An adventurer’s guide to Colorado Springs

Colorado SpringsNorth AmericaSports and Recreation

COLORADO SPRINGS

When looking for a vacation filled with outdoor adventures, there’s no better place to visit than Colorado Springs. Earlier this year we wrote a post about water adventures in Colorado Springs and now we’re giving you part 2 — your guide to the fun and daring land adventures in Colorado Springs.

Mountain biking

Whether you’re an skilled cyclist or looking to try something new, mountain biking Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge or one of Colorado Spring’s many trails is the perfect way to breathe in the fresh mountain air and see breathtaking views of the land.

Image Source: mark gallagher

Image Source: mark gallagher

Two great companies provide mountain biking tours through Pikes Peak, America’s mountain. Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours provides an adventurous way to experience one of the most picturesque parts of the area. Choose from Pikes Peak Highway Route where you start by taking in the 360-degree view from the top of the mountain and then ride down the mountain’s 7,000-foot descent, or go on the Gold Camp Road Route, a self-guided bike tour weaving you along an 1800s mountain locomotive railway through railroad tunnels and past remarkable landscapes.

Image Source: beketchai

Image Source: beketchai

Challenge Unlimited is another company offering bike tours of Pikes Peak. For more than 20 years this cycling company has taken tourists on Colorado biking adventures, giving people a chance to feel and experience the West in an exciting and memorable way. Challenge Unlimited’s Ultimate Ride has you gliding down a 20-mile adventure of Pikes Peak where you’ll see all kinds of different flora and wildlife, including eagles, elk and black bears. What sets this tour apart is that it begins with breakfast and ends with a delicious lunch at Wines of Colorado.

You can also peddle through the Royal Gorge region with Royal Gorge Bike Tours. You get off the pavement and into the backcountry of beautiful Colorado when you choose this company. Various tours are offered, but there’s an age requirement on some so be sure to check if you’re traveling with kids. No matter which tour you take, you’ll be surrounded by scenic beauty and riding to heights you’ve never biked before.

Rock climbing

The Colorado Springs area is also well known for its striking and challenging rock climbing formations. Several experienced guides reside here and know how to correctly show you the ropes when it comes to outdoor rock climbing in this area.

Image Source: Daniel Rothamel

Image Source: Daniel Rothamel

CityROCK has an indoor rock climbing gym, but the company knows nothing is better than an outdoor climbing adventure, which is why it offers outdoor climbing courses and guided rock trips. The courses take a full day, and you’ll be provided all the needed equipment unless you have your own to bring. As for the guided trips, the knowledgeable rock-climbing guides escort you on exceptional climbs of Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon and Cheyenne Canon. Depending on your schedule, you can climb for a full or half day.

Image Source: G B

Image Source: G B

Spend a day with First Ascent Mountain School and let its certified climbing instructors take you to new heights. Every age and skill level are welcome, and the instructors take the time to customize your rock climbing adventure to fit the needs and goals you have with your trip. Courses and clinics are also an option, and if you’re staying in Colorado Springs during the winter months, you can even go ice climbing.

Hiking 

No matter where you stay in Colorado Springs, you’re never far from an unforgettable hike. Hitting the trails is a great way to get out and enjoy the countryside of Colorado Springs. Hiking is not only a great workout; it’s a great way to see the pictorial geological formations found throughout the area and feel one with nature.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park is comprised of more than 2,000 acres and has 16 trails that total 20 miles. There are short, easier trails or longer, moderate trails available to anyone looking for an excursion of Colorado Springs on foot. Keep your eyes peeled for the different ecosystems you’ll navigate through and wildlife you might see.

Garden of the Gods, located in southwest Colorado Springs, is a free park open to the public. It’s home to 15 miles of hiking trails, as well as easily-accessible paved paths to take a leisurely stroll on. Ridge Trail is only a half-mile long but gives you the sensation of being amongst the rocks. Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail circles around almost the entire park and gets you away from traffic and into the rocky terrain of the land.

Image Source: MarLeah Cole

Image Source: MarLeah Cole

Also in the southwest part of Colorado Springs is North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The trails here get you right in the heart of the park’s impressive forest area complete with flowing waterfalls and a mountain stream. You can go on a hike by yourself, or for a more adventurous hike, go on a guided one.

Image Source: Miguel Vieira

Image Source: Miguel Vieira

Whether you’re in the mood for a mild or wild adventure, each is possible with an exciting land adventure in Colorado Springs.

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