34 Best Stops Between Leadville and Colorado Springs
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Leadville to Colorado Springs?
The direct drive from Leadville to Colorado Springs is 128 mi (206 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Leadville to Colorado Springs, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Breckenridge, Canon City, Manitou Springs, and Cripple Creek, as well as top places to visit like Leadville Railroad and Monarch at the Crest - Visitor Center, or the ever-popular National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.
The top cities between Leadville and Colorado Springs are Breckenridge, Canon City, Manitou Springs, and Cripple Creek. Breckenridge is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Leadville and 2 hours from Colorado Springs.
Breckenridge is a municipality situated in Colorado, located at the foot of the Tenmile Range in the Rocky Mountains. It has a reputation as a ski destination and offers various alpine activities throughout the year, as well as being steeped in Gold Rush history. The Breckenridge National Historic District comprises its Victorian center, mostly on Main Street, where painted buildings from the 1880s and 1890s house an array of shops, galleries and eateries.
Most popular city on this route
20 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Colorado Springs
Cripple Creek, a historic city in Colorado, was once a bustling gold mining camp and is now home to a population of 1,155. The town pays homage to its mining heritage with the Cripple Creek Donkey Herd, descendants of the donkeys that played a crucial role in the early mining industry. Every June, there's a lively donkey derby celebrating their contribution.
35% as popular as Breckenridge
60 minutes off the main route, 53% of way to Colorado Springs
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Cañon City is a home rule municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Fremont County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 17,141 at the 2020 United States Census. Wikipedia.
64% as popular as Breckenridge
37 minutes off the main route, 72% of way to Colorado Springs
Manitou Springs, a charming resort city in Colorado, is renowned for its mineral springs and stunning mountain vistas, particularly the majestic Pikes Peak. The area features the fascinating Manitou Cliff Dwellings and the challenging Manitou Incline Trail. Its vibrant community hosts unique events like the famous Emma Crawford coffin races. This small town offers an array of distinctive shops, dining options, and entertainment venues.
53% as popular as Breckenridge
11 minutes off the main route, 93% of way to Colorado Springs
Best stops along Leadville to Colorado Springs drive
The top stops along the way from Leadville to Colorado Springs (with short detours) are Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Other popular stops include United States Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Gold Mine Tours Inc ..
The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is a popular tourist destination in Leadville, Colorado. This museum showcases a replica of a mine, various minerals, and even features an interactive model railroad exhibit. Visitors are advised to bring water and pain medication due to the high altitude. The exhibits cater to every age group with plenty of opportunities for learning about mining history and mineral samples from different places around the world. It is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
This museum has a little bit for everybody. The woman who worked there knew exactly where to direct us so our boys (6&3) would have fun. We went late in the afternoon on a Saturday this spring and were the only ones in there for a bit. Worth checking out if you're in the area.
Jenna Guild — Google review
This is an amazing museum filled with history. The displays are amazing with so many different minerals, polished stones, meteorites, and even moon rocks. This is a walk at your own pace (5 floor Museum). You can spend a good 1-2 hours here if you read each story line under the pictures. There is also a gift shop on the premises.
Raff Anthony — Google review
A good amount of super cool rock displays, but they have a bit of glare most of the time for high definition pictures. Lots of cool history about mining processes and mining history too. Set in Leadville, a high altitude town with great views.
Gadolinium64 — Google review
Pretty large museum of mining. Many interesting exhibitions. I was surprised that not many visitors. Mostly they geology and history of mining.
Reception lady was very helpful to give us information about Leadville area. Must visit if you are in the area. Beautiful historic mining town.
Ari Rang — Google review
Be aware as a tourist not from Colorado, Leadville is at a high altitude, so bring water and advil. You'll be out of energy faster than you realize. Especially walking through this museum. Lots to see on different levels of the building. The interactive mines that they have are very cool. All the mineral samples from different places. There is a lot to learn. We had a great time.
Vanessa Hines — Google review
This museum is a pretty neat experience. There are a lot of things to look at and read. The walk through of their mine exhibit is probably the best part. My only grievance with this place is the admission price: $14 is too steep a price for what is here. I understand this is Colorado and all but $8-$10 is the only reasonable price. The young lady at the admission counter is very nice and friendly, the woman in the gift shop didn't even speak to us, so you definitely have both ends of the friendliness spectrum covered. Overall if you're in town it's a cool place to check out.
Corey Swann — Google review
Holy cow! We would need days to see everything. The underground marble quarry operation was the most interesting. Incredible. My youngest grandson liked this photo the best. 😅
Rick Morales (the Writer) — Google review
Very neat museum! As someone who works in oil & gas industry I learned a lot! Definitely a must go if you are ever in the area.
J C — Google review
Much more inside to look at than you would guess from the outside. It doesn't just include one form of mining, but many different kinds, and just from this area, but from all over the world. If you really wanted to watch all that is there, you could spend hours, we probably spent a couple of hours there. It is like a maze and has a total of 5 levels. Many interesting things to look at.
Terry Lytle — Google review
I went as part of a group of 10 adults. We stayed for 3 hours & all enjoyed the museum. While we were there, a school group was also there, which made the 3rd floor a noisy place for awhile.
The first entrance we tried was locked & it confused us because it was 45 minutes after the museum should have opened for the day. Turns out that's the summer entrance. The non-summer entrance is on one end of the building. While inside the museum, I witnessed several other visitors trying to access the building using the "summer entrance", I'm not sure why they can't use the same entrance year-round? I guess it's probably because the gift shop is located next to the non-summer entrance ticket desk?
Exhibits included information about the Ice Palace (only lasted a few months before melting, you can visit the park where it was located- it is behind the museum), Climax Mine (about 15 minutes away), mining safety gear, and the Tabors. The 3rd floor had an interesting assortment of exhibits: a model railroad (it was out of order, but I'm guessing when it works the train runs around the tracks), a model of the Ice Palace, approximately 20 dioramas, a mock mine tunnel, a coin with a panda on it, pictures of some kind of currency (we think it was a company town thing), and information about minerals that are in common household products. The flourescent minerals on the 1st floor were really neat! There were also some exhibits that played short films & there was an exhibit that talked about mining in space.
We did find the Hall of Fame to not be of much interest, and the members of the Hall of Fame were almost all Caucasian men from what we could tell.
There is a library on the 5th floor, which is locked unless you have an appointment, which is unfortunate because there were some absolutely beautiful stained glass windows that I would have loved to have gotten a better view of. There's also beautiful stained glass windows on the 4th floor landing where the patio door is. The patio door apparently gets stuck sometimes because there was a sign up with a number to call if you couldn't get the door to open up to get back inside.
A week before our visit I called to find out if we needed to do anything special because we were coming as a group, I was told no & that I could go ahead and buy tickets online- there was no mention that I could do it in person on the day of my visit. I then proceeded to buy the tickets online- I recommend that you do not because the woman at the ticket desk was very confused by my having already purchased tickets. When you buy online you also have to pay additional fees & my group that I was booking for has tax-exempt status but there was no indication online of how this could be accomodated so we ended up paying the tax. Also, we'd bought tickets for 4 other group members who ended up not being able to go because they didn't feel well, I emailed (on Monday) to find out if we could get a refund (our visit was Tuesday), but never received a response (it's now Friday). It was within 24 hours of our visit, but a previous email mentioned that refunds are possible due to "unforseen circumstances," so I thought I'd give it a chance.
The elevator was broken when we were there, so the museum was not handicap accessible. I don't know if the elevator is usually out of order or if this was just a rare event.
There is a gift shop next to the ticket desk on the 1st floor.
Apparently the building used to be a school.
There are a couple of picnic tables out front that you can eat at. There's no food or drinks allowed inside the museum. You also cannot bring backpacks in.
BeckyAurora Thompson — Google review
This museum is amazing. My kids loved it. So did my wife and I. We spent two or three hours there but could have spent a couple more. What a gem of a museum.
Ryan W — Google review
An amazing museum with some amazing history. If you have any interest in mining and its history this is the place for you. The had three rooms dedicated to hall of fame people who I influenced the industry. I've added a picture of the list. But the plaques are truly great.
Katie Braaton — Google review
Had an absolute blast exploring the museum with my children. Miss Teresa was such a wonderful person to be greeted by upon entry. Military discount offered for vets and active duty personnel. So much great history and exhibits.
The Leadville Railroad company offers a three-hour train ride with stunning panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley forest and Colorado's highest peaks. The train provides open air and enclosed seating, as well as the option to ride with the conductor for an additional fee. Snacks, coffee, hot dogs, big pretzels, beer and wine are available for purchase on board along with restroom facilities. Visitors can also explore Leadville's main street before or after their trip to discover its unique shops and attractions.
The staff was so attentive, the train cars were clean and we even had a surprise visit from the main man himself, Santa Claus. It was a delightful surprise. Pricing was reasonable, the views are stellar. You can even open your window in your booth area for good air flow. Just a heads up, the restrooms are port a John's, not filthy, but I didn't know so heads up! The gift shop is cute. We had a great experience!
Izzy Wagner — Google review
So glad we did this. Perfect weather and had a wonderful time. We paid a little extra for the box car and I am glad we did. The booths were comfortable and we liked having a table and large windows. The side of the train that faces the town is the one you want to be on. That side has the best views but you can also pop over to the open car for some amazing pics.
Loesch Zone — Google review
Nice but definitely lacking the refinement of similar outings. You don’t get to see the mine. It’s kind of the one thing you should see. Views are very one directional as you proceed up the valley and really only awesome in a couple places. You don’t get very high at all which is weird. The crew is super enthusiastic and entertaining. Plenty of seating. Food and snacks fine but nothing special. The town is way more fun and charming. Still it’s a must do once right?
Alan Hendricker — Google review
If you are searching for amazing views, a comfortable ride, and a great value, then this train is for you! The route is "out and back" going around a mountain. There is excellent narration giving lots of facts and stats. Food and beverage are available for purchase while the train is en route. Wonderful train trip!
Harold Miller — Google review
We had a wonderful time going on the Railroad trip for Easter! It was a 2 hour long ride, concessions & restrooms were available on board. The scenery was BEAUTIFUL! It was well worth it! The staff were very friendly & attentive during the ride.
We would have liked to have a little bit less narrative during the ride and more relaxing music. And the restrooms could use some attention.
Katelyn Pennington — Google review
If you want a great view of the mountains, from the mountains, have around 3 hours to spare, and want to learn about the area, do it.
On board they have open air seating as well as enclosed, you can even pay additional to ride with the conductor. Provided for purchase you can get an array of snacks, coffee, hot dogs and big pretzels, even a few beer/ wine options in a can.
Restrooms are also provided if needed.
My wife and I rode the entire trip in the open air seating and the views are fantastic.
Before or after, check out the main drag in Leadville and explore the shops they have to offer. If you like exploring little towns this one is cool.
We loved it and would recommend!
Sean Klosterman — Google review
The 1:30 train was a great winter treat. Each family has the ability to reserve a table in one of the indoor train cars.
The conductor was very informative and knew the history of Leadville and the train construction quite well.
We ordered hot cider, hot cocoa, and popcorn during the ride. Prices were reasonable.
This is our second trip. We also did the summer ride but this was more fun!
Brent Schmitt — Google review
I have ridden many trains and this is one of the best diesel rides in the country. It is a good length with excellent scenery any time of year and easy movement between closed cars and open cars. The conductor was so knowledgeable about the railroad and the area.
Joseph Friel — Google review
This experience was so worth it! We took our kids (11 and 8) on the fall special train ride, and everyone had such a great time! It was too early for the fall colors, but this was the only weekend we could get up there, and it didn’t make the train ride any less memorable!
The kids loved being able to get hot chocolate on the train ride and the apple cider was good too:) My husband got his apple cider spiked and he loved it. It was chilly, but sunny and we brought jackets and hats, which were needed!
They have a nice-sized concession car on board, so you can get food/drinks and momentos. I got a hoodie and a magnet. They also come around offering to take a family photo, which they were selling later for 20 dollars for one:)
The views on the ride were spectacular and the conductor was knowledgeable and fun to listen to! All of the people working were happy and helpful- you could tell they loved their job:)
If you have the chance to get out to Leadville, I highly recommend this excursion. It was a highlight of our trip and we loved it so much!
Dustin and Sarah Campbell — Google review
I think overall this is a great train ride for the price compared to other options in Colorado. Beautiful views, but the other lower ratings are correct when they mention narration in the first half of the ride. My group was actually interested in learning the history, but the noise of the train as well as passengers were much louder than the person talking. I wish it was louder or that passengers who are interested in learning have earbuds or something to listen in. I still rate this high because for the price, it was still a good experience. The train does ride slow because its a scenic ride, so 2 hours may feel long for many.
Shannyn T — Google review
My wife and I had the pleasure of taking this train ride mid-September when the railroad was offering their fall special. The train went up the mountain farther than usual to give us views of the spectacular aspens as their leaves turned golden and orange. The weather was perfect and the views of the mountains, valleys, and fall leaves was amazing. The conductor was also the tour guide and entertained us with stories regarding local lore and the history of the train and the mines it serviced. We have been on several train rides of this type and this was definitely on of our favorites!
Alfred Sanchez — Google review
Wow! What a great experience. I was not sure what to expect, but they far exceeded my expectations. The train is quite large, with multiple cars of various types. There is even a bar/snack/gift shop car which yes, sells alcohol. Optional seating (which you can change freely) are Open air train cars, enclosed cars, a dining car, restroom car and the caboose. The caboose car is for private reserve reservations BUT highly recommend.... half the train ride is in the reverse direction, so the private caboose is well worth the experience. There is a Brake Man in the Caboose which works outside but you can talk to him/her freely, and he was super nice and smart.
John — Google review
Went the first week of Aug on a Monday on the 2 PM train. Booked 11 seats for a group of friends visiting from CA and BC and family. It was raining for the first few minutes so we moved to a car with overhead cover but no windows for unobstructed views and no rain coming down on us. The conductor kept things interesting on the ride out talking about the history of Leadville and the area and the history of railroads in Leadville. Of course this history is steeped in mining and so we learned about the metals that were mined in the past to present day. Makes everything more interesting when you know the history IMO.
Train made a stop on the way back so we could stretch our legs and tour some of the old train cars no longer in use. After the stop we rode back in silence enjoying the views.
2.5 hours. Out and back. Don't recall the distance exactly but I think 22 miles total. You can bring food on the train but they also have a store that sells food on the train (and on the way back the food is heavily discounted as they need to sell it or have to toss it at the end.) On the expensive side IMO but folks liked it (so maybe I'm cheap 😀).
Suwei Wu — Google review
Wow! Was not expecting such a great ride and such wonderful service. What a great team! Loved chatting with Dawn when she was distributing her pictures. Loved the low prices in the gift shop. The narration was very interesting.
Mike Peterson — Google review
Great train ride with beautiful views through your. Good amenities (snacks and drinks on the train.). Great value compared to other train rides nearby. A little long for 2 young children, could maybe shave 20-30 min.
Alec Binder — Google review
Such a relaxing way to enjoy the changing of the leaves. Train ride was 2.5 hours with a stop in the middle at their beautiful water tower in the middle of an Aspen Grove. Great for kids. There's a little food cart for quick snacks or soda or alcohol. Parking was super easy. A must for the fall!
Shannon Robertson — Google review
We had a wonderful time aboard the Leadville Holiday Express! The staff were all intent on creating a memorable and fun experience for everyone. The hot cocoa and popcorn were great for keeping warm on a cold, November day. The scenery was spectacular! Highly recommend this trip!
johnny utah — Google review
Ride is probably an hour too long lol but otherwise it’s a great experience. Went in early October just in time to see the end of some good foliage. Loved that I could take my dog and it was a unique lovely trip. Recommend going to twin lakes when you’re close as that was truly the highlight of the day!
Monica — Google review
The Railroad is the major attraction of Leadville. The train ride through the rockies is definitely worth. I would suggest buying tickets in advance if you are visiting in the weekend. They have plenty of parking, restrooms and small souvenir shop. Must visit in Leadville. Highly recommend. The town of Leadville does not have too many food options so be ready to wait at the restaurants
Biswanath Das — Google review
It was a beautiful day for an open car train ride. The aspens were just beginning to turn their brilliant colors. It's a great view from the side of the mountain on this about 10 mile train ride.
Terry Lytle — Google review
Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, this ride will take your breath away, especially during the fall colors. The train travels 9 miles out, then back for a 2.5 hour trip. The train itself has standing, open air cars for viewing the sights. We spent most of the time there. The passenger cars are older and in rough shape, but nothing worrying - some windows won't open. If you are a dog lover, they are allowed! If not, there will be dogs onboard. Snacks are available onboard, and bathrooms, but the bathrooms are unusual.
Everyone was so nice and helpful! The smoothie was tasty too! And the scenery was gorgeous!
Allison Henderson — Google review
Fun place on the divide. Good views on a clear day. Quite a few souvenirs. The shop keeps going and going inside. Bargain bin and even some car fluids and ice scrapers. They also have food. It was more than we expected. Fun place to visit.
Jay Dugan — Google review
Don’t bother driving an HOUR for the tram rides because they aren’t competent enough to put accurate times on their website. They will simultaneously keep an “Open” and “closed” sign up if that isn’t confusing enough. This is the second time they’ve posted hours and not put their actual cut off time and we drove up to find it had closed already. The new Renovations in the welcome center are pretty but now they have way less merchandise that is all much more expensive than when I was here last fall.
Haley Allen — Google review
Just happened to see it as were driving through and decided to stop and enjoy the tram ride. $12 per adult and free bag of popcorn each from the gift shop. Beautiful views but colder up top so bring a sweater!
Kaitlyn Arlotta — Google review
When we can through here it was 16 deg and snowing. My wife bought several souvenirs here as they were very reasonably priced and had a great selection. The people were very friendly and helpful.
Mike McKinsey — Google review
As a CT hiker, I was so happy to have access to the Crest Store to buy all of my resupply for the next stretch of the trail.
A fresh smoothie was a perfect kick start. Delicious!
All of the staff was kind, energetic, and accommodating.
I would urge the store to offer a different brand of backpacker meals - ReadyWise meals are NOT good.
Thanks for being hiker friendly.
Rose V — Google review
It was nice the people were friendly. I thought they would offer more of a variety of food they only served hot dogs & fudge 🙄 lol. The fudge was delish 😋 a ton of gift ideas & memoirs. The bathroom could have used a lil TLC & the soap dispenser was broken. All in all it was a really cool place to stop. Nice views.
Lala Love — Google review
Very beautiful. The gift shop is large with something for everyone, including toys and food. There was some cool taxidermy, too. The gondolas were a little scary, but worth the trip. The folks running the gondolas were friendly. If I could change anything, it would be to add more information about the significance of the continental divide.
Isaac Stross — Google review
The area is incredibly beautiful. The gondola is fine and more great views at the top. You get popcorn when you come back down. They have great fudge in the shop. Definitely worth the stop.
Patrick Hum — Google review
Love the way The Crest Visitors Center has been revitalized by Monarch as an outdoor store. Best of all it is now open in the winter.
Tomas Dawson — Google review
Great gift shop and place to grab something to eat from mom's kitchen. It's family owned which is my jam. Gondola rides are available if you are not petrified of heights.. I did nor ride that.
Heather Chiles — Google review
Beautiful! Quite an adventure driving up in a semi-truck, too!
This tour is one of the most highlighted event we experienced in Colorado! Drove 2 hours from Denver just to go to our early call time, we we're there early and was able to see great views and history throughout the mountain. Our guide Shep telling us cool stories and great history in the abandoned mines. We had someone in our tour who kept getting lost or falling so we had the time to take tons of photos and appreciate the views they had to offer! We will definitely be back again for some more adventures with you guys!
Gelli Cious — Google review
We had a great time with our guide. He was super helpful and made our trip exciting. Booking was a little hard to do as well as understanding which forms to fill out. We rented clothing for both my boyfriend and I and stayed warm and dry the entire time. The only issue we had was with the front desk lady. She wasn’t very helpful when we were trying to buy things from the gift shop, so we ended up not purchasing anything. GREAT time in general tho!
Meaghan Looney — Google review
This was our second time going on a snow mobile tour. We had a blast! Our tour guide was so chill and fun to hang out with and treated us like family. His wife was wonderful and welcomed us in too! The hospitality, general based knowledge and safety measures were phenomenal. The tour was more than perfect. The 3 hour session was the right amount of time. We plan on coming back every year! Thank you Monarch Snowmobile Tours!!! You guys rock!
Chloe Castagna — Google review
BIG shout out to our tour guide, Chris!
We had a beautiful time running the back country! Superb views, great trails and a lot of snow with a beautiful blue sky!
Highly recommend this company for an adventure you’ll always remember!
Thanks to the entire staff for making everyone feel welcomed!
We will be back, someday!
Joanne Saunders — Google review
Our family was a group of 10 (mostly) first time snow-mobilers and we had a great time. Everyone felt safe and properly educated. We rode through some trails, got some interesting tidbits of history about the area and had plenty of time for free riding and photos. Our guide Sean was attentive and always helpful. One thing to note is that upon arrival, they strongly recommend paying an extra $20 insurance, which limits your financial liability should you really damage your snow mobile.
We also enjoyed complementary hot chocolate, a toasty fire, and some adorable furry friends to warm up with after the ride!
Lindsay Hosseini — Google review
I’ve been here twice now. Sean is an AWESOME guide. Half-day express tour - Excellent safety briefing, some adrenaline pumping moments, the trails we rode are gorgeous, and Sean is FUNNY. He told us about some pretty cool history, took the best photos (that’s what happens when your guide also has wedding photography experience) and kept checking in on us. I’d give Sean 10 stars if I could.
I’m still smiling thinking about that roller coaster run!
If you’re going on this tour, breathe deep and enjoy the beautiful scenery you get to experience - it truly is a wonder. I can’t wait to come back for a THIRD TIME!
Nikhil M — Google review
We loved our snowmobile tour. We had the opportunity to explore different trails and amazing views. Our guide Joe was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and cautious. I was nervous at the beginning because it was my first time but after I felt confident riding with an experience guide. Great customer service. Highly recommended.
Claudia P Trousdale — Google review
We had THE BEST TIME. Kyle is the nicest guy and made this a fun experience. We felt safe and free. The views were amazing. Now we just want to own a snowmobile. Will 100% be back again and will ask for Kyle (im sure everyone else is cool too) if you're thinking about doing it...just do it.
Kierstin Benitez — Google review
This is our 3rd season with this company and it has been epic every time. Blizzard conditions and Sean showed us a phenomenal experience. Powder was amazing. Being a mom of boys, it was a perfect day. Highly recommend, we love Shep too.
Amanda Archibald — Google review
Our trip with Monarch with Emilio was nothing short of an amazing lifetime experience. We absolutely loved him and had so much fun!
The check in and equipment process was very fast and efficient. I’d recommend renting a full set. Emilio made sure we were comfortable and warm.
Your guide will load you up in the van and take you to the staging section of the sleds. There you’ll be educated on the machine and how to safely navigate. He will also tell you about the trails, hand signals to follow, etc.
We were the only ones in our group on a double sled so we had more free rein on what exactly we wanted to do. We did 3 free ride sessions and went on 3-4 trails. I would recommend buying the $20 insurance because you just never know. If you’re a first time rider, get it. We were very comfortable riding and on one of the trails we hit really soft snow and got stuck. It sounds scarier than it was. Emilio was great at helping us get out and back on track.
There’s free hot cocoa back at the shop and a fireplace which you’ll likely need on your way back.
We did 3 hours but I think you could be just fine with 2.
Thank you so much Monarch for such a great time! We left talking about all of the amazing photo ops and scenery out there. You made our entire trip!
Tori L — Google review
This was our first time snowmobiling, and we had such an amazing time with the Monarch Snowmobile team! We went on our tour with Joe and he was incredible. We would love to be back and do the longer tour next time. What an incredible experience!!!
Caitlyn Theron — Google review
We had so much fun with Sean! He was super knowledgeable about the history and the general area. We did the two hour tour and next time we will be doing a longer one! The views were incredible. We loved that we were supporting a local, family owned business!
Hayley Rico — Google review
Absolutely amazing!!! We had a family of 7 and our guide Shawn was hands down the best. He helped us learn and enjoy the snowmobiles to the fullest! He was patient with the members who were riding for the first time and took us to the best spots, where he captured some of the best pictures we've taken during our Colorado trip.
100% recommended monarch snowmobiles tours, and our best guide Shawn.
shabana khan — Google review
Did a three hour private trip with Monarch Snowmobile Tours and had a fantastic day. We talked with four or five of the staff and all where very friendly and professional. The tour had a great mix of slower switch backs, some open places where you could give it some juice, small jumps, and several free ride areas. Our tour guide was Joe, and he was funny, very nice (especially when we drifted off trail several times and needed to get unstuck), and will definitely ask for him specifically next time. If you can afford it, its a lot easier to drive a sled with one person, especially if you are going to rip a little bit. Highly recommend this tour company.
Steve Davis — Google review
This was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had in my life. The 2 hour tour was great. We had a chance to have some fun and really let loose which was awesome! Tyson, our tour guide, was the best part of the tour with his upbeat and welcoming attitude. He made the experience that much better! Request him if you decide to book a tour here. Definitely will come back for a longer tour. Thank you Monarch Snowmobile Tours!
Elegant mountain lodging with a spa, hot spring pools, sport courts & on-site dining.
We had a great time at Mount Princeton! Every staff member was delightful, helpful, and took care of us. The creek side pools were really nice for a natural feel, and the upper Japanese style pools were nice for the views! Great geothermal heat from this hot spring. The on-site juice bar and steak house were delicious and made it convenient to not have to leave the resort for anything. It wasn’t too crowded, and hopefully the resort keeps a monitor on the number of guests admitted to provide this relaxing environment. We can’t wait to come back.
Logan Einhorn — Google review
This was our third stay at this resort and the best one, partly because it was not crowded. Check in was friendly and efficient. The Creekside room was comfortable and cozy with the fireplace. Could use some interior decorating though. Also, there is no light in the desk area. The pools were wonderful and clean as always, had a great massage (Jamie). The women's changing room is too small, can easily get very crowded in there. We always enjoy the restaurant, the food and service are excellent. However, we did not like the extra charge for the bread ($9.00). If someone spends $130 for a dinner shouldn't this be included? We did order it but it was dry and nothing special. Overall, we definitely recommend this resort!
