Colorado Springs on a Budget - Part 2

More Recommendations for things to Do in Colorado Springs

In part one of Colorado Springs on a Budget we visited Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Air Force Academy.   In Part 2 we will continue to discover some of the many attractions that are in and around this amazing city that are Free or Low Cost.  

U.S. Olympic Complex (Free)

What American doesn't love the Olympics?  Here is your chance to visit the place where our athletes are trained!  When you arrive you will be assigned a time for your tour.  The tour starts with a movie that shows some of the greatest highlights of the Olympics and shows some of the training that the athletes go through.  You are then taken on a walking tour of the facility.  You are welcome to take photos and your guide is informative and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Plan on about an hour for the movie and the walking tour.

The facility is open from 9 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Saturday during the summer and from 9 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Saturday in the Winter.

You are welcome to walk around the facility on your own to see displays and there is a gift shop.  Donations are accepted but not required.

This was a really interesting visit and one that I am so glad we made.  It's just not something that you see everyday!  Definitely a stop to consider if your schedule allows.  I would allow 2-3 hours for a visit here.

For more information visit the website at http://www.teamusa.org/about-the-usoc/training-centers-and-sites/colorado-springs/visit

Cave of the Winds (Small Fee)

The Cave of the Winds is located in Manitou Springs which is just outside of Colorado Springs.  This is a great way to spend a couple hours exploring a cave.  Parking is free and tours are offered throughout the day.  The Discovery Tour is the most popular tour.  It is a 45 minute walking tour of the cave.  You get to see many of the rooms and the guides are very informative.  The cost is $20.00/adult and $12.00/child (6-12)  Children 5 and under are free.  

While this may not be my first choice of attractions, it was an interesting cave to explore.  They do offer a photo at the end of the tour but purchase is optional.  

There is also a large gift shop and clean restroom facilities.  

Cave Temperature is around 54 degrees F year round so make sure you dress appropriately.
 For more information and directions check out their website:  http://caveofthewinds.com

 

Royal Gorge (Free)

Royal Gorge is about an hour from Colorado Springs but is a whole different area.  There are many things to do at the gorge that are free.  Walking across the suspension bridge is an amazing feeling as you look down into the 1,200 foot deep canyon below you!  There is no fee to walk across the bridge and you can spend as much time as you want.

 There are shops around and a brand new visitor's center set for opening labor day weekend 2014.

If you would like more information on the gorge please visit the website at http://www.royalgorgetravel.com

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

If you would like to spend a little more money while you are in the area, there are two things that I would highly recommend.  The first is to take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad. 

Fares start at $39.00/adult and $28.00/child and go on up depending on which class of service and which tour you are taking.  It is a streamliner from back in the 1950's and it takes you back in time while taking you on a 24 mile journey through the Gorge itself.  The scenery is amazing and ride is memorable.  It is ranked as one of the top 8 scenic railways in America.  

For more information on rates, schedules and special train rides (murder mystery, special dinners, etc) please check out their website at https://www.royalgorgeroute.com 

White Water Rafting

The other thing I would highly recommend if you are in this area and up for some adventure is white water rafting on the Arkansas river at the bottom of the gorge.  We decided to give this a try when we were there...had never been rafting before and had one of the best adventures ever!  There are many rafting outfitters in the area.  We chose Arkansas River Tours and Dave, our guide was awesome.  We started out choosing the 1/2 day adventure and ended up staying on for the full day adventure.  They were kind enough to bring us helmets and gear for the second half of the day as that was a little more challenging than the half day adventure.  

The half day adventure is good for novices and offers Class III- IV rapids.  The full day continues into the gorge where you will encounter Class IV+ rapids.  You definitely notice the difference when you get into the larger rapids!  We were there in August so the river was not at it's deepest.  For those of you who are looking for a big adventure, our guide told us to come back in May when the snowmelt causes the river to be at its highest and most rapid!

Half day trips run around $70.00/person while the full day trips are around $115.00/person.  It is well worth the money and time if you are interested at all in this type of adventure!

Check out their website at http://www.arkansasrivertours.com

The Broadmoor

Colorado's 5 star resort is located in Colorado Springs!  Now if you stay here it is far from free (but well worth the money) but you can stop by just to walk around the grounds, check out the shops and see how beautifully maintained this property is!

We have been lucky enough to stay at this property twice.....both in the middle of winter 

Tip:  Rates are much cheaper in the winter since this is golf resort!

The views from the room are amazing and the service can't be beat.  The spa is pretty wonderful too! Like I said, if you can find a way to stay for a night here.....do it.  Otherwise, make sure you at least drive by and take a look around!

Rumor has it that the Broadmoor has purchased the 7 Falls property also which is nearby.  This property was damaged in the recent flooding in Colorado and is being repaired.  This is also a great attraction in the Colorado Springs area so here's hoping that it is up and running soon!

Check out the Broadmoor website at http://www.broadmoor.com

Final Recommendations for Colorado Springs

There are just a couple more things that I would recommend if you are in the Colorado Springs area.  

Food

If you are a steak lover and love to check out the local establishments, The Famous in downtown Colorado Springs is a must!  The steaks are amazing, the cocktails strong, the desserts decadent and the atmosphere lively.  This is a a local gathering place and the bar is in the middle of the dining room so it tends to get a bit noisy if you are there on a weekend evening.  There is also live piano music and it's just a fun place to visit.  The prices are bit on the steep side so make sure that you plan accordingly.  Visit their website at http://www.thefamoussteakhouse.net for menu and pricing as well as directions.

Inexpensive Lodging

If the Broadmoor is just a bit above your budget, no worries here are a couple of great options for lodging that won't dent your wallet and will give you a quality stay.

Hampton Inn Colorado Springs Air Force Academy and the Hilton Garden Inn at Briargate

Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs

Hampton Inn Colorado Springs

both offer excellent rates and are close to I-25 so you can easily get to all of the attractions that the city has to offer.  They are close to shopping and dining options that will fit all budgets.  We have stayed at both hotels and have found both to be a great place to stay affordably.

Coming up Next:  An Inexpensive Day Trip from Colorado Springs: Rocky Mountain National Park

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Colorado Springs on a Budget - Part 1

All Destinations are Not Created Equally

Since I am currently in between travel (at least for another week!) I was thinking about cities that I could go back to over and over again.  There are some places that you visit and you leave and say "I'm really glad I saw that.  I don't need to come back though."  and then there are places that just get under your skin and fall in love with.  Colorado Springs is one of those special places for me.

My husband happens to travel to Colorado Springs for business several times a year and this is always one of the places that I try to "tag along" for an add on weekend as often as I can.  There is just something about this area that just pulls me back. 

The great thing about this city is that there are so many things to do and so many of those things are free or very inexpensive!  Here are a few of my favorite things that I've seen over the past several years that I have been lucky enough to travel to the Colorado Springs area!

Garden of the Gods (Free)

Whether you are a big hiker/rock climber, a nature lover or are just looking for an inspiring place to have lunch or a cup of coffee, the Garden of the Gods is a must when you are in Colorado Springs.  The "garden" is in the city and is located at 1805 North 30th Street Colorado Springs, Colorado.  You are just driving along the highway and there it is...turn in and take a look around.  You certainly won't be sorry!  

There is no admission fee to the park and roadways are paved all around so driving is easy.  There are restroom facilities, gift shops and visitor's centers with informative displays.  

It is really an amazing place to spend half an hour or half a day depending on what you prefer.  Whatever you decide.  It isn't what you expect to see in a city and you will find some awe-inspiring sights to take with you on the rest of your travels.

For more information and to check on park hours and amenities please check out their website.  http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1

Pikes Peak (Small Fee)

Pike's Peak also known as "America's Mountain" is located in Colorado Springs.  It is a beautiful sight to see from a distance and provides amazing views from the 14,110 foot summit.  This is a definite "must do" if you are in town.  The mountain is open to public year round but many times of the year it is not possible to reach the summit due to inclement weather and snowfall.  If you want to be sure you get to the summit, check the weather before you go and choose a time when you have a good chance that the roadways are open to the top.

There are two options to get to the summit of Pike's Peak.  One of these is the Cog Railway.  The other is to drive up the 19 mile scenic drive in your own vehicle.  I have been lucky enough to do this trip both ways and definitely have a preference but let me first provide you with information on both.

Cog Railway ($36.00/Adult 19.50/Children 2-12)

The cog railway is open year round.  The prices listed above is the cost for a trip to the summit in the summer season.  There is a slight discount during winter months.  The cog railway will take you as high up as the railway is open or to the summit if it is open.  There is an area for parking at the depot. You simply pick up your ticket and grab a sack lunch or snacks to take with you (they do not allow any outside food to be taken on the train....you must purchase food and drinks at the depot before you depart) and board the train when it is your time to depart. You are then boarded into a train with a guide who gives you information on what you are seeing as you travel to the top.  The train moves very slowly so plan on several hours to get to the top and back.  (It is at least a half a day adventure).  There are no restrooms until you reach the summit.  The seats are small wooden seats that are not terribly comfortable to sit in especially with the incline.  The scenery is interesting till you get part way up and then there isn't much to see until you reach the summit.  Once you arrive, you are given about a half hour or so to look around and check out the gift shop at the top as well as use the restrooms.  You will then board the train for the return trip to the bottom.   It is an easy way to get to the top without having to drive the roadway (which can be a bit scary in spots with no guardrails).  

For more information on the cog railway...visit their website at http://www.cograilway.com

Scenic Highway ($12.00/adult $5.00/child or $40.00/carload 5 max)

The Scenic Highway is your second option to drive to the summit.  For this option you take your own vehicle and drive the roadway to to the top.  The majority of the road is paved.  There is a section that is unpaved.  However, any vehicle will make the trip...you do not need to rent a special 4 wheel drive vehicle for this trip.  There are areas to stop and beautiful scenery to see on your way to the top.  Again the roadway does close due to snow and weather so call ahead to make sure of the weather conditions and how far up the road is open.  

Be sure to plan on about a 2-3 hour trip to and from the summit.  Bring warm clothes/jacket to wear when you reach the summit area.  The temperature is about 30 degrees colder at the summit than at the bottom where you start your trip.  You will be happy you brought that sweatshirt with you!

Make sure you stop and take a look at the beautiful scenery on your way up and down the highway.  Visit the website for more information and contact information:  http://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/

Personal Preference

My personal preference for traveling to the summit is taking the Pike's Peak Highway and driving up yourself.  The difference in the scenery that you see and the comfort of the trip is worth the drive in my opinion.  The cog railway is very slow and there really isn't all that much to see as it is on the other side of the mountain from the scenic highway.  We have even traveled along the scenic highway when the summit hasn't been open.  It's a beautiful drive no matter how far you can go and definitely worth the time and small fee to make the trek.

US Air Force Academy (Free)

The U.S. Air Force Academy is located in the north part of Colorado Springs.  It is open to visitors year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.  You will go through a check point to enter the academy grounds.  Make sure you have a valid photo ID.  Your vehicle is subject to search also.  Once you are on the grounds, there are several areas that you may visit.  

The Visitor's Center is very interesting.  There is an informative video about the Academy and displays throughout the building.  There is also a gift shop.  It is definitely worth a stop and look around.  I would plan to spend at least 45 min - 1 hour at the visitor's center getting oriented.  

