Lieutenant Zebulon Pike wandered into the region on a cool November day in 1806 and turned away from what is now called Pikes Peak, claiming that no man would ever ascend this great mountain. To reinforce this proclamation, he named it "Grand Peak." Though he never experienced reaching the Peak's summit, "Grand Peak" was renamed Pikes Peak in honor of Zebulon's discovery.

In 1870, General William Jackson Palmer, on first seeing the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region, wrote to his wife: "Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?" Almost immediately, Palmer began planning the city of his dreams, one that would become a major resort community. Today, more than 130 years later, people by the millions continue to come from all over the world, drawn by the same beauty that forever changed Palmer.

Today, a number of smaller towns and historical districts lie near Colorado Springs. Just west of Colorado Springs on Colorado avenue is Old Colorado City, a historic and quaint shopping district. Take Hwy 24 to Manitou Springs, a scenic town nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak. Continue west on Highway 24 to the communities of Green Mountain Falls, Chipita Park and Cascade, offering charm and history to all visitors. Woodland Park is a delightful community near many state parks, national forests, campgrounds and hiking trails. Also, within an hour's drive from Colorado Springs is Canon City, where one can experience more exciting attractions.

Copyright: Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau