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Colorado Springs, Colorado stands a mile above sea level and is home to Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base. The city is also known as Olympic City USA, due to the fact that the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters, the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and more than 20 National Olympic Governing Bodies are located there. U.S. News & World Report ranked Colorado Springs– Olympic City USA as the most desirable place to live in the nation for the second straight year.
Whether you love adventure, history or gorgeous natural beauty, Colorado Springs offers something for everyone. If you’re stationed here, moving to a nearby base or planning a vacation to the area, here are five fun things to do around Colorado Springs.
Drive, Bike or Hike Pikes Peak
Ten miles west of Colorado Springs is the world-famous Pikes Peak, a.k.a. “America’s Mountain.” Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet and, according to Pikes-Peak.com, is the most visited peak in North America. While you can enjoy the impressive mountain from ground level, it is even more incredible to experience it from the top.
To get there, you can drive up the scenic Pikes Peak Highway which has more than 150 turns and ascends more than 4,800 vertical feet. Feeling more adventurous? Take a challenging bike ride up to the summit. If you want to hike to the summit, there are several trails available, with Barr Trail being the most popular. Would you rather just sit back and enjoy the view? Guided tours are a relaxing and comfortable option.
Walk with a Wolf
Colorado Wolf Adventures offers one and a half mile wolf walks in the Pikes Peak region. Hike with rescue wolves and take photos with a backdrop of red rock and Pikes Peak.
Explore The Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is a registered National Natural Landmark where you can explore dramatic red 300-foot sandstone rock formations. Take a self-guided hike through the 21 miles of trails or go on a free guided nature walk. You can also visit the exhibit halls to learn about the geology, ecology and cultural history of the park.
Climb a Cliff Dwelling
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a family-friendly archeological and natural history preserve featuring ancient Anazui Indian ruins. Visitors have an opportunity to climb inside preserved cliff dwellings and imagine what life may have been like so many years ago. A trip to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, located just five miles west of Colorado Springs, is both fun and educational for kids and adults.
View World War II Aircraft
It’s only fitting that an area with such an Air Force presence would be home to The National Museum of World War II Aviation. The mission of the museum is to “promote a deeper understanding of the historical importance of American Aviation in World War II.” Visitors can explore a large collection of fully restored military aircraft, as well as several operational vehicles that were used by U.S. forces during World War II. The museum also houses more than 3,000 artifacts and historical documents.
While there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy in the Colorado Springs area, be sure to make some time to stop by the Omni office on Drennan Road. We’d love to meet you! Our Colorado Springs team serves the following bases:
- Fort Carson
- Peterson AFB
- Schriever Air Force Base
- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
- United States Air Force Academy
We’re proud to assist the military and give servicemembers a financial helping hand.
Friendship Rewards Program
Refer a friend and get a $25 Omni Gift Card
