentioned The Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Cog Railway of things to see. Or even a trip to Canon City. Or up to Castle Rock mall? Are these not there anymore. Lived there in the 70's, so I suppose the rock formations could no longer be there. Tongue in cheek.... Also Seven Mile . All things that used to be free. <BR><BR>

Rhetorical question here. But if Colorado Springs is that Puritanical, when are they going to change the name of Garden of the Gods? It's hard to imagine them allowing anything with the illusion of any other god to remain in the area.

Well that's not really an issue about Garden of the Gods. We didn't say Puritans, we said RIGHT WING christians. Colorado Springs is the birth place of anti gay rights which makes it even more humorous since Gay City Workers are going to get partner benefits very soon. The focus has had a hay day with that. My husband and I were thinking of a funny bumper sticker we've seen &quot;Focus on your own Damn Family&quot;. Couldn't say it better. <BR><BR>As for things to do around Colorado Springs, sure there are some attractions but personally I wouldn't think of coming to Colorado to see Canon City. About the only thing interesting in that part is the train, rafting and Royal Gorge and if you've seen it once then it can get old. There are a handful of towns all over Colorado that offer the same attractions (Canon City, Durango, Winter Park just to name a few). Garden of the Gods is pretty but a little overrated since there is also World renowned Red Rocks in Denver which is pretty much the same thing not to mention many other places all over the country that have similar parks. I would suggest Pikes Peak especially since it inspired &quot;Purple Mountains Majesty...&quot;. And no way in the world would I travel here for the outlet malls. You can find one of those in every direction now, they really aren't that exciting. I think most people are looking for the mountain experience when they come here (mountains, camping, skiing...).

there is something strangely depressing about Colorado Springs, and I've never been able to put my finger on why, exactly. My folks lived there for a couple of years, and its one of the few places they ever lived where they never knew their neighbors..they had a Beautiful home, beautiful scenery, etc. but no sense of community...

I am a Colorado native living in Boulder for over 20 years. I frequently visited my mother in Colorado Springs for the past 12 years. If you know anything about this area, you know that there are no larger opposites than Boulder and Colorado Springs. In Boulder I witness left wing extremist and in Colorado Springs I witness right wing extremist. In both cases, it has little effect on me. If you have your own mind, you'll be okay. Colorado is beautiful state, with much diversity. When you visit in November, you will be close to the absolute worst season we have. So, if you like it in November, you'll love it in January, May and August.

As Amy later posted, they were visiting for a business trip. Why not visit all the local things instead of telling her to go to Denver, or Aspen or wherever. It didn't sound like she was going to move there. When I visit a city on business I like to see what is there and close by.

Amy - come to Colorado Springs, venture out, look around, enjoy and get to know the area. That is what travel is about. The people on this board talk about the &quot;right wingers&quot; etc. but they are being just as bad by trying to persuade you to do what they like and think is best. I have lived in Colorado Springs all my life and can't imagine living any place else. I love it here - of course we have our problems - but doesn't every &quot;city&quot;. When you come to the Springs - you should go to the Peak, Garden of the Gods, Air Force Academy, Flying W Ranch, visit all those sites that those of us that live here take for granted. Come and enjoy!

I would recommend staying in Manitou Springs or Colorado City, both of which are extrememly close in proximity to Colorado Springs and much more quaint. There are many b&amp;b's as well as small motels.

Ali, none of us are trying to &quot;persuade&quot; anyone to do anything. We are simply stating our opinions of the city which is exactly why people ask advice on here. You seem to have the idea that everyone should love Colorado Springs simply because you do.

CS is in a pretty location. I wouldn't spend more than a day or 2 there however. There are better places to spend your time in Colorado. However - there are some sites that you might be interested in - Air Force Academy, Pikes Peak, Rodeo Hall of Fame (not my thing - but some people like it), Zoo, Broadmore. It is mostly a right wing city - but I don't think people bother you.

It must be a very 'bad' place. The latest issue of Money magazine has it as #10 in it's list of best places to retire.