Indra Hudson — Google review
Can't say much about the rooms because we live close enough to only need a day pass. I can't stress enough how beautiful the mountain views on the way up and also while you're there.
There are 4 different pools you can choose from that are all heated. The upper pools are more kid friendly with a slide you have to pay an extra 7$ for unlimited use.
Sometimes the access to the hot spring in the river is closed due to the spring going cold naturally.
Every time I go to this place I leave feeling so relaxed.
Christopher Mendoza — Google review
Didn't Stay at the resort, but it looks great! I LOVE coming here when I come to Colorado and I love sharing it with family and friends that I bring as guests! Playing in the creek is always the best time! The pools are so warm and inviting! A great time is always to be had when we visit. Thank you!
Angela Macon — Google review
We went to hot springs on the day pass- it was very nice and relaxing. Five kids age 8-16. They loved it. We did not pay extra for the slide- kids were fine without it. The slide looked slow and geared for younger kids.
I read several negative reviews that I want to address - many said water was dirty. It is a natural hot springs with dozens of people in the pool. I did not find it exceptionally dirty but you should expect it is not perfectly clean. Yes, expect they are a little understaffed so staff on duty might be a little overwhelmed. I thought they were friendly enough.
I found the whole experience amazing and unique to soak in natural springs at the base of some amazing mountains. We loved the natural cold pools along the river. Bring your own towels if you can, because towels are an extra charge. We tried to get our money’s worth and spent 5 hours there and some kids still didn’t want to leave. We brought our own food for lunch and had a picnic in the grass by the upper pool. Highly recommend it!
Ryan Stewart — Google review
Booked this place last minute for an overnight stay with my daughter. We were so impressed. The rooms were impeccable, and the views were priceless. Staring at the Milky Way at night was mind-blowing.
We spent the afternoon in 6 of their 15+ hot spring pools. Temperature offerings range from casual cozy to scalding hot. Sitting in the creek while basking in a natural hot spring was a new experience for us. It's amazing how the earth offers its own spa experience.
To boot, they have a nice cold dunk pool. 30 seconds in there, and you'll be refreshingly renewed.
The resort offers a great steak house restaurant, and a snack shop convenience store with good pizza. The adult spa has towels, a sauna, a steam room, showers, and key code lockers.
Off resort, Nathrop is 15 minutes down a lovely mountain drive offering several restaurants.
I'll definitely book this place again. Hope you do too.
Shanna Bremer — Google review
Buyer beware. If paying with a credit card, you get charged an additional 3.99% of your lodging. This does not show up on your folio receipt. Stupid as it is, bring a check and save yourself some money. We would have saved almost $90. This is a new policy within the last 2 months. The cabin was nice and slept 6 people easily. The fireplace heater did not turn on. Those tend to be finicky anyways. The pools were delightful and we saw a lot of wildlife.
Nichole Rairigh — Google review
My daughter and I went up for the day on Mother's day for brunch and to soak in the pool. We knew that it was going to be a great time and we were not wrong! Brunch was absolutely amazing! The food and service were perfect! The Chef's creations exceeded any kind of expectation we could have had, as did Irene. She added such a personal touch to our day that meant so much to both of us! Thanks so much to everyone involved!
Lauren Duncan — Google review
We got married here on 10/15, and had the best experience possible! This is the most gorgeous venue and the nicest staff to work with! The chef is amazing. I don’t think he could make a bad meal if he tried. We did prime rib carved at the buffet and multiple people said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. The cabins are adorable and the bridal party and groomsmen got ready in 2 different cabins. This venue is great because all of your guests can lodge on site. Plus, hot springs make for a perfect daytime activity! We did our ceremony in the lawn and reception in the pavilion. Wish I could go back and live it again! Thank you, Zelma and everyone at Mt. Princeton for the best possible experience. Can’t wait to come back to visit!
Anne Matelski — Google review
The restaurant is amazing food and excellent staff! The mirage pool is the only one with seating area to be in and the perfect temperature. Morning time is best time for that pool. No crowds and cooler for the hot springs enjoyment. The room was great but staff needs to swap the fridge door to open away from the wall and TV hanging in room 93 is coming out of the wall bracket. Needs some maintenance. The river running by the room balcony at night was refreshing and beautiful. The bike rentals are complimentary but that's because they are basic and you have to ride 4 miles up the 2 lane highway to get to the 7 mile trail. Definitely not an easy ride.
Amy W — Google review
First visit, and I'm in love! The pools are just beautiful. You can soak for hours. The river pools are a bit of a climb and clamber to get to, but so worth it. The restaurant is First class! Highly recommended you eat at least one meal there.
Kimberley Clark — Google review
The spa's are magical on every level. The stream isn't warm as it appears, they pump the heated spring water into the stream and have created "pool" areas that are a joy to spend time in. They have water flowing over you that feels magical.
The facilities are second rate and not worth the price of admission. The attention to detail is budget and for the price they demand here quite the disappointment. The rooms are budget, tables don't match chairs, trim work isn't done by a carpenter and the facilities are lacking in maintenance and care in a big way. The area and views are magical. The furniture and bedding are budget so you're going for the springs only, don't expect a resort experience in the buildings or grounds.
Michael Chadwick — Google review
stayed for two nights in the creek side suites. the room was awesome, very clean and comfy!
the restaurant was amazing and the all the pools were great! if you stay at the resort there is a guest only pool and hot tubs and you can go the infinity pool and water slide 2 hours before they open to day use guests. awesome.
the staff is what drove my 5-star rating. every single person was helpful and kind. Jen who checked us in was the absolute best! Jen, hope u have a great and safe hike up La Plata!
Russell Brown — Google review
The only bad thing I have to say about this stunning hot springs resort is that I miss when it was more affordable and less well known. It's not an excessively fancy place, but it's clean, well put together, and very nice while maintaining the relaxed, laid back environment it's famous for. The entire staff is lovely with Kelly at the spa being a stand out. My other half got the hot stone massage and raves about it still
jack — Google review
I was here for a work training and it was incredible. The rooms were spacious and a lot of them had amazing views of the chalk cliffs and the mountains. They have a great event venue, especially for weddings! The springs themselves were great as well and they do have a cold pool you can dip in if you get a little hot. There’s also a bar with great mixed drinks to help you unwind that much more.
Levi Reisinger — Google review
Such a great getaway spot. From the view, to the rooms and customer service. Every aspect was fantastic. The creekside suits are amazing with a fully stocked kitchen, 2 wardrobes, a back patio.. I adored it. My only suggestion for this room would be them adding some sort of table or shelf in the bathroom for your necessities. There was no where to set my make up, hair tools, toothbrushes, skin care etc. But other than that, it was great. Every single staff member i met was pleasant and kind and helpful. The pools, spa, locker rooms, showers were so clean and functional. I loved everything about our stay.
Nicole Hopkins — Google review
I paid $450 for one of the worst hotel experiences I had. The location is nice, but for a hot springs, they are dramatically overpriced, and their efforts to churn as many people through as they can ruins the experience. We were not able to use any of the hot springs, as check in starts at 4pm, and their infinity pool, and seemingly largest area, closes at 5pm, not re-opening until 9am, so if you are going, expect it to be more day-use.
The other pools, closer to the lodge, and the river, were packed, constantly. We tried 3 times to go find a spot, but the throngs of people made it impossible. We waited about 45 minutes for a spot in the river, but never got one, as once people get a spot they seemed to settle into it for hours. There was some room in the two swimming pools, but they are just heated swimming pools.
When I got to the lodge, we were next in line for check in. I stood for 25 minutes as the desk receptionist talked to a couple, oblivious of the line of 10 people behind me getting bigger by the moment. I was polite when I got to the counter, but the level of service I got was much different, and she rushed me through in less than two minutes, not really giving much information - which is ok, maybe she could tell I was frustrated by waiting 25 minutes for one guest check in.
They called and asked if everything was ok with the room about an hour after checking in, which was nice. The room was spacious and had a good view, though there is a lot of half-finished construction projects around the location that made it feel like they were growing faster than they could keep up with.
The problem with this hotel can be summed up with one issue - greed. The number of people going through this establishment is of a far higher volume than they can sustain, and the hours with which they schedule their pool opening and closings make it almost impossible for single-night guests to enjoy their experience.
In the end, it was $450 for a hotel who's facilities we couldn't use due to the throngs of people everywhere.
Bryon Taylor — Google review
We were hoping to enjoy a nice day at the spa/hot springs, worry free. Instead, we had nearly all of our most valuable belongings STOLEN out of the lockers in the upscale, adults area - engagement ring, wedding ring, class ring, other jewelry, cash. Several other guests had cash stolen or lockers opened as well, and we've been told by authorities and employees that these break-ins have happened before. The issues have not been fixed and now we are suffering for it. I hope to spare the rest of you.
After paying $300 for services I would expect the lockers to work. Unfortunately, after being robbed, we tried four different lockers to make sure it wasn't just ours that had the issue, and all of them were defective. The resort has been extremely unhelpful in talking with us (rarely responding to calls/emails), nor have they made us feel like they are doing anything to locate the missing items, covering the cost of the losses or preventing it from happening in the future. Not to mention the fact that we lost substantial sentimental value with each of these pieces. Now, they aren't responding to our calls or emails as we try to get paperwork sorted with insurance.
I will never visit this place again. I've been to several other spas where I can actually relax for far cheaper. Spare yourselves the trouble and just don't do it.
Taylor Shelnutt — Google review
Great place for relaxing and vacation with family and friends. We liked this place!
The rooms are clean and well maintained.
Staff is helpful, polite, respectful, and caring.
Overall management is good, except the safety precautions are not being followed by management, hence reducing one star in the rating.
We didn't use the restaurant as it required reservations. However, there are lots of good restaurants and food chains available at Buenos Vista town that are just 12-15 minutes away from this resort.
Abhinay Barge — Google review
It's not that Mount Princeton is bad. It's just not a $4xx/night place.
The rooms (creek side suites) felt more like a cheap, grimy apartment. The layout is inefficient, the finishes are cheap and poorly installed, the furniture is showing wear, the refrigerator door opened into the wall, and all the corners of the place were filled with grime, something that could be taken care of with a good cleaning.
The resort itself is spread out with less than adequate sidewalks, so you find yourself driving from place to place to avoid the massive pickup trucks that seem so popular out there. The sidewalks and stairs that do exist are crumbling and often missing railings, but the grounds appear reasonably maintained.
The staff were, for the most part, friendly and helpful but only within their domain. When I asked the front desk staff why people were in the spa pool before opening time, and how we could sign up for whatever activity that was, I was met with a "I don't work down there" followed by a sarcastic "I'm up here, not down there" when I pushed the issue. Asking the staff at the spa if I could return my towel to the front desk was met with a simple "I don' t know". The morning we arrived for water yoga, the instructor didn't show up. No one seemed to care because it wasn't their department.
After experiencing all this, we had low hopes for the restaurant, but it was surprisingly good! While not mind blowing, it was solid with great service. Just know that the courses are massive, so it's easy to over order.
In the end, after having experienced many great hotels and resorts around the world, I have a hard time justifying the price when I can fly somewhere cool, pay something similar, and feel like it's worth it.
Chris Vader — Google review
Wonderful experience. Kids loved it. Rooms were decent (floor was a little dirty and bathroom vent really needed dusting) but beds were clean and wonderful. Gorgeous restaurant patio. If you stay here you should head up to st. Elmo and feed the chipmunks.
Joshua Shimandle — Google review
We unfortunately did not have a relaxing experience at Mt Princeton. The pools were crowded, the vibe was more rowdy / party than low-key and the facilities (other than the pools themselves) were dated and even messy at times. While the scenery was beautiful, the actual grounds of the resort are really just a sprawling parking lot. For $400+ / night (Hillside room) our beds were very uncomfortable, the on-site restaurant was mediocre (and not inexpensive), and we were honestly so disappointed that we decided to just leave early the next day instead of staying for a second round of soaking / pool time.
The one bright spot was the staff, who were very nice and accommodating when we had to make a last-minute adjustment to our reservation. I just wish that sense of hospitality extended to a more consistent attention to detail and quality.
Carly DeFilippo — Google review
Stopped in here on our road trip, it was pricey for the room we got but we were glad they had something available last min on a Friday night. We had lunch and dinner here both meals were very good and great service! The springs weren’t as hot as I would have liked but they said it was cuz the rain they just had. And would have been nice for the price to have access to them later than 9p. I have been having back/hip issues so I got a massage by Lance. He did such. Great job I went in to the massage barely being able to move and came out feeling great! Definitely recommend him if you’re having any issues! Maybe not for a deep tissue I did not get that. He did more of a therapeutic massage. Overall it was a nice time and experience.
Tara Zenker — Google review
I would recommend bringing SOME groceries - resort location is a bit isolated, and the next town with dining options is at least 20 minutes away.
Dinner prices at the restaurant are a little steep, but breakfast and lunch options were more reasonable, and breakfast on the deck with a mountain view was a delight. We didn't eat any real food at the poolside snack bar, but having some soft serve after a dip in the pools was super refreshing!
Country store was modest, but had a lot of snack options and some basics.
Caroline Kazukenus — Google review
This is my favorite hotsprings to come to when I want to get away. Out in the mountains with beautiful views, fresh air and serenity. The price is worth it, from 9am-9pm there's plenty of different tubs and pools to choose from and even when there's a lot of people its still pretty quiet and peaceful. A great date night spot.
Summer G — Google review
The hot springs are small and quiet, set alongside amazing views, and the experience of soaking in the creek is so fun. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. Unfortunately I can’t rate the rooms as well. For what we paid, the value was definitely in the activities. Our room was clean and spacious, but we could hear our neighbor’s voices and alarms, pillows were lumpy and the mattress felt like it was on its way out.
Jon Watters — Google review
One of our favorite places to relax and unwind. The entire staff is friendly and very helpful. The hot springs is beautiful and lots of options to choose from. You have different temperatures and big pools, creek side pods and adult only areas. The restaurant is amazing!!! We left our iPad behind and called to ask them to ship it back. They happily packed it up very well and shipped it out that day for us. Highly recommend this place for a great getaway.
Shari Nomady — Google review
We stayed 2 nights in the main lodge in late December and enjoyed the beauty of a fresh snowfall and the convenience of the on premises restaurant and hot springs. The restaurant is nice and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We ate there two nights and one morning; everything we had was very good and prices were on par with being at a resort. Nice to just walk back to our room after a great meal. The rooms were comfortable and nice but a little worn in a few spots like carpet and creaking floors. The bathrooms in the hotel rooms are a little small and the coffee pot is right next to bathroom sink which isn’t ideal. Room service was good and they kept the room well stocked with towels and coffee. The bathhouse has lockers that are paid or free with the rooms. You only get one towel per person and bring sandals or something to go to and from the bathhouse, especially if going down to the small pools by the river. Staff were all friendly and nice. Overall a great value if you are wanting to enjoy the hot springs and some good food.
Nick Baker — Google review
The springs are beautiful, with many options. We had a cabin with pros and cons. It was well equiped, but quirky. For example, there is no place to hang wet clothes and towels and the dishwasher was mediocre. Huge cobwebs and dust in the windows was gross, but the rest of the cabin was clean and nice. Plenty of room and a great location.
Customer service is hit or miss. Some staff are friendly and helpful and some are impatient and disinterested.
This is a very relaxing getaway and I highly recommend it overall!
Marla B — Google review
Took a family trip for Spring Break and we had the BEST time! Cody checked us in and he was SO NICE ❤️ We really enjoyed our stay on the property. The pool was so nice and we really appreciated that everything was plowed and accessible after a foot of snow. Thanks so much for your hospitality, we will definitely be back!
Jennifer Clark — Google review
What an amazing experience! The condo we stayed in on the property was incredibly well maintained. Older beds but otherwise fantastic. The staff was excellent as were the facilities. The restaurant was delicious for both lunch and dinner. The servers were on point, especially Kyle at dinner who was my best server I’ve experienced in a long time.
Don’t miss this for a romantic or family getaway!
Historic 1880s Gold Rush town that's now a museum with more than 40 buildings & 60,000 artifacts.
Absolutely awesome place full of great history! My family loved it and our son had a great time!
Many of these houses are from other towns and were relocated to this town for the museum. I personally loved the saloon I just wish I could hang out there longer lol. There are so many great artifacts here to show how it really was back in the day. I highly recommend this place!
Joshua Jesse — Google review
Oh this place was amazing! I love history and I've been to see these type of collections of historic buildings in several places. This was my favorite so far! The historical detail and the condition of the buildings were very much appreciated. We were also tickled about how it is set up as a town in the 1800s, wooden sidewalks and all! Even my kids (4 & 9) had a blast! Perhaps best of all, they allow you to bring your dog with you. It was a day well spent in my family!
Valerie — Google review
What an amazing place! Like stepping back in time. The best thing is the interactivity of the various displays. We had watched a special, on PBS, about this place, and HAD to go see it. Definitely worth the trip! We will certainly be going back and will probably purchase a lifetime family membership, because this place deserves to be kept operating for future generations!
Dubs Montgomery — Google review
The places is absolutely awesome! Incredibly preserved local Colorado history with period displays. Very tastefully restored and stocked with period items (many local). A feast for all ages. Climb on historic trains, descend into an underground mine display, see the 'old theatre', enter into all historical buildings and structures. A great outing all around! More in depth stories can be found on South Park's YouTube channel as well!
L P — Google review
Host was very friendly and knowledgeable. Information in each building is very detailed and interesting. You can definitely take a step back in time. We just missed the guided night time spooky tour... Check schedule if that's your thing!
Wendy Best — Google review
This place was a really nice find, especially if you want to see a glimpse of history as it was in an old mining town from the 1800's. We spent about an hour and a half here and ran out of time, so we only got to see about half of it. If you like this kind of stuff, it should be on your "can't miss it" list.
Dean Bohl — Google review
This is recommended if you like looking at what mining used to be and how people lived in this mining town. The mannequins look very lifelike and they exhibits look like they’re still here in the 21st century even though some of the stuff is a bit ruined. The museum is very educational and you should definitely come here if you have nothing to do.
C4TT0 (Caracal_lover) — Google review
Wonderful museum, much more interesting and a lot more to see than I expected! This is a series of buildings that you get to walk through and experience different historical exhibits that are set up. It’s a great experience that feels a lot like going back in time and experiencing things as they were in the late 1800s. Very, very much worth the admission!
If you’re looking to get a feel for this area’s history, this is the place to start.
Brian Carter — Google review
Spent about 2 hours here, loved every minute of it! Kids had a blast and learned a lot about life in the 1800s. Will definitely be back. If you're visiting then this is a must while you're here!!
Abigail Gomez — Google review
It is absolutely incredible. So much thought was put into this. We took our 4 kids and they really enjoyed it. Perfect day trip from Denver. I will definitely go back.
sonya statz — Google review
So many examples of buildings from the past. Everything from a train depot to a mine to a barber shop, family home, boarding house, bank, school... I could've spent all day, so much to see! And the staff were very fiendly, too.
A — Google review
Great Museum!! Took my teens and they seemed to really enjoy themselves! Love that it's an open walkable museum because you are able to almost stand right in the past's shoes. The employees seemed to really love their jobs and are so friendly! Went in on the 4th to be greeted by Uncle Sam! Spent an hour or more walking through and taking lots of pictures. Love the gift shop, another great employee. Felt really free to look around before really deciding what to get and left with both teens EXCITED to come back!
Nicole M — Google review
Such a great museum! Reasonably priced for families with kids. Nicely kept and very informative. A must see for Colorado natives and travelers.
Alli Wilber — Google review
This was the coolest museum we happened upon. Makes you really feel like your back in the old wild west!
Jordyn Steinheiser — Google review
This was one of best stops of our trip! E searched many days for cool ghost towns but this is a fully restored town with real buildings and artifacts and really gives you the experience of an old west town. The kids loved it and the price was only $10 or so each, so it was a great value! There were even QR codes on the wall linked to YouTube videos of more in depth material on the different buildings. Such a cool experience!
Randy Spaulding — Google review
This is a must-stop if you are traveling to this area. Likely the traffic during high season will make to stop to take a break, and a walk thru the museum is perfect for stretching and learning some history while you're at it. Also, very important to note: it has accesses ramps (strollers and wheelchairs), and pets are welcome. So bring the whole family! (just be careful/kind with the local kitties)
Truly one of the most amazing experiences we’ve had in our lives. KC was the kindest and most gentle guide. He filled our hearts full to the brim with this awesome adventure at sunset. We crossed rivers, trotted, and went up and down steep inclines. Seriously cant express how great our time here was. If you book, ask for KC!🤍
Lauren Phariss — Google review
My mom had a great ride here. She's been riding for a long time, but she still enjoyed the one hour ride. It wasn't just a boring trail ride where the horses know where they're going and don't really care what you want. She said they went across the river a few times, saw great views of the mountains, and had a very pleasant time. She loved the wranglers who were with them. We booked online and had no trouble. Everything worked out perfectly. Highly recommend!
Valerie Miller — Google review
We had such an amazing time at Hot Springs Stables. The owner and the ranch hands were so welcoming and made our experience one to remember. 2 hours was not long enough, we will definitely going back to do a half day or even a full day ride with them soon. This is a must stop if you are in the area.
Mike Cignarale — Google review
Me and my two kiddos (7 and 10) came for the sunset ride and it was incredible! Our guide, Kaiden (Caiden?), was laid back and friendly and made the kids feel safe and ensured we all had fun! We were only supposed to walk, but we got to do quite a bit of trotting once the boys were comfortable and it made our whole trip!
We saw deer and a coyote, got to cross the river more than once, and had some absolutely stunning views.
Would highly recommend to anyone!
Christina LaRosa — Google review
Definitely a must experience!!!! The owner was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Our wrangler was great! Cory went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and confident from start to end.
Beautiful views....and great memories were created! Thank you, @coloradotailrides.com
Robert Torres — Google review
If you are looking for something close by to the area, go horseback riding! Our guide was AMAZING at pointing out view points and give us facts around the area. They help by picking the horse that suits you best! We loved our 2 hour ride & felt very comfortable through out it! Definitely worth it all!
Albanie Hersh — Google review
Great experience. Staff was awesome, horses were well trained. We took the 60 minute trail and we got about 70 minutes out of it. Facility is small but clean. It looks like they can handle pretty large parties and have multiple trail lengths ( 1, 2 hr as well as 3/4 and full day). Scenery made it worth it all. Great views!
Tyler Dixon — Google review
Great staff, very pleasant and give good advice. The horses are well trained and clearly well cared for. I’m a first time rider at age 46. I went on the 1 hour trail ride and it was a great experience.
Jenny Crane — Google review
We did the 3/4 day ride. Absolutely beautiful trail. It was a bit nerve wracking in a few spots and I am an experienced rider. I had inexperienced riders that made it but there were times their nerves almost bested them. The horses behaved for the most part and we all enjoyed it. The waterfall was gorgeous. The wranglers were great! I highly recommend but be prepared for sore muscles.
I also recommend getting there early. We arrived 15 minutes early and still did not get to the trail until an hour after our initial appointment time due to them needing to prep the horses selected for each individual and their experience level. We never felt rushed on the ride though. The wranglers went at our pace. Again, I highly recommend!
Tierney Stigall — Google review
What a great place! I did the 2-hour sunset ride and had an amazing time. Our wrangler, Jess, was friendly, inviting, and easygoing. The trail was fun, the horses were kind and well-trained, the scenery was beautiful. And can't forget the barn cats!
No complaints here.
Liam Moore — Google review
We took a ride with The Princeton Stables yesterday and what a fantastic ride it was!! We had the best guide ever in Dave and the horses were amazing! We rode on Moose, Rodeo, and Clifford and wish we could take them home with us! The scenery was perfect and crossing the river was so cool!!! Thanks again to our guide Dave and Ralph for taking us on this ride!!! We’ll be back!!
Travis Blackwell — Google review
Dave and Dillion did a great job for our 2 hr ride. They did a great job on instructions and were very social during the ride. The ride was fun and exciting. Domino and Feather were great horses to ride. Highly recommend! This was a very relaxing few hours with beautiful scenery.
April Hess — Google review
We had Casey as our guide. He was great! We did the waterfall ride. If you haven't been on a horse before, I wouldn't take this. There are some very small trails going up the mountain and it could scare some people. If you have riden before, it's a great view! The horses we took were great. Thanks Casey for a great time.
Robbie and Kristen
robert dotson — Google review
Great 2 hour trail ride with Corey. Really enjoyed our horses, Trigger and Chile. Look forward to being in the area again to book a longer ride!
Caleb Collins — Google review
This was an amazing ride! We did the 3/4 day ride. It was beautiful and the horses were great! Our guide, Casey was fantastic!!
Dabecka Kirk — Google review
We had the best time on our 2 hour ride. Lee, our wrangler, was such a wonderful guide - personable, curious, and knowledgeable about both horses and the terrain. The trail offered stunning views. We would absolutely do this again! Highly recommend!
Allison Buzard — Google review
My wife and I were the only ones on our ride and we went with Corey and he was great. He was easy to talk to throughout, answered questions, and helped out as needed. The route was absolutely beautiful. We went up and down the mountains and through water. As semi beginners, two hours were plenty bc we were sore at the end but it was a really awesome time with our horses, our guide, and the views.
Ross Browning — Google review
Hands down the BEST trail ride ever! We did the 3/4 day ride up to the waterfall with a packed lunch and the views were breathtaking! KC aka the good Kevin but AMAZING!! He made the whole experience unforgettable. I can't wait to come back and do a ride when there is snow on the ground. It was about 2 hours from Denver but SO worth the drive. The views on the way were unbelievable as well which made the time go by. I would 1000% recommend to everyone!
Lizz Kilby — Google review
I had the best time yesterday! My son and husband didn’t want to join me so I went on a group adventure 2 hour ride solo with several other families. Amazing views, sweet tour guides there’s nothing like this anywhere else, I’ve done several trail rides in my time but this was by far the best. The trail guides were so good with the children on the tour AJ let them talk her head off and she even took pictures of me for me! The owner was a sweetheart! All around amazing!
