Colorado Springs

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Colorado Springs [1] is a city in Colorado, USA. It is the second largest city in the state, behind Denver not far to the north, and defines the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state. Attractive mountain scenery is nearby.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Fly

  • Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) [2] - This is a full-service airport, but small enough to be able to get in and out quickly. Recent renovations, including free wireless internet, make it a very nice place to wait for an hour or two if you arrive early for your flight. Airport is located 11 miles east of downtown Colorado Springs.
  • Denver International Airport (DEN) [3] - Located 80 miles north of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Shuttle [4] is currently the only shared shuttle service between Colorado Springs and DIA; it is also possible via a multi-stage bus ride.

[edit] Drive

  • Interstate 25 is the only major highway, running north-south through the city.
  • Denver is 70 miles north on I-25.
  • Albuquerque is about 380 miles south on I-25.

[edit] Bus

  • Front Range Express, [5] commutes between Denver and Colorado Springs, includes wireless internet.
  • Greyhound bus terminal is at 120 S. Weber St., in downtown Colorado Springs.

[edit] Get around

Colorado Springs lies along the foothills east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs north-south along I-25, with the Air Force Academy to the North, downtown to the south, and Pikes Peak rising in the west.

  • Colorado Springs Transit, [6]
  • Taxi Services, [7]

[edit][add listing] See

  • Garden of the Gods, 1805 N 30th St. (I25 Exit west 2.5mi, then south on 30th St), ☎ +1 719 634-6666, [8]. 5am-11pm. A series of dramatic sandstone formations, enclosed by a city park. Excellent for hiking and technical rock climbing. free. (38.877804, -104.870768) edit
  • Pikes Peak (West about 10 miles on Cimarron St./Rt 24), ☎ +1 800 318-9505, [9]. May-Sept 7am-7pm. The most famous peak in Colorado, inspiring the song America, the Beautiful, dominates over the city to the west. Drive to the top, or ascend by Cog Rail [10]. Feeling fit? Hike up Barr Trail to the summit, especially beautiful in the summer with all the wild flowers. Feeling really fit? Run up during the Pikes Peak Ascent or run up AND down in the Pikes Peak Marathon. $10 per person/$35 per car. (38.907866, -104.981575) edit
  • Cave of the Winds (West about 6 miles on Cimarron St./Rt 24), ☎ +1 719 685-5444, [11]. 9am-9pm. A series of caves near Manitou Springs, offering tours. ~$20. (38.87321, -104.92218) edit
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road (I-25 Exit 138, west to the Broadmoor Hotel, then right and follow signs), ☎ +1 719 633-9925, [12]. 9am-6pm. A small, scenic mountain zoo with many exotic animals. $12. (38.7712, -104.852765) edit
  • Broadmoor Hotel, 1 Lake Avenue (I-25 Exit 138, west on Lake Ave.), ☎ +1 719 634-7711, [13]. 5-star luxury resort. Even if your budget won't allow you to stay there, it's worth touring the lavish grounds at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. (38.791072, -104.850211) edit
  • Seven Falls (West on West Cheyenne Blvd), ☎ +1 719 632 0765, [14]. a privately owned series of falls and nature trails. Fills up quickly on weekends, but you can instead visit neighboring: $9 Adult, $5.50 child. (38.782123, -104.879823) edit
  • Helen Hunt Falls (West on West Cheyenne Blvd, right at sign), [15]. A short hike to some great views, within North Cheyenne Cañon City Park [16]. free. (38.788596, -104.90319) edit
  • United States Olympic Training Center, 1 Olympic Plaza, ☎ +1 719 632-5551, [17]. Major U.S. Olympic training facility, with an aquatic center, gymnasiums, shooting center, and velodrome. Free tours daily. edit
  • United States Air Force Academy (I-25 Exit 156B), ☎ +1 719 333-2025, [18]. 8am-6pm. Academy nestled in the foothills of the Rampart range at the north end of town, you can tour the famous Chapel and other sights. free. (39.008113, -104.890509) edit
  • Fort Carson. Army Base located south of Colorado Springs. edit
  • Convention & Visitors Bureau, ☎ +1 877 745-3773, [19]. Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak, for complete information on activities, attractions, lodging, dining and shopping choices. edit
  • May Natural History Museum (I-25 Exit 140, South 8 miles on Rt 115, right at huge beetle), ☎ +1 719 576-0450, [20]. May-Sept 9am-5pm. An eclectic but unique museum south of town, with thousands of large insects collected by John May from around the tropics. $6. (38.705146, -104.840598) edit
  • Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, ☎ +1 719 598-4000 (toll free: +1 800 232-FLYW), [21]. Working ranch, chuckwagon supper and world-class, family-oriented western stage show. $19.50 adults, $9.50 children.  edit
  • ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, 101 ProRodeo Drive, ☎ +1 719 528-4764, [22]. The only heritage center in the world devoted to professional rodeo, with two multi-media presentations and Hall of Champions. $6 adults, $3 children.  edit
  • Garden of the Gods Trading Post (South end of Garden of the Gods park), ☎ +1 719 685-9045 (toll free: +1 800 874-4515), [23]. Don't miss the largest art gallery and gift shop in Colorado. Sample delicious buffalo burgers and more at the Balanced Rock Cafe, on the outdoor patio, under the shade of the cottonwood trees. edit
  • Ghost Town Museum, 400 S. 21st Street, ☎ +1 719 634-0696, [24]. Step back in time to Colorado's gold-rush days and experience an 1800's old west town frozen in time. Pan for real gold! $6.50 adults, $4 children, under 6-free.  edit
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., ☎ +1 719 488-0880, [25]. Featuring hands-on exhibits, gold panning, a working steam engine and Oro and Nugget, mascot burros! edit

