Here you'll find beautiful red-rock formations that jut out of the earth. Many are over 300 million years old. This is a great place to take a light walk or have a picnic lunch. Several Hiking Trails wind through the formations where there is a diverse variety of life zones, from plains grasslands to juniper forests. From this park, the views of Pike's Peak are spectacular. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center features informative exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the city and a multimedia presentation in its auditorium. There is also a guided tram tour of the park with descriptions of the formations and historic sites which start from the visitor center.

Visitor info and directions:

The visitor center (1805 North 30th Street, phone 719-634-6666) is open during the summer from 7 am to 9 pm. Take Garden of the Gods Road west off of I-25 (exit 146) and turn south on 30th Street, or follow Ridge Road north off U.S. 24 or Colorado Avenue. The park is open Daily Memorial Weekend to Labor Day 8 am - 8 pm. On the web: www.gardenofgods.com.

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You can drive, ride a cog railroad, bike, or even hike to the summit of this imposing mountain, which stands at 14,110 feet. The views are breathtaking!

Visitor info and directions:

BY CAR: You can drive the Pike's Peak Highway to the summit in your car. Exit 141 (U.S. 24) off I-25, go West. The highway climbs almost 7,000 feet in 19 miles and twists and turns through more than 150 hairpin curves. The ascent is a very exciting experience. Stunning views include the lofty views of the Continental Divide, the City of Colorado Springs, and even Denver. There are numerous photo stops en route up the mountain. Deer, mountain sheep and other animals can often be seen on the slopes, especially above the timberline (around 11,500 feet). Toll Road $10.00 per adult (16 and over), $5.00 per child (6 - 15). Phone: 719-385-Peak, 1-800-318-9505. Fax: 719-684-0942. On the web: www.pikespeakcolorado.com.

BY COG RAILWAY: the Pike's Peak Cog Railway is more than 100 years old, and is the world's highest cog train. This is a relaxing way to climb the mountain, as your conductor explains the history of the railway and points out places of interest. Here you might see the Yellow-bellied Marmot and the Rocky Mountain Big Horned Sheep. Round Trip Fares are $32.50 (adults) and $18 (children age 3 thru 12). Children 2 and under are free IF HELD ON LAP FOR ENTIRE TRIP. Exit 141 (US 24) off I-25, go west (toward mountains) on US 24, 4 miles to Manitou Avenue. Use the Manitou Springs exit. Go west on Manitou Ave. 1 ½ miles to Ruxton Ave. Turn left and go to top of Ruxton Ave. ¾ mile. Phone: 719-685-5401. On the web: www.cograilway.com.

BY BIKE: Though car and cog railway are the most common ways to see Pike's Peak, outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge may call Challenge Unlimited, Ltd. (800) 798-5954 (719) 633-6399 in order to schedule a biking trip down the Pike's Peak Highway. The 19 mile downhill ride starts at the 14,110 foot summit and concludes 7,000 feet below at the base of the mountain. Two tours run daily, early-morning and mid-afternoon. Challenge Unlimited offers several other biking tours in the Pike's Peak region and can even arrange a rafting trip for you after your bike ride.

BY FOOT: The 13-mile (one way) Barr Trail departs from Ruxton Avenue near the Cog Railway station. This is a long trail, and though it can be done in one long day, you might want to make this a 2 day trip, staying overnight at Barr Camp, which is located about 7 miles up the hill. This campsite has two rustic cabins at 10,200 feet. To make this do-able in one day, you can hike the mountain up, and take the cog railway down. To make reservations at the Barr camp, call 719-635-0670.

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This 18,000 acres site is a beautiful place to visit. Established in the late 1950s, a visit to the Academy includes a B-52 bomber display, and the Academy Visitor Center, which has very interesting displays on cadet life, and a short informational film worth seeing. If you plan to visit the Academy, you shouldn't miss the Chapel, as it is architecturally astounding both inside and out. If you're there at noon you will see the cadets marching to lunch.

Visitor info and directions:

Admission is free. The Visitors' Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The Academy is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm daily. Take I-25 to Exit 156A. Phone 719-333-1110.

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Colorado Springs is the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee, centered on a grassy 36-acre compound. The modern athletic facilities here house a training center for more than ½ of the U.S. Olympic sports, and provide a training ground for more than 17,000 athletes each year. Free public tours are conducted on a year-round basis by USOC Ambassadors. The tour includes a 12-minute film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. Nearly 70% of the tour is out-of-doors. During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to view athlete training facilities including Sport Center Gymnasiums, weightlifting and wrestling facilities, the USA Shooting Center, Coaching & Sport Science, the Aquatics Center, and Sport Medicine. Life-size figures with narrative panels adorn the Irwin Belk Olympic Pathway and provide information about Olympic and Pan American Sports.

