Manitou Springs, CO attractions
 

Our family, including two boys 12 and 15, will be here in July. I know about Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Is the Royal Gorge worth the cost? How about Cave of the Winds and Seven Falls? Anyone stayed at the El Colorado adobe cabins? Suggestions for good places to eat and shop is greatly appreciated.

The Royal Gorge is worth seeing. Sort of like a mini Grand Canyon that has a suspension bridge that you can walk across.<BR><BR>I have never been to the Cave of the Winds.<BR><BR>Seven Falls is a touristy kind of place, but still very pretty.<BR><BR>

Marcy,<BR><BR>To answer your question about The Royal Gorge is difficult. I would say it all depends on how much time you have to spend in The Springs, how booked your schedule is already, if you're willing to drive the hour-and-a-half each way to get there and back, and, how you feel about heights. It is a breathtaking view (I believe it's a little over one thousand feet down) but unless you have a few days to spend, you may wish to hang around in The Springs where ther is lots to do.<BR><BR>IMHO both Cave of The Winds and Seven Falls are WELL worth the money. I used to refuse to go to Seven Falls because I didn't believe it would be worth it to "pay" to see water falls. Now I return there every year to enjoy them and the trails around them (one of the trails leads up to where Harriet Beacher Stowe (?) wrote America The Beautiful). Both you and your kids will love Cave of The Winds.<BR><BR>Some other things to consider:<BR>1. Take the Cog Railway up Pikes Peak (incredible view and lots of wildlife along the way)<BR>2. Get some boxed lunches from the Broadmoor Hotel and take them to Garden of The Gods (the "Garden is free and there are lots of great things to see there)<BR>3. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (looms one thousand feet over the city--be forewarned, though, it's steep going)<BR>4. Attend the melodrama in Manitou Springs (next to Colo. Springs)<BR>5. Have Sunday brunch at the Broadmoor<BR>6. Go to the Golden Bee and join in sing-a-longs (it's across the street from the Broadmoor, is owned by the hotel and is a re-assembled genuine English pub with home-made cheese, pub fare and yards of ale. They have sing-alongs every night at about 7:30 and they're a BLAST!)<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR><BR>Davidcs

An alternative route to or from Royal Gorge is Phantom Creek Canyon Drive...Your boys would likely get a kick out of it - single lane, gravel road...very hairy in spots, but if the weather is good, and you take your time, it's worth it. (You should allow a couple of hours) Might they be interested in the Air Force Academy? (CS, not Manitou,I know).<BR><BR>Can't speak to the El Colorado cabins, but some of the MS accommodations are VERRRY rustic (i.e., they look untouched since the 1940s...so I'd be sure to know what you are getting). <BR><BR>A drive up towards Fountain, from MS, and then taking the turn for Victor offers some nice pullouts and spectacular mountain views. Try Tres Hombres (a family-oriented bar) in Fountain for good, cheap Mexican food.

Do not miss The Garden of the gods! And best of all, it's free! I remember passing the El Colorado (I looked into staying there also) and was surprised that it was not in the wilderness, but in a very congested area. Since I did not end up staying in Manitou Springs, I cannot suggest any accomodations. For the day I was there, I will tell you this...it is a very quaint and scenic town. You will like it!

I went to Seven Falls and thought it was a waste of time compared to other scenic attractions in the area. <BR><BR>I didn't eat in Manitou Springs. But in Colorado Springs I would recommend Blue Star for more eclectic cuisine. Definitely visit the Broadmoor and take a walk on the grounds but I didn't find the food at the Broadmoor restaurants very impressive. The best meal there is at the Penrose Room or Charles Court (more formal and pricey). Don't know about the brunch though.

You can see the Royal Gorge without paying to go across the bridge. Just park in the parking lot and walk over to the fence to see it. They do have an aerial tram that goes across that might be pretty neat for the boys.