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Colorado Springs Frequently Asked Questions

        


Q. What should I pack when visiting in the summer?

A. Our summer mornings are typically mild, dry and very comfortable with temperatures in the 80s to mid to high 90s, with cool nights in the 60s. An occasional dip in temperature can leave the mornings quite cool. Start your day by wearing a top with a light sweater or jacket over it that can be taken off and perhaps tied around your waist. If you're wearing pants, you might want to pack a pair of shorts.

  • Dress in layers (short-sleevetops, light sweaters or jackets, shorts, thin cotton pants) Sunglasses Umbrella (or waterproof jacket) Hat (with brim for sun protection) Wear effective sunscreen

Q.  How long does it take for a round trip to the top of Pikes Peak?

A.  Whether you are traveling to the top of Pikes Peak by car or on the Cog Railway, it takes about three hours ROUND TRIP (1 1/2 hours each way) to get to the top of the mountain and then return to the city of Manitou Springs.

Q. What should I pack when visiting in the winter, spring, fall?

A. A common misconception about Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is that our winters and heavy snowfall begin in November or December. October, November, December and many days in January and February are still sunny and relatively mild. The biggest difference between these months and our summers is that the temperatures are just lower, with mornings and evenings at times cold enough for a heavy jacket. However, the days can still be sunny, with temperatures in the 40s, 50s, and sometimes 60s.  

Some general tips to make your visit to our region more comfortable include:

  • Dress in warmer layers (wool sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, jeans, wool pants, gloves/mittens, light scarf, hats, waterproof shoes)
  • Umbrella
  • Hat with brim for sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Wear effective sunscreen
  • Drink plenty of water 
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Avoid higher altitude attractions during the first days of your visit if possible
  • Avoid too much alcohol consumption during your visit

Q. How many days does it take to visit all of your attractions?

A. To visit all of our member attractions you will need to allow yourself 3 to 5 day.

Q. What are the prices and hours of operation for each attraction?

A. For a complete list of prices and hours of operation on each attraction, click here.

Q. How much time can I spend at each attraction?

A. The following is the minimum amount of time you should allow yourself at each attraction. 

PIKES PEAK COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES - TIME ESTIMATOR

Academy Riding Stables 1-2 Hours
Cave of the Winds 1.5-2 Hours
Challenge Unlimited-Pikes Peak by Bike 2-6 Hours
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 2-3 Hours
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad 1 Hour
Cripple Creek Heritage Center 1 Hour
Echo Canyon River Expeditions 3-6 Hours
Flying W Ranch 2.5 Hours
Garden of the Gods Trading Post 1 Hour
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center 1 Hour
Ghost Town Museum 1 Hour
Historic Manitou Springs 1-3 Hours
Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theatre 2.5 Hours
Manitou Cliff Dwellings 1.5 Hours
May Natural History Museum 1 Hour
Miramont Castle Museum 30 min-1 Hour
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine 1.5 Hours
North Pole-Santa's Workshop 2-3 Hours
Old Colorado City 1-3 Hours
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain 3-5 Hours
ProRodeo Hall of Fame 1 Hour
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park 3 Hours
Seven Falls 1-2 Hours
Western Museum of Mining and Industry 1-2 Hours

Q. Do any of the attractions offer coupons?

A. Yes, many of the attractions do offer coupons. To print an internet coupon, click here.

Q. What attractions are open year-round?

A. The following attractions are open year-round:

Miramont Castle 
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine (limited schedule November thru March)
Cave of the Winds
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cripple Creek Heritage Center
Flying W Ranch (closed in Jan. & Feb.),
ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Ghost Town Museum
Seven Falls
Historic Old Colorado City
Historic Manitou Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Q. Do I need reservations for any of them?

A. There are a few attractions that highly recommend advance reservations. Please visit the individual web sites for online reservations and additional information.

Q. What is the closest airport?

A.  The nearest major airport is the Colorado Springs Airport. With nearly 80 flights per day on eight airlines the Colorado Springs Airport  has one of the country's best on-time records. Many hotels provide transportation to and from the airport. Colorado Springs if 65 miles south of Denver. The airport is a 25-35 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs.

Q. What is distance from Colorado Springs to other destinations?

A. Canon City: 45 miles, 40-45 minutes
Fort Collins: 132 miles
Cripple Creek: 45 miles, 40-45 minutes
Grand Junction: 287 miles
Denver: 65 miles, 1 hour
Pueblo: 42 miles
Durango: 302 miles
Trinidad: 127 miles
Estes Park: 138 miles

(These times and distances are approximate)

Q. How can I avoid high altitude sickness? And what are the symptoms?

A. Since many of the mountain in the Pikes Peak region rise to 14,000 feet and most attractions on average are located at 7,000 feet above sea level, the altitude can produce some unusual sensations. The symptoms for altitude illness include a headache, touch of nausea, feeling unusually tired, or experiencing shortness of breath. One of the most important things visitors to the Pikes Peak region should know about altitude sickness is that it can be significantly minimized or even prevented by following these simple guidelines while traveling:

  • Stay below 7,000 feet the first day (the city of Colorado Springs is 6,035 feet above sea level and Canon City is 5,332 feet above sea level)
  • When sightseeing, work your way up to higher altitudes
  • Avoid strenuous exercise the first day
  • Drink more water than usual since your body will dehydrate more quickly
  • Reduce alcohol intake, which has a greater effect at this altitude
  • Avoid salty foods
  • Give your body time to adjust (there is a lot to see and do at the lower altitude levels)

If you follow these simple suggestions, you are sure to enjoy each day of your vacation.

Q. Which attractions are handicapped accessible?

A. The following attractions are handicap accessible.

May Natural History Museum
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Miramont Castle    
Flying W Ranch   
Pikes Peak Cog Railway House
Garden of the Gods Trading Post  
ProRodeo Hall of Fame  
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center   
Ghost Town Museum        
Historic Old Colorado City   
Historic Manitou Springs       
Seven Falls   
Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theatre     
Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Q. What should I know about traveling with my dog?

A. Dogs are allowed in all Colorado Springs parks provided they are leashed and their owners pick up after them. Please be considerate of others and make sure that dogs continue to be welcome in the parks. The following are tips on keeping your pet healthy & happy on your trip:Your dog should have some type of flea and tick protection.Dogs, like people, need lots of water in Colorado's drier climate. Always carry enough water for you and your pet. NEVER leave your dog in your vehicle while you are visiting attractions. The temperature inside a car, even with the windows cracked, can quickly rise to more than 120 degrees. This can cause heat stroke and even death within minutes. 

Q. Which attractions are dog friendly?

A. The following attractions allow dogs, provided they are leashed:  
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (not allowed on rides and shops)
Garden of the Gods Park
Seven Falls, Pikes Peak - America's Mountain (not allowed in reservoirs) 
Historic Manitou Springs
Historic Old Colorado City
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Miramont Castle
Cripple Creek Heritage Center

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