Mallory Hall — Google review
I had a great experience and can not wait to come back again and do a longer ride. The staff was so nice and helpful in getting my mother on the horse and feeling comfortable. She wasn't able to complete the ride but we consider it a win and she was able to get it knocked off her bucket list on her birthday. Jessie is so sweet I enjoyed chatting with her and was pleased to know she is and knows horsemanship. Horses are beautiful and well trained, taken care of in my opinion. ❤️i rode charming ✌️ 🐎
That's Tonya — Google review
This was such an amazing place, both the Ranch and the land we traveled around. My daughter and I plus the family had so much fun riding and it was the best time riding horses with her. Dave was so great at leading and providing a great experience. He is a great rider also! Great to see how welcome the guides make you feel. They'll do anything to improve your ride or teach you how to get to know your horses. Top notch job Dave and The crew. Can't forget the young guys and all great wranglers we met and helped us get going. I highly recommend this place and we will be back.
Pete Chilimindris — Google review
This place is a rare gem! The owner (who looks like Sam Elliot) was so kind and has been doing this business since he was 17! Everything is thoughtfully curated. They choose your horse based on your skill level. The cowboys + wranglers were very helpful and told amazing dad jokes. They accommodated everyone from children to adults very well. I highly recommend for an authentic trail riding experience!!
Mountain-view rooms & cabins in a dude ranch, offering horseback riding & ATV tours.
My wife and I take winter vacations every year, we enjoy snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and last but definitely not least horseback riding in the snow through the trees, fields and hills. American Safari ranch has it all beautiful scenery, at times wildlife and best of all they have Nick who is a very friendly, knowledgeable, courteous and very talented individual. We have been on several horseback trips but we highly recommend ASR and definitely ask for Nick. We are planning to come back in December and already planning to get Nick.
Robert Haskew — Google review
I did the 9 am 2-hour ride and it was perfect because it wasn’t too hot yet. My horse's name was Phoenix and she did wonderfully. The wranglers Pedro and Rick were great guides and made the ride fun and made you feel safe. I loved that you could just ride and it wasn’t just a straight line of horses following each other on a trail. It was very easy to find the ranch as well. If you want a real riding experience in the mountains I would highly recommend this place.
Emily Sandvold — Google review
We had a group of three and booked a 1.5 hr trail ride. I expected the standard in a line, horses bored kind of trail ride. This was way better than expected. Our small group had our own trail guide, Pedro, which was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and funny. We learned riding basics, history of the ranch, flora & fauna, & animals. Definitely the best trail ride I’ve ever been on. Would recommend for any riding experience level as they carefully match you to a horse.
Jeanie Rogan — Google review
we had a great horseback riding experience at American Safari Ranch with our guide Dustin. Despite a last minute reservation and rather checkered experience in our group this was not just a dull nose-to-tail around-the-barn ride - we went through wide open country, forests and streams, and definitely felt the freedom that comes with this place if you explore it on a horse. And good horses they were - everybody in our group liked their horse (Go Panda!)
Peter Mehlitz — Google review
Wow!! Where do I start. First off calling and making reservations was so easy. Gary was so nice and professional. We arrived and Gary checked us in and makes us feel very comfortable and welcome. I have been here now 3 times. But each time I bring new people. We got down to barn and these guys are pro. They match you with exactly the right horse. It’s amazing how they are so good at it. Pedro is freaking awesome. I will always request him. He is so nice and so laid back but still gives you tons of information and pointers. He’s so good to the horses and tells the best stories and jokes. I come here every year and will always come to this place for horse riding. Also a side note. Pay for the 2 hour tour. They don’t have a timer running and it’s not rushed at all.
jwillborn83 — Google review
We went horseback riding and on ATV rides. Had a blast, once in a lifetime experience. Cory was our wrangler and he was amazing! He knew the terrain so well and was very quick to guide us. He was also patient as it was my first time driving an ATV. Couldn’t recommend this place enough.
Erin Rehnke — Google review
It was just amazing to take the family out for a 1hr 30min horse back riding tour. It was wonderful scenic area we road through with Aspens, small rock formations, a beautiful stream and wide open meadows. We made our way on horse back through a meadow where we found a doe with her two fawns. We also heard Elk bugling in the distance. It was just an awe inspiring horse back ride. Our guide Pedro was extremely friendly and informative. He led us to an old home stead that was from the 1800s. He made us all feel comfortable and safe. He took a lot of amazing pictures for us as well. We all really enjoyed his stories and his warm demeanor. It was just a magical family experience; they had us ride side by side and not in a line which is unique. They also have goats, alpacas and chickens on the ranch as well. I highly recommend taking a horse back tour.
M Y — Google review
Our guide Dustin was fantastic. He was very nice and kept us entertained through the entire 2 hour ride. He never treated us like ignorant riders. He gave us the utmost respect and always pointed out interesting things to look at or herbal medicine plants that were everywhere on our ride. Ever horse in our group were gentle giants with huge personalities. Mine was named panda, an Arabian mix, and boy did he have character. At the beginning he went slow, but sped up when I gave some small kicks. When we started to head back to the stables, he was oh too excited to get he’s treats and started to go at a decent fast trot to get back. I had to keep stopping and waiting for the other to catch up.
I recommend this place to everyone, from first timers to experienced people. You weren’t restricted to just a small trail but you could take the horse anywhere through the plains, you could go out to far, but the riding wasn’t restricted.
Charles Eade — Google review
Had the best time riding horses today. It has been the best part of our trip. Our guide Pedro was awesome. I highly recommend this place. When we travel we always ride and this was the best experience we’ve ever had.
Katti Senior — Google review
This was the highlight activity for our mom-sisters trip and we had a wonderful experience horseback riding for 2 hours. Nick was our exceptional wrangler/guide and helped us all feel confident (as novice riders) in directing our horses—riding through the gorgeous autumn aspens and even trotting! We were so impressed with how well the horses are cared for and want to bring our kids and husbands here some day.
Angela Williams — Google review
We did a 2 hour horseback ride at 9am. Pedro was our wrangler and we really enjoyed his stories during the ride. He was patient and very helpful. We've done horseback riding at other places and this is so much better. There is room to spread out and the views are amazing. All types of terrain from wide open meadows to trails through aspens and pines. The horses were great and we felt very safe during the ride. I'm going back in October with a group of girlfriends as I know they will love it.
Michele Johnson — Google review
Don’t hesitate to book a trail ride with this ranch! I cannot say enough positive things about our experience. We’ve done trail rides before but this is a completely different experience of true riding in over 3500 acres of the most beautiful country you’ll see. The guides were amazing. They were kind, knowledgeable and reassuring for even our most inexperienced riders of our group. Shout out to Pedro and Dustin who were our guides. If you are anywhere near Breckenridge or Denver check them out!
Tanya Balakrishnan — Google review
Each time we vaca in a new place I look for a place to ride. I don't want a nose to tail ride. This was like being out on your own horse. We had three adults and four children under 12, most first time riders. The wranglers were so nice. The horses well mannered and well cared for. The scenery was awesome. I'll be back to ride when we get back this way.
Julie Beckner — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience! I brought my 8 year old daughter, who has no experience horseback riding. Our guide, Dustin was beyond amazing and patient! By the end, Dustin had her riding like a pro. Beautiful location and friendly staff.
Jessica Friend — Google review
My husband and I are in Breckenridge, CO for our wedding anniversary , and wanted to go horseback riding. American Safari Ranch is HANDS DOWN the best place around the area for a beautiful, scenic, amazing horse back riding experience! They put me on a very calm, broke horse named Gypsy (being I had little riding experience). Dustin was our guide and was wonderful. He was very nice, genuine, knowledgeable about the area, the land, and the wildlife around. You can tell certainly loves what he does for a living. Thank you Dustin for making our anniversary trip such an amazing experience we will forever cherish! We cannot wait to bring more of our family and friends with us next time!
Gary was very kind getting us checked in and set up, along with Pedro , getting us on our horses and explaining everything very thoroughly. Dustin and Pedro were also very patient with us! And thank you Dustin for capturing some pictures of my husband and I on our ride!
Brianna Buchholz — Google review
I called about a month ago to see if I would be able to join a group, as I would be traveling alone. Gary answered and told me to call a day or two in advance and he'd put me in a group. So, that's what he did! He was easy to talk to on the phone and answered any questions I had. When it came time to ride, Pedro was very informative, knowledgeable, and extremely entertaining. As we went through the valley and the forest, he told us of the ranches history, and then showed us the signs of the wildlife along the journey. I have not been horseback riding since I was a teen at summer camp, and Pedro was excellent in his instructions. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Jace Bardwell — Google review
This was one of our favorite days while visiting Colorado in early October. American Safari Ranch was worth every penny and the easy 45 minute drive from Breck. Gary was very accommodating when we called last minute to add on horse back riding with our ATV rides. Pedro was the absolute best and this is not a typical trail ride. You will learn quickly how to drive ATVs with Pedro and Dustin! Definitely make a stop at Otto's for lunch.
Kerry Sanderson — Google review
As two adults who have little experience with horses we had a great time riding! Dustin & Pedro we’re both awesome!!! They took their time to teach us and that made us feel confident riding. We even were sent pictures at the end. Overall it was a really enjoyable experience!!!
Brianne Falcone — Google review
We did a two hour horseback ride with Pedro. He was very knowledgeable with a good sense of humor. They group you with only your family and it was just my daughter and I. The views were spectacular and Pedro’s knowledge of Colorado history and animals in the area was amazing. It’s not your typical trail ride as there is more freedom and less just follow the leader. The horses are very well trained and they match you well to your horse based on experience. Horses are well taken care of and put out to pasture after the day. We will definitely be back.
We had such an awesome time for the 2hr ride! My fiancé has never been on a horse before (he was very scared) and the tour guides were very helpful and accommodating. They held his hand throughout the entire process. In the end, he LOVED it and would want to go again. The horses are very well trained and friendly. We can’t wait to go back!
Kendal Sheckler — Google review
This past weekend I took a solo vacation to Fairplay, CO and went on a two hour ride with Platte Ranch. I’ve been riding my entire life and it’s always been a dream of mine to ride in the mountains. When I’d called and talked to Amy (the owner) about making a reservation she was so helpful and extremely nice. I told her I was a very experienced rider and she promised they’d match me with a horse I would enjoy riding. When I arrived at the ranch Amy introduced me to my horse Bella and we were the perfect match!! Our guides that day were Jill, Josh and Mike all three of them were very accommodating and so very nice. They chatted with all the riders during the entire ride, once we got to the top of the mountain they took pictures of everyone and told us about the history of the ranch and the surrounding areas. We got to ride around the top of the mountain for a bit before we started our decent. Once we got to the bottom Mike gave us the option of which way we wanted to go back to the barn.
The ride was absolutely beautiful and definitely something I will remember forever. I’ll be going back to visit and ride again. I however will be requesting a 4 hour ride with Jill for my next ride. 🥰
Allisha Cash — Google review
My partner and I did a private ride back in September 2022 to see the fall colors. It was absolutely the best trail ride either of us have been on! I rode Bella and she was an amazing combination. Because both he and I have ridden before, we were able to move above a walk and actually trot, canter, gallop where the footing allowed. It was great to not be stuck in a nose-to-tail trail ride with a ton of people. The scenery was beautiful and our guide was amazing, fun and easy to talk to, and educational about the land. I’m not awesome with names but I wish I remembered hers! Her dogs also came along and it was so great to see how happy they were to run alongside and explore with the horses. Our goal is to come back for a winter ride sometime. 😊 Winter or otherwise, we will definitely be back!
Devin S — Google review
Mid December 2023 review
We enjoyed this place so much during the fall (review below) that we came back during our ski trip to do a family ride with Amy and her wranglers who did an excellent job and made the ride and conversation enjoyable and fun. We did a two hour ride in the snow on a sunny but cool day. It was nice to be able to ride to your comfort level and work on your horsemanship, which mine was a little rusty, but the wranglers don’t mind or give you a hard time. It was a memorable time for my family and all enjoyed it a lot. If you are going to be in the area call ahead and do a ride. Prices are great and the experience is top notch.
Early October 2023 review
Took my family to see the horses even though we didn’t have a ride scheduled and the owner (Amy) was super nice and accommodating to let my children pet the horses and give them treats and just hang out with us and chat for a while about the ranch and what they do there. They take in and keep rescue horses in addition to the trail rides and keep them there to live out their lives. It is a family owned ranch and not a corporate enterprise and you can tell because the people treat you and the animals well and are happy you are there. We will definitely be coming back to do a ride soon.
Nick Baker — Google review
My friends and I had an amazing ride at Platte Ranch. The wranglers did a great job pairing us each with horses to match our expertise (or lack there of in my case). We learned how to trot and gallop and overall felt very confident on our horses. The valley we rode in offers amazing views of several different mountain ranges too. Highly recommend!
Tyler — Google review
The horseback riding here is incredible. The horses were fun and well behaved. The guides were very nice, experienced and had tons of great information about the area to share. The views were absolutely fantastic. There is nothing more you could ask for on a horse back riding trip.
Drew S — Google review
We had the best time!!! Phenomenal guides, beautiful horses, and breathtaking landscape.
Megan Mackowiak — Google review
Amy and her crew were excellent! We loved our visit, and they made it extra special for our boys. Great horses, excellent views, and a wonderful time. Highly recommend!
Philip Johnson — Google review
This was the BEST horse ride we have done on a vacation! Tiger was the best guide! He told us stories and gave us a little history lesson as well. We were very well educated about Colorado by the end of our ride. The views were spectacular and do not get me started on when they let the horses run! It was so much fun! We had a blast and we are very grateful for the experience. We had done horse back riding at the Garden of the Gods and I have to be honest this one was way better!
Marisol Villanueva — Google review
Hands down the best guided horse tour my family has been on. Our group had many different levels of riders and we were all accommodated with well trained horses. The guides were super friendly and excited to be with us!
Austin Wilson — Google review
Did a horseback ride to celebrate my daughter's birthday at Platte Ranch. It was a great experience primarily due to their guides Kaeli and Mike. They took the time to get acquainted with everyone in our group, and provided the best instruction and advice. By the end of the ride we all felt like we were made for riding.
David Nunnally — Google review
My wife and i cant say enough good about this place. My wife and I have enjoyed Platte Ranch twice now. The guides are great and make the ride so enjoyable. The scenery is amazing. The horses and dogs are the best!
Mark Stern — Google review
I cannot recommend Platte Ranch enough! My sister and I visited twice for 2 hour rides. Kaylee was our wrangler for both rides and she was AMAZING! She was super knowledgeable about the horses, the ranch, even threw in a little history lesson about the land, and she brought her super cute dog along for the ride! The scenery was astonishing, seriously like something you’d see in movies. The horses were all great! I rode Teaspoon for our first day, he was awesome (although his trot definitely made me sore)🤣! And I got to ride Bella for our last visit, she was just as awesome and her canter was super fun! I really enjoyed the small groups for the rides, it felt a lot more relaxed and very enjoyable. If you’re thinking about visiting Platte Ranch, you absolutely should!!
Nora C — Google review
I have been horseback riding in the FairPlay area for several years now and after a very scary experience with one of the ranches in the area, I searched for a new place I could enjoy trail and backcountry riding again.
Platte Ranch is truly a special place to enjoy the beauty of these majestic mountains. The guides are fantastic! They care about their horses well-being and health and take excellent care of them.
Each of the guides thoughtfully create the perfect horse and human match for the perfect riding experience that is safe for each and every guest.
I brought a friend visiting from out of state with me on this last excursion- and it was a day we will truly enjoy remembering in the years to come.
Thank you Tigger for being the most wonderful guide, you all are the absolute BEST outfit in the area, and we can’t wait to enjoy the trail with you all again and again!
Dara Marvel — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience. Amy and her staff were wonderful. We had a group of 14 ages 4-70 and everyone enjoyed it. They took great care of those in our group who were less comfortable, while the others could be more adventurous. Loved every minute of the 2 hours.
Sarah Paul — Google review
Friendliest people and beautiful place! Very knowledgeable and engaging guides. We had 11 people and we were well-looked after by 3 guides who knew the horses’ personalities and quirks. They took great care pairing up each rider with a suitable horse.
It's a cool place to pick up some swag from monarch ski resort without going up in the hill. Salida is a super fun town, so go grab a coffee from down the street and take a walk. This store closes a few weeks after the ski resort opens so get in while you can. Staff was friendly and courteous.
Billy Nieminen — Google review
Quick and easy interaction to purchase Monarch season tickets.
Mindy Nelson — Google review
Got my ticket for the next day staff was very helpful
bear hilliard — Google review
Friendly staff, able to obtained our Monarch pass with ease.
Riverside Park is a charming urban green space located in a tranquil and shaded environment, offering scenic picnic tables by the riverbank and an open-air stage for concerts. The park is well-maintained with various fun activities like walking along the path besides the river or enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking. It features an excellent playground area with an exciting bouldering wall and bike paths suitable for all ages. Additionally, it provides spectacular views of its surroundings while being conveniently situated near many amenities.
The park itself is great. They always have events throughout the summer. But my favorite part is the path that goes down by the river. It's a great walk & there's lots of fun places to sit by (or in🐕) the river.
Rox Miller — Google review
Cute little park in historic downtown. Perfect view as it sits at the foot of the mountain and on the creek.
Maria Fair — Google review
Very cute and well maintained park. Great view and close to everything.
Rachel W — Google review
This was a wonderful place to experience with my family. We were able to sit at the river's edge to get wet and watch the rafts float by. There was a playground and amphitheater, as well as portable bathrooms.
Miriam Seigel — Google review
This is delightful park with a great atmosphere and always so clean. Plenty of parking for all in great location to go get an ice cream or lunch. Walking down the river is one of our favorite things to do. The water was rushing so high this year... It was Beautiful. The playground is super fun and great for kid friendly activities. There are dogs everywhere!! I have never seen poo anywhere near this park. It is a great place to bring a blanket for a picnic or choose a table. Definitely a must-see when you come to Salida.
Liz G — Google review
Beautiful park for the kids to play. Great playground and fun bouldering wall. Bike paths are awesome. I'd like to come back and kayak the river too.
Quinn L — Google review
Nice, newly remodeled Lodge and beautiful RV park. They have a barbecue food truck on site which is really cool. There is also a beautiful river walk. Very nice and clean place to stay.
Larry Whitman — Google review
Salida is the place to be! Amazing atmosphere at Arkansas River. Music, great restaurants, dog friendly people everywhere! Just enjoy your life! 😄
Sari — Google review
Road trippin'? This is a sweet spot to stop & shake out the wiggles, dip your toes, swing & slide, monkey about on the climbing wall, stroll around the town, or make a loop around the park. Public restrooms are well kept, the cascading canopy of cedar trees will catch your attention and keep it!
Feeling brave? Hop in a kayak or raft upstream and ride the man-controlled rapids!
Strolling on a Sat? Perfect, the farmers market is where it's at.
Shop local while you're there and maybe take in a band or two...you know on second thought maybe book a stay, Salida is a gorgeous river town.
Brandy Leonard — Google review
Really cool laid-back Park, but the main reason I was there because of the New River Surf Wave which is located right behind the bathroom building down in the river it's the best wave Colorado has to offer definitely bring your wetsuit gear the water is pretty cold this time of year currently November. We pulled up on a Wednesday parked right in front of the park surfed the wave, then longboard skateboard down grab to grab some coffee and then went on a mountain bike ride. It was a pretty good work day in my opinion. On the street where the park is there is an electric car charger and there's public bathrooms that are open kids playground nice green grass chill out picnic benches have yourself a little food.
DIYsavecash — Google review
Unique park - well worth a look. Pathway along the Arkansas River is quiet, paved (big plus!), and picturesque. Loved watching the local "River surfers."
Dennis Morgan — Google review
Awesome park.. safe clean and beautiful..
Jimmy Spoons — Google review
It's one of the nicest parks in Colorado. It is very close to the river and has lots of space. Shops and restaurants are very close.
Shaun Aragon — Google review
Nice little park with a walkway along the water. Perfect for everyday or a 4th of July Celebration!
Jennifer Hoff-Schillaci — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(249)
Salida, CO 81201, USA
12
Staunton State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Former early-19th-century homestead, with hiking & biking trails plus fishing in ponds & streams.
One of my favorite state parks in all of Colorado. Love that you can hike for miles without seeing barely any people. Hikes tend to be longer- but the scenery is so pretty the distance never bothers me. Views are amazing; the overlooks are just the best. We love coming here. It can get windy at the top; and icy in the winter- but this park has it all. I love living so close by!
Jenny Penman The Adventurous Agent — Google review
Excellent trails, well signed and maintained. This Park serves mountain climbers, horses, hikers, and bicyclists. I am thrilled to report all encountered were courteous, kind, and thoughtful. Wonderful horse trailer parking. Stunning views. Some color left when we rode there. Good conditioning ride. No problems with dogs. Drinking out of the lake and the creek earlier in the ride. The waterfall has a hitching rail for the horses while we hiked further up for the view. Water very low this time of the year. Deer were seen as well. Staunton was donated/ bought and has expanded in size over the years. A true pleasure to be there. 4 of us rode.
Maxine Doner — Google review
It's an hour from Cherry Creek, which is a big plus. There are longer, shorter, easier, and harder trails. There are roads as options. There's a lake. There's rock climbing. Beginners and advanced have stuff to do, or well, I dont do advanced, Im saying the rock climbing stuff is pretty advanced. Dogs are welcome. The deer are kinda friendly, and the view is great. It's my 2023 go-to. I haven't done all the trails yet, so Im going back weekly.
Angel Pierre — Google review
There’s something for everyone here. A large variety of trail options to meet any skill level or interest. Whether you are bringing a horse, a bike, your hiking shoes, or your running shoes, you’ll be in great shape.
Red Rock provides you with awesome 360 views and is often overlooked because the sign makes it sound like you will need to rock climb. While that is one option, you can also scramble to the top. Check it out!
Kettering — Google review
I love Staunton! It gets pretty busy on weekends. The trails can get crowded with bikes/hikers. But there are so many amazing trails and ways to detour off of one trail and on to other trails to make your hike/run/bike as short or as long as you want. There is something for everyone, too. From very easy to much more difficult climbs. It's a great place for a day trip. Make sure to pack more than you think you need because occasionally a trail will be closed to protect nesting wildlife, and the detour can add several miles on to your hike.
TA C — Google review
This is a great park close to Conifer. The rock climbing out here is awesome. We hiked a mile and a half from the parking lot to Reynolds’s wall. The views are spectacular!
JozARTSY — Google review
We took an awesome hike down around Davis pond. So glad we brought the camera. Lots of birds, squirrels and very scenic.
David Henk — Google review
We hiked in January! The park was practically empty and the trails were good even though they had snow on them. A little disappointed the visitor center was closed, otherwise it was great. The restrooms were clean and available for use in the winter.
Denise Kline — Google review
We had a fantastic experience every step of the way. The two gentlemen working the visitors center went above and beyond in helping us plan our day and learn about the park.
We wanted to purchase our yearly hanging pass and they made it super easy to get that done. They answered every question my kids had. They also informed me about upcoming classes and activities we can find by following the park on social media. Give these guys a raise - they were absolutely amazing!
My kids wanted to work on their junior ranger badge, so they helped explain how their program works. They also let me know where good cell coverage was to access internet based resources they provide.
If your kids want to do the Junior Ranger Program - be sure your Agents of Discovery app is updated and you've downloaded the challenges specific for this park before you arrive! There are three available.
The visitors center has a whole educational section with interactive exhibits and information! We definitely want to come back to spend more time in there.
They also have rentable wheelchairs thst can navigate trails.
We did the Mason Creek Trail and it was FANTASTIC! The first mile gets you to the cascades with benches available. But the real magic happens closer to mile 2! Mule deer, fields of wildflowers, crossing the streams by hopping rocks, etc. The mountain bikers were all so kind and respectful and we met so many friendly people on the trail. We expected it to be crowded for the holiday weekend, instead it was a quiet and pleasant hike.
We went in hoping to do 2 miles round trip and did 5 instead. But we wanted to keep going! Next time we hope to do the whole loop.
This will sound funny, but if you are a hiker... You know. The bathrooms at the trailhead were so clean and actually smelled NICE! But no hand sanitizer - so bring some from you car!
I have Verizon and has at least 1 bar the whole way. This means AllTrails worked without a hitch and I could get text only messages out to let me husband know our progress.
Tara Roehl — Google review
Great little day hike up to the Mill. My dog loved the fact that a fresh water stream was parallel to the trail the whole way. Not a bad drive and not too busy. Ten dollars American and you're in!
thekreal — Google review
Great park! Wonderful waterfall area that has recently been opened. Very busy on this Saturday morning but was much less busy after noon. Most lots were full by 10.
Raymond Johnson — Google review
Completed 9/7: Very beautiful state park with lots of trails. We did an easy 2 milke hike (Davis Pond), and while there were not many aspens on this trail, we did see some that were still yellow. (see my uploaded video!)
Private Name — Google review
This is our first year doing outdoor sports and events CPW is so kind and helpful we were able to attend our 1st fishing 🎣 clinic and it was the BEST experience Kieth was very nice and super helpful we will keep attending all clinics and are very excited to keep learning!
De Tinoco — Google review
Great park that wasn't extremely busy. There was a decent amount of people nothing as crazy as some other state parks I've been too. The views are awesome and the history of the park is super cool to learn about as well. Me and my girlfriend really enjoy finding new parks to picnic at and a coworker mentioned this park as one he really enjoys, so we decided to check it out and we weren't disappointed! They had a couple of locations with picnic benches to use for our picnic, and the park was very dog friendly for those that wanna bring their doggos.
Jesse J — Google review
Great place for a day outing! Good trails. Facilities in good shape.
Joseph Kreutzer — Google review
Well marked, well maintained trails. Glad they've kept the climbing areas even though the park has become more developed over the years. The walk-in campsites are not a far walk from the parking lot, but they are clustered together, so you won't be far from your neighbor. Also no fire rings and no fires allowed.
Went here in July 2022 for my first time rafting and I was super nervous. Our guide Tito was amazing! He explained everything and I knew I was in good hands. I can't wait to go again!
Sandra Lane — Google review
We took the rafting trip down bighorn canyon today. I've been whitewater rafting before but this was my first time in CO. This is the perfect beginners trip with a few class 2 and 3 rapids. The surrounding scenery was beautiful. You get to see so many different birds and animals and we were lucky to have spotted a family of bighorn sheep! You should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled time so you can get checked in and listen to the safety talk. Our guide Tito was seriously the bes guide I've ever had in my entire life. He shared so many interesting and funny stories with us and made the two hour journey down the river so enjoyable. He's also extremely professional and making sure we were safe. 10/10 would recommend this experience to anyone!