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Hiking, the Pike National Forest to the west, Pikes Peak, and numerous city parks offer ample hiking opportunities.
  • Horseback Riding
    • Academy Riding Stables, +1 888 700-0410, [26]. Enjoy a ride through beautiful towering sandstone rock formations in the Garden of the Gods
  • Cycling
    • Challenge Unlimited-Pikes Peak by Bike, +1 800 798-5954, [27]. Bike down over 7,000 feet from the top of Pikes Peak with professional guides, mid-April-October. Bike helmet, all-weather gear and meals are included.
  • Rock Climbing, at Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon (non-marking chalk only, register first at the Garden of the Gods visitor center), and in North Cheyenne Cañon City Park.
    • Front Range Climbing Company, [28]. See the beauty of Colorado Springs from up high. Climb the Garden of the Gods, The Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Cheyenne Canyon and many other exiting destinations.
    • Colorado Climbing School, [29]. Rock climbing classes and team building workshops.
    • Gravity Play Entertainment, [30]. Rock and Ice climbing adventures. Hiking trips and snowshoeing.
  • Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas river, about an hour south of town.
    • Lost Paddle Rafting, [31].
  • Pets, Colorado Springs is very dog friendly, with excellent areas for off-leash hiking at Red Rock Canyon Open Space [32], Palmer Park [33], and Bear Creek Regional Park [34].
  • Skate
    • Colorado Springs World Arena Ice Hall, [35].
  • Volleyball
    • The Volleyball Shack, [36]. Indoor
    • The Sand Pits, [37]. Sand

