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Summer Staycation Travel for the Colorado Springs Area!
Can’t take a long trip this summer? Plan a “Staycation” right in your own backyard!
People come from all over the United States to see the sights in Colorado – we have so much scenery within a 1-2-hour drive of Colorado Springs to enjoy. Here are some of the places we like to visit –send us some of your own favorites to share! Send all your ideas to Rondi@HonestAccurateAuto.com or you can post a comment to our blog post, we’d love to hear about your staycation!
Rafting and/or Hot Springs in Buena Vista: Enjoy rushing rapids as you float down the river with experienced guides! Several companies offer packages and equipment for families, groups or couples. Visit Mt. Princeton Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the creek or the pools.
Canon City: Be sure your air conditioning is working if you drive south to the “banana belt” of Colorado! Visit the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey or the Fuselier Winery (only open on Saturdays) to sample a few local wines. Or go to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and see one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, overlooking the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas”. The Gorge is 10 miles long with over 1000-foot red granite walls. Ride the Royal Gorge Railroad to view the gorge from another perspective!
Hiking: For those more adventurous, check out the many nearby “Fourteeners” for hiking information. Pikes Peak is a good start, but be sure and start hiking early (at least 5 am) to miss the afternoon thunderstorms and always be prepared for changes in weather!
Other more moderate hiking choices include Raspberry Mountain, just south of the town of Divide. Hike is about 6 miles out and back, with 1200-foot elevation gain, but you are rewarded with beautiful 360 degree views from the top. The Crags Trail (also south of Divide) offers views of the rock formations and Pikes Peak – about 5 miles out and back. Right in the southwest corner of town, the Stratton Open Space offers several interesting trails of varying lengths…to the reservoir and beyond! For more information on hiking trails try http://www.everytrail.com and you can find trails all over Colorado including off road trails for your 4-wheel drive vehicles!
Palmer Lake: Just a short drive to the north of Colorado Springs lies the small town of Palmer Lake. There are some great hiking trails up to the reservoirs, or take a quick walk around the lake right in town. Fishing in the lake is pretty good too! Take a break at O’Malley’s and sit on their deck – have a cold brew and cook your own burger. Then stop by the Rock Shop for an ice cream cone! There are several other good restaurants within a two-block span.
Bishop Castle:
Located just 24 miles west of Colorado City (from I-25 south of Pueblo, turn west at Hwy. 165), this castle was started as a cabin in 1969 and just kept getting bigger. Possibly the largest one-person project, this “castle” needs to be seen to be believed. A combination of rock, mortar, rebar and welded supports, the structure just goes on and on (quantity over quality?). The builder, Jim Bishop, is an eccentric and opinionated man, who shares his beliefs openly, while he continues to build his own unique “castle”. Enjoy the beautiful drive, and see this one-of-a-kind structure!
Cave of the Winds: Just a hop, skip and a jump west of Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds is an historic landmark and family-friendly destination. Escape the heat and take advantage of the interesting tours, while seeing amazing formations. Well worth the trip!
If you have kids that want to get out, the “Penny Arcade” in Manitou Springs is a fun option for your staycation. It’s not really officially called the “Penny Arcade”, but that’s what everyone calls it! Arcade Amusements is located in downtown Manitou Springs, behind Patsy’s Candies. It’s a unique indoor/outdoor arcade, with games from the early 1900’s to the 2000’s, and it’s really quite inexpensive even if not all the games are a penny – $5 can go a longway. Manitou Springs also offers several unique shops along you can check out too – many with a true Colorado flare and some Old West attitude.
I know I have only scratched the surface – the possibilities are endless! Where ever your travels take you this summer, drive safely and courteously (friendly reminder: check your oil level before you take off for your staycation)!
