carlosthecat Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 Wondering where your favorite spots to visit are in Colorado. We are an active family with 3 teenagers. Any recommendations on your favorite hikes, road biking, mt biking, etc? Thanks for your advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 I live in the Pikes Peak area. All you could want to do in this area. Hiking, biking, etc. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 Colorado Springs has a lot within driving distance. We are basically at the base of the Rocky Mountains. There are tons of trails to hike/bike, rock climbing outfitters who can help you rock climb in the Garden of the Gods, white water rafting within a shorter drive, a popular cave, and a trail that leads you to the top of pikes peak. They used to have a cog train that went to the top of pikes peak, but that is closed and they now have shuttle service. We've lived here three years and have yet to hike all the trails that are close to us. The Vale area has a bike trail that goes alongside a river. Estes park is close to Rocky Mountain National park which has tons of hiking. Really, there are very few places you can go wrong in Colorado (except the Durango area -- like pp above mentioned - fires. It's been really dry here lately). 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 Red Rock Amphitheater is a really neat place to go and walk around. They have lots of big name concerts there but you can also go there when there isn't a concert and walk the amphitheater and their visitors center. There are also hiking trails in that area. Also Mt Evans is a really pretty drive and may have snow on top. When we were there several years ago there were some sort of sheep or goats at the top. I don't remember what they were because it has been awhile. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 My dh and dd are in Denver right now, they say it's beautiful, tons of hiking and outdoor stuff nearby, plenty of museums and stuff in the city. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 6 hours ago, bethben said: Colorado Springs has a lot within driving distance. We are basically at the base of the Rocky Mountains. There are tons of trails to hike/bike, rock climbing outfitters who can help you rock climb in the Garden of the Gods, white water rafting within a shorter drive, a popular cave, and a trail that leads you to the top of pikes peak. They used to have a cog train that went to the top of pikes peak, but that is closed and they now have shuttle service. We've lived here three years and have yet to hike all the trails that are close to us. The Vale area has a bike trail that goes alongside a river. Estes park is close to Rocky Mountain National park which has tons of hiking. Really, there are very few places you can go wrong in Colorado (except the Durango area -- like pp above mentioned - fires. It's been really dry here lately). What happened to the Cog RR? I loved doing that when I went in 2008. It was September and the Aspens were breathtaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 I agree with PP that you can't really go wrong ? Highlights for us: Mesa Verde, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain NP, Great Sand Dunes, Garden of the Gods. Regret not getting to the Denver Mint but you've got to book in advance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 We honeymooned in Estes Park and then went back with kids later--we loved the Thunder Mountain hike. It's about 14 miles, but you end up at a pristine lake and it's just. stunning. Don't know if that sort of thing is on your radar. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 I really enjoyed the Boulder and Golden areas back in May. Colorado Springs and Manitu Springs were a bit more touristy, but still had lots of hiking. Really, if you like outdoor activities, you can’t go wrong anywhere. Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful, but there are also tons of great state and city parks with tons of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 18 hours ago, Quill said: What happened to the Cog RR? I loved doing that when I went in 2008. It was September and the Aspens were breathtaking. Apparently, the cog railway was just starting to show its age and there are a lot of little issues that they want to make sure are resolved. The thing has been going for over 100 years, it’s hard to maintain (hello 14,000 feet!), and hard to find parts for because there are only two cog railways in the world like that one. Basically, they want to make sure it’s safe and not have a trainload of passengers slide down a 14,000 ft mountain. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 2 hours ago, bethben said: Apparently, the cog railway was just starting to show its age and there are a lot of little issues that they want to make sure are resolved. The thing has been going for over 100 years, it’s hard to maintain (hello 14,000 feet!), and hard to find parts for because there are only two cog railways in the world like that one. Basically, they want to make sure it’s safe and not have a trainload of passengers slide down a 14,000 ft mountain. I thought it was privately owned and no new ownership was interested in buying it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 6 hours ago, Rachel said: I thought it was privately owned and no new ownership was interested in buying it. This is the official word on that. https://www.pikes-peak.com/pikes-peak-cog-railway-closed/ or further information about what the detailed plans are to open it again https://m.gazette.com/cog-railway-owner-manitou-springs-officials-considering-75-million-to-95-million-plan-to-reopen-the-tourist-attraction/article/1627547 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 We did go to the paint mines. It is one of those spots that you could drive by and not even realize it’s there almost. It is neat, but really away from other things to do and see and smaller than I expected. Expect your children to get covered in chalk dust. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockhopper Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 Crowding in here with another CO question ? We're headed to the Springs to visit family, and on my ds's bucket list is visiting a ghost town. I know there's lots of abandoned silver mines/towns in central CO -- does anyone have a favorite to recommend? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 For ghost towns - a family favorite is St Elmo near Buena Vista. But I'd look at trying to get to Crystal to see the mill. See: http://gazette.com/gallery/5306/pictures/1062285 I'm another Colorado Springs girl. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosthecat Posted June 21, 2018 Author Share Posted June 21, 2018 Thank you for so many great suggestions. It is overwhelming trying to narrow down a trip to such a fabulous area. Never thought to visit a ghost town or hot springs and the suggestions for where to bike are very much appreciated! Has anyone ever biked down Pikes Peak? If so, was it worth the money to go with a guide? Any other out of the way, non-touristy ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted June 21, 2018 Share Posted June 21, 2018 1 hour ago, carlosthecat said: Thank you for so many great suggestions. It is overwhelming trying to narrow down a trip to such a fabulous area. Never thought to visit a ghost town or hot springs and the suggestions for where to bike are very much appreciated! Has anyone ever biked down Pikes Peak? If so, was it worth the money to go with a guide? Any other out of the way, non-touristy ideas? Are you a skilled down hill cyclist? If not, I would use a guide to cycle down pikes peak. It is quite steep and curvy and I am pretty positive that there is not a bike line. Also, no guard rails! There really isn't much of a shoulder. I don't even like going down in a car! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted June 21, 2018 Share Posted June 21, 2018 Another popular place to cycle downhill in Coloroado Springs is Cheyenne Canyon. I think it would be less precarious than going down Pikes Peak. Here is a video of someone going downhill on Cheyenne Canyon Road: It is still way too terrifying for me but at least there isn't a chance of riding off a 14000 foot mountain!! Mountain biking is also popular on the trails there. Mount Muscoco and Mount Cutler are beautiful trails to hike in the canyon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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