gardendiva

I have a trip planned to Colorado Springs for 6 days in late October. I have done some research but I am looking for some additional guidance. I will have a car and will be staying in Old Colorado City at an Airbnb. So far I have the following places on my list.

Pike's Peak - there are 2 options to get there. The Cog Railway or a Gray Line tour. Any thoughts on which is best? Driving myself is not an option.
Seven Falls - looks beautiful but the price is a bit steep. Is it worth the price of admission?
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park - From the website I could not really figure out what this is. The gondola ride looks interesting.
Garden of the Gods
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Cave of the Winds
Historic Cripple Creek - looks interesting but I might already have enough.

Is this too much? Did I miss something that it is must see? Thank you for your help.

PrairieHikerI

Definitely go up Pike's Peak however you do it and take a hike on top. Wander through the colorful rock formations at Garden of the Gods. I enjoyed walking across the Royal Gorge (1,200' above the river). If you are afraid of heights I would refrain. I was in Cripple Creek a few years ago and didn't really find it that interesting. It's sort of a casino town. Even the the narrow-gauge railroad steam train wasn't that interesting. Wander around Manitou Springs eating saltwater taffy exploring art galleries and the historic Cliff House hotel. Eat and shop in Old Colorado City. Hike the stunning Catamount Falls Trail at Woodland Park which takes you through pine forests past three waterfalls.

Melnq8

I live in the area. From a local's perspective:

1) Cog Railway
2) No, not worth the price of admission
3) Overrated, but might be slightly interesting for a visitor
4) Absolutely - spend the morning in the park, take a hike, take a picnic, don't miss the Visitor's Center on Centennial Road. A Colorado Springs gem.
5) Nah
6) Never been, just a tourist thing
7) Same as above
8) Nice drive, good views, mildly interesting gold mining town with Victorian buildings, otherwise Cripple Creek is for gamblers. While there, drive on over to Victor for more mining town vibe, minus the gambling. Beautiful drive in the autumn with the changing aspens. The tour into the Molly Kathleen mine is interesting at Cripple Creek. There are also mine tours in Victor. In October, the drive to Cripple Creek and a meander on some of the country roads is definitely worth the time and effort.

Suggestions:

Crags Trail (if you hike). Located between Divide and Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park (great trails), lots of wildlife, but you have to get off the road to really see the place
McGinty's Pub in Divide - nice pizza
Broadmoor - drive out there, walk around the lake, have a nice lunch
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - easily combined with the Broadmoor
Maybe drive to Buena Vista - about 90 minutes from the Springs - the drive will take you through South Park - fantastic views of the Collegiate Peaks, have lunch at Simple Eatery, maybe drive to Cottonwood Pass Summit on the Continental Divide, maybe drive to the ghost town of St Elmo. Hot Springs in Nathrop if that appeals (Mt Princeton).

Nelson

Agree with mel on all counts except I’d vote “Somewhat Interesting” instead of straight “Nah” on the Paint Mines.

If you go to Buena Vista then definitely stop at Florissant Fossil Beds NM.

k_marie

I cherish the items I purchased years ago at Van Briggle pottery. They will survive the downsizing.

http://www.vanbriggle.com/about-us

Gretchen

Yea a very fine art pottery company.

I'd go on into the mountains and not spend all 6 days in CO Springs

Melnq8

Okay, I'll concede 'somewhat interesting' on the Paint Mines.

gardendiva

Thank you all for your help. I am not really a hiker. More of a walker. This is my first trip but I can already see that a second trip to Colorado is on the bucket list. My fear of going into the mountains is that I may encounter roads that will scare the daylights out of me. I spent a few days just north of San Francisco and many of the roads were narrow with steep hairpin turns going both up and down. In another post, Melnq8 has indicated that this will not be the case so maybe I might take a chance if time permits. I will be traveling alone so it is sometimes hard to look at the pretty landscape and keep you eye on the road.

Melnq8

We have plenty of scary roads, but they're easy enough to avoid if you plan well. Where did you have in mind, specifically?

gardendiva

At this point I am still in the planning stages. Other than what I have listed above, I might add Buena Vista to my list. I am trying to not over pack my days.

PrairieHikerI

Buena Vista is only100 minutes west. The main purpose of going to Buena Vista is to view the Collegiate Peaks (which are all over 14,000'). You can also go to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs just 15 minutes south of town where you can soak in hot springs pools. Very relaxing (lots of Europeans and Japanese go there). Also, there are guided whitewater raft tours on the clear Upper Arkansas River. I rented a bike once and rode through four granite tunnels on an abandoned railroad line now a county gravel road. Lots of fun.

Melnq8

If you do drive to Buena Vista, rest assured the roads are pretty tame, but there is a high traffic accident area along a winding section or two. Just pay attention and watch your speed as those curves can catch people off guard.

HappyTrvlr

It sounds like too much time in CO Springs; drive into the mountains for part of your time.

fmpden

One thing to keep in mind is that late Oct is closing in on winter especially as you go to higher elevations such as Pike Peaks. CS area should provide typical fall weather but every thousand higher in the mountains pushes into winter quicker. Pike Peak will have snow by late Oct and the same as you move further into the mountains. So you need to plan your clothing for cool weather.

The Aspen leaves will have peaked by early Oct so depending on the weather, some color may still be visible but a dice roll.

gardendiva

Thank you. I typically travel at this time of year and plan for all weather. Sometimes this is the best part of a trip, when you plans get rearranged by the weather. We were in Vermont the first week of October and had snow one morning and it had been fairly warm the day before. I live in Michigan where our motto is "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." Therefore, I am always prepared.