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
- Drink plenty of water
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.
- 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
Q. How many days does it take to visit all of your attractions?
A. To visit all of our 29 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.
| Academy Riding Stables | 1 hour |
| Air Force Academy | 45 min. |
| Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway | 1 hour |
| Cave of the Winds | 1.5 hours |
| Challenge Unlimited | 1 hour |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 2 hours |
| Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad | 45 min. |
| Echo Canyon River Expeditions | 3 hours |
| Flying W Ranch | 2.5 hours |
| Garden of the Gods Trading Post | 1 hour |
| Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center | 1 hour |
| Ghost Town Museum | 45 min. |
| Iron Springs Melodrama | 2.5 hours |
| Manitou Cliff Dwellings | 1 hour |
| May Natural History Museum | 1 hour |
| Miramont Castle | 30 min. |
| Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine | 1.5 hours |
| North Pole/Santa's Workshop | 2 hours |
| Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | 2 hours |
| Pikes Peak Summit House | 1 hour |
| ProRodeo Hall of Fame | 1 hour |
| Royal Gorge Bridge & Park | 3 hours |
| Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad | 2 hours |
| Seven Falls | 30 min |
| Van Briggle Art Pottery | 30 min. |
| Western Museum of Mining & Ind. | 1 hour |
Q. Do any of the attractions offer coupons?
A. Yes, most of the 29 attractions do offer coupons. To print an internet coupon, click here. Or if you prefer you may purchase a Passport Coupon Sheet for $2.00 at several locations around town.
Q. What attractions are open year round?
A. The following attractions are open year-round:
Academy Riding Stables, Miramont Castle, Air Force Academy, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine (limited schedule November thru March), Cave of the WindsPikes Peak - America's Mountain Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 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 Royal Gorge Route Railroad (closed in Jan.), Ghost Town Museum, Seven Falls, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Van Briggle Art Pottery, 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 minutesFort Collins: 132 milesCripple Creek: 45 miles, 40-45 minutesGrand Junction: 287 milesDenver: 65 miles, 1 hour Pueblo: 42 milesDurango: 302 miles Trinidad: 127 miles Estes Park: 138 miles * These times 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.
Air Force Academy May Natural History Museum Echo Canyon River Expeditions Miramont Castle Flying W RanchPikes Peak Cog Railway Four Corners Rafting Pikes Peak Summit House, Glen Cove Inn, Crystal Reservoir Garden of the Gods Trading PostProRodeo Hall of Fame Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Ctr. Royal Gorge Route Railroad Ghost Town MuseumSeven 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. Buckskin Joe Frontier Town Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (not allowed on rides and shops)Garden of the Gods ParkSeven FallsPikes Peak - America's Mountain (not allowed in reservoirs)
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