Colorado Springs
On our way to Grand Junction, CO for our grandson Vinny's graduation, we stopped overnight in Colorado Springs. Our hotel was close to two scenic areas (Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak).
We visited Garden of the Gods on the afternoon of our arrival and Pikes Peak the next morning.
We visited Garden of the Gods on the afternoon of our arrival and Pikes Peak the next morning.
Garden of the Gods
This is a Colorado Springs municipal park with free admission. The main feature of the park are the towering sandstone formations.
In addition to taking in the sights, activities include hiking, biking and rock climbing.
In addition to taking in the sights, activities include hiking, biking and rock climbing.
We watched several rock climbers during our visit. At right a young lady repels down from her climb.
Below a young man begins his climb.
Below a young man begins his climb.
Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak Highway starts in Cascade, CO at an elevation of 7750 feet. It winds its way some 19 miles to the summit at 14,110 feet. We arrived at the gatehouse at 8:00am only to find out that road opens at 9:00am, so our first hour was spent waiting in line. The round trip took about 2½ hours.
We found that the most picturesque spot was at Crystal Creek Reservoir just beyond mile 6. There were several people fishing here.
As we got above the tree line, there was snow on the side of the road. Also, the road got steeper with more switchbacks as seen below.