Edward Wire (Eddie Wire) — Google review
My family and I had another great time with Rock-N-Row. We’ve been rafting with them before (4 years running) because they’re able to accommodate my youngest child (11 years old). We were able to enjoy a tougher level of the river this trip (8 class III rapids) because my younger children have gotten bigger and stronger. It’s nice that we’ve been able to develop a relationship with some of the staff at Rock-N-Row.
Rodolfo Reyes — Google review
Alan was the BEST! We had a blast with him. Great conversation and fun. He was a great guide and easy to follow. Plys, his jokes were outstanding. Spent about 3 hours on the river, got to see some Big Horn Sheep and did a rock jump into the water. Will be back again for some class 4 rapids next year!
Brandy Nunes — Google review
Great first experience rafting! Our 7 & 11 year old loved it so much they want to do it again before summer ends & go back to school. We had Luke as our guide & he was super chill and nice. Take some cash to tip your guide.
joselyn Rojas — Google review
This was our second time rafting here. They are very professional, take safety seriously and also know how to have a great time. Our son also went rock climbing with them this trip and it was also great! Justin was our guide this time and he was super!
David Derry — Google review
Aspiring lawyer, teacher, and mountain man. His name was Allen. (Dun dun dunnnnn!) Besides all jokes, Rock-N-Row was an absolutely fantastic experience! I would certainly recommend this company to any family or group to experience! It is certainly highly recommended to get Allen as your guide, he will turn your nervousness in to absolute laughter as you ride the tides! Be sure to stop by if you pass through! (Shout out to WhiteWaterPhotography for the awesome photos!)
Aiden Montoya — Google review
My family and friends had a great time on our rafting trip with Rock N Row. Allen was our guide and he truly made our experience amazing . Allen was very friendly and funny. He made sure we were having fun while even entertaining our 6 year old son. I would recommend Rock N Row to anyone looking for an awesome rafting experience.
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a park showcasing petrified redwood stumps and numerous insect and plant fossils. Visitors can enjoy guided walks on well-maintained trails with few crowds, offering peaceful walks with stunning views of Pikes Peak over the forest. There are plenty of information boards posted around the paths to learn about history as you walk, and benches provide quick resting spots.
An unexpected stop, was well worth it! We saw some cool fossils, and read about the history of the area! We were able to get Junior Ranger badges, and visit the fossil lab, which was also fascinating! Walking trails were great, just more out in the open. And most of the interesting plant species were labeled! A massive storm was coming in, so we just spent a few hours here in the morning, and it was enough time!
The entry free is high if you don’t have a annual or monthly pass. I would recommend buying the monthly pass, and going to 2+ National park sites to make the $35 fee worth it!
Rachael King — Google review
The gem of a National Monument probably gets overlooked quite often. The trails are very well kept and I had no idea Colorado had giant redwood trees centuries ago! Great site to visit, hike, and learn about.
Kelly Champion-Smith — Google review
This place was amazing. Would have gotten 5 stars if the exhibits were open. We were the only ones in the building, would have been great to just see them. Had to wear a mask inside, so I don't know why we couldn't have looked. The trails were well maintained. The experience was breathtaking!
Carol Huff — Google review
Nice trails throughout the park...visitor center has various exhibits with local fossils and an informative video. Along the petrified trail, there are several petrified Redwood stumps. Park exceeded my expectations and is a nice park to visit.
Chris Yakus — Google review
Geologic history and about 14 miles of easy and moderate trails. Entry fee is included if you have a National Parks Pass.
Brian Wilson — Google review
The museum in the monument is still closed I think, because I was under the impression that there were some exhibits you can normally look at. But because of that (I think) there wasn’t an entrance fee. The ranger was so great! He started talking to some other people and I walked up and ended up enjoying a small tour. There is a 0.25 and 1 mile loop if you are just passing through, or longer hikes if you have more time.
A D — Google review
Very interesting monument! It was too cold to go on the trails (we will be going back in the summertime) but even just going to see the redwood stumps and the info inside of the building itself was well worth the fee. Jeff was great too, and gave me a ton of resources on how to get my foot in the door as a student in Ecology! Definitely worth a visit.
Peyton Smith — Google review
Beautiful area with great trails. We met several friendly locals that walk the trails regularly. Wonderful weather for June/July.
Jennifer Y — Google review
Super cool little park! I had seen pictures of the petrified redwoods but it’s hard to get a sense of their size without seeing them in person. There are lots of great loop trails here. I did the Petrified Forest loop to see the redwood stumps and the Sawmill Loop, which was very quiet and peaceful. Admission = $10 per adult.
Scott Sharaga — Google review
Great trails and very interesting history of the area. Beautiful surroundings.
Randy Stavinoha — Google review
Stopped by here on our way between Colorado Springs and Alamosa. In hindsight, I'm bummed we only gave ourselves 2-3 hours to spend here. The kids did the junior ranger program booklet and walked the short Ponderosa and Petrified Forest Loops (about 1.5 miles total). With more time, I would've liked to hike the rest of the trails near the visitor center, particularly Boulder Creek, Hornbek and Geologic. Overall, worth the stop, and got to learn a good bit of history about the area, and see some reaaaaaaaaaallllllllllly old rocks that used to be tree stumps.
Ryan Madden — Google review
Beautiful fossil bed area and pioneer homestead nestled in the Rockies. Several trails to see fossils and petrified wood and some small furry praire creatures that bark. There was mountain storm when we visited and it made the experience even more magical.
Aaron Rose — Google review
Fantastic experience, learn about 34 million years of history right here in Colorado. See petrified stumps (sounds strange, but knowing the history makes it so interesting!) Don’t miss the visitor center. Watch a 15 minute informational video and view many plant and insect fossils from millions of years. The paths are well maintained, but wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen/hat, or an umbrella for rain. Plan to spend a few hours here. Bring your National parks pass and get the stamp in your national parks passport.
Ashley H — Google review
Fun place with lots to learn and well maintained trails.
It was a slow day so I only spotted one other group on the trails the whole day. Very peaceful walks with a great view of pikes peak over the forest.
Lots of information boards are posted around so you can learn as you walk.
Paths are well marked and a few benches around if you need a quick rest.
It's a great place to visit if you like the outdoors and history lessons. I enjoyed it but don't see myself coming back any time soon since it was a smaller park. Feels very one-and-done for the average tourist.
My friends and I had the best time there on Saturday!! It was a special Holiday tour. Not only did we get the tour of all 19 of their wolves, foxes & coyotes, but everyone got a very special meet & greet with Wolf pup Raven!! Amazing experience!! After the tour, we got to check out their wonderful gift shop...best collection of wolf everything that I've ever seen!! They also have a lot of beautiful pictures of the same wolves that we just got to see in person, during our tour!! I recommend this place to anyone who's as in love with wolves as I am!!
Amy Bader — Google review
It was okay, not good, not bad - it would have been great if we weren't going for a toddler... not a toddler experience! The website made it seem like they only had tours on certain days and since they list business hours straight through the day, we assumed that you could just walk around on your own if it wasn't a tour / Wildlife encounter time. So just for anyone else wondering, even if you do pay, you cannot walk around without being on a guided tour beyond the 2 front fences and the check-in building. The gal at the check-in desk said they did have room for us on the tour if we wanted to join, and it would have been $25 (per adult) for each of us and $15 (per child) for our 2 year old child. Our 2 (almost 3) year old just wouldn't have had the patience for or really care to take a tour (and I'm sure the guides and everyone else on the tour appreciated not having a 2 year old talk through the entire tour asking 8 million questions over and over about the animals and running around)... he just wanted to go see the animals from a distance, like the National Wildlife Refuge. And I'm pretty sure all the tours go inside the enclosures, which he is also not ready for and could not behave safely - they do say on their site tours are not recommended for anyone below the age of 5, and I'd agree with their recommendation; however, I didn't realize that basically meant do not visit if you are under the age of 5 since it's only meant to be a tour guided facility - nothing you can pay an admission to just view from behind the fenced areas. Our son did get to see a couple foxes that were in the 2 front fences in the entry way, and the gift shop had a really nice variety of products though, so if it's on the way, you could go just for that if you have a toddler or baby... but know it's a quick trip and you won't see much of anything. We won't go back until we have a child old enough to do the tour safely and who would want to actually understand and care about the tour to make it worth the time and $ for us.. and to respect everyone else trying to listen to the tour, but we would like to come back when that time comes.
T — Google review
Well designed and maintained wolf and wildlife experience. Plenty of parking. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Groups can be large in numbers but the facility easily allows for this and voice amplification devices ensure the guide can be heard. The one hour tour gives you a great idea overview of the facility and you may wish to return for a more enhanced and personal experience. Howl and be heard at this wonderful wildlife encounter. Great for young and old alike!
M Payler — Google review
Beautiful place. I'm glad such place exist, they do amazing things for the endangered wildlife. It's sad to hear what these lovely creatures go through. Definitely worth going and taking a look for yourself. Emily was our tour guide and she introduced us to a variety of lovely wolves and coyotes. Being very informative about the critical situation they are facing as well as how incredible and smart they are. We promise to visit every year or any time we can to support you all. Thank you.
There's plenty more wolves I just snapped a couple of pictures. Howling with the wolves at the end was a great farewell and is something we want to experience again.
Jay Son — Google review
What a night! My wife loved it. Amazing job from the whole team and owner with these beautiful creatures. An amazing plan to insert them back into the wildlife!
I will go anytime I can!
Kevim Lucena — Google review
What a truly amazing experience! These wolves are amazing to admire. Let's help preserve them! Definitely recommend a wolf interaction. Your soul will be changed forever as you howl with them!
International Traveling Clown — Google review
Brought my daughter and my 2 grandsons (7 & 10 years old) to learn about the wolves. The tour and educational information is well worth their prices. I can not speak highly enough about the people working here who interacted with us. They are very well informed, personable, and genuinely care for these wonderful animals. I would do this tour again when we come back to Colorado. Next time I’m hoping to do the VIP.
Elizabeth Hargis — Google review
Great interactive experience with Raven the Wolf. They only do this once a month, but it was very worthwhile.
The tour afterwards was very informative as well.
My one criticism would be the prices in the store afterwards, there is at least a 25% markup on some items compared to other souvenir stores in the area. I honestly think they would sell more if they reduced their prices and potentially have more to spend on the wolves and their upkeep.
Alternatively sell more smaller, low priced souvenirs so that people are less likely to leave without spending anything
HC OakleyD — Google review
Reservations are required. Basic tour is $25 and personally I think that's high.
You can pay extra for personal encounters with the wolves.
They sell water, but you can bring your own. They provide shade umbrellas if it's really sunny, but there are plenty of shady spots and places to sit along the tour.
They do a good job of trying to coax the wolves to come up to the fence so you can see them up close.
The ending group wolf howl was really cool.
Diane B — Google review
Visiting the wolf and wildlife center was an incredible experience! The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about these magnificent animals. We got to see the wolves and other animals up close in a safe and respectful environment. It was both educational and awe-inspiring. I highly recommend this organization to anyone interested in wildlife conservation and learning more about wolves.
Jessica “Jay” Dibella — Google review
We took the feeding tour last Saturday evening. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I had some preconceived "knowledge" about wolves; boy, was I wrong! Our tour guide was great with adults and kids. The wolves, foxes, coyotes, and New Guinea Laughing Dogs are extremely well taken care of and beautiful. Lots of space for all of them. If you have even the slightest interest in these animals, this is a must visit. The money raised goes to protect these animals. Thank you to the staff, the ones we met, and the others we didn't; you're doing wonderful work.
Steve Brown — Google review
Absolutely an incredible experience!!! Could not recommend this place more! So many beautiful animals and the staff was so knowledgeable! Made me want to do more for these wolves/foxes and the fur trade industry!
If you live or are visiting Colorado- you HAVE to check this place out! 10/10 experience!
Jordyn Klein — Google review
One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, it’s a must see for sure. I received such crucial information on the importance of saving these beautiful creatures. Our tour guide was one of the best I’ve had on any tour. She had so much information for us but shared in the most fun way. The wolves were beautiful, endearing and when they howled! Wow. You have to go!
Claudia Aguilera — Google review
Amazing. We loved every bit. They are wonderful with accessibility accommodations via golf cart and wildlife conservation.
Put on your good hiking shoes; some steep hills with gravel.
Stacey Posey — Google review
Visited here finally after many years living in SoCo. The refuge itself has wolves rescued from far flung places as well as wild dogs, foxes, etc. We had to be escorted around the refuge and were given a background of each of the animals in the enclosures as well as some behavior info. You can tell the staff interact quite a bit as they have gotten to know each animals personality, and that was probably the most intriguing part of this tour. Be sure to go upstairs and see Raven's (the wolf who likes to paint) work. You can even buy a print if you like.
Lady Margaret — Google review
Must visit. Easy to find. Would recommend reservations in advance. We didn't and were able to get the next time slot. The gift shop is amazing and has a seating area in the back with coffee and tea. The tour was eye-opening with the populations of the wolf and how each state treats them. I'm so glad this place is here to educate us all. We howl and the wolf's howl back at us.
Donna Buono — Google review
As an animal and particularly a wolf lover, this was one of the best experiences of my life! The knowledge they have of the animals they are working so hard to preserve and the obvious love and care they provide for each of them is very evident. An awesome place and experience.
Be sure to check the events page before visiting to see what extra fun or educational thing they may be doing for an extremely reasonable price!
Katie Kennedy — Google review
Where your dreams of observing, interacting, and even petting a couple of wolves can come true! The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and they have a true passion for all the critters at the reserve! The reserve is a beautiful environment for the animals to roam in and a grand environment to observe them in! Definitely a one of a kind experience, especially the photography sessions that are offered! They also have a magnificent gift shop that truly does have something for everyone! I'm from North Carolina, I purchased and experienced the group photo session. The staff DOES makes sure that you have a chance to interact with the wolves before you leave. The photos they take are done with precise timing! They know their wolves well! Well worth the price to experience this rare opportunity, and I would do it a hundred more times if I could!I look forward to going back with my son one day! Thank you Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for making a little girl's dreams come true!!!
Kerri Clemmons — Google review
If you love Animals you cannot skip on the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. I was able to make a dream come true by interacting with Foxes and Wolves.
Our tour guide and animal handler were amazing, super friendly and intelligent. Being up close and personal with these majestic creatures truly makes you understand how important it is that we protect them.
Anthony Vailliant — Google review
This place is amazing!! You get so close to the animals, and they teach you so much while you're there. I did the wolf encounter and will have photos to look back on from an experience of a lifetime. The staff was very friendly and kind. Plus, they have cool stuff in the gift shop for decent prices, and all the proceeds go back into the wolves.
However, if you go in the wintertime, wear boots cause it's slick and icy on the paths - you're in the mountains, lol
Sabrina Sheehan — Google review
Staff was very kind and knowledgeable. The intro at the very beginning was very long-winded but I understand the importance of spreading facts and encouraging people to support our wolves. The wolves are lovely and were very talkative during our session. I cannot wait to go back to visit those beauties.
Victoria Medina — Google review
I cannot say enough good things about the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. I was visiting Colorado Springs for a work trip and knew I needed to make the journey to visit the wolves. The VIP experience is incredible, and the staff are extremely accommodating at trying to get you great photos and very friendly. The facility itself is beautiful, with spacious enclosures and enrichment for the animals. As a veterinarian I appreciate the effort to maintain good health and welfare of the animals, as well as the effort to educate the public on wolf behaviour and ecology. Debunking the “alpha male” myth is particularly important since neither wolves nor dogs operate on a dominance hierarchy. Emily our tour guide was clearly very passionate about wolf behaviour and conservation and I wish I could have had more opportunity to chat with her. These beautiful animals are a vital part of the ecosystem and I am grateful to the CWWC for their efforts to advocate on behalf of wolves and wolf conservation and educate the public. I am even more grateful to the animals themselves for welcoming me into their space and allowing me to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Roxborough State Park in Colorado is a geological site offering hiking trails and a visitor's center. It boasts stunning red-rock formations and wildlife, making it one of the best state parks in the area. The interplay of lights and shadows against the rocks is truly amazing, providing visitors with a unique experience every season. One recommended trail here is Willow Creek Loop, which offers breathtaking views.
Roxborough State Park is one of the best state parks in Colorado in my opinion. The red rocks really make this park special and you have a completely different experience depending on which season you hit the park. The lights and shadows interplaying with the rocks are amazing to see in person. The Willow Creek Loop is my favorite trail here and you get amazing views on the loop. I highly recommend doing this park after a fresh snow because the contrast of the snow against the red rocks is epic. This is also one of my favorite places to shoot in the fall but no matter when you go you will love this park!
Jeremy Janus — Google review
I've been to Denver several times but this place was a first and I really loved it! The rocks are dramatic and cast beautiful shadows. We followed the trail to the overlook, which is an easy walk on gravel, and we took lots of pictures. There's a house along the way that appears to be a historic site but it wasn't open, it would have been fun to have visited the inside. The area is supposed to be especially beautiful in the snow with the white as a lovely contrast to the red rocks and also in the spring with green against the red.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
This park was not crowded at all. We saw a large number of wild flowers and a few deers. The top view is from the Carpenter trail. Dogs are not allowed here, so keep your furry babies at home.
Athenas Canal — Google review
Really enjoyed my first visit to Roxborough state park! As most people know, it is a $10 fee to enter Colorado state parks. I went early September, and had no issues with lines entering the park. Nice visitor center with a great, spacious picnic area with a large awning. Restrooms are located inside the visitor center. Hiked the popular Fountain Valley trail and boy did I regret going mid-day! This trail is HOT. The high was 82° and I was drenched in sweat. Minimal shade, with lots of direct sunlight. Hiker beware! Looking forward to returning once fall temps are here to stay!
Cara Conway — Google review
This park is a gym. It's fun to hike in both the summer and the winter. In the winter the trails are still very well used even shortly after a snow. You don't need snowshoes because of so much use. Some of the trails go up the mountain and some go parallel to the mountain and both have unique views. I would recommend giving this Park a shot if you have a little time.
Heffe Montana — Google review
The Roxborough State Park is incredible - lots of trail options, short and long, easy and difficult. The views of the rock formations and Denver in the background get better the higher you go. The gates open at 7AM - I got there early and was almost the only one on the trails. It does get busy quickly, though. A park pass is required, but it can be purchased at the entrance. It's going to be my new go-to park for hiking and trail running.
Peter Steenhuis — Google review
My husband and I went here yesterday to end 2022 off right! It was our first time coming here and the park is so close to Denver! It's beautiful and you get to see plenty of red sandstone rock formations. We also saw some deer in the distance and plenty of wildlife trails.
The hikes are all relatively short but you can combine them to get more mileage. We will definitely be coming back here and are excited to try out the other hikes. Might come with our snowshoes after the next storm and see if we can use them.
Private Name — Google review
Southwest Denver’s secret gem. Beautiful hikes for seasoned hikers or short easy ones—great for visiting friends/family, who aren’t used to the altitude, to experience.
Be aware that pets are not allowed in the park.
Kris Boguniewicz — Google review
It's such a beautiful little retreat in Colorado! We love hiking the trails and just being out in nature with no cell service. This place has to be the cleanest state park we've been to. There are no dogs allowed , so keep that in mind. There is a dog day just outside the entrance if needed.
Brandon Smart — Google review
Really beautiful place to hike around. Was amazing to be in nature and see lots of wildlife. There was a beautiful picnic area near the trail heads so you can have a nice lunch break after or before hiking. Will definitely be visiting again.
JoHanna Morse — Google review
A friend recommended this for our first hike while in Colorado. It did not disappoint! Beautiful scenery, wildlife and moderately easy trails.
David Henk — Google review
Wonderful little park to visit on sunny days. If you plan on arriving in the summer. Plan on arriving early to ensure you don’t have to wait to get into the park with its limited capacity.
There is a bathroom on the grounds but it’s a traditional outdoor bathroom so don’t expect a 5 star hotel.
Well worth the walk and the view of you get a chance to visit!
Hannah Paulson — Google review
We did the Fountain Valley loop trail and it was very easy steady incline in some parts. Beautiful views, lots of pretty wild flowers, and well maintained trail. There was a pretty long wait to get into the park but it was very worth it.
Maritza — Google review
Beautiful rock formations. Peaceful. Easy walk. No bikes allowed which is great. No need to keep an eye for somebody coming down the corner while you're enjoying the walk. Clean and well maintained. Totally recommended!
Carlos Parra — Google review
This is a great state park. It is similar to Red Rocks or Garden of the Gods and had similar rock formations formed in the same way. This park is very protected and they do a nice job encouraging people to leave no travel, stay in the trails and preserve the beautiful environment. There are some nice picnic tables on the visitors center patio to enjoy a picnic. There is no off trail use permitted in many parts of the park. Additionally pets are not allowed in the park. This park has some excellent hiking and views of the rock formations. Every time I have been it has been less crowded than Red rocks or Garden of the Gods however in the summer months I think it is a very highly used park so you may have to wait to get in. Parking lots are small. The visitors center has some very nice and informative displays. The fountain valley loop is a great trail for families and begining hikers. There is a board near the visitors center that displays the conditions of each trail. There are some historical buildings along the fountain valley loop that are cool to see. Great state park!!
Cassie Michel — Google review
Very nice place for trails, they have good trails with different difficulty level
Food and picnic areas are so cool, you can do outings with huge crowds here. Can accommodate hundreds
Plan early so that you can cover all trails and trekking fun
They have good facilities for families especially like restrooms, food, picnic areas and lake areas.
Raja Sekar — Google review
My favorite place to hike in tri county, super close to home yet it still feels secluded from civilization and natural. Their team does a really nice job making the visitor center feel inviting, and they have drinks, maps, guides & snacks for purchase. The trails and all open areas are really well maintained and you can feel how special this place is to everyone that works there. Trail options for all ages and levels of strenuousness
So beautiful!
Nun Ya — Google review
Went to Roxborough with friends we were visiting & loved it!! On the west side of Denver so very easy access & they had a park pass so we got in free but the entrance fee is very reasonable & the park is day use only. Very clean & welcoming Visitor Center & the park rangers were very friendly & helpful. There's about 15 miles of trails they are well maintained & marked lots of great views & we enjoyed a 3 mile hike on a beautiful I highly recommend this state park!!
Kirk Dana — Google review
Really beautiful path to walk and cool little museum type place to check out for free. I was so amazed at the beauty of the mountains and trees, that were going back in the morning. There's a $10 fee to get in per car though. Not bad. We brought our 2 small kids of course, and they were just intrigued by the beauty. Def recommend!
Breanna K — Google review
Roxborough state park continues to be an amazing park. It's beautiful, well maintained, peaceful, and the main hiking loop is great for all ages. We had a group ranging from small children up to in their sixties. We all enjoyed the hike. Good parking, friendly visitor center, and chances to see lots of wildlife! We appreciated the wildlife log in the visitor center to see what we might be in store for seeing that day.
Rocky summit with a fire-spotting tower overlooking Pike National Forest & surrounding peaks.
Family friendly hike in and out with a very clear designated trail, with plenty of options to stop off for a break or take in the scenery of the beautiful Pike National Forest. Be sure to go early as parking can be very tricky and some other patrons might be aggressive in getting a spot. Also be sure to check the weather. If there is any thunder or lighting the Park Rangers will shut down the tower with no way of you knowing till you get to the top.
Troy Moore — Google review
Amazing views for such a close and relatively easy hike.(our 4 year old hiked the whole way with no issues)
Pine lined trails offer quiet shaded experience. Large Jurassic size rock formations reveal breathtaking panoramic views.
Towards the top of the trail be sure to visit "Zinn Overlook" to the left before your final journey to the base of the fire tower stairs. There is a beautiful green meadow lined with trees, rock formation and wild flowers garnishing the peaceful open space.
Chad McCann — Google review
The hike is great. Mostly uphill the whole way but the views are worth the effort. The road getting to the trailhead is in bad shape and keeps this from being a 5 star hike.
Chris Gleeson — Google review
The Devil's Head Lookout is a really great hiking and sight seeing experience that is fairly easily accessible to most hikers of all ages. There was little kids (maybe 6-7 years old?) and older people that were able to make the hike, but it still can be a challenge and fun adventure for any experience level. Once you get to the very top lookout tower, the views are absolutely amazing and the landscape you can see in 360 degrees is stunning. They had a park ranger in the tower when I went up and she shared a lot of interesting information about the area. I would highly recommend checking it out.
B A — Google review
Had my first cry on this hike because the views were just overwhelming. Makes you feel less significant in the grand scheme.
John Stafiej — Google review
The views were incredible! Just make sure to bring gloves, a hat, and hiking poles. The hike itself was pretty strenuous and had a lot of trip hazards. It started snowing when we got to the top!
Paula Bezark — Google review
The roads to the parking lot are very bumpy but any car will get up them visited on June 11 and all the parking spots were taken at 9 am luckily there was space for our truck in between some pine trees in the lot the hike was beautiful and a little hard on the way up but I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone in Colorado!!
August Shorey — Google review
Great hike just know it is a popular hike so plan ahead! Also they do allow dogs! We misunderstood the website.
Beth M — Google review
This was my first experience hiking and it has such pretty views. The walk is worth it in the end, and I really think the stairs to the top was the hardest part.
There's a few resting points along the way to take breaks. I recommend bring some snacks and water. The best time to go is a little earlier before everyone gets there(I went around 7/8).
Sleepy — Google review
The trail is good. It'll get really busy this summer and on weekends. Remember to take your trash home and stay on the trail. You can get some good views from the top.
Tim Lozano — Google review
What a cool little gem tucked away near Sedalia, Colorado. First time visiting here, shooting a fire fighter and her dog for a photo shoot.
The forest service road is is typically bumpy but well worth the drive. Many beautiful spots along the way as you drive in, and camping spots were abundant.
Definitely worth it
Scorpio67 Photography — Google review
Memorial Day was crowded, and presented parking challenges. Great trail, though. Wonderful conditions.
Elena Balandina — Google review
Moderate hike, only because it is all uphill... very well maintained... there are benches here and there to take much needed rests for some... once you get high enough, you will be in awe with the amazing view... unfortunately, I didn't make it top the top structure, but understandable, the pup wasn't sure about going up the stairs... LONG staircase going up, up, up... from where I was, already could see so far, from up there you could probably see the whole state ❤️
CAROLYN CASHMAN — Google review
Loved this hike! The views were breathtaking and it was the right amount of a challenge.
Made it to the lookout without spikes but there were definitely some icy areas.
Pamela Marie — Google review
Devils Head Lookout was one of the most breathtaking views I have ever had a privilege to witness! Now, I will say that the hike to the very top of the fire red stairs, is moderately a workout, especially if you’re traveling from another state where you’re not already above sea level. So I will advice to take as many breaks as possible if you’re struggling to breathe (especially since it’s about 9,000 feet above sea level). Regardless of the efforts to get to the top, the view itself washes away all of that. I highly recommend this hike to everyone!
Jennifer Martinez — Google review
Amazing view after the hike , its going to be worth once your at the top.
Shoes with good grip are recommended.
For a beginner hike , it would take around 1.25hour to reach top with multiple breaks
Recommended to carry small snacks and water.
Be prepared for muddy road for 30-45mins on your way in and out. People traveling from North Denver make sure you take the same direction where highway exit 61 is pointed, on your way back.
Kaushik — Google review
Amazing hike, we went there on Saturday, July 29th. We found parking next to the restrooms steps away from the trail entrance.
The trail is 1.5 miles up to the lookout. 3.0 miles roundtrip if you walk from the parking next to the trail entrance.
There's an overflow parking down at the entrance. Trail gets crowded, so you'll not be alone in the weekend.
Take water and comfortable shoes.
Eduardo Rivera — Google review
Loved this hike. It wasn't super challenging from a distance and elevation perspective. The views were amazing, but it was cloudy and hazy in August. We talked to the ranger for a bit. She just wants people to know that she is working up there and isn't a personal tour guide.
Adam Sweetser — Google review
Hiked mid-July on a Sunday and reached the trailhead around 3:15 pm. Was able to find parking at the main lot. If going earlier parking might become an issue. Coming to the trail; very dry with slippery sandy portions so make sure you are hiking with good traction shoes. The views from the top are amazing to say the least with continental divide very visible and clear. Windy at the top so prepare accordingly and Sunscreen up y’all!
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a 360-acre amusement park situated on top of a canyon, which is spanned by one of the world's highest suspension bridges. The bridge was built in 1929 and spans 1,260 feet across the 950-foot-deep Royal Gorge. The park was greatly affected by a wildfire in 2013, but has since been rebuilt with attractions such as aerial gondolas, rides, and a theater.
We arrived to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park after a snow storm the day before. The weather was beautiful staging a nice sunny day. This historic landmark was worth the almost two hour drive to get there. While most of the activities were closed due to winter maintenance, we were lucky enough to have been able to ride the gondola. The gondola alone was worth the cost of the ticket of admission. The landscape continued as far as the eye can see, beautiful gorges and canyons that you could have taken in for hours. For those that are scared of heights, I have a fear as well and managed to walk across the bridge with comfort. Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing this park.
Ashley Suarez — Google review
What an amazing view! I really enjoyed the day. Consequently, there was a storm coming in, so we were not able to ride the gondola across the canyon.
The Park Ranger Michael was so kind. He gave us a really nice history of the park, and let us know if we came back the next day our tickets would still be valid.
The Raphtor Show was really educational.
The landscaping is pretty.
It was worth the drive! Go check it out!
Les Bro — Google review
Entrance fee is $32 per person and that includes unlimited gondola rides. It won’t take too long to walk around the park if you don’t do the zip lining or the rafting tours. It took us about 2.5 hours to get food, walk the bridge, see the shows in the theater and take the gondola back to the visitor center. The view from the bridge is quite amazing and a little unsettling if you look through the gaps in the wooden planks. Definitely stop by the theater and watch the bird show.
Aliza Brown — Google review
It is definitely a beautiful area! Today the gondolas were closed because of high winds! The winds were in excess of 40-50 mph. It was cold with the wind chill but beautiful!! We also watched the movie on how the bridge got its start and how the fire in 2013 effected the area, as a lot was completely devastated by fire! Everything had to be rebuilt around the bridge. Thankfully not much of the wooden planks on the bridge were damaged by the fire. But they are now presented in front of the building that houses the ticket booth, restaurant, restrooms and gift shop! Enjoy your trip!
Chris Hamm — Google review
Last time I visited here was about 15 years ago, so it's been awhile! But it was as awesome as I remember it being from back then! Although they were still allowing cars to drive over it back then, I definitely like it more now that it's mostly pedestrian traffic. I highly recommend reading the history of the bridge on the walls to the left hallway once you get past the ticket area. General admission tickets include the red gondola ride, so go get on that! And if you're brave enough, go do the zip line! Love this tourist spot and it's always really cool to see engineering masterpieces like this!
Stephanie Ellis — Google review
It was a great experience! We bought the tickets there! But actually, you can buy it online for faster entry! And the main thing is the Gondola rides! The zipline and the skyline! The bridge is the main reason! The cafe has good food! At a reasonable price! Make sure you apply bug repellent!
Brolin Allfan — Google review
Adult tickets are $35pp and it includes the gondola across the gorge, when the whether is good. We went two hours before closing and it was a bit too windy, so we couldn’t ride the gondola. It was a beautiful walk across the bridge, with every state flag, people zipping past on the zip lines and flying back and forth on the swing. Looking down over at the river and train track was really wild, as you could feel the bridge move because of the sway in the wind. Definite must see!
Erica Edwards — Google review
During our visit to Royal Gorge, Colorado, we enjoyed the complimentary gondola ride that came with the entrance ticket. The bridge itself was stunning, and we loved the breathtaking view it offered. The zip lining and sky coaster activities provided thrilling experiences. At the ice cream store, we found the best vanilla ice cream on the mountain. The bird show was also quite enjoyable. Additionally, they had a theater presentation showcasing the history of the bridge. Overall, it was a decent experience, but we felt it didn't quite live up to the hype.
Srujana Mereddy — Google review
Great experience, the general entry is around $25 bucks, they offer military discount. Great view. You can add other recreative activities, (you paid extra for them).
Dario Doro — Google review
We spent the night in Canon City and was able to arrive at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Just as it was opening for the Day. We quickly purchased our tickets and proceeded to walk across the Bridge. Seeing and hearing the river almost 1,000 feet below was amazing. As you walk across the bridge each states flag is displayed and I had to stop and get a picture with the Virginia Flag (my home state). The views from the bridge are spectacular and in almost every direction. As we approached the south side of the bridge, we saw a several big horn sheep scampering around on the rock. Our ticket included a gondola ride across the gorge which afforded us a spectacular view of the Bridge and gorge. Because we arrived early there were no lines and we were able to enjoy the Bridge and the other attractions at our leisure. Several people in our group did the Sky coaster thing and the zip line. They all said they were totally amazing. All the employees that we encountered were polite, Professional and went out of their way to be helpful. Like most attractions the concessions prices are inflated. $3.00 for a Bottle of water is in line with most other attractions. All total we spent almost two hours here and had a most enjoyable experience.
Garry Thompson — Google review
This is absolutely a must if you are near by. We went on a Saturday morning with perfect weather and not busy at all. We road the gondola over to the other side first then it was a down hill hike to the bridge to cross back over. Once on the other side we did the swing that swings you out and over the canyon. The walk back over the bridge is breathtaking experience. The bridge does move a little side to side once you are in the middle. And the wood planks are a little loose for a better experience. They have a great Cafe and food court and a gift shop as well. Great facilities (Bathrooms, food, drinks, gifts, attractions, and lots to do) like I said this is a must go to.
Mike George — Google review
I went to the Royal Gorge in the '70 when I was just a kid. It's obviously changed since then (fire) but in general it's a long bridge over a very scenic gorge and was enjoyable to walk across. I don't agree with the fee to do this though, but I guess it's private and they can charge what they want. The parking is free though.
We got there a few minutes before it opened and there weren't a lot of other people, which was nice. We talked about doing the zip line but when we saw that it was only a single ride across the gorge, we didn't think it was worth the money. There is a lot of walking, and it can be very steep on some walkways that have clearly seen better days. We walked across, then walked up the hill on the other side to the free gondola and rode back. The scenery is gorgeous and you can spend as much time as you want. We also sat through a short film and looked at the history (all on the other side from main entrance) and these were nice. We did not eat or buy anything beside popcorn for the film.
I'm glad I went, as I've fondly remember going with my family in the '70's. Just too bad it is expensive for a family to experience.
Lisa H — Google review
A fun place to take out-of-state guests.
Ever want to induce vertigo for the family member you don't like while making memories everyone else will enjoy forever? Or are you an adrenaline junkie who loves dangling by a small rope over a huge drop? Either way, this place has you covered!
The view in late spring / all summer is gorgeous. It feels like you can see beyond the horizon from the bridge.
Walk over the historic bridge or enjoy a brief gondola ride to the other side where the brave few among your group can zipline across or swing out over the canyon.
Like your feet on the ground? Grab a snack and let the young ones run wild in the large park or go in circles on the merry-go-round. Adult beverages are served on-site to make the natural beauty just that much more enjoyable.
This is a must-see destination for those visiting the state or even just locals in the area for a weekend.
Nova L — Google review
An awesome experience! The bridge was a little scary to cross but well worth it. A quick tip that I wish we knew: the bridge opens at 9am but the gondola doesn’t start until 10. So get there at 9:50 and take the gondola across first and walk the bridge back because then everything is downhill walking wise. Also buy tickets online in advance to save $2 per person.
Justin Idle — Google review
2nd time visiting this remarkable bucket list item. THIS TIME we were able to purchase tickets and go through the various shops, movie auditorium for the 17 minute program.
We elected to "walk" to the south side across the bridge and look down at the canyon. AMAZING views on both sides of the bridge lined with state flags. Wow, not for the faint of heart and not in shape people. There are some super steep winding grades going UP the hills to get to the attractions.
Took the Gondolas back to the north.
To me, the price of $70.00 for 2 adults is too much. (minus 1 star)
DreamRider — Google review
I've had the opportunity to visit several times, but this time of year was my favorite (September). The weather was perfect, not hot/cold nor too windy, and it was not crowded. We actually got to ride the gondolas this time, and it was superb. Everything from the views, bridge, and educational video made it a great family experience. So, regardless of the time of year, I hope you make time to visit and don't forget your comfy shoes.
Cynthia Escobedo — Google review
Just spent an absolutely wonderful day at the Gorge. It is so much more than a bridge and worth every penny. The staff were so helpful and polite. We visited the restaurant/cafe located by the gondola and enjoyed both the food and hot drinks. We could and would have stayed longer but rain and wind stopped play. Thanks to all the staff for making everyone's day a memorable one.
Steve Walsh — Google review
We drove out to the Royal Gorge from Colorado Springs, about an hour drive. The drive and scenery were awesome. We enjoyed the Royal Gorge. We rode the gondola across and then walked back across the bridge. Very nice, well worth the $30 each.
Roll Tide 55 — Google review
Fun place to spend time appreciating the scenery. The rides were a cool experience, and to walk across the bridge and seeing and standing on a feat achieved a long time ago was amazing. Friendly staff to make the experience even better. Must visit if your close by
ngawang sherpa — Google review
The day we picked to visit was pretty miserable weather wise. We arrived a few days after a monster snowstorm. It was roughly 38 degrees with 40mph wind gusts. My husband paid about $130 for the four of us to visit. Unfortunately, to my surprise, there was loads of snow on the bridge. I understand it cannot be plowed because it would damage the wood. There was about 2 feet of snow and we were walking in tire ruts that were partially cleared at best. We had to sign waivers prior to entry. Considering the weather and conditions were poor.... And the add-ons (zip line, gondola, and swing) were closed, perhaps you could offer a discounted entry fee. $35 a person to walk back and forth across a bridge is a rip off. We had a high interest in visiting this historical man made achievement despite the adverse conditions and overpriced entry fee. It is truly an engineering marvel and the views were breathtaking.
Jessica Westfall — Google review
The ride coming here is very scenic and memorable. The view is very beautiful and incredible. The long on the bridge is very scenic and all of the state flags. The zip lining was great and it’s a good way of seeing all of it. Location and parking is easy to find.
Darshanie Dyal — Google review
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a renowned tourist attraction located near Cañon City, Colorado, USA. Spanning the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges globally, standing at a height of 956 feet (291 meters) above the river below. Completed in 1929, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Royal Gorge and surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Aside from the iconic bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park features various attractions and activities. Visitors can experience the thrill of walking across the suspension bridge, which has steel cables anchored in massive granite cliffs. The park also offers an aerial gondola ride, providing a unique perspective of the gorge.
Additionally, the park includes a scenic railway that travels along the canyon rim, offering spectacular vistas. Adventure enthusiasts can partake in ziplining and other outdoor activities, making the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park a destination that combines natural beauty with thrilling adventures. The park's location within the stunning Colorado landscape adds to its allure as a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Charlie — Google review
Definitely glad we made the trip here. Breathtaking views. The whole park was very well laid out. We took a ride on the gondola. Definitely suggest it as you can get some amazing photos. Also DONT look down between the boards on the bridge 😅
Well worth the cost of the pass. Make sure to get a pic with your states flag while on the bridge!
James Anthony — Google review
Fun and great experience. Nice and accomidating staff. Wheelchair accessible gondola and other parts of the park. Food is expensive and average quality so plan to eat before or after.
Always one of my favorite places in Canon. The road is pretty narrow and steep, but once you get to the top the view is amazing (especially at night!). Highly recommend anyone passing through to check it out.
Alli M — Google review
This short but exhilarating free drive is located only an hour southwest from Colorado Springs. We drove it during sundown and was not disappointed by the views. You are literally driving along a narrow ridge line. There are several spots to pull off and park. There are also several hikes at the top where you can walk along the ridge with amazing 360 views of Cañon City and the mountains. Do it at night and you will get beautiful views of the city lights. Overall the drive is super short but if you stop and do some of the hikes it can take around an hour depending on speed and frequency of stops. Definitely a quick must do if you’re visiting COS, Cañon City or Pueblo.
Aliza Brown — Google review
If going to the Royal Gorge Bridge, definitely take some time to check out this drive. They are some amazing views along with a few spaces to stop and explore. Be aware that this is a one-way road, and you’ll drive with caution. Just don’t look down too much when driving.
Luke Ahn — Google review
My husband & I drove Skyline Drive in September after going to the gorge. Wow! This little drive is terrifying. The double drop-offs were a total trip. I don't know why but it felt like we could just fall off the edge of the earth. Exhilarating. We didn't stop but it was only because I just wanted it to be over. I was freaking out a little. We want to go back and do it again. We'll definitely get out of the car to look around a little more on the next trip.
Tia Pirkl — Google review
Great place to go and get a new view. This has a great view of the lights during the sun set and night time. Also a grat place to hike and hang out with people.
Sam Morgan — Google review
Definitely don't take your eyes off the road. It's a narrow road with steep drop offs. The road was built in 1905 by inmate labor. It's a one way road that rises 800 feet above surrounding terrain with some beautiful views that only the passengers can see.
Lyndee D. — Google review
Just go....
I'm afraid the drive on roads like this...not afraid to be a passenger....
If your related to mountain goat like some people I know.....you will love this....
Look close you can see dino tracks....they are up on a ledge.....use your imagination....its the underside of Tracks....cool little cave too...
Can't imagine how those prisoners made this road so many years ago...
Thankfully it's a one way road....
If your young.....and in shape....you coukd leave car at bottom....and just hike it....
Fran C — Google review
This place is great and it’s absolutely free. Super short simple drive from Pueblo, the views are amazing the parking is ample even when it’s busy and it’s truly unique. Take your time and pull
Over often to really get in the view. At the top there are some light hiking trails so you can climb even higher.
Michele Buckles — Google review
A one way road that goes up a steep ridge that offers some parking spots at the top, about halfway into the drive, in that area there is also some access to trails that go around the area. Overall the drive and experience was worth it and offers great views of the Canon City and the surrounding areas. The landscapes in this area of the state are really pretty. This drive does not take very long at all, if you didn’t stop at all it would take less than 15 minutes I’d say. So stop by and do it if on the way to the royal gorge or driving into canon city.
Nick Walters — Google review
Short & sweet drive with great views of Canon City. It’s a must-do for anyone who loves heights + scenic panoramas. There’s multiple pull-offs + a few short “trails”/walking paths to explore as well.
Christine Billie — Google review
Free drive over the mountaintop, not too narrow for a regular sized car. There are stopping points at least two. But you kind of drive up to the skyline start to go up the mountain, and drive down to the other end that winds around to exit into a neighborhood. No turn around point. So you pull in and you have to drive across to exit. It’s not as scary as it sounds in my opinion.
K C — Google review
HA - Yup, this is a bucket list item. The 2 1/2 mile UP the mountain and down is a GREAT view of the entire town and surrounding mountains. WOW.. Like others have mentioned there isn't ANY room for errors. I recently found out that this skyline drive was actually built by inmates from Canon City Prison. VERY COOL.
First time, I drove this on my BMW 1200 GSA motorbike and this time I drove this in my F450 with the wife on board. Only ran into 1 issue where someone parked on the road and I couldn't get around until they moved. Nonetheless, the F450 is 19.5 Ft long. Restrictions on this road are no vehicles over 20ft and speed limit is 15 MPH. Take the trip, you won't be disappointed.
DreamRider — Google review
It’s an amazing road to drive on in the beautiful canon city. It really felt like driving on the sky. Narrow road is worth trying. You can also go for a walk or jog. Highly recommend this place it has some breathtaking views from the top
Embark on a nostalgic journey through the gold rush history and scenic Rocky Mountains with the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Departing from an 1894 depot, this 45-minute steam-engine train ride offers a glimpse into the area's old gold mining days. The heritage track passes historic mines, an old trestle, and stops at various points of interest for great photo opportunities.
Loved it!!
All the people working there were super friendly and so informative. Listening to the history by the conductor was so interesting!! It's crazy how you can live your whole life in a state and not know about some things.
It was also pretty cool to see the conductor run the train on coal!! Definitely not an easy job and they really ran around making sure everything was taken care of. Totally recommend 😊👍
Tracy Bertapelle — Google review
We went down to CC today. What a beautiful, perfect day. There weren't a lot of people on our ride. The train ride was so fun and relaxing. The conductor was very informative. All the staff were really friendly.
A Ames — Google review
I'm not sure how to start, The staff was so incredible and so nice. Everybody on the staff was so warm and welcoming and friendly. Even in the Adversity of one extremely rude and obnoxious guest. The staff remain polite and professional at all times. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. The train ride was fun the engineer was extremely knowledgeable About the area. If you're in Cripple Creek or within a 100 miles of it. You must go take the train ride. If I had one negative thing to say it would be about it about it being such a shame that they've turned it into a gambling town. They're building a 19 story modern hotel in the middle of downtown. I think it's really going to take away from the experience of Cripple Creek and that's going to be a shame.
Taylor Almon — Google review
One of the finest condensed history lessons provided of the area by the locomotive engineer (and CC&V Railroad owner) during the 45 minute Train ride!
We arrived just as the full train was about to depart, so we purchased tickets for the following trip (first come, first served, so tickets cannot be purchased in advance)…perused the nicely stocked Station…and enjoyed delicious freshly popped Kelpys Kettle Corn located between the train station and local Museum.
The train ride was an enjoyable trip along many of the local mines to Echo Valley. With ages from 3 to 63…we all had a great time. We felt prices were reasonable when considering the opportunity to “relive” a portion of history. The Engineer’s history lesson wet our appetite to visit all of the town’s several museums.
We will definitely plan to visit and ride again.
dave vet — Google review
This was such a fun family trip! It was a little loud for my kids in the front car, but seat up early for your departure time in the 2nd or 3rd car if this is a concern. The views were awesome and the tour info was interesting but not droning! Thank you for the memorable trip!
Katherine Denler — Google review
Always such a fun and informative ride! Great for kids and adults alike. The views are beautiful and it’s cool to experience being on an old coal-powered train. It is pricey for large groups with kids, but it’s worth it if you want a unique way to sightsee and learn more about the area’s history.
Elsa Sanders — Google review
Kind of a short little ride but worth the money. Gorgeous scenery and nice staff, especially the train engineer who seemed to love what he did. Worth going again, maybe in fall.
Alex B — Google review
This place is magical! even to reach the destination, the roads are worth admiring, everything is beautiful. Being able to see the mountains from that angle is rewarding for the soul. And the town is so beautiful! do not leave without walking its streets
Esbeydy Morales — Google review
This train excursion was SO MUCH FUN! Our engineer/tour guide was very knowledgeable and told interesting historical information all along the trip. I had no idea that there were so many gold mines in this area.
Doug Piette — Google review
This narrow gauge rail train trip was so fun. The trip is about an hour long on a coal fired steam engine drawn train. The conductor/engineer gives great informative commentary on all the sights along the way. There is a section of the route near the gold mine where the train whistle echos in an amazing way. I would definitely do this one again. So fun. Also there were some younger children on our trip and they also enjoyed the ride.
Annette — Google review
We went to see the leaves changing. They didn't disappoint. Took a train ride. Very informative about the history. Found "Rita" the other troll in Colorado. Beautiful
B K — Google review
This was such a fun trip ... Lots of great information about the area, fantastic scenery and tons to see. The conductor and crew were a delight for the day. Got lovely pictures even with it being a cloud full day. How often can you say you've ridden a train into the clouds.
Catalin Shines — Google review
Went first train out on Friday morning. It was full, and they added a car. Get there early if you need to go out at that time.
Trip is 45 min long. Tip: Sit on the side facing the town for best views throughout the trip. Also, sit at back of 1st car or front of 2nd car to avoid the most smoke from the coal engine.
Beautiful views. Nice commentary about the area if you can hear it. Easy trip.
Selene Kaye — Google review
Had a wonderful time with my family riding the train. The views are gorgeous and the history you learn about Cripple Creek while riding is extremely interesting. Wonderful activity to go do with family and friends.
Gold Mine Tours Inc. offers group tours of its underground facility, including tram rides and exhibits. The hour-long tour takes visitors 1000 feet below the surface of a former operational gold mine, providing an educational experience for all ages. Knowledgeable guides, who are experienced miners themselves, share insights into mining techniques and demonstrate historical equipment used in the industry. Visitors can explore the property while waiting for the tour to start and enjoy informative storytelling from guides like Harley.
An absolutely amazing experience to be able to go down 1000ft into the earth! The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable on all that is mining and will happily answer any questions that you may have. It was a fun adventure and it was so cool how the guides gave us demonstrations on the mining equipment. I Highly recommend this tour.
Caleb Foltz — Google review
I visited the Mollie Kathleen mine tour in May of 2023. I thought it was great, with lots of educational demonstrations and explanations as well as just really cool being in tunnels that deep underground. Heads up that the trip down is cramped, so just be prepared; though they do warn you about it ahead of time on the website.
If you visit, I strongly suggest after the tour going across the street to the heritage center and seeing the scale model of the Mollie Kathleen mine; it really gives you a nice sense of scale for the tour.
Corey Freeman — Google review
Best tour ever!!! Sara was our tour guide and she is amazing! Fun, knowledgeable, and knows everything about the mine. We are definitely going back with our kids next time. Thank you so much Sara and all other staff that was there!
Buckaroo — Google review
Well worth it. It's a tight fit in the elevator! Literally front to back, shoulder to shoulder, but a quick ride down. There were lots of cool demonstrations of the tools used when the mine was active. Easy walk. Short ride on an original underground air powered train. There was also a lot of interesting history and facts during the tour. Quick ride back to the top. Coolest mine tour I've ever done.
G Lem — Google review
From being up in one of the most beautiful places in the mountains, to the some of the nicest people. This tour was in the top three of adventures on this trip. Start off by being put into a 9 miner lift, then dropping down 1000’ into the mine, walking in the steps of the miners while your tour guide is a miner. Learning the history and seeing it in action will give you a better understanding of how important mining is to your life.
Shannon Felder — Google review
Highly recommend to anyone in the area! Definitely one of the coolest interactive tours that I have ever been to! The tour guide was awesome! He was very funny & informative. He gave lots of time for questions and educational information on the history of mining. Going down the mine shaft was a bit scary for me just because of the confined area on the way down but it opens up once in the tunnels. It is safe and honestly well worth the money! 10 out of 10 would go back
jacqueline donahue — Google review
Parking to super close to tour. Need more bathroom stalls. Fun to walk around property while waiting for tour to start. Tour guide Harley was the best! He was informative, patient w the little ones and a kind story-teller. Hope you get him as your guide! If your claustrophobic the mine shaft that takes you down 1000 ft in total darkness will get you. But if you hold a loved one's hand and just breathe slowly...you should withstand the 2 mins.
Patsy Gonzales — Google review
First tour down in to a mine. Was a great time and very informative. Well worth the price of admission and the trip just to see it. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Cripple Creek is just below the mine and your able to over look a working mine next door. Also you can start the phantom canyon road from here which will take you about 2 hours to travel.
David Whitehead — Google review
This is a very cool and educational experience for all ages and will be unforgettable. This tour is about an hour long and will take you 1000 feet below the surface of what was once an operational gold mine. Each of the tour guides are all miners themselves and /hat gives them so much knowledge to share. They explain the types and ways of mining through the years and demonstrate actual equipment used. Today (Oct 15th) was the last day of the season for tours until next Spring. *Also fyi, service dogs are not allowed on the tour.
Mark Manwell — Google review
our guide was such a blast and the tour was awesome. these guys are so awesome and the admission price is well worth it to give these hard workers a living wage!! a whole bunch of sweethearts just doing what they love! was so freakin fun and one of the coolest things i’ve ever done! don’t want to give TOO much away, you gotta go see for yourself!
Scout Grove — Google review
Definitely a must do if you're in the Colorado Springs/Cripple Creek area! Ben our tour guide was awesome and will explain everything to you about the mine. You can tell he really enjoys what he does! We felt it was a really good value for what you get out of it!
Slay — Google review
This place is absolutely amazing! Our guide (Sarah) was extremely knowledgeable & super friendly. She made the entire experience come to life.
We were a little reluctant to go but when we left we were so happy that we did.
Wear at least a T-shirt & shorts because my son wore his tank top and was cold. You can always bring a little sweatshirt too just in case.
