Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak

[DallasLady]

Anyone ever been? DH and I are thinking of spending a few nights there in December between Christmas and New Years. I am looking for a "snow" vacation, will there be any? Any info you can give on visiting this area is appreciated!

[Bbbethie]

DH and I were there at that exact same time last year. To be honest, there wasn't any snow on the ground. However, we had a wonderful time visiting Garden of the Gods. We also took the Cog Railway up to the top of Pikes Peak. We went on the very last trip of the season, New Year's Eve. It was one of the highlights of our trip and I can't recommend it enough.

Also, one of my favorite restaurants is in Colorado Springs, The Margarita at Pine Creek. The menu changes daily and everything is made from scratch. Every course is spectacular.

If you drive about two hours north you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park. We were only there for a couple hours but wished that we had several days to explore. There was plenty of snow there.

If you stay higher in the mountains then you'll find all the snow you want. It's all about the elevation.

A while back there was another thread with Colorado information. I posted some pictures in there. I'll see if I can find it and bump it up for you.

[mandersald]

Hi Dallaslady
I grew up in Colorado Springs, so I can give you lots of advice on fun places to go and see.

first thing first, if you're interested in a snow vacation, there are probably better places for snow than Colorado Springs. CS along with Denver and Boulder are on the front range of the mountains. Meaning they are just east of the mountains, and also meaning that they don't get very much snow. Plus, if there is snow, it will most likely melt within a few days because the sun is so bright. (there are over 300 sunny days a year). You will find better snow more west. Think ski resorts and Summitt county. (Breckenridge is probably my favorite mountain town, and certainly one of my favorite ski resorts).

But, CS has lots of wonderful things you can do. The cog railway is a lot of fun, and the view from Pikes Peak is beautiful. There will be snow on top of Pikes Peak, that's for sure, even during the summer. There are over 50 mountains in CO over 14000 ft in elevation, and Pikes Peak is the easiest to get up. (you can hike/run, drive, or take the cog) Yes, there are a group of people who run up and down pikes peak, a total of 26 miles...But, you have to hike or climb all the others. Garden of the Gods is amazing as well. Lots of great trails, beautiful views. Great places to eat. Plus, the Air Force Academy is quite impressive too.

There are so many wonderful things to do in CO, what a wonderful state!! Let me know if you need more info. I have plenty!

and, here are a few pics of my beautiful homestate...
garden of the gods and pikes peak the day my DH proposed...(the snow didn't last long, but how beautiful!!)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9454573a643800000016108AYs2jVo3ZuW
the view from the top of pikes peak in aug
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce939fbc9e15aa00000016108AYs2jVo3ZuW

[pride&prejudice]

*bump*

I had a last minute work trip, heading out tommorrow. I don't know if I'll have the chance to do much sightseeing. But are there any good restaurants to check out? I'm working near the Air Force Academy, so I'll probably check that out.

[KiKi'sMommy]

I know this isn't what you are looking for, but I could totally spend a few days in Breckenridge without ever setting a foot on the ski slope. There is lots of snow on the ground and it is just beautiful. It is expensive at that time of year, but they have lots of fun activities like sleigh rides.

[pride&prejudice]

I know this isn't what you are looking for, but I could totally spend a few days in Breckenridge without ever setting a foot on the ski slope. There is lots of snow on the ground and it is just beautiful. It is expensive at that time of year, but they have lots of fun activities like sleigh rides.

I'd be totally up for it if DH and DD were with me. We were actually talking today about how it sucks they cannot come with me on this trip. :)

[Ohana]

*bump*

I had a last minute work trip, heading out tommorrow. I don't know if I'll have the chance to do much sightseeing. But are there any good restaurants to check out? I'm working near the Air Force Academy, so I'll probably check that out.

There's a La Baguette (http://labaguette-co.com/)near the Chapel Hills Mall, which isn't all that far from the Air Force Academy (scroll down to the map for the North store (http://labaguette-co.com/directions.html)). That's my mom's favorite restaurant there, and I personally really like their French Onion Soup.

The Tavern at The Broadmoor (http://www.broadmoor.com/) is my favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs, though. It's pretty far south from the Academy, but it's worth the drive. Lunch is pretty casual with burgers and salads, and they have to die for lamb chops (or at least they did the last time I was there) for dinner. It's definitely more on the fancy side.