Yeah I can see why... many argue uncontrolled growth, major traffic congestion, fairly good amount of crime, right wing nuts...Sounds like HEAVEN to me. It is pretty cheap to live in Colorado Springs though, compared to other parts of the state. That would be about the only plus (drawback in my mind) that I would see for them to feature in their magazine.

The wife and I went to Colorado Springs in August of '97. It was one of the best vacations we had. We stayed at the Sheraton which was ok. Not great but ok. It was a convenient location for our many side trips. It was close to the Broadmoor where we ate a few of our meals. Nice place. Had a good meal at Giseppie's (an old RR depot)in town; visited the Manitou cliff dwellings, Cripple Creek (casinos), figure skating museum, Seven Falls, Air Force Academy, Royal Gorge, Olympic Training Center, Garden of the Gods, Miramount Castle and of course Pikes Peak via the cog railway. And I'm sure we missed a lot during our week there. But we enjoyed the trip and would return. Perhaps at the Broadmoor.

Wow - I had no idea that my childhood home was considered &quot;ultra religious&quot; and &quot;ultra conservative&quot;. I was raised in Colorado Springs, but left 20 years ago. Since then, I've come back once or twice a year and I'm here now on a temporary basis.<BR><BR>As a long time resident I can tell you this - I used to love this city, but it's outgrown it's charm - the entire front range has undergone a growth boom - too much development, too much traffic, too many people. This former quiet city of 125,000 has exploded into a metropolis of some 400,000+ residents and continues to grow. <BR><BR>Yes, the city has attracted Focus on the Family and has turned into a huge medical community, but I guess I don't feel the &quot;ultra religious and &quot;ultra conservative&quot; impact that has been mentioned.<BR><BR>While I don't think I'd want to live here on a permanant basis, CS is still my home as my family is here. It's still a great place to visit. I think the reference to &quot;smog covered suburbia&quot; more aptly describes Denver.

Chetty and Aime... I totally agree with you. I have been there a few times and had a great time visiting all the points you mention.<BR>We thought it was a good location to visit all the sites and until I read it here, I never knew there were lots of right-wingers.<BR>On my first trip to Salt Lake it was brought to my attention how conservative it was... by people in my group who like to go clubbing. I didn't notice because I was too busy enjoying the beauty of the area and too tired at night to go party.<BR>Anyway, go and visit the sites they mention above. You'll have a great time.

Didn't think this post would come up again. No doubt that there are a lot of attractions to see in or around Colo Springs and the entire front range is beautiful. I don't think it would be on my list of vacations (if I didn't live here anyways). <BR><BR>I am surprised about the comment about it being a huge medical community. I would say the opposite, that for becoming a larger city it lacks the medical services that Denver has. A couple people I work with have recently had ill family that needed to travel to Denver to be taken care of properly. <BR><BR>There is a lot of military, and some would say a good deal of religious fanatics. I think Colo Springs was somewhat perceived as a place to retire which may not be the image any longer due to all the traffic and people.

Hi there,<BR><BR>Just have to say.<BR>I live 20 minutes east of COS, this stuff I am reading is crazy! Focus on the family, really, they are located on the north side of town, on the edge, next to the Air force aca. they don't preach anything. And for protesting, etc. there is none of this, for the protesting of the war we had 1 protest, lasted 3 hours, pro abortion etc, hm, never seen it. I am not picking a fight here, but highly disagreeing, this is a beautiful town, there is lot's to do and see, I hope people comming to visit don't change there mind because of what they have read above.

Many of the posts you are reading are back when the trolls reigned here on Fodors. <BR><BR>My last trip to Colorado Springs was about 2 years ago when I took a trip down memory lane and spent a week at the Broadmoor resort. The spa was outstanding, the golf perfect, the scenery lovely and I remembered why it was my favorite part of summer growing up. <BR><BR>We used to escape the hot humid summers of Oklahoma and spent two weeks at the Broadmoor every August before school began. Others may just look at the sprawl, I prefer to cast my eyes toward the mountains.<BR>Besides, rocky mountain rainbow trout pan fried for breakfast is still one of my all time favorites. <BR><BR>LMF