Great place & a place where history comes to life.
Mark Price — Google review
This is a must tour. One of the best Mine tours I have been on - I have been on 6 different ones before. Teenagers loved it and small kids. Lots of information - love the small group tours. Wow what the miners of 1800s did to get this gold. Very safe feeling in mine.
Karen Bennett — Google review
What an amazing place! It is definitely worth the drive up there. Sarah - our guide - is the sweetest person, she’s so knowledgeable, professional & friendly! Don’t worry, if you’re claustrophobic, it’s not that bad. It’s a 2 min elevator ride to the bottom, and the tour down there is just outstanding. This gold mine has been operational since 1891! It’s cold up there, so keep yourself warm.
A Sabbagh — Google review
We did the Tour. We were lowered 1000ft down and did a 1hr walk through. We seen how kids worked the mines at 7yrs old to old men. The old machinery was shown to us on how it worked..etc.. Good Tour
Prison history dating back to 1920s, with 30 cell exhibits, a gas chamber & confiscated weapons.
This was by far one of the most interesting museums I have been to. This is still a working prison just on the other side of the museum. The span across history they have been able to capture with their artifacts is like a time machine. It truly leaves you feeling like you know what the daily life of inmates was like in the early years of the prison. If you have an afternoon and are in the area, stop by.
Barbara Tomey — Google review
Neat little place, staff was friendly. Lots to look at and learn. Has some unusual items, coffin, gas chamber, escape ladders, prison art etc. Has a gift shop that apparently current inmates make the clothing & gifts while currently incarcerated. Self guided, takes about an hour give or take. Your given a very detailed booklet to explain in additional detail info about different exhibits. Helpful but alot of reading. We enjoyed looking around on our own mostly because everything is labled with good descriptions of what your looking at. Only complaint is not really anywhere to sit to get off your feet other than a couple chairs on lower level. Otherwise pretty cool & reasonably priced.
Kimmie Up North — Google review
It’s a museum of its kind, we enjoyed interacting with the staffs and knowing about the colorado prison system, The long history of this century old museum, some gory incidents thatbtook place here. You can buy some handicrafts made by the inmates. But not sure if your kids would enjoy
Biswanath Das — Google review
Loved our time here! The young gentleman that helped us was very passionate about the museum and the history. It was nice to see as the museum was chalked full of interesting stories from all of the years. They also kept it updated with recent criminals so they continue to work on this museums. Learned some local accounts on the two criminals that escaped the neighboring penitentiary in 2018 so it made the trip and visit so much more memorable!
M Dahl — Google review
On my recent visit to the Colorado Prison Museum, we we're greeted and told a little about the history about the Museum and given a pamphlet to use as a self guided tour. The Museum is housed in a former Prison, and gives alot of information about the history of the Prison system and what you'd see back in the day there. There are so many fascinating artifacts here including an old gas chamber and things made by prison inmates.
Brian Kindle — Google review
If you are a history buff or a true educational nerd, then this quaint prison museum is a place to come visit and learn something interesting about how this prison system works years ago. This is not a guided tour, self pace with full of information and interesting facts. I recommend travelers coming through Canon City to visit this museum.
Humphrey Vives — Google review
A worthwhile stop if you are in the area. Lots of interesting artifacts and contraband on display, and many accounts of the different inmates that have stayed in the area prisons. Add a trip on the Royal Gorge railway to see the fading evidence of the 8 mile water pipeline built by inmates back around 1900 and you will start to appreciate how integral the prisons have been to life in Canon City.
Gordon MacKean — Google review
Prior to visiting this museum a local advised to watch the 1949 "Canon City" movie through youtube to get a context of what this museum is all about. Although this museum is actually the Woman's side of the prison (Man's side is still in use), you still get the full gest of how it's built.
To start, we had to park in the back since the F-450 was too big to fit in the small front parking lot.
We toured the outside of the walls for about 30 minutes reviewing the buildings and gas chamber. There wasn't any cost associated with that. I guess this is to "wet your whistle" before entering the main museum and gift shop.
Walking up the 20 steep steps to get into the door we were greeting by an enthusiastic receptionist that gave us a quick overview of the facilities. Then we went on a self-paced tour.
There was approx 30 cells, each outfitted with memorabilia and history of events, weapons used by inmates, riot control items, uniforms, movie garb, medical items, Warden Best saddles, and stories about how, when and where the history took place, gang member photos, chow hall, fire department equipment, and all the other items you'd expect to house all the inmates.
THEN, there was the lower deck that portrayed inmate created items, infirmary, scale models replica of the gas chamber and how it was built and how rehabilitation for prisoners was their primary goals.
As you exited the lower deck you can visit the gift shop. Some pretty neat stuff in there.
This should be a bucket list item and we highly recommend you spend the 10 bucks to get in. We spent about an hour 1/2 here
DreamRider — Google review
Very cool place to check out!!
Tickets are $10 and the museum is so much fun. Each cell you enter has descriptions and you can follow with the guide book. The artificers are original. Very clean and staff is super friendly as well as informative!
Highly recommend!!
S Pharmd — Google review
This was by a wide margin quite possibly of the most fascinating exhibition hall I have been to. This is as yet a functioning jail simply on the opposite side of the gallery. The range across history they have had the option to catch with their curios resembles a time machine. It really leaves you feeling like you understand what the day to day existence of detainees resembled in the early long periods of the jail. Assuming you have an evening and are nearby, come by.
Chris P. Bacon — Google review
Very interesting history. We enjoyed walking through at our leisure and reading the history of such an old prison.
JoLene Bernal — Google review
Cool small museum with good mix between things to read and items to look at. Spend about an hour at the museum
Ernst Bovenkerk — Google review
Visited with my 25 y.o. niece while she was visiting. The IDEA of this museum is great/fascinating. There is so much history, so many interesting things and stories (history, artifacts, warden and inmate profiles, artwork, etc.) contained within these walls that couldn’t be experienced/known any other way. We were pleased to have gone. However, even though we paid for a “guided tour,” were told when we arrived that there was none (no explanation given). Instead, we were given a guidebook with info that coincided with each cell/display and did our own, self-guided tour. And that was fine, except that there is just SO much written information posted (and lots of small print) that we eventually became overwhelmed by the sheer amount of it. And yes, that is sometimes the nature of museums, but this felt like much more written info than most museums. I suppose if someone were especially fascinated by all of the details provided, reading all of the info provided might work. But I cannot imagine the average visitor taking the time that would be required to take in all of the info they provide. And maybe that’s OK. But I have to wonder if others have left feeling the same or worse. I strongly urge the state (or whoever maintains this museum) to find a way to invest in some sort of audio option (like other museums have). It would make it much more palatable (and possibly more popular?).
Kathryn Presnal — Google review
Most unique museum visit I've ever had.
This strikes a good balance of incarcerated and the people who guarded/administrated.
It is apropos that the yard of the museum is literally buttressed by the wall of the functioning prison.
Good mix of past and current.
Make this a stop while you are visiting the Royal Gorge area
Lance Odvody — Google review
Very interesting. I recommend talking to the front desk staff a bit too as they have an inside scoop on a lot of things, such as the 2 prisoners who escaped in 2018. Such a unique experience to hear the staff recounts of this. Worth every penny! Loved it!
Jake Dahl — Google review
An amazing museum! Really excellent display and walkthrough of all sorts of unique American prison lore. Great to see a current engagement with local prisons too, showcasing art from some of the inmates.
Absolutely worth a visit if you're in Colorado
Alan McLaughlin — Google review
We had some time to kill in the area, and although hesitant to go spend time in a museum, the first exhibit---the gas chamber---got my interest!
For 12 bucks (Oct 2023), I have to say that I was truly amazed by how drawn in I was by the displays in the jail cells. There are a lot of printed stories about past prisoners, events, and I found myself reading one after the other after the other. Next thing I know, although I had planned for an hour visit, I was 2hrs into the visit and had more stuff to read. If you have the time to go here, go in, specially if you like crime stories. I'm not a fan, but even then, I was captivated by what I was reading.
I honestly thought we would walk in, walk around and leave, but instead, I found myself reading stories, searching for more on my phone, and well, next thing i know, had to leave cause had no more time to spend here.
Worth the 12 bucks!
Max ROJAS — Google review
We enjoyed the tour but would have REALLY preferred audio devices and more places to sit for those who are handicapped! Make people leave a deposit or a credit card on file if they damage the MP3 players. There was too much reading for someone who has bad eyesight. If you are able to read, walk, and stand for long periods I highly recommend this tour! I have problems with all 3 but am able to do stairs. I very much enjoyed it but was tired and sore after. Great gift shop with some unique items too! Not horrible prices.
Pikes Peak is a well-known mountain peak in Colorado that stands at 14,110ft and is made of pink granite. While not the tallest of Colorado's 14ers, it's famous for its stunning views and attracts over half a million visitors every year. The Ute tribe originally named it the Mountain of the Sun, which accurately describes this majestic peak that rises straight up from the plains.
Hiked up through Barr trail and drove back from the top. Thanks to my friend who came up in his car to pick us up. Hard and enjoyable hike with beautiful views along the way. Views from the top were stunning! Would love to travel in the train next time. Our drive down was really fantastic with lot of great stops to enjoy the nature and views!
G J — Google review
America's Mountain is an amazing place to visit. We took the Cog Railway to the top and we were left awe struck. It's no wonder America the Beautiful was inspired by Pike's Peak.
You can hike 13 miles up, take the train, or drive to the top. No matter which way you go, be sure to walk all the way around the top and venture through the visitors center too.
Ben Hommerding — Google review
We went to the top of the mountain through the car, and it was amazing. Views were breathtaking, and we had an excellent time..if you are traveling with kids, they might feel a little light-headed, and the drive up to the mountain is not for the faint heart.
Uday Gundapaneni — Google review
This is a unique high elevation summit experience. There are not a lot of mountains you can drive, hike, or take a railway to the top. The visitor center is nice. The views 360⁰ are spectacular. The summit is very busy.
Jocelyn Dowdy — Google review
One of the very nice outdoor spots to visit in the Denver area. We visited during Labor Day weekend. It was so crowded. It needs a pass to visit the top of the peak. We got lucky to visit the peak despite no planning from our side. The view from the top was absolutely gorgeous. I was pleasantly surprised to see the train service to the top. Next time, I will plan for it. The 360 degree view from the top was spectacular. Sitting at an altitude of 14000+ feet, I could feel the altitude and reduce oxygen levels. The rangers also check for brake pads temperature on the way down and provide recommendations based on the result. In our case, we were asked to wait for 30-40 mins as the brake pads temperature reading was too high. The rangers recommend turning off AC on the way up and using lower gear on the way down.
Bharani Rajendiran — Google review
A very fun day drive and summit experience. Make sure to be ready for the reduced oxygen at the higher elevations. It will be about 20 degrees colder at the Summit, as well.
Orbitals — Google review
Nothing but amazing things to say about this mountain stunning, beautiful, peaceful, ultimate serenity just being out there. I've gone there twice in the last 3 years! Can't get enough of the beauty!
Kevin M — Google review
I’m terrified of heights and I had to drive along those narrow roads with those steep drop offs but I’d do it again to see that view. It really makes you appreciate nature and just how vast the Rocky Mountains are. My photos couldn’t do it justice but just go and see it. If you’re considering it just go do it. Also try the Pikes Peak doughnuts at the cafeteria and check out the gift shop!
Harvey Flowers — Google review
Beautiful peaks to drive to. Landscape wise, not much to see. The challenge is can you withstand the %66 oxygen level and the cold and wind. Not many scenic spot.
Tin Nguyen — Google review
Great tourist site to visit . We took the drive up to Pikes Peak and the views. OMG … We were awe struck.. God has placed so much beauty to see and enjoy ..Will come back again.
Celeste Villegas — Google review
Awesome drive up the mountain in your own vehicle except the last three miles in a bus. Just be sure to drink lots of water to keep from getting altitude sickness. The food at the cafe was really good also and reasonably priced
Randy — Google review
We drove to the top but I have been up hiking and by cograil in the past. Each way to go up gives an amazing experience with breathtaking views. I couldn't believe how much snow was on the summit for later June. I love going up this peak and I enjoyed the amazing doughnuts at the top.
Taylor West — Google review
Ridiculous that they charge $50+ to drive up a mountain... But it's definitely something to check off your list if you're in the area. The $15 admission is if you're not going to the top.
We did not make reservations and were allowed entry with no problem.
Make sure your brakes are in good condition and that you know how to drive downhill without using them (using low gears instead).
Set aside around 3+ hrs for the trip depending on how long your stop offs are. Bring snacks and water.
Beautiful scenery. Be sure to go when the weather is clear and have some high altitude donuts at the top... They really are amazing. The gift shop sells some cool stuff that you can only get there.
If you have kids, be sure to check out the North Pole amusement park.
Diane B — Google review
The views were astonishing. It was a great experience. My kids thought they were on top of the world. And in a way they were kind of right.. It was a little scary driving up there but it was definitely worth it.
Erica Williams — Google review
Jaw Droping view once you get to the top. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND GOING Great view and couple trails near the peak with views definitely if your traveling near Colorado stop there and car accessible all the way to the peak tons of snow even when I went in Late July.
Nayel Bhakta — Google review
An absolutely incredible experience – reaching 14,115 feet up was mind-blowing! Describing the view from the top is a challenge; it's something you truly understand once you've lived it. Opting for the railway train ascent, I would wholeheartedly give it a 💯 recommendation! 🚂🏔️👌
Kat Bulgado — Google review
It is a wonderful experience.
The whole experience was wonderful.
The train journey is awesome with the commentary by the conductor and the staffs are great.
Train is well maintained. Sights and path are very beautiful.
It should be a must visit place and journey.
Highly recommended.
Vishnu — Google review
Wow!! Is the best way to describe this experience. The drive up takes about an hour and it is best to go slow and steady especially around the turns. The view driving up is beautiful but once you get to the top, WOW it is just amazing. It was cold when we went but the experience is so worth it, just dress appropriately. Also don't forget to stop along the way up because there are some really beautiful places to see and take photos. 😊
Reviews by Betty — Google review
Beautiful and fun drive to the summit, it’s 19 miles one way and has lots of gorgeous views! Lots of scenic viewpoints on the way up, we also saw a herd of bighorn sheep! The visitor center at the top is really cool also and you can look in all directions. Highly recommend! Cost $32 for the two of us to come up
Dennis Gavrilenko — Google review
Just amazingly worth it. We tried to get a reservation to drive to the top, but couldn’t. But we were able to drive to mile 16 and park and then ride the free shuttle the next 4 miles to the top. It was a pretty cold day, but we did it in shorts and it really wasn’t all that bad. The views were amazing.
Mark Helms — Google review
A definite MUST see if you are in the Colorado Springs area! The pics do not do this ride justice by far. A few things to note.
Train is about 1 hour up and a little less back down with about 30 minutes at the peak, so plan for about 3 hours.
It will be cold at the top, so plan accordingly! We went up in July and there was still snow.
Also, check the weather and buy tickets in advance. I would recommend sitting on the 3 seat side. We were lucky to have a break in the clouds on the way up, but at the top and the way down, we were in the clouds and had little visibility.
Still an awesome experience that we will do again!
Aaron Seiser — Google review
This place is so beautiful! The views are incredible.
I did not trust myself to drive up or down the mountain so we used Buggy Tours. I highly recommend checking them out. Joe was very knowledgeable and explained all the cool things along the way. Stopped at the best spots for a picture. The summit was cloudy the time we went but the views up and down were perfect.
I highly recommend going to the summit (I’ve been there in the past when not cloudy) you will not regret it, I also recommend checking out Buggy Tours for a ride up and back.
Angelina S — Google review
Wow!! What an incredible time! Make sure to make reservations for your drive up. There is a great map they give you with points of interest on the way. Plenty of places to stop and get some really amazing pictures. Make sure if you are going slow to pull over to let the faster traffic around you. They provide a lot of areas to pull over so you can take your time and enjoy your drive while not holding up people that want to go faster. At the top there is a visitor center with a little museum, gift shop and cafe. Make sure to get your donuts in the cafe! There is a great amount of parking and you can walk around the whole area and get some amazing views. Don’t miss out on this adventure!!
Cheryl Evans — Google review
Breath taking views that we will remember for ever. Must do adventure but please bring jackets on any date if the year. Loved the cog train.
Malissa F — Google review
I highly recommend this if you’re visiting Colorado . I also recommend this opposed to taking the train ride up to the mountain . The ride up and down is an hour… it’s about 15$ a person… and obviously gas to go up and down the mountain. But beautiful views.. and get a donut they’re good!
Kevin R — Google review
Beautiful and tiring. Went to the trailhead straight from the airport and started the hike at 2am on last Saturday 8/26. Paid $30 at the parking lot so don’t forget otherwise you’ll get a $50 ticket. Didn’t see a single soul for first 4 hours and it was pretty dark, reminded me of Blair Witch movie. Last 2-3 miles are tough but worth the payoff. Also, definitely chilly as you get higher so have layers. There is a cafe at the top so enjoyed the cheeseburger and drinks. Water is available to refill along the way so have a filter bottle. I went through 4Liters; Barr camp opens around 7.30am so I was too early but that’s a good stop to rest on the way around 6 miles in or camp at if you want to do this hike over two days. Beautiful views once you get out of the Forrest. There is a train that takes you all the way up and back so do that if you don’t want the workout or you can drive up the paved road. Took me 11hrs total to get to the top and back, around 23.88miles. Hike isn’t technical so anyone can do it as long as you’ve endurance. Highly recommended!!!!
SM — Google review
Breathtaking views! We were only able to go up to mile 13 due to the weather, but it was some of the most beautiful views! Highly recommend taking this journey. We were able to see a couple of moose as well! And we found Big Foot!
Tish N — Google review
Pikes Peak is definitely a must see tourist destination for anyone to visit because of the unbelievable views you get from a top the mountain. The drive up to the top of the mountain is beautiful in itself and is quite invigorating. The amount of switch backs and curves while traveling up makes for an exciting experience. Once you make it to the top, you get a view that is quite unique and truly unbelievable. They have a restaurant at the top where you can grab lunch at. There are multiple spots where you can pull off the road and get some great photo opportunities.
B A — Google review
Probably one of the best things I've ever experienced. I would recommend spending some time in Colorado Springs for a day or two prior to driving up. Get used to the altitude and drink LOTS of water because the lack of oxygen up here WILL make it difficult to walk. Seriously, don't drive up and get dizzy and then not be able to drive back down. There are no guard rails.
Mozz Bagels — Google review
This trendy place is still worth seeing. Yes, the road is steep, and some may be frightened by the sheer drops, but don't let that stop you. The views are spectacular, and it's most likely you won't ever be at that elevation again, especially after being able to drive there! Next time I come here, I want to hike it or take the train. We also saw a Bear near the cliffs below us. Not too often you see them in the wild.
Kelly Smith — Google review
Views for miles and miles. Constantly changing panorama. There's a reason America the Beautiful lyrics were inspired by a visit to Pikes Peak and not New Jersey. Take it slow on the winding road, make sure you have plenty of gas and pack warmer clothes than you think you need.
I. Vladimirovich — Google review
Drive your own vehicle, ride the train, bike, or hike up to the top of this 14,000+ foot summit in Colorado Springs and experience one of the most beautiful views you'll ever see in your life. Photos aren't enough. You have to see Pikes Peak with your own eyes!
Joseph Arnezeder — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience. Due to high winds we did not go all the way to the top. It was still a wonderful site & a must when visiting Colorado Springs
Natalie Lara — Google review
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Colorado 80809, USA
24
Outlets at Castle Rock
Shopping mall
Shopping
Outlet mall
Busy, modern outlet mall featuring a variety of popular stores, along with a food court.
There are so many designer brands to choose from and so many options and deals! We have a good time shopping because of the variety. Parking was easy to find, unlike other outlets.
Adele O — Google review
Pancake Breakfast with Santa was so much fun. The decorations were great. Santa and Mrs Claus were great, though they needed a throne or some kind of seat.
Kari Ploysa — Google review
This is one of the best outlet malls! They’ve got just a little bit of everything! It’s especially a great place to shop when there’s really beautiful weather.
Bailey Ostrom — Google review
Great July 4th deals! And just a great overall shopping experience!
Plenty of spaces in the car park you'll never struggle to find a spot.
The layout of the outlet is great easy and convenient. Especially if you want to get the full experience and walk past every store.
Dion Jones — Google review
We've always good experiences here. Yes some of the stores have great deals and some not so much. Don't blame the mall for that though. The mall itself is great. They do events and stuff for the holidays. They handled covid well. Kid friendly.
James — Google review
I like the fact that most of the premium outlets are there... I went there on the weekend of August... It wasn't too crowded but I didn't necessarily find any jaw dropping deals but the deals were just usual and okish...
Santosh Pokharel — Google review
Great shops and places to eat. Nice open shopping area. Plus this establishment also does entertainment on the weekend.
Char Strong — Google review
Went to the outlet mall today, as I had been in the past, and I had a good experience. The fact that it's an outdoor mall is great! As you have a great view of all the shops, and there's a lot of seating to choose from. The shops itself have a lot of variety, as there's a lot of stores you can go into. Overall, I have had a good experience here today, and I'd recommend coming.
Ayden Myers — Google review
Great outlet mall with great shopping options. I was surprised to see just how dog friendly they are. We had left our pet in the car but quickly realized how welcoming they were of dogs and brought him along with us while we shopped. I was bummed to see Vanheusen closed, but they still have great options there.
Jesse Herrera — Google review
Not to many stores open but the ones that still were are nice to shop good prices.
4 stars for the Nike store and the interesting game board store!
Joanne Macias — Google review
Good selection of stores and cute set up. Map was not updated for the location of Adidas store.
Jody Fenton — Google review
Visited multiple shops. Columbia, Wood Shark trading co, Crocs, Zumiez, Volcom, and others. had this amazing Korean truck with chicken on a tick, and chicken dumplings . I wasn’t on my phone so I didn’t take any pics. beautiful Easter weekend 🤍
jaymee rice (hazy) — Google review
This is our go to shopping location for black Friday every year. You'll definitely end up buying something for sure. The parking is almost full here during that period but you will still manage to find a spot. It has all the shops you like and I think it's definitely worth driving all the way south of Denver to get here.
Vishwa Seneviratne — Google review
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5050 Factory Shops Blvd #437, Castle Rock, CO 80108, USA
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a famous tourist attraction located west of Colorado Springs. It features captivating caverns with stunning rock formations, and since being discovered in 1880 it has been a popular tourist destination. There are several tour options available, including spelunking and a zip line & ropes course.
The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely beautiful. There are a number of observation spots for you to take in the view. The souvenir shop was fantastic with such a favorite of gems, cups, clothing, carvings, etc. The tour guide was very well educated and the customer service was a compliment to the field of hospitality. The tour is for all ages and can be completely fairly easily. There are some tighter spaces so I do not suggest wearing a backpack.
Ashley Suarez — Google review
I really enjoyed the cave tour. Anna was an enthusiastic and fun tour guide, and the cave itself was interesting. It was a steady paced 1 hour, and although there were many sets of stairs, it was not a difficult walk.
The view from the terrace at the entrance was glorious, and it’s worth the drive just for the view.
I also did the “zip line” which is more of a zippy ski lift. The 2 minute ride was not quite worth the $15 price tag, but Paul, the operator was such a kind and interesting young gentleman.
Monica Robinson — Google review
My 11 year old son and I did the discovery cave tour and it was great. Some really cool caves, an entertaining and educational guide as well. Then we did the pioneer pass which was the high ropes course the bat-a-pult and the rock climbing wall. That was also a lot of fun. Hanging over the cliff standing on a spinning tube gets your adrenaline going. I capped it off by doing the Terror-dactyl, which was awesome. I thought everything was a pretty reasonable value. The place is also well ran, lots of staff around and all the staff were well trained, seemed to really care about doing a good job and provided great service. Would recommend spending half a day here.
aproush — Google review
My family and I did the regular tour, and our tour guide was Sonia. She was very personable and funny. They have a time schedule to adhere to so sometimes it felt a tiny bit rushed so that the next group could get into that cavern room, but otherwise I still had time to take plenty photos and videos. I really wanted to buy the photo they took, but my husband and daughter weren’t ready when the photo was taken. It would be great if there was an opportunity to retake photos. There might be, but it wasn’t mentioned and I didn’t ask. We plan to visit again when we visit Colorado next. Def recommend!
Ashley Cook — Google review
We had a fantastic tour guide, Kira! The tour was engaging and interesting. The cave was full of great features and formations. We had 3 kids this us ages 9 and 11 and they loved the ropes course and climbing wall. This park provided hours of great sights and entertainment for the family.
Terri Olive — Google review
We had a very enjoyable tour of Cave of the Winds. We had a small tour group (11:45 on a Monday) and a great guide (Olive). She really made the tour fun and interesting for everyone. Spectacular views from the reception area before we ventured into the caves and everyone working there was friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend you visit.
Steven Lyons — Google review
This place is a lot of fun there is plenty of things to do including the cave tour. Definitely recommend doing that. I had the bald tour guide (forgot his name, but he made it very fun). I got a good workout walking in it but learned a lot as well. Worth checking out before or after Garden of the Gods.
Kyle “EK” Warner — Google review
This place was awesome! I really enjoyed the cave tour. It's a really cool place to go to. We had a baby and adults; some areas in the cave are a bit low, so you have to watch your head. The activities are pretty cool. Be ready for an adventure for sure. Everyone in our group had a great time. Very informative tour. I've lived in Colorado practically all my life, and it was my first time visiting. I highly recommend getting out to see it. also has such fresh air.
Yuriana De Luna — Google review
Would give more stars if i could. What a unique and affordable experience! The cave tour was amazing! We did the discovery tour and it was very easy to operate for anyone who may have anxiety/ claustrophobia. Our tour guide was Gale, who was absolutely amazing!!! She is extremely knowledgeable, hilarious, and brought my friends and i much joy. If you are looking for a cave to explore this is the tour! Get there early to soak in the drive up and the observation decks, so beautiful!
carley Miller — Google review
Great experience!
Amazing view, the discovery cave tour is nice and this ride (Terror-Dactyl) where you go "flying" between the canyons is top notch!
