Visit to Colorado Springs - Suggestions!
 

I have a cousin who lives in CO Springs and am considering a visit for 7-10 days. I would probably be traveling alone, and have never been anywhere between CA and TX. At this point I have nothing planned.

The time frame would probably be Spring 2011, and I could rent a car if necessary to get around outside of Colorado Springs.

Any suggestions or advice?

That is a very vague questions and 10 days is a long time in Colorado Springs. What do you like to see and do normally? There is little to see in Co Springs itself so a car would be useful.

You would definitely need a car...if you link on my name, I did a trip report two years ago where we did quite a bit of the highlights in Colorado Springs and environs. The main destinations in Colorado Springs itself are the Olympic Center and the Air Force Academy. Perhaps also the Figure Skating center, but we didn't make it there.

You will definitely want a car and go to the mountains, etc. as well as things near COSprings.
I would think you'd like to go to several places for an overnight or two. Colorado is a gorgeous state with lots to see and do.

We were in colorado Springs in late May for a family reunion and spent a few days camping there in the summer years ago. We have never visited in the spring, so can't comment on the weather then other than to say snow is a possibility

One of the popular day trips from Colorado Springs is Pike's Peak. There is a cog railway. You would have to check the weather conditions, of course.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is farther west on Rte 24 and is very interesting. I was fascinated to learn that this area once had huge redwoods.

In the town of Manitou Springs we walked around town, sampled some of the mineral water springs and had a good dinner at the Adams Mountain Cafe in the historic spa building.

On both trips we spent several hours at Garden of the Gods which is a beautiful spot.

We also visited the Cheyenne Mt zoo and Will Rogers shrine (combined ticket). I usually don't like zoos, but this is a good one. The shrine is has great views and quite a lot of interesting information about Will Rogers and the Penrose family who built the shrine and many other buildings in Colorado Springs.

Near the zoo is the Broadmoor resort, an historic 5 star hotel --worth visiting to see the grounds while you are there.

We've taken out of town relatives to the Flying W Ranch for dinner and show several times.

check out: www.flyw.com

Also like the town of Manitou Srpings.

If it's later in the Spring, I would recommend rafting on the Arkansas River out of Canon City. The rafting companies have both mild to wild rafting trips available. Canon City is less than an hour south of CS. There also 1/2 day train trips thru the Royal Gorge. Pretty specatacular scenery.

My calendar is flexible except early March...going to Mardi Gras! :-)

Sue878...Flying W Ranch looks interesting except my cousin is a vegetarian that needs a gluton-free diet. It looks like a fun place though.

jimcolorado...the rafting sounds really fun and I wouldn't mind doing something like that on my own if my cousin has to work.

Keep the ideas coming please.