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd. (Near N. Academy and I-25), [38]. Shopping, food court. edit
  • The Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Dr. East (Academy & Platte (CO-24)), [39]. Shopping, food court. edit
  • Old Colorado City (W Colorado Ave, between 23rd and 28th Streets), [40]. Historic district with shopping and restaurants. edit
  • Manitou Springs (West on CO-24), [41]. Shopping, many restaurants, designated national historic district. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza & Brewery, 11 S. Tejon, ☎ +1 719 475-9224. Great gourmet pizzas. edit
  • The Blue Star, 1645 S Tejon (next to Bristol), ☎ +1 719 632-1086. Great atmosphere and good Thai food.  edit
  • Shuga's, 702 S. Cascade, ☎ +1 719 328-1412, [42]. Mon-Sat 11am-1pm. Funky.  edit
  • La Unica, 3317 W Colorado, ☎ +1 719 633-7499. Good Mexican food. edit
  • Big Train, 3050 N Nevada, ☎ +1 719 473-8218. Good place for chicken fried steak breakfast.  edit
  • North End Diner, 3005 N Hancock, ☎ +1 719 442-1833. Big, cheap breakfast plates.  edit
  • Jake and Telly's, 2616 Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City, ☎ +1 719 633-0406. Great Greek food; under $15 for lunch, over $20 for dinner.  edit
  • O'Furry's, 900 E. Fillmore, ☎ +1 719 634-3106, [43]. Hole-in-the-wall Irish-style pub, featuring some of the best burgers in Colorado Springs.  edit
  • The Nook Restaurant, 2821 Dublin Blvd (2821 Dublin Blvd), ☎ +1 719 265-8980, [44]. 7AM - 2PM. A quaint neighborhood restaurant serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. There is a cafe bistro dinner menu that changes weekly and is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 9 pm. Classy and comfortable with the pancakes known as "Heaven on a plate." edit
  • The Armadillo, 8330 Razorback Rd (Hwy 83 & Academy Blvd), ☎ +1 719 265-8926. Tied with Colorado Bean for hottest green chile in the city.  edit
  • Colorado Bean, S. Carefree & Powers (next to ticket counter of the Cinemark theater). Coffee, drinks, Mexican food. Reasonably priced. Excellent location for dinner when you're also seeing a movie. Tied with The Armadillo for hottest green chile in the city.  edit
  • Frankie's Bar & Grill, 945 Powers & Galley, ☎ +1 719 574-4881, [45]. Neighborhood bar/grill since 1984.Burgers and wings. Perfect for watching all the games.  edit
  • Frankie's Too!, 7376 McLaughlin Rd, Falcon (Woodmen & Meridian), ☎ +1 719 495-8708, [46]. Sports, spirits and food.  edit
  • Jun Japanese, 1760 Dublin, 3276 Centennial, ☎ +1 719 531-9368, [47]. Very good Japanese - Popular happy hour  edit
  • Rico's Coffee and Wine Bar, 324 N. Tejon, ☎ +1 719 632-7721, [48]. Wine, chocolate, coffee, tapas, and great music.  edit
  • Pueblo Viejo, 5598 N. Academy, ☎ +1 719 266-1999. Authentic Mexican food. Run by a family from Jalisco, Mexico who specialize in chile rellenos. Great salsa and atmosphere.  edit
  • Solo's Restaurant, 1665 N. Newport (Powers & Fountain), ☎ +1 719 570-7656, [49]. Ok diner, and you can eat inside a KC-97 aircraft, lots of aviation decor.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Bristol Brewing Company, 1647 S Tejon, ☎ +1 719 633-2555, [50]. Best beer in town, but no food.  edit
  • Porky's Bar, Powers & 5910 Omaha, ☎ +1 719 574-7447, [51]. Newly revamped, food and drink, with 5 outdoor sand volleyball courts.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Radisson Inn & Suites Colorado Springs Airport, 1645 N. Newport Rd., ☎ +1 719 597-7000, [52].  edit
  • Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Hotel, 1810 Briargate Pkwy., ☎ +1 719 598-6866, [53].  edit
  • Wyndham Colorado Springs Hotel, 5580 Tech Center Dr., ☎ +1 719 260-1800, [54].  edit
  • Sheraton Colorado Springs Hotel, 2886 South Circle Dr., ☎ +1 719 576-5900, [55].  edit
  • The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., ☎ +1 719 634-7711, [56]. A luxurious retreat conveniently located just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs; The Broadmoor covers 3,000 acres with 700 hotel rooms and suites, 15 restaurants, cafés and lounges, three championship golf courses, a tennis club, and world-class spa.  edit
  • Silverwood Hotel and Conference Center, 505 Popes Bluff Trail, ☎ +1 866 602-8120, [57]. Newly remodeled facilities conveniently located off I-25 in the Rocky Mountain foothills.  edit
  • Best Western Airport Inn, 1780 Aeroplaza Dr., ☎ +1 719 574-7707 (toll free: +1 866 740-3824, fax: +1 719 574-5400), [58].  edit
  • Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, 1440 Harrison Rd., ☎ +1 719 576-2371 (fax: +1 719 576-4947), [59].  edit
  • Best Western Pikes Peak Inn, 3010 N Chestnut St., ☎ +1 719 636-5201 (toll free: +1 800 223-9127, fax: +1 719 636-3108), [60].  edit
  • Best Western The Academy Hotel, 8110 N Academy Blvd., ☎ +1 719 598-5770 (toll free: +1 800 766-8524, fax: +1 719 598-3434), [61].  edit
  • Candlewood Suites, 6450 North Academy Blvd., ☎ +1 719 590-1111, [62].  edit
  • Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Rd, ☎ +1 719 538-4000 (toll free: +1 800 428-8886), [63]. Offers 316 guest rooms and suites in eight residential lodges, each with a private balcony and views of Cheyenne Mountain. edit
  • Colorado Springs Microtel Inn & Suites, 7265 Commerce Center Dr., ☎ +1 719 598-7500 (fax: +1 719 598-4975), [64].  edit
  • Courtyard Colorado Springs South, 2570 Tenderfoot Hill St., ☎ +1 719 226-5006 (fax: +1 719 226-5007), [65].  edit
  • Fairfield Inn Colorado Springs North, 7085 Commerce Center Dr., ☎ +1 719 533-1903 (fax: +1 719 533-1903), [66].  edit
  • Fairfield Inn Colorado Springs South, 2725 Geyser Dr., ☎ +1 719 576-1717 (fax: +1 719 576-4747), [67].  edit
  • Holiday Inn, 1855 Aeroplaza Dr., ☎ +1 719 380-8516, [68].  edit
  • Holiday Inn Express, 1815 Aeroplaza Dr., ☎ +1 719 591-6000, [69].  edit
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 7110 Commerce Center Dr., ☎ +1 719 592-9800, [70].  edit
  • Motel 6, 3228 N Chestnut Street, ☎ +1 719 520-5400 (fax: +1 719 630-0377), [71].  edit
  • Residence Inn Colorado Springs Central, 3880 North Academy Blvd., ☎ +1 719 574-0370 (fax: +1 719 574-7821), [72].  edit
  • Residence Inn Colorado Springs North at Interquest, 9805 Federal Dr., ☎ +1 719 388-9300 (fax: +1 719 388-9302), [73].  edit
  • Residence Inn Colorado Springs South, 2765 Geyser Dr., ☎ +1 719 576-0101 (fax: +1 719 576-4848), [74].  edit
  • Staybridge Suites, 7130 Commerce Dr., ☎ +1 719 590-7829, [75].  edit
  • TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs, 4760 Centennial Blvd., ☎ +1 719 594-4447 (fax: +1 719 594-4448), [76].  edit