My only suggestion is that they could implement a system for "virtual line" for this ride. I had just 8 people on front of me and took a little bit more than an 1 hour in line to go in the ride. I have a small kid so it was challenging, but overall, I would totally go there again. Amazing place :)
Fl?via von Atzingen Lled? — Google review
Had a great time going through the Caverns and our guide Kathrine was amazing. She spoke my language of dad jokes the entire time. My son’s favorite part was when she turned all the lights out and we couldn’t see a thing! It was really cool! I highly recommend this tour!
Matthew Hayes — Google review
We had an absolute blast of a time, We did the lantern tour with Rowan, and it was an awesome experience. She did a great job showing the cave and telling the stories. We had such a good time, we did the discovery tour as well. The caves are natural, so there are some low spots and some slippery spots, as well as stairs. I would recommend if you are scared of the dark or small spaces to stick to the discovery tour. For the lantern tour, Rowan did an awesome job pointing out any obstacles all while keeping the ambiance and flow of the tour. If you've gone through the discovery tour and are looking for a different take on the cave of the winds, I definitely recommend the lantern tour
Braydon Lowe — Google review
Spelunking is pretty awesome. More so when your guide is John. He was very knowledgeable and passionate when touring us. He made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. You do have to do some bending over to pass through the caves. Their are also stairs at certain points. The park also has activities for your children and a cool zip line if you are brave enough. If you are hungry and would like to relax a bit, they have a small restaurant that will whip you up sandwiches, 🍟 and such. Well worth the visit.
Johnny “J Dub” Wilder Jr — Google review
This place is amazing. I came here as a kid, brought the family back and they have made it so family friendly that we stayed ALL DAY, open to close. Mariah our tour guide was very funny and informative. Eric and Ethan on the ropes course and rock climbing wall were awesome to my family. (sorry team the only two names I remembered) whole crew does an awesome job! Very well run team!
If you question if this is a great thing to do for kids.... If they're over 42" the answer is YES!
Dan Hamilton — Google review
This was a fun experience. Driving up the side of the mountain before you get to the entrance is always exciting. We paid $92 for two kids two adults to do a cave tour. It was neat inside, $92 is a bit steep though. We paid an additional $15 for each child to do an activity outside of the entrance. You could pay $25 each to do all of the activities including the batapult which was the ride over the canyon. The workers were friendly.
Michelle Fuhr — Google review
Super cool cave tour. I did the regular (non-lantern) tour. You explore quite a bit but it's definitely a beginner tour. Flooring is level, smooth, and clean. Nothing to worry about with getting your shoes dirty. Couple ladders you need to climb so if you can't climb a ladder for some reason I wouldn't recommend going. Saw people of all sizes on the tour and everyone made it thru the low height spaces. I definitely want to come back and do the haunted lantern tour!
Daniel Ochoa — Google review
My wife and I did the discovery tour. We had about 15 people in our group. The tour lasted about 45 minutes. $26. Our tour guide was Maddie, and she was amazing! She is full of jokes. There are a lot of stairs and a few tight spaces but it was a great experience. I especially loved the part where they turn all of the lights off and you experience cave darkness!
Short Stories and Tall Tales — Google review
This incredible place is located at the top of a small peak in the mountains! It's easily accessible right off the main highway. They offer ziplines and outdoor activities as well as a variety of cave tours. The standard cave tour is about an hour and well worth the money.
You will be in a natural cave and have to climb up a few sets of stairs and will be confined to a small space but you can request to leave if your uncomfortable and someone will escort you out.
It's absolutely incredible the work they've done on the cave since it was first discovered.
They have a small area to hang out and view the mountains and a hut selling snacks and beer/wine products at the beginning of the tour. Be responsible you do have to drive up a cliff side to get here! There's a larger gift shop and cafe once you complete the tour on the other side of the parking lot and large area to enjoy the view.
Jennie Johnson — Google review
First time in a cave and we did the discovery tour and it was awesome! My 6 and 9 year old really enjoyed it, too! Our tour guide Jack was very knowledgeable and educated on caves (he told us he did his undergraduate thesis on that cave which is awesome!). We learned a lot and really enjoyed the whole experience! I would recommend everyone pay a visit to this tour.
Justin Idle — Google review
It was a great experience for my 3&4 year old. The tour was very doable, the stairway was not a lot although we did have to pick the kids up to go through few parts.
The cave itself was alright, since I saw many cave before back in Vietnam I wasn't impressed.
On other note, the road to drive up there was quite scary if you are not familiar with the mountains. It had many sharp turn. We came on a Sunday day and no ice on the road, yet I was so scared driving up. I can't imagine the day of snowing and icing would be like. Please be careful driving there.
I don't like the fact that they try to take pictures at the beginning of the tour to sell it back to us and didn't let us take pictures at that particular spot.
Jolie Li — Google review
Absolutely would recommend taking the cave tours! Our tour guide Jeremy made it so fun and exciting while telling us about the history! Thank you so much Jeremy for making this trip so amazing for my dad, aunt, and I!
I would also recommend the terydactle ride! It was such an adrenaline rush!
Riley ONeil — Google review
My boyfriend and I originally went on the discovery tour with Slim Jim. It was such a fun experience! We enjoyed learning the history of the Caves. They were amazing to see & crazy to imagine people crawling through these tiny spaces. We ended up taking the last haunted tour of the day. We went during the week so it felt like a private tour. It made everything feel sooo much spookier. Let’s not talk about the scary stuff we experienced in the caves while we were in there….It was such an awesome experience. We took the tour with… I believe her name was Chloe? Cleo? I think she had curly red hair. She was so amazing!! Thank you for the experiences! We’ll be back for sure!
Damaris lopez — Google review
Amazing tours, lantern and non lantern alike. The guides were very informative and entertaining. There’s some tricky stairs along the way, but just pay attention and you’ll be perfectly fine. Cool water pools and stalactites/stalagmites. Even got to see their natural “oriental” rock garden. They also take photos at the beginning of the tour (available for purchase at the end)
Katherine Spencer — Google review
Had a wonderful day spending time at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. My group had Olive as a tour guide and she made the visit something to remember. I still have her funny cute jokes she made stuck in my head. Would recommend visiting the website to view any specials that may be available as well as the different tours they offer. Olive helped demonstrate what the "Haunted Lantern Tour", and it will be something I'll book in the future when I'm back in the area. Wonderful learning about the history and geology of the area and motives for search. After/before the tour, the mountain has many good views and a deck for viewing the scenery.
Demitrius Gilbert — Google review
We loved the 11 am Lantern Tour with Mariah!! She was a fantastic tour guide with great stories about the history and haunts in the cave. The Cave of The Winds has been open since 1881 so there is definitely a ton of history to talk about.
As part of the tour, there is a 250 foot long area of the cave that you mostly have to stoop down because the cave is only 42” at the tallest. This area is the challenging part of the tour.
The tour was a good 1 hour and 40 minutes long and well worth the price of admission.
Thanks for the memories as we definitely had a GREAT time!! We will be back on our next trip to Colorado.
Randy Bitner — Google review
My family and I visited from out of town over last week. It is a bit overpriced (about $110 for a family of four - Discovery Package), but the tour and the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. This was my first cave experience and I was truly blown away with information. The view from the patio is breath taking and we loved the photo ops with the stuffed bear and oversized chair. Thank you for the memories.
Jessica Westfall — Google review
We did the Discovery tour, at $28 a person. That may be a little high, but this tour within the cave was absolutely stunning. It boasts 1/2 mile, and 196 stair steps. That may sound like a lot, but it wasn't. It is not handicap accessible simply due to being a cave, however if you are able to walk and climb semi-steep steps, this is worth it. You do NOT have to be in shape to do this tour.
Autumn was our tour guide and she did an amazing job. She was kind, took time to explain different aspects of the cave and its history, and personally I thought her jokes were great.
Highly recommend going. Children will love this but you should make sure they keep their hands to themselves as touching parts of the cave can damage the ecosystem and formation of the cave. Adults of all ages will love this as well- we did!
Tallstar's Sith Holocron — Google review
The cave, which was discovered in 1881 by two brothers, was only officially opened to public business in the 1990s. A lot of man-made facilities were built before open to the public, they preserved most of the cave while letting the public understand this magical geological structure. These artificial facilities allow most short tourists (tourists who are too tall to easily hit their heads during the trip) to be introduced to the tour by the tour guides. Great place for the whole family to have a little adventure together.
Vick Sh — Google review
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100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
The US Air Force Academy is a prominent military training facility in Colorado Springs, which attracts millions of tourists each year. It offers visitors a glimpse into the history and training of pilots and other airmen.
Visited the United States Air Force Academy in early August and was simply awestruck by the history, mission, character and quality of people who first organized the institution, all the graduates over time, and the proud character of the individuals attending the academy. Beautiful campus nestled in the north part of Colorado Springs, with plenty of space and neat, air-themed buildings. The chapel was under renovation/construction when we visited so we could not view it, but there are plenty of images and models around to get an idea of how beautiful and majestic the building is. We don't have any family members in the military, but we greatly appreciated the valuable opportunity to learn about this wonderful institution and the amazing work of the people associated with it. Highly recommended if you're in the area.
Shingo S. Ishida — Google review
Beautiful place and inspiring. The cadet chapel is very nice. It’s a MUST visit place if you are in Colorado Springs area.
Highly recommend it!
Amo Cenare — Google review
We visited the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in hopes that our daughter will be attending next year. It is a highly respected institution that is known for producing some of the most dedicated and skilled military officers in the United States Air Force. With a focus on integrity, excellence, and service, the Academy prepares its students to meet the challenges of military service with honor and distinction.
Beyond its academic and ethical rigor, the Air Force Academy also offers a vibrant and diverse community for its students. Cadets come from all walks of life, and the Academy prides itself on fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
It would be a blessing to be a part of this prestigious academy.
Kelly Haynes — Google review
The price is right. It's a top-level education at zero cost. There are, of course, some strings attached.
Alex Kolkena — Google review
Views from USAFA are inspiring and give citizens understand how our military leaders are developed
Stephen D. Marino — Google review
What an impressive place! Not just the beauty and the organization of it, but the respect for the academy and the respect for the service is present. The size of the grounds is immense, and we only stayed on the roads, not having time to go on any of the walking paths. Even though the chapel is currently closed, we still learned a lot through the visitor's center, and the video they showed was informative as well. Would have loved to have had more time here.
John Landeck — Google review
My husband made a second trip to get my prescription which said on the recording that it would be ready on Friday after 2:00 pm. He tried calling but they would not answer the phone and of course it was not ready again. Have no idea what is happening at the USAF Academy but the prescriptions now are never ready when they say it is in their recording. From now on we are not going to pick it up until we get text from them saying it is ready. Of course I am going to run out of this important medication.
Tamara P Chandler — Google review
The youngest of our military academies, it is worth taking the self guided tour. We were able to see a great deal of the academy and much of its history.
Annette Porter — Google review
Beautiful and inspiring. Love this country! The plane at the entrance is amazing! Whoa!
Patrick Vandiver — Google review
Interesting college. Awesome and incredibly difficult and kind of miserable all at the same time. As a cadet, the best part is the other people the worst part is your own weaknesses. Will make you a stronger person in every way even if you don’t graduate.
Jack Peterson — Google review
Love this training area with museum, planetarium, chapel
Jean Cappellano — Google review
We visited falcon Trail beautiful view 13 mile hike we did a 4.8 in and out next time we go we're going to do the full 13
Dave Pigon — Google review
What a place!! It will stir your patriotism. At the visitor's center, a movie explains how they train the cadets. You can take a walking tour of the beautiful campus, visit their museum, and drive around the beautiful places where the cadets work out and train. It will make you proud to know you are supporting something like this.
Phil Helman — Google review
Einen Abstecher aus Denver ist es wert. Hier schlägt das Herz der US Airforce Ausbildung. Registriert euch kurz am Südeingang und los gehts. Top Gun in echt.
(Translated by Google)
It's worth a detour from Denver. This is where the heart of US Air Force training beats. Just register at the south entrance and off you go. Top Gun for real.
A beautiful park with breath-taking sandstone formations and stunning views of the mountains, Garden of the Gods is a popular tourist destination in Colorado Springs. It's perfect for outdoor activities, with plenty to see and do, including hiking trails and a visitor center.
Breathtaking!! We arrived early and was able to get a good parking spot. The Visitor's Center was really informative and cool. The gift shop has some really nice items and the staff was nice. We walked the trails and took some amazing pictures. Nature is beautifully created. And it's free, you can't beat that.
Kay Lafleur — Google review
Such an amazing experience! There are short walks and longer walks. A nice public restroom next to parking lot 2. The visitor center is awesome! They have a nice little gift shop and you can pick up a map there. It also has some amazing views too! It also has a little cafe if you want to grab coffee or snacks before going hiking.
Selena Daryl — Google review
Beautiful rock formations. You will be greeted with balanced rock with a narrow road to the visitor centre. The road is a loop with various scenic spots. I believe the place would be more beautiful during dawn or dusk. Great for hiking, walking or just being with nature !!
Rishikesh Nalapur — Google review
Our first stop was at the Visitor’s Center. The man at the information desk was helpful and courteous. Since we were pushing a baby stroller he pointed the paved route for us. The view from the Center is beautiful and a great place for pictures. It is a good idea to bring water. While the paved hiking is not strenuous the dry climate will leave you thirsty!
Richard Blake — Google review
Such an amazing and majestic place. This was a great place for the whole family. The scenes are gorgeous and the kids loved climbing around on the rocks. It’s super clean and the paths are well taken care of. Add it to your “must-see” list. You won’t regret it.
Stevie Torres — Google review
This place is amazing. Such beautiful vistas, I could spend an entire day just taking it all in. You can drive your car up the road and there's a parking lot that meets a trailhead. The path is concrete and well maintained. In fact, the entire area is meticulous. We got a good way down the path and turned back because it started to rain. But this is a wondrous place that is good for the soul.
Nathan Wadman — Google review
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. No joke. There is something for everyone here! There are concrete sidewalks throughout the park, as well as more primitive trails with some elevation if that’s your thing. The visitor’s center is also very nice.
Kenny Spade — Google review
Fun experience walking around and seeing the formation of the rocks there and the surrounding areas. The park is kept very clean and tidy. You can see caution signs if you're not clear if you can go or do certain things. Maps are well placed around to make sure you know where you are at all times. People there are friendly and the views are even better. Everywhere you look is a sight to see. Traffic is not that bad, but I didn't go at their peak times. It was open till late, which was great as we got to see the sunset.
ngawang sherpa — Google review
We visited on a Monday afternoon, not too crowded. The visitor center is really cool, all the touch screens actually work! The staff were very helpful and the gift shop has some cute stuff. Everything is very accessible on the paths, if you have a wheelchair or stroller you can navigate safely. It’s a great time and it’s free! The weather was great, just a little snow here and there.
Corey Green — Google review
Absolutely amazing place to venture. We spent hours enjoying the sights and could have easily spent longer. There are many trails. Animals to watch for. The restrooms are very well maintained, as is the whole park. Dog, kid friendly. There are areas that are not mobility friendly for wheelchair access and strollers, but there are plenty of other areas to explore that are.
Kayla Escudero — Google review
It's absolutely beautiful. Did the Siamese Twins trail. It was a little tricky to stay on coarse. We started at the trading post, its probably better from the actual trailhead. the paths were clear but it just wasn't clear if you were on the correct path. The map was not too helpful. But we had GPS on so could always see where the trading post was and the other people on trail were helpful in letting us know if we were on the right track. But aside from that the scenery is absolutely amazing. We saw deer and a cute, way too accustomed to humans squirrel. And lots of cool birds. Could spend all day just staring at the beautiful views of valleys hills and rock formations. Super grateful there is no charge to enter,although we did our part by spending money in the gift shop and trading post!
Leila D. — Google review
It doesn't matter whether it's your first time or you've been a hundred times it will always be breathtaking and connect you with nature no matter what time of year it is! The drive is absolutely beautiful through the park. Trails are well maintained and many are handicap accessible. Access to Rampart Road will take you on a fun 4-wheeling drive.
Bucket list stop for visitors for sure. Beautiful trading post with lots of local gifts.
Amanda Tolles — Google review
Unique, wonderful, picturesque place to go for a hike/walk.
Mountain Biking, there is a designated area for mountain biking.
Only downside, it is so popular that it can be a bit crowded and difficult to find parking at times.
Most enjoyable at off-peak times.
J C — Google review
This was amazing. It was so cool to see and actually walk around and climb on these rocks. So many trails and spots to park. There are some trails that are shared with horses. So watch out for horse droppings. They even have picnic areas with tables so you can bring your own food and eat with your family and friends. Pretty cool to actually see and touch all that stuff. One of my favorite spots I found.
isaac sapp — Google review
they have a cafe in the visitors center and a cute gift shop. there are plenty of paved paths to walk along around the park, along with dirt paths that are less busy. we saw many people climbing on the rocks and the weather was great so there were many animals wandering around. lots of birds too
Jade F — Google review
My overall experience has been incredible here. Definitely not a place that you get to explore in a few hours or even a whole day. I'd say to plan the spots that you want to explore and revisit if you have time. If you are a hiker, on the map the Scotsman Picnic Ground has a great trail, just watch out for horse poop everywhere as this is a pretty popular riding for horse owners.
Carla Gorosito Cox — Google review
Such a beautiful place! I went hiking one day but didn’t get to see everything before the sun went down. I went back the next day to catch the sunrise and see what I missed the day before. There are so many cool things to see all over the place.
I went later in the day on the first day so it wasn’t too crowded. The same for the sunrise, there was hardly anyone there. So amazing that there’s no charge for this park!
Steph West — Google review
It goes without saying that this place is beautiful. The visitors center was really nice all kinds of information about the area. It was a little bit crowded but it seemed to be pack with the kind of people who loved where they were so it was great vibes. My kids loved it and didn't want to stop hiking. There is a lot of area roped off I'm sure with good reason but i wish we could explore around off the path a little bit.
kristina cuddeback — Google review
This was my first time in Colorado Springs and this is a must see. The park is easy to drive in and through. The actual area is at the foot of the mountains and not in the mountains. The terrain is easy to walk. I has areas for you to walk and many, many people do that. It has areas to bike ride and it also has places to horse ride. The are separated places so you can enjoy whatever you are choosing to do. You can drive through the area and it is a nine mile trip, I was told. You can take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. The trails are wide and well worn so that anyone can walk them. There is a lot of traffic but it is worth the effort and be ready to take pictures. You could definitely spend a day just walking and riding. Loved it. There is a trading post there as well. and the nature center is kinda nice but average.
Tom Bush — Google review
Definitely worth a visit if you are in the Colorado Springs area. Best of all, this park is free to the public. Parking is free at the visitor center but it can fill up quickly during the day. There are plenty of parking spaces with free shuttle about 5 minutes from the visitor center. You can drive into the garden but there are limited parking spaces there.
There are lots of hiking trails but if you are looking for a short hike, the park rangers will recommend the 1 mile paved loop around the famous rock formations not far from the visitor center.
If you are interested, you can buy tickets for a 45-minute Jeep tour around the entire park for $20 per person. There are bikes for rent as well.
This park is open from 5 AM to 10 PM in the summer. We also visited the park the following day to take pictures and see the sun rise over the rock formations. It was beautiful and there were very few people in the park during sunrise.
Peter Tan — Google review
Immaculate, breathtaking, mind boggling. These words don't even begin to describe the feelings you get when you try to think about how everything about these dwarfs your existence. When it comes to the time and resources at play to bring you these amazing views. Recommend watching the 15 minute video at the visitor center to get an idea of how these formations can't about.
Gerid Adams (Wired4Sound) — Google review
Free to enter. I wished one of the main parking lots was bigger, it took awhile to find a parking space. You have to sit and wait for people to leave. Hiking is easy and you can go as leisurely as you want. It’s better to do this one in the morning to avoid the massive amounts of tourists coming. You can easily spend a few hours here.
Nicholas P — Google review
No doubt this place is one of the best small hike locations to explore in the area. Lots of beautiful views and hiking paths. Bring water and make sure to stay hydrated. I would also advise proper shoes that cover your ankles and toes, the sand is red and will dust your shoes with a fine coating (easy to clean off, but be aware it's part of the experience) all in all, I highly suggest this park.
TJ D — Google review
Beautiful, great place to walk your dogs (just keep them on their leash and clean up if they go to the bathroom). Lots of parking, great walking paths. Welcome center and visitor center has lots of great info and a little cafe.
Nicole Klor — Google review
This place was absolutely beautiful. We made a trip out to pick up my daughter and she encouraged us to check it out before we left. They did have a picnic area, restrooms, and if you’re into rock climbing they had designated areas for that as well! I would love to fly back to Colorado and explore this place some more!
Amber Russo — Google review
Visiting Garden of the Gods was an awe-inspiring experience. Nestled in Colorado Springs, this natural landmark boasts stunning geological formations, with towering red rock spires and balanced boulders set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The beauty of the park is breathtaking, and the array of colors, especially at sunrise or sunset, is simply mesmerizing. The well-maintained trails offer easy access to explore the landscape and get up close with the unique rock formations. Each viewpoint and trail presents a new perspective of the park's grandeur, making it a photographer's paradise. The visitor center was informative, providing insights into the geological history and the natural ecosystem of the area. Garden of the Gods is not just a feast for the eyes but also a place that ignites the imagination and offers a peaceful retreat into nature. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and geological wonders.
Lady Cornwall — Google review
Here's some more information about this amazing place:
History: The Garden of the Gods was formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion. The Ute people, who inhabited the area for centuries, considered it a sacred place. In 1909, the park was donated to the city of Colorado Springs and has been a popular tourist destination ever since.
Rock formations: The park is home to some of the most iconic rock formations in the world, including Kissing Camels, Balanced Rock, and the Three Graces. These formations have been named for their resemblance to various objects, adding to the park's whimsical charm.
Activities: There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the Garden of the Gods, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and jeep tours. There are also several scenic trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the rock formations and the surrounding landscape.
Visitor Center: The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is a great place to start your visit. The center has exhibits on the park's geology, history, and ecology. There is also a bookstore and a gift shop.
Getting there: The Garden of the Gods is located just west of Colorado Springs. The park is open year-round, and there is a fee to enter.
Vikas Kumar — Google review
Must visit place in Colorado Springs, CO.
Loved the transition of colors by the evening and view of different mountain rock formations. Really the Garden of Gods.
Could spend entire day here on the trails and view spots.
Got well maintained parking spots, trail heads and restrooms.
inferno d — Google review
Nice place to take a hike on or bike different trails. You can picnic here and see some amazing rock formations. It's nice to just drive through also if not the walking type.
M M — Google review
Climbing is epic! As a new outdoor climber, the grades are sandbagged. There are few bolts, we used trad gear on most sport routes. The first bold is often 15ft+ from the ground, may not be able to get it even with a stick clip. Not a place I would recommend for beginners, but for those up for the challenge, it is a playground of old classic routes with incredible views.
Sharie Dodge — Google review
Incredible experience. We chose to do the audio guided tour in our vehicle. There are many places to park along the way and explore on foot. The views of Pikes Peak were great once the clouds clear.
Chase Griggers — Google review
Love the formations, but not all the tourists... we go when it's not expected to be bust, much better people wise. Big park, drive around to the different spots and park, lots to see. Don't step in the red clay mud, it will ruin your shoes.
Expansive park with hiking trails, rock climbing walls, wildlife viewing opportunities & more.
Fantastic area to hike and run. There's a good amount of parking there, with a few restrooms/portas at the lots. A big loop will take you around 6-7 miles, but you can go smaller loops or even a simple out and back - the scenery is pretty regardless. Enjoy some quality outdoors time out here.
Peter Steenhuis — Google review
Beautiful state park! We explored mostly the surface because our daughter is still fairly small. But she enjoyed the playground and managed to walk down and back up from the creek. There were mosquitoes at the bottom so plan accordingly. Parking is $10 but definitely worth stopping to see all the natural beauty this spot has to offer.
Beth Hee — Google review
Pros:
Really, really beautiful scenery. Plenty of hikes. There is a dam and you can hike parallel to a creek. At one point you have to cross the creek which makes it a little adventurous. Overall, the hikes are mild to moderate and kids of all ages can do it easily. There are plenty of picnic area, some spots have sheds, and plenty of parking. Dog friendly.
Cons:
Most of the hiking trails are in open so if it's sunny, you will feel the sun. Carry plenty of water.
Salil Jha — Google review
Absolutely stunning park. Gorgeous views. The trail into the canyon does have some steep footing but go slow and you should be fine.
Mary Ash — Google review
I thought I'd try a trail run this morning on the 4 mile East trail. I quickly realized that parts of the trail were challenging to find. I was grateful for the piles of rocks/stacked rocks marking the trail. Needles to say it's not a great trail running 'trail' in several spots, but it was a great trail! I'll be back when I have more time to wander in there. I'd definitely recommend it as a hike. I'm adding a few pictures that look like landscape when they are actually part of the trail (they're obviously not the ones with a paved sidewalk or view of the canyon). I also added a quick video from under the bridge, I thought it was cool how they made space to go under the highway. The stacked rocks were my guide! I got a little lost in one area and noticed when I backtracked that the stacked rocks were toppled over, so I really did depend on them. If you hike this trail, watch for the trail markers and give yourself plenty of time, and most of all enjoy the journey!
Hethyr Fouse — Google review
This state park is the scene of a dam failure in 1933. The canyon is filled with rock formations with Cherry Creek running below, it provides a great habitat for a variety of wildlife. There is a viewing platform near the bridge. There are two accesses to the park, the main one off CO 83 and the 2nd off CO 86 coming out of Franktown. From CO83 you can really explore the Canyon. From the CO86 side, you can see the failed Dam and the homestead. There are several beautiful trails on this side also. Both sides have plenty to explore. You can't drive from one side to the other, but you can hike.
Lisa Rogers — Google review
Very near to centennial Colorado. It took me and my son 2hrs 30min to do a loop from castlewood state park parking towards the mountain in middle you see one side of dam and then post looping down and back you see other end of the dam. We also came across a rattle snake on the trail so took pictures and maneuvered around it. It was hot but it rained a bit that kept the temperatures down. Loop is around 6 miles and runs around many bridges with flowing water. Scenes down hill are also amazing. Nice to do this trails over weekend.