Visitor info and directions:

The U.S. Olympic Complex is conveniently located in the heart of Colorado Springs at 1750 E. Boulder St. It is located on the corner of Union Blvd. and Boulder, with the gated entrance off of Boulder. From I-25 take Exit 143 (Unitah). Go east on Uintah to Union. Take a right on Union. Go south on Union to Boulder. Take a right on Boulder. The entrance to the U.S. Olympic Complex is off Boulder.

SUMMER TOUR HOURS:

Monday - Friday: Tours are conducted each 1/2 hour. The first tour begins at 9:00 am. The last tour departs at 4:00 p.m. There is no tour at noon.
Saturday: Tours are conducted each hour. The first tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and the last tour departs at 4:00 pm.
Sunday: The Olympic Spirit Store and Visitor Center are open on Sundays from 11:00 am ? 6:00 pm. There are no full guided tours on Sundays because athletes typically are not training and the buildings are locked. Self-guide maps for the Olympic Pathway are available.

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. To make reservations, please call 719-866-4656.

Toll-Free Information Number: 888-659-8687.
Visitor Center Front Desk Information Number (9AM to 5PM): 719-866-4618.
On the web http://www.usolympicteam.com.

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Discovered by two boys on a church outing in 1881, this underground cavern has offered public tours for well over a century. No matter what the temperature outside, the cave is always 54 degrees. The 40-minute Discovery Tour takes visitors along a well-lit ¾ mile trail full of stalactites, stalagmites and limestone canopies. There are also tours for the adventuresome?grab a helmet and a headlamp for a 3-4 hour trek. Dress Warm.

Visitor info and directions:

Hours: Summer 9 am - 9 pm (last tour at 8 pm). Take I-25 to Exit 141. Go 6 miles West on Highway 24. Call 719-685-5444 for information and reservations.

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Located on the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountain at 6,800 feet above sea level (just above the Broadmoor Hotel and adjacent to NORAD), this medium-sized zoo claims to be the country's only mountain zoo. For a small zoo it is rather impressive.

Visitor info and directions:

Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Phone: 719-633-9925. On the web: www.cmzoo.com.
The Zoo is open 9am - 6pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Last admission in the gate is always at 4 pm. General Admission: $14.25. Seniors 65+: $12.25. Kids 3-11: $7.25.
From I-25, take exit 138 West until you reach the Broadmoor. Turn right and follow the signs.

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Artus Van Briggle has been well-known in Colorado Springs since 1899 for unique Art Nouveau-style pottery with flower motifs and centuries-old matte glazes. Van Briggle is still run by family members today, and many original Van Briggle Designs are still produced and sold at the factory.

Visitor info and directions:

Free tours except on Sunday. Address: 600 South 21st Street. Phone: 719-633-4080. Directions: I-25 to Exit 141 Go West on 24 to the corner of 21st Street.

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A one-mile drive through a box canyon and through the Pillars of Hercules where the canyon narrows to just 42 feet?the drive climaxes at these cascading falls. Seven separate waterfalls dance down a granite cliff. There are hiking trails at the top of the canyon. www.sevenfalls.com (719) 632-0765. West on Cheyenne Blvd., a few minutes from Colorado Springs.

Visitor info and directions:

Hours: June - Mid August 8:30 am - 10:30 pm. Admission: Day/Night Adult $9.00; Adult $10.50; Child (6-15) $5.50; Child (6-15) $6.50; Senior $8.00; Senior (after 5pm) $9.50.

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For Reservations call 719-260-0011. On the web: www.highbutdryballoons.com.

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Everything from natural attractions tours to rocky mountain and high altitude off-road adventures. This rare backcountry adventure is easy on the eyes and feet. Custom made jeeps that include built-in binoculars (eat your heart out James Bond) wander through the Pikes Peak mountain region providing views normally only reserved for National Geographic photographers. It is open from April to November. For reservations call 877-674-JEEP or 719-473-3030.

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Bring a picnic and enjoy the attractive shelters located near the parking lot. Multi-use and hiker only trails provide many options for park visitors. Of the diverse and natural environments of Deer Creek Canyon Park, perhaps the most striking is the scrub Oak habitat. Uncommon in Jefferson County, Gambel Oak provides important food and cover for wildlife including mule deer, elk, turkey, grouse, mountain lion and bear.

Deer Creek Canyon Park had its beginnings as a campground for wandering bands of Ute and Arapahoe. The 1,881-acre Open Space park was first homesteaded in 1872 by a man from Plymouth, England, John Williamson. Back then, Deer Creek's rolling hills and fertile fields attracted both farmers and miners. John Williamson's famed Glen Plym Ranch, as well as the Couch and Clark Homesteads, all sat within the current park boundaries.