[edit] Stay Safe

The Springs are about as safe as Denver, though be aware that Colorado has one of the highest death rates via automobile accidents in the US. So just remember to drive defensively and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is also is infamous for speed traps. Watch out for motorcycle cops (around 5 or 6) along with 1 or more cruisers waiting to catch you speeding.

The southern part of town is generally less safe than the northern part. Ft. Carson, on the southern edge of town, is a large Army installation bringing in thousands of young, energetic men and women. The businesses that these clients would frequent sometimes attract a rougher crowd. Stay north of Platte or west of Wahsatch and all should be well.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Wireless Internet

  • Colorado City Creamery, Rockrimmon & Delmonico. Su 1PM- (other hours not known). Network is secured, information available inside for how to connect.
  • The Daily Grind, 1200 S Tejon St. Free WiFi.
  • Einstein Bros. Café, 4325 Centennial Blvd (at intersection with Garden of the Gods Rd), +1 719 548-8408. Also at Woodmen & Academy. M-F 5:30AM-6PM, Sa 6AM-4PM, Su 7AM-4PM. Free WiFi.
  • Mountain Perks Coffee, [77] 5765 N. Academy. Free WiFi.
  • Oldeworld Bagel, 1670 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd Suite A (in the same shopping plaza as Target, near I-25 and Circle), +1 719 527-9651. Free WiFi.
  • Panera Bread, 7344 North Academy Blvd, +1 719 522-1100; 1845 Briargate Parkway +1 719 266-9200; 3120 New Center Point +1 719 637-3500; 1832 Southgate Road +1 719 389-0808. [78]. Free wireless; however, after you connect your browser only directs you to Panera's portal until you click on the appropriate link agreeing to their terms of service.
  • Raven's Nest, 330 N Institute Suite #A (SW corner of Institute at Boulder), +1 719 632-3433. M-F 5AM-5:30PM, Sa-Su 7AM-noon. Free WiFi. "A neighborhood gathering place."
  • Rico's Coffee & Wine Bar, 324 N. Tejon St. Free WiFi throughout the cafe with seating in the adjacent bookstore.
  • Serranos Coffee Company, 7335 N Academy Blvd (at Falcon Landing, north of Woodmen on the east side), +1 719 266-0843. Free WiFi. Original store is in Monument.
  • The Summit House, (in the shopping plaza at the corner of Voyager Parkway and Middle Creek in the northernmost part of town, From the north exit I-25 at #156A, take Northgate Road east to Voyager Parkway, turn south; from the south exit I-25 at Interquest Parkway, turn north onto Voyager Parkway), +1 719 488-8893. M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-6PM, Su 7AM-5PM. Free WiFi.
  • unwiredaccess.net [79]. Has many customers downtown. They charge a $6 one-time ("lifetime") fee for an account. Then you can use their wireless hotspots with no further charges (until they go out of business). (Their pricing is different depending on location - the PikesPerk Coffee House on North Academy still uses unwiredaccess.net but does not require a fee. It's assumed the coffee house is paying for the access).
  • The towns of Monument and Palmer Lake, about 10 miles north of Colorado Springs, also have free wireless access.

[edit] Get out

  • Manitou Springs Small historic town and shopping area west of the city, base of the Cog Rail
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park, a newly created National Park about 2 hours drive southwest of the city. Trek or slide around 750' sand dunes.
  • The Arkansas River has rafting, fishing, and the Royal Gorge, about an hour south of town
  • Ski, the closest resorts are Breckenridge and Monarch, each about a two hour drive.
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Colorado_Springs"