While there are other areas to visit while you are there, I would highly recommend heading to the cadet chapel as one of your main stops.  The chapel is an incredible building both inside and outside. As long as there is not an event taking place in the chapel, you are free to walk around the inside for as long as you would like.  The day we were there, there was an event planned so we only had a few minutes but it was beautiful to see the chapel.  There are other denominational chapels nearby that you can also visit while you are there.  They do offer a booklet that you can take with you for a recommended donation of $5.00 that provides some photos and information on the chapel.

Make sure that you take time to walk around the area by the chapel and drive around the roadways that are open to visitor's while you are on the academy grounds.  It is well worth a 2-3 hour visit to see where some of our nation's finest are trained.  

Visit the academy website at http://www.usafa.af.mil/information/visitors/ for additional information.

Other Free/Low Cost Attractions:

Make sure to check out my next blog for additional budget attraction options in Colorado Springs such as the US Olympic Training Facility, Cave of the Winds and Royal Gorge.  The possibilities are endless!

Coming Next:  Colorado Springs on a Budget - Part 2

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Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 10: Last Day in Vegas

A Relaxing Day in Vegas

Caesar's Palace

It had finally arrived....a whirlwind 10 days traveling around Vegas and the vicinity and now it was coming to an end.  Our last day we planned as a relaxing day.  We slept in a little later...moved a little slower and started our day a little later.

We had tickets for the Bill Cosby Show at Treasure Island that evening at 8:00 PM so we grabbed our tickets and headed out to explore that end of the strip and time it so that we would end up at Treasure Island in time for the show.

Caesar's Shopping Area

We started out by having lunch at our our favorite buffet at the Bellagio.  Once again, it didn't disappoint.  After lunch we walked over to Caesar's and headed into the shopping area.  What an amazing escalator!  We rode up and down and took a quick look around before heading over to the Mirage.  We played a few slots on our way and whiled the time away checking out the sights.  Next stop was Treasure Island.  There is a free tram that runs between the Mirage and Treasure Island.  This saves many steps!  

We took the tram over to Treasure Island ahead of the shows and enjoyed a dinner at the buffet near the casino.  The food was good and the buffet was pretty reasonably priced all things considered.

Bill Cosby

We headed into the theater at Treasure Island about a half hour before the show began.   This was held in the theater that houses the Cirque du Soleil so there was a concession area.  Snacks and drinks could be purchased in this area and taken into the show.  The show started about 20 minutes late and lasted only about an hour so it wasn't real long but was certainly enjoyable.  Bill Cosby was another childhood favorite so when I learned that he would be in town for Memorial Day Weekend, we grabbed our tickets online.  Again, half price tickets to shows are available as well as discounts from the resorts but if you want to guarantee seating and dates, I would recommend booking ahead of time.  We ended up in the second row from the stage and had a wonderful time at the show.

LINQ

After the show we headed back on the tram to the Mirage and then walked toward our hotel.  Since we passed the LINQ (shopping area), we headed down there to have a sundae at the Ghiradelli Store to celebrate our last evening in town.  There are many bars with live music in this area as well as specialty stores.  It's definitely an area where people gather for some night life.  Last stop was the Flamingo.  We played a few slots to end our stay and then headed back to our hotel to pack and be ready to go the next morning.

Last Thoughts

We had a very nice 10 day vacation traveling in and around the Las Vegas area.  There are lots of things to see and do both in and out of the city itself.  Some things are more worthwhile than others but each has a beauty of it's own.  We were surprised by the beauty of Death Valley and disturbed by the remoteness of Great Basin.  We were amazed by the vastness of the Grand Canyon and the massiveness of Capitol Reef.  Red Rock Canyon was another surprise and Joshua was just strange enough to be really interesting.  

We had some interesting experiences in Las Vegas and caught two great shows in the process.  The "over the topness" of Vegas was amazing to see and who doesn't enjoy seeing neon lights and fountains!

All in all we logged just over 2500 miles on the rental vehicle.  We got to see places that we just wouldn't have gotten to see by just driving through.  Sometimes it's good to get off the beaten path.....you just might find something phenomenal! 

Coming Next:  Colorado Springs

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