Travel to Colorado Springs

Travel to Colorado Springs

For over 100 years, visitors have been lured to Colorado Springs with tales of magnificent natural beauty, wonderful weather and the promise of gold. Yet, unlike most Colorado boom towns, tourism, not gold, was the original driving force behind the creation of Colorado Springs. The nearby mineral hot springs, towering Pikes Peak and temperate climate made this area the ideal location for a health resort. People have been coming here ever since, in search of relaxation and happiness.

Transportation to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Airport handles an impressive number of domestic flights every day. Located just a few minutes drive from downtown, the airport is connected to the city by taxi and shuttle bus. Most international travellers, however, will have to fly into Denver International Airport and then make a connection to Colorado Springs. There are regular bus connections from nearly every American city, and Amtraks California Zephyr train makes a stop in Denver, which is only an hours drive to the north. Driving to Colorado Springs is also a snap, since it lies at the crossroads of several major Interstate highways.

What to see

Besides being the countrys premier region for Americas frontier pioneers, gold prospectors and other fascinating Wild West heritage, Colorado Springs has long been a popular health resort. Its historical museums and nearby mining towns provide an excellent glimpse at the early days of gold mining in the Pikes Peak region. After dark, theres a handful of charismatic bars and brewpubs in the downtown district where you can enjoy a pint and meet some of the locals.
Most of Colorado Springs attraction, though,lies in its proximity to the world-class Rocky Mountains, which are well-represented by the impressive Pikes Peak that towers over the city at 14,110 feet. Within minutes you can be out of the Great Plains and inside the mountains exploring old mining towns like Cripple Creek or hiking among the pine and aspen forests. The mineral springs at Manitou make sure that any aches you may have sustained during the day will be soothed, and the ample number of quality restaurants will take care of your hunger pangs.

Daytrips

The Rockies provide most of the options for outdoor exploration. Once you get past the wall of mountains that rise out of the Great Plains, your options are unlimited. There are a number of old mining towns tucked into the hills where you can get a sense of what life was like during the gold rush. If you want to see how a mining camp can transform itself into a world-class metropolis, then drive an hour north to Denver, where you can uncover as much culture and nightlife as you can handle.

Activities and leisure

Colorado Springs is a city dominated by the shadow of the Rocky Mountains and as such, the best recreational activities can be found hiking along an alpine trail or rafting along a crystal clear river. Whatever you want to do, you can find it around Colorado Springs. Mountain biking, blue ribbon trout fishing, golf and horseback riding are just a few of the activities on offer.

Safety issues

Colorado Springs has a reputation as a safe and orderly city. But, that doesnt mean petty criminals arent lurking about, so use all the normal caution you would when visiting a place for the first time. It is strongly suggested that you buy some travel insurance before your trip to ensure that any mishaps dont ruin your holiday.