Other personalities that frequented the Deer Creek area included Alferd Packer, Jesse James, Chief Colorow and "Horse Thief" Thompson. Packer, Colorado's famous cannibal, moved to Critchell in 1901 after being paroled from the state penitentiary. He spent his last years in a cabin in Phillipsburg. Packer and others worked on Deer Creek's many ranches and mines. Local mines yielded a wealth of gold and silver, while the flatlands were known for producing abundant hay, wheat and corn crops.

Deer Creek Canyon Park encompasses diverse, natural environments. Perhaps most striking is the scrub oak habitat, uncommon in Jefferson County. Although small in stature, the scrub oak (Quercus gambelli) provides important food and cover for wildlife including grouse, turkeys, mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and black bears. Look for clues animals leave behind; listen to the music of song birds; watch for birds of prey soaring over head; and enjoy this special Open Space park.

Visitor info and directions:

From the metro area, travel south on C-470 to Kipling exit. Turn west (right) on W. Ute Avenue, then west (right) on Deer Creek Canyon Road. turn left on Grizzly Drive, then right into Deer Creek Canyon Park. Phone: 719-520-6387.

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North Cheyenne Canyon Park is a city park with mountains, water falls, cliffs of pinkish-red Pikes Peak granite, and a creek that rushes down from 12,500-foot Mount Almagre. Thousands of people visit the park each year. Most will see a squirrel or deer. But black bear, mountain lion, and fox also make their homes in these narrow canyons and in the woods. Special attractions: A real hiking experience and panoramic views of Colorado Springs, South Cheyenne Canyon, Seven Falls, and the Will Rogers Shrine. The trailhead is behind the Broadmoor.

Visitor info and directions:

Take exit 140 (Nevada Avenue) southbound from I-25. Turn west (right) on Cheyenne Boulevard until you get to the canyon entrance, where the trail begins on the left side of the road. Really beautiful.

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Actually a separate town with its own government, Manitou Springs is one of the country's largest National Historic Districts. This is a nice place to walk around and view beautiful Vicotrian buildings, housing many shops, galleries and restaurants. Exit 141 (Hwy 24) west to first Manitou Springs turnoff-continue west to downtown.

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Founded in 1859, before Colorado Springs itself, Colorado City boomed in the 1880s after General Palmer's railroad came through. Tunnels led from the respectable side of town to this saloon and red-light district so that city fathers could carouse without being seen going or coming back?or so the legend goes. Today this historic district is fun to walk through and features nice shops (many in Old West motif), galleries and restaurants. I-25 to Exit 141 (Hwy 24). Continue west to 21st St. and go north three blocks. Turn west and continue three blocks to Old Colorado City. Alternatively you can take Exit 143 west on Unitah to 24th St. Go south four blocks to Colorado Ave. Old Colorado City runs between 21st and 31st Streets on Colorado Avenue.

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About 70 miles north of Colorado Springs. Take I-25 North.

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About 100 miles from Colorado Springs. Take I-25 North to 36 West. The Celestial Seasonings Factory is tourist favorite.

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About 50 miles from Colorado Springs. Here you can check out Royal Gorge Bridge and Park or go white water rafting on the Arkansas River. Take S. Nevada Avenue (Exit 140 on I-25 Southbound) to CO-115 South, to 50 West.

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An hour's drive from Colorado Springs on highway 115 brings you to Royal Gorge, a deep canyon created by the Arkansas River. A quarter-mile suspension bridge spans the gap 1,053 feet above the river, and is the highest suspension bridge in the world. While there, you can also ride the World's steepest incline railway to the bottom of the Gorge. This is a really beautiful site.

White Water Rafting:

Reservations are recommended just about everywhere in the summer. From class III to class V rapids. Half-day, full-day and overnight trips available.

• Echo Canyon River Expeditions: 800-748-2953
• Canyon Marine (for rafting and fishing trips): www.canyonmarine.com, 719-539-4444 or 800-539-4447
• Four Corners Rafting: www.fourcornersrafting.com, 1-866-745-7238
• American Adventure Expeditions: 866-927-RAFT (7238), raftinginfo@americanadventure.com
• Clear Creek Rafting Company: www.clearcreekrafting.com, 800-353-9901.
• Arkansas River Tours: 800-321-4352
• Raft Masters: www.raftmasters.com, 800-568-7238

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Cripple Creek played an integral role in the rich heritage of Colorado. The first homesteaders arrived here in the mid-1800s. In 1890, a ranch hand named Bob Womack discovered gold and Cripple Creek changed forever. By 1900, more than 50,000 people called the gold camp home. When the golden era ended in 1918, more than $300 million in gold had been mined in what would be the last great gold rush in North America. By the 1920s, only about 40 mines remained, but two decades later, in the 1940s, the town began to promote itself as a tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. In 1991, the town was opened to limited-stages gaming.

Today, the venerable gold camp has reinvented itself as a full-service tourist destination, all the while preserving and showcasing its rich history. Phone: 877-858-GOLD (4653). On the web: www.visitcripplecreek.com.