Mahesh Karekar — Google review
Our family loves this place. Great trail with wildlife and greenery. Dog friendly and family friendly. With picnic areas and public restroom. Lovely creek and educational posts along the trail way. Watch out for cactus, mountain lions, poison ivy, and snakes.
Christina Carbajal — Google review
We were looking for somewhere along our route south of Denver where we could get in a short hike. We found Castlewood canyon to enjoy a 2 mile hike. We were happy we stopped.
Linda Radford — Google review
One of the most beautiful places that I've been in a really long time. My boyfriend took me for my birthday he is so amazing he knows exactly what I love to do it took an hour for us the hike through the canyon and I absolutely loved it I would recommend it to anyone it's a little dangerous for someone who's not familiar with hiking or has the proper Footwear so make sure you get ready before you go
Kimberly Sandoval — Google review
This is a beautiful park with a lot of history. My daughter loves looking at the old buildings and the plaques describing what they were used for. There are a lot of trails criss-crossing around so be careful not to get lost. I also love the way the park smells in the spring there are so many wildflowers and Russian olive trees and it smells amazing here. The trails are very easy with slight changes to elevation and only a few trip hazards here and there. Just take care not to go off trail because there are cacti.
Sakura Windsong — Google review
What a great find!!! The upper trails are very easy, wheelchair/stroller accessible! Once you go down into the gorge it’s absolutely stunning, more rugged and the stream is so bubbly! I didn’t make it to the dam site..next time! Highly recommend!
Dana Pustinger — Google review
Moderate hiking trails (with a lot of paved walkways) through a beautiful state park full of unusual lobed "cobble" rock formations and the ruins of a mass century dam. Because it's a little off the beaten path, there are few other hikers. Dogs allowed on certain trails. And the visitor's center was a delight, with Sid & Nancy (two bull snakes) and Tig (a tiger salamander) on view.
Daniel McGee — Google review
This is an amazing trek around the cherry creek canyon. The trail is known for bird sightings and a great hike. Entry will cost you $10 and they have plenty of parking space and restrooms near the visitor center. Compared to other great trails across the region it may not the best but worth visiting once for an early morning hike. Do not carry your bikes or skateboard.
Biswanath Das — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous area! Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to stop and explore before heading to the airport. The scenic drive was fantastic, low-stress, and riddled with wondrous sights to behold! The plains appear vast, in comparison to the mountains in the west.
Jenni Hoover — Google review
It's amazing that there are so many state parks so close to the city of Denver. We just got chance to explore only two of them. This is a unique place in that you will be on flat land one minute and the next you are seeing these beautiful canyon made by cherry creek. We had a great time hiking some beautiful trails within the park and saw lots of birds, wild flowers and some nice people along the way.
Keshava Mysore — Google review
Nice place to visit, walk and hike around. Saw several people with dogs, beautiful birds and completely brush and trees. I could see this as a great place for a wedding, with beautiful views all around. Misty people stop at the first two parking lots to see the gazebo you can see from the highway. But make sure you go ask the way back further to the west. Great place for picnics with places for covered gatherings
B K — Google review
Beautiful place. Been here many times, but this was the first time when the trails were covered in snow. Walked to the old dam, excellent. Another great Colorado state park.
Paul Galloway — Google review
Big rock, shallow canyon, river walk, bird watching, cliff dwelling, 3 ish mile hike with moderate terrain. Ice lasts a bit into spring in some spots. A very pleasant way to spend a few hours outside, in nature, subsurface exploring with the family. Great place to bring a picnic. Leave no trace.
C — Google review
A hidden gem! From the road you catch yourself thinking “there’s no way there’s anything good out there. Its flat for miles!” WRONG. As soon as you enter the park, you drive into a lovely canyon! Wonderful trails and views! Don’t skip out on this State Park!
Cara Conway — Google review
What a great place to go for easy hiking and viewing the wonders of Colorado scenery. On the East side entrance there is a nice visitors center, great parking with nice paved pathways winding though the rocky landscape. We saw a lot of beautiful wildflowers, magnificent rock formations, cactus, and interesting trees. One of my favorites was the large grasses lining the pathways. some of them were still green, but some of them were turning fall colors of purple, red, pink, orange, & yellow. Take the time to look closely at the natural little rock gardens.
Broadmoor Seven Falls is a magnificent waterfall series located in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon. There are walking and hiking trails, as well as an optional Broadmoor Soaring Adventure that culminates in a rappeland.
This was a cool experience m. I booked a ticket with my mom and her fiancé! We took a trolley to the actual site and it was a beautiful experience! There is a trolley once you get there to take you up to the views or you can walk (we chose to walk). Then there are elevators to get up. It’s definitely more of a sight seeing thing than it is a hike! Well worth the time and money spent!
Jeremy Cox — Google review
You cannot drive directly to the falls. There are couple of parking lots closer to this location where you can park and walk. But, there are shuttles from this location which will take you the park area (free of cost), where you can purchase the entry tickets. It’s $17 for the adult and $11 for the kids. The falls are around a mile away from the ticket counter. You can purchase a shuttle ride as well for an additional $2 dollars but we liked to walk and enjoy the views. Once you get to the falls, take the elevator to the seven falls sign to enjoy the beautiful view of the seven falls. You could take the stairs too if you’d like. Afterwards, you could visit the actual falls and if interested take the stairs to the top of the falls.
Raghavendra Aditya M — Google review
We got an opportunity to visit this amazing place. We visited without any prior planning, so we wasted lot of time because of this reason.
We reached the right place but we could not get the opportunity to park our car because there was a shuttle bus service for this park. We spend like an hour to wait for our turn in the specified parking lot to get our turn.
When we entered the park, there was lot of walk to reach to the right attraction place but there was still a shuttle inside the park to take to the right place and also the lift to go to the high mountain spot from where we could see the broad view for this park.
one visit was enough to see this park or the surrounding attractions for this park, we may visit sometimes again.
Sheraz Ahmed (Your Sir Jee) — Google review
Great place to get back to nature! Beautiful waterfall! Ticket is $17. Drove up to the main parking lot then took a shuttle to the 7 fall location, they have a ticket booth onsite. 15 mins walk up to main water falls and 224 stairs up to the major hike trail! Great sightseeing spot.
N J — Google review
Went to Seven Falls to visit the water falls and hiking routes. First, you must park near the equestrian/event center and take a shuttle to the park entrance. Free Shuttle service runs from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm. There are guides to help you through the gate to the ticket booth. General admission is $17.00. Extra $ for a park Shuttle service to the Seven Falls cliffs. It's about a mile walk to the actual water fall. It's a beautiful walk if your willing to walk up hill all the way.
There are restrooms along the way and a gift shop near the Falls. There is a self guided tour through a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel their is an elevator that takes you to the Eagles Nest. The restaurant was closed. They claimed it was due to COVID-19 , but rather I believe it is hiring issues. It's hard to find employees right now.
The Seven Falls were incredible but climbing the ladders were steep. But once you get on top their are a couple of trails. You can get a great view of Colorado Springs at Inspiration Point from the top of the mountain. It's a great way to spend hiking at Colorado Springs.
Yardarm Ramon — Google review
I absolutely loved this gorgeous place. I know there are many great locations with free entry in Colorado, but this place is definitely worth the entry fee. Strategically located photo spots provide excellent spots for those who need to expand their photo libraries. The Bubble Waffle Sundaes Food Truck with their delicious Ice-cream adds a little extra to your wonderful experience.
Olena V — Google review
All employees that I encountered were very pleasant. It was quite the walk from where you were dropped off by the shuttle to the base of the falls, but it was so beautiful. The stairs mixed with the altitude made for quite the challenge but we made it. It would be nice if the stairs had been a bit wider to accommodate people going up and down at the same time. But otherwise the views were amazing and we truly enjoyed visiting. Will be back the next time we visit Colorado!
Ashley Cook — Google review
There's a scenic and gentle 1-mile hike to the falls from the gate. Then two sets of steep and challenging stairs go straight up the falls or from the Eagles Nest top there is a separate high-up view of the falls, which is also elevator accessible. The waterfalls and views are spectacular and the trails at the top are worth the extra effort to explore a little more of the area. Sep 2023
James Welsh — Google review
Had a wonderful time. The parking is about 9 minutes away if you want to park and take a free shuttle. There are other places you might be able to get a spot close by and walk to the entrance.
You can buy your tickets online or at the site but it's best to do online. The "tram" that takes you up the walk to top is good if the 3/4 mi hike is too much. But it's a decent incline hike to the top. Where the restaurant is and where the falls are.
The stairs are steep and straight up with a small rest at the middle. It's a good climb but the altitude is probably more of an issue for people than the stairs. Take your time. All the staff we met along the way were great. Cute little souvenir shop. Lots of picture opportunities.
Johnny Crow — Google review
Just beautiful and breath taking… Awe inspiring… I could just saying poetic things about this experience! If you are in the area it’s a must see. It wasn’t high on my bucket list the day I visited because I didn’t understand what I was going to see. I wholesomely can say I wish it was the place I spent the most time that day at. The views are breath taking. The park is clean and orderly and the staff attending the park were incredibly nice and you could tell they really cared about the park. The water falls were fun to see. The stairs I’d you climb up can be scary to take caution before attempting it! Other than that! Just enjoy cause if you’re anything of a nature lover this place will fill you up with Joy. They also have shuttles for those who may need those services to enjoy the park as well! The park fee I believe is $16.50 plus any additional options. Check their website for more details as weather changes etc.
Have fun!
Peter Fairfield — Google review
Despite the rain, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience! My wife and I walked to the falls instead of taking the shuttle. Plus due to the rain, we were handed umbrellas for the time we were there. Although it was little under a mile, the scenic views made it totally worth it. Plus viewing the falls from the elevator was incredible. The walk up the stairs to the top was nerve racking (rightfully so especially in the rain) but totally worth it.
Roddrick Ellis — Google review
Cool place to see. Once we parked, they bused us to the falls area. There is a tram you can take up to the falls if you prefer not to walk up there. There is also an elevator you can use to view the falls (or stairs if you want a challenge, I did). Also, there are stairs up by the falls that you can take and view the falls from the top (I did not). Around 7-7:30, they light up the falls. It wasn't dark enough at that time when we went and the lights were hard to see. We did have to wait in line to be bused back to the parking area since it was closing time.
Julie Creech — Google review
This is such a beautiful place to visit! You walk quite a bit and there are a lot of stairs, but the views are so beautiful and breathtaking. The hikes above the falls are so serene and worth the visit. Well worth the $18 entrance fee. Bring your own water and snacks. Drinks are $5 (water bottle or soda)
Juanita Raquel Adams-Evans — Google review
Park across the Walmart (you will see signs everywhere) and a trolley takes you to the entrance. Beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, stroller friendly, couldn’t go up the stairs because of the snow but luckily there is an elevator that can take you to the top. We enjoyed our time here and highly recommend having lunch at the restaurant called 1858 within the park, it’s a must!
Kristen Bardelas — Google review
Love this place! Professional and clean. The falls are beautiful and there are options for all ability levels. The walk to the base is lovely. The stairs are steep but doable. This is a unique experience you should definitely take part in. Senior tickets (60+) are $15 and adults $18. But well worth the price. Spent about 2 hrs there and loved every minute of it. You can purchase tickets in advance, but I did not and was able to buy them at the park. But if you are going in the summer (which is peak season) I would recommend maybe getting tickets ahead of time so you can be sure you have a spot to get in
MysteriousHeadlines — Google review
Very professional operation to help the flow of visitors transport. Free shuttle to the Seven Falls location from a designated parking area was very efficient. The short hike from the park entrance gave time to take in the surroundings. So glad to see this canyon up close. Very spectacular. The restaurant was perfect for our birthday lunch.
Irv Rutan — Google review
This place was amazing to visit, definitely a must if you're visiting anywhere within an hour of it. The trails are all kept neat and picked up along with having clear paths to ensure you don't lose track of where you're heading. The trams are very timely and worth the $4 a ticket. The restrooms are very clean but there's no handicap access.
Kaeden Robbins — Google review
This is a beautiful place to visit and get your exercise. The steps up to the eagles nest was somewhere around 175-185 steps. There was an elevator that you could use. Then for the waterfall, there was about 285 steps. If the gift shop would have had a t-shirt that said "I made it to the top and survived", I probably would have purchased it.
james mobley — Google review
Absolutely beautiful walk through the canyon up to the waterfall and then the waterfall itself is beautiful. We also visited the restaurant while we were there and it was very good. Would highly recommend this attraction.
Jessica Henry — Google review
This is a great hike for the family. Not everyone can do it, but you can pay to get a ride up the mountain where you can take an elevator to the other part of a trail.
It takes over 2 to 3 hours.
Denise Schroedl — Google review
Staff was very friendly and inviting even the tourists were kind and friendly. Bus staff were professional, helpful and informative. Would recommend more people take this trip when the stairs are actually open.
Kingshock “DE5THSHOCK” Killerwatt — Google review
4.4
(5554)
•
4.0
(2015)
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, USA
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an award-winning zoo with more than 750 animals across varied terrain. It is only ten minutes from the resort and guarantee genuine animal interactions.
This zoo is so good! If you're local I would definitely recommend a membership as it's a much better deal. We come every couple weeks and the kids are never bored. It's a bit of a hike in places so wear comfy shoes and I always bring my stroller for the younger kids and to pile our stuff on. Feeding the giraffes is always a highlight. Parking is free and they have a few options for eating but we always pack a lunch. Will definitely be returning often!
Melissa Bettencourt — Google review
Best zoo I've ever been to! The animal enclosures are large with shade and running water. You get to interact with the animals not just stare at them from a distance. Feeding the giraffes was amazing! My kids were excited to stand right next to penguins, wallaby and feed tropical birds. The best part is that the zoo has a timed entry which really helps control the crowd size, we went on Memorial weekend and had zero lines.
Terri A — Google review
I've been to the zoo 3 times in the past year. It's hands down the best zoo I've ever visited. The giraffe feeding experience is so exciting for all ages. But they have several other animal feeding experiences as well. They teach you a lot about conservation with their amazing staff and daily demonstrations. Time entry also keeps the crowds to a minimum so you can get up close with the animals. The Wallabies hopping around at your feet is one of my favorite attractions. And their Primate area is top notch. With informative employees all around to answer questions and teach you more about conservation. The views are breathtaking, and the food is great as well. I recommend the BBQ place first, but the others are also good 👍 and don't forget to visit the Shrine of the sun after the zoo, it's worth the drive up and included in your entry to the zoo.
Tara Holcomb — Google review
Fantastic zoo! The giraffe exhibit is my favorite part! Getting to feed the giraffes is such a cool experience! But be sure to walk around the exhibit to feed the giraffes away from the entrance! They want lettuce too! Lots of walking at this zoo, and a decent amount walking up hill. Brings lots of water!! And sun hat and sunscreen highly recommended!
Cara Conway — Google review
Incredible zoo experience! The exhibits present in a more natural environment being on the side of the mountain. All the zoo staff we have encountered have been very friendly and knowledgeable. The food court is awesome! Very easy to navigate and great prices for what is offered. The sky ride is a must as long as you're not afraid of heights. The view at the top is absolutely beautiful. The HUGE win associated with this zoo is the ability to feed the giraffes and have that interactive experience. The kiddos absolutely love it and adults do too!
Jessi K — Google review
We stopped here after flying in from FL and it was such a beautiful fun zoo. They had so much to offer and it was a very pleasant place to visit. The animals were so well cared and beautiful. A little hard to walk up and down the hills for this FL girl but we just loved it and took our time.
Angie Ellermeyer — Google review
If you’re looking for up in your face animal experience’s, this is definitely it!!!! I’ve never experienced anything to this caliber and I fell in love with Cheyenne mountain zoo!!! Absolutely family friendly for every age, and lots to explore in a day here!!!! It is on a mountain, so expect trekking steep pathways. I can even begin to talk about the views all around!!! Every where you look is just stunning. Easily the best zoo I’ve ever been to and now have high expectations moving forward.
Ty Humphreys — Google review
COZY AND UNIQUE LITTLE ZOO! LOVE GIRAFFES? MUST SEE!
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a little out of the way but well worth it. I've been to tons of zoos but this one was unique in its location and a far more relaxing experience than some of the larger zoos in the states.
If you love Giraffes, this is a must stop. There are eateries on site with amazing views from decks and a one-of-a-kind view from the gandola lift up and down the mountain.
surgioramon — Google review
Amazing zoo experience. Just WOW to the people that trained the Grizzly bears. They are so trained and is so fun to watch. I felt like a kid watching that. Besides that organization in the zoo is perfect. The water fans are amazing for this summer season. The feeding experiences are with it. Highly recommend
Cristhian C — Google review
I loved this zoo! What a beautiful day it was. I enjoyed feeding the giraffes ($3 or $5 bundles). They've got other animals you can feed as well. It was a little crowded today. Definitely recommend it to others. Parking is free. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance too.
Lily — Google review
I am only giving 3 out of 5 because they have the sky ride. That’s a major bonus. If it didn’t, I would give 2/5 based on animals and presentation. Staff was nice and helpful. Also, you can feed the giraffes, hippos, and elephants during certain times of the day which was pretty cool. You can pet the goats and giraffes fairly easily. It is high elevation so required comfortable shoes. You can pay $3 for all shuttle.
Shaneequa Henderson — Google review
It was one of the best zoos I have ever visited. I like that they have a set number of allowed visitors per day, which helps to keep the zoo less crowded and allows for a better quality exploration process. You definitely want to buy tickets in advance because there is no chance you get them at the gate. I have to say, tickets are very reasonably priced for a large zoo like that. Plus, they have military and senior discount.
We ended up walking around the zoo for hours. There is so much to see and do! Excellent location for the whole family. You can feed giraffes and budgies, admire elephants, and rhinos, enjoy the picturesque views of Colorado Springs and Cheyenne Mountain during the Sky Ride, and much more.
Olena V — Google review
This is one of the best zoos we have visited. The fact that is is built on a mountain was amazing. We went on 10/8/2023, the weather was great and the animals were active. Their enclosures seemed like their natural habitats. But even if the animals were not as active, the scenic views are breath taking. Love how they made look out spots to take the sites in. I have already recommended this place to other friends and family making a trip to Colorado Springs. We are from Bryan, Texas and would definitely go again when we make a trip back that way.
Mike H. — Google review
This zoo is one of the best I have been to. It’s built on the side of a mountain and it is so beautiful. The highlight is the 16 member giraffe tower which you can purchase lettuce to feed them anytime from opening to closing. Plus check out the animal encounters, they are fantastic! Some of the animals will even paint you a picture during the encounter. I highly recommend them. Check their website for details. You can easily spend the day.
Linny — Google review
Was great to be able to finally visit after hearing wonderful reports of the experience.
Visited with a toddler and a 7 year old who loved the experience especially feeding the giraffes (take cash for the lettuce) and the budgies!
If you have a toddler bring a STROLLER or something they can be carried with or your biceps are going to get a workout at altitude!
For any South Africans feeling homesick you can see the penguins from Boulder Beach!
Greg Muller — Google review
It is very windy near the entrance but gets better as you go. The zoo is 6,000 feet above sea level, so dress warm 😀 gloves are a must, especially for the little ones. Overall, the zoo is very nice and well built they also have a nice selection of places to eat and shop. We will be back on a warmer day 😀.
Brandon Tindle — Google review
The thing that sets the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo apart from other zoos is the number of ways you can get up close and interact with the animals. Most animals have feeding experiences (giraffes, tigers, elephants, goats, chickens, birds) that are reasonably priced compared to similar experiences at other zoos. There are also multiple ways to interact with the environment as you make your way around (two interactive plays areas, beavers dens, caves, large sculptures to climb). It felt like equal parts modern art gallery and zoo in places and made for a great immersive experience. Many of the animals were active while we were there and staff went out of their way to interact with guests and answer questions about the animals.
The only underwhelming exhibit, IMO, was the reptile and bird house. It had more of a pet store vibe looking at the snakes. For how well designed the rest of the exhibits are, I felt like they could do more in there.
If you want to buy food they offer a decent selection of standard zoo food (burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream), although prepare to pay zoo prices. I appreciated that they sold specialty coffee drinks at the Cozy Goat that were decent. We went at lunch time, and while it was hectic and busy, the line moved quickly.
Be prepared to walk! Lots of incline walking because the zoo is in the side of the mountain. I loved the unique views this provided and the extra exercise, but for those not able to walk far, they offer a shuttle around for $3/day.
The ski lift wasn't operating when we went, but looks fun! There's also a carousel to ride for a fee.
Dana H — Google review
Seriously the best Zoo we have been too. You get up close and personal with a lot of the animals. They take great care of all their animals and it's a very clean zoo. My favorite is feeding the giraffes and seeing the penguins up close! We are locals and bought a yearly family pass because the savings are amazing and we get to visit often! Well worth the trip, even in the winter!
Haley Benardino — Google review
This zoo is definitely one of a kind! We got to feed the giraffe and walk up the mountain for amazing views. You could also feed elephants during specific times, but we missed that. There are also restaurants here to grab a quick bite or something to drink. Word of advice is to dress comfortably and bring your own water! Sunscreen is a must and definitely bring sunglasses and / or a hat!
Mae Bangtan — Google review
This was the best zoo I have ever visited. Of course the giraffes were amazing. (There are so many and many people fees them right by where by food but walk down and around the circle and they are on both sides hungry). There fans and water stations everywhere. Kids 4-16 loved it. Each animal area has a "play area" like a hippo that sprays water, jungle gym by monkeys, alligator play. The interactive place has a 🦥 sloth just hanging above your head!
VERY IMPORTANT- it is a timed ticket entry. We arrived at 10 and were not able to get ticketed entry until 1. We went to old Town Colorado Springs and walked around and got ice-cream. (Recommend getting tickets ahead of time). We brought our wagon full of drinks and snacks in a bag and no one said anything. Highly recommend.
Kimberly Sober — Google review
The zoo is an absolute delignt!
The variety of species on display was truly impressive. It was a joy to observe these incredible creatures up close and learn about their behaviors and unique characteristics.
The staff at the zoo were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate.
To top it all off, the zoo provided a clean and well-maintained environment for everyone to enjoy. The pathways were well-marked, making it easy to navigate, and there were plenty of rest areas and refreshment options available.
Inna S — Google review
Fantastic zoo. I've been to both the Omaha and San Diego zoos and while those are also great, there was something special about this one. It felt much more intimate than those. The layout of the zoo is great and you really felt like it was an experience. It being on the side of a beautiful mountain certainly helped the ambiance. It felt more natural than most zoos. Highly recommend.
Dave Slosar — Google review
What a great experience! We came late Sunday afternoon to fill our day in CO Springs and this place did not disappoint. The cold kept most of the crowds away so it felt like we had the place to ourselves and it seemed like the animals loved the lower temps too because every enclosure had active and moving animals. The indoor buildings were spaced perfectly that when we felt chilled we could duck right in and warm up. The staff was also very friendly and helped me get some great selfies with the penguins while they were out too!
Bryce H — Google review
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is such a unique and beautiful zoo to visit. It is the only zoo that is built upon a mountain side. This makes this particular zoo very unique because of the elevation change that you get when visiting the zoo. You can be higher on the mountain side and look over the rest of the zoo sitting below you. They have a lot of very spacious and well put together enclosures with many different and unique species of animals. I would highly recommend visiting the giraffe feeding area, where they is a tall boardwalk setup that you can walk around and be at the giraffes height and feed them by hand. I've visited many zoos and this one is probably the most unique and cool zoo to check out.
B A — Google review
I've been to several zoos but never expected one so nice at this high elevation! It's very well maintained and has more giraffes than any zoo in the country! My granddaughter loved feeding them! So did my wife! You can easily spend several hours there, and there are several places to hide in the shade on a hot summer day. This place is really worth seeing!
Kelly Smith — Google review
Great Mountain zoo. A new experience! Views are awesome. It’s at around 6700 feet and tucked in Colorado Springs. Tickets around $30. Shrine was under renovation so could not visit. They could have put that up on website. Saw many Giraffes, elephants, couple of mountain lions, and variety of animals. Plenty of restrooms. The whole park is few miles of walk.
Karan Goenka — Google review
Went to the Electric Safari and wow it is so beautiful! They had an amazing drone show that was so cool! One of my favorite zoos. I love that you can interact with the animals. Feeding the giraffes is my favorite part :) Highly recommend going there anytime. But the Electric Safari was so much fun.
Nicole Barnhart (SailorJuicy) — Google review
This zoo is AMAZING! 5 star experience. Beautiful, clean, lots of interactive areas, clean bathrooms at every turn. Reasonable food prices. Very active animals and friendly staff. Feeding the giraffes was so fun and the first thing you walk in to upon entry. We’ve been to several larger zoos but this one takes the cake. Winding paths up and down the mountain made it unique to other zoos.
Jessica Solis — Google review
I've been to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo a total of four times while I was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. I got the privilege of visiting the wonderfully cared for animals on Christmas day 2023 during the beautifully orchestrated Electric Safari event; I've been to two Electric Moonlight events; and one "regular" visit with my mother. Nothing is "regular" about this zoo!! Every time I got to visit, it was a new experience! I highly recommend a membership, and the advance ticket system works splendidly! All the staff is warm, kind, knowledgeable, and professional - you can tell they love the animals! The interactive experiences are fun for all ages!
Brittany Nunez — Google review
This is an AWESOME zoo! There's a big variety of animals and several opportunities for animal interaction. You can feed some of the animals and many of them you get to see up close. The tiger walked right up to the viewing window it was great. Big animals like elephants hippos and rhinos, small animals and reptiles like snakes, lizards, penguins, birds and many in between. It is up and downhill but it's so worth the walk.
Jornai — Google review
i loved this zoo so much!!! i want to go back so bad!! by far the best ive been to!
I got to feed and pet a Giraffe! it was cool being so close to the bears and wolves, it was almost like i could reach out and pet them! we were there from 6 am until like 4 pm, the food was great!
Tiana Rust — Google review
This is a must do when in the area. Feeding the giraffes was definitely a highlight, but having the pleasure of almost being nose to nose with mating penguins...AMAZING!!! I absolutely recommend driving up to the shrine (this is included with your zoo pass admission) as a delightful addition to the zoo. They are a non-profit that does not rely on tax income. So feel free to spend 💰 for a good and fun cause.
S — Google review
4.8
(21260)
•
4.5
(4928)
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA
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