Colorado Springs has always been a popular tourist destination and for good reason, with enviable national travel deals. Nestled among the towering and majestic Rocky Mountains, it offers stunning vistas of rugged beauty at every turn, spectacular natural formations, well-developed facilities and genuine country hospitality. Most visitors procure car rental when they visit Colorado Springs.
Getting there
Colorado Springs Airport is located in the southeastern part of the city serving flights from all over the country. Most international visitors arrive at Denver, then either board a connecting flight down or catch one of the airport shuttles that run regularly between Denver and Colorado Springs. Greyhound buses also serve Colorado Springs, connecting the city with all other major cities in the state as well as destinations further afield.
Driving to Colorado Springs by rental car is a great experience in itself, stopping to take photos and marveling at the views at your leisure. The I-25 is the major north-south route bisecting Colorado Springs, with Denver an easy 70-mile drive to the north. U.S. 24 is the principal east-west route.
Key attractions
The Garden of the Gods is one of the most intriguing natural attractions, composed of massive and intricately odd red sandstone formations, overhangs and jagged pinnacles along with beautiful wooded areas with plenty of nature trails open to hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The town is home to an eclectic mix of museums, including the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum for displays and artifacts depicting the areaеs past, The Museum of the American Numismatic Association for one of the worldеs largest collections of coins, paper money and military medals, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with its related memorabilia and multimedia shows documenting the sportеs development, and the May Natural History Museum showcasing over 7000 giant and exotic insects from around the world.
Out and about
Florissant is a charming little village 35 miles west of Colorado Springs by rental car. The name is French for floweringе, a not so subtle reference to its hillsides that become a blaze of color during the spring wildflower season. The town is also home to the equally stunning Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. A short drive north of Colorado Springs will bring you to the U.S. Air Force Academy, established in 1958 in a beautiful mountain setting and home to an exquisite chapel and some scenic driving. There is also a visitorеs center where you can learn about the activities and operation of the academy.
Driving through the Rockies is an unbeatable experience, with limitless views and exciting, winding roads. Driving west of Colorado Springs will take you to the famous ski slopes of Vail and Aspen, playgrounds of the rich and famous. Nearby is the thunderous Colorado River, great for white water rafting and fishing.
Approximately 100 miles north by car rental from Colorado Springs is the fascinating city of Boulder, a hotbed of alternative culture and liberal politics. It is packed with hip galleries, sidewalk cafs, street musicians, secondhand bookshops, trendy boutiques, vegetarian restaurants and the countryеs only accredited Buddhist university, making an interesting alternative to conservative Colorado Springs. The city is also very beautiful, with the scenic Flatiron Mountains forming a backdrop for Shakespeare festivals, Blues festivals, and an extensive network of bike paths.
Leisure options
The town itself is very modern with a myriad of dining options and the whole range of accommodation choices youеd expect of a resort town. The other major natural attraction is Pikes Peak, one of the most picturesque mountains in the entire Rockies. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. Mueller State Park encompasses its western slopes and comprises 55 miles of trails along which you can explore the scenery and spot the wildlife from horseback, bike seat, or on foot. Campsites also abound throughout the park, and you will find good national deals on travel to Colorado Springs.