Colorado offers something for everyone between the canyons and mountains, sun and snow, and everything in between. In years passed, we have gone to Colorado multiple times for its fabulous ski resorts. We have always cherished the snowy views from gondolas and the icy wind as we ski down the mountain. While we loved wintery Colorado, we never went to see Colorado in summer - usually too busy traveling to alluring beaches. When planning our annual summer trip, we wanted to see something different than the beach. After pondering the question of where we should go, we decided to travel to Colorado.
We stayed at Colorado Springs as it was the perfect central location between everything we wanted to do. In addition, Rocky Mountain National Park, Manitou Springs, and Pikes Peak were easily accessible, making Colorado Springs the ideal destination. We rented a VRBO and loved our decision.
Our trip was hiking-oriented, which meant lots of changes in altitude. Being south Texas natives, we knew going into this altitude would be a difficult change. When packing, we made sure to include bananas and chocolate as the potassium helps altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can occur anywhere over 6,000 feet. Since Colorado Springs rests at just above 6,000 feet in elevation, be sure to be prepared.
Though our trip was centered around Rocky Mountain National Park, we found other spots we loved in the area. In Colorado Springs, we visited Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Paint Mines, and Manitou Incline.
Garden of the Gods is a stunning local city park. When driving the streets of Colorado Springs, you can occasionally see the protruding red rocks of the park and the mountains that serve as a dramatic backdrop. But, Garden of the Gods doesn't only offer red rocks that give you a Sedona feeling. The park's grassy plains offer beautiful sunrise/sunset views and animal sightings such as deer and bighorn sheep. We went to the Garden of the Gods for sunrise and sunset multiple times during our stay and were never disappointed with its colorful tones.
Pikes Peak is one of those iconic things you have to do while in the area. Having been on its cog train once before, we decided to drive up the mountain this time around. There's a photo op at every turn with views of mountains, Colorado Springs, and a few lakes.
The Paint Mines is not a well-known destination among travelers visiting Colorado Springs but is a must-see. The colorful rock formations are only part of what made this spot so special. The sunsets here were spectacular. We went for sunset two times and found at each visit the sky painted in reds and pinks. It was stunning.
Have you ever done something or gone through something that, in the end, left you feeling more empowered in yourself and your capabilities? Manitou Incline will do just that. The hike is by far the most arduous hike we have ever gone on. The trail consists only of stairs (though there are some spots on the climb where you bail and take the path back down). In all, there are 2,800 stairs. The task is daunting, but the outcome is worth much more than the physical and mental exertion it took to climb the stairs.
While every trail around Colorado Springs is beautiful, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) was the most impressive sight. Before I get into the breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park, note that if you take Trail Ridge Road, you will be going to 12,183 feet in elevation. Be prepared for altitude sickness before entering the park to ensure the most enjoyable experience possible.
Be sure to get there early as in the afternoon it tends to get very crowded. We got to RMNP around nine o'clock and noticed the park didn't seem to have the bustling crowds until the early afternoon. So we took Trail Ridge Road, which takes you through the park. (Note: we downloaded an app called Gypsy Guide which helped us navigate the park and proved extremely helpful.) The road takes you up to the Tundra and the highest point in the park. The panoramic views are spectacular.
Once you come into lower elevation on Trail Ridge Road, you will most likely see wildlife. We saw herds of elk, copious marmots, a moose, and, what Rocky Mountain National Park is known for, bighorn sheep. Seeing a bighorn sheep has always been at the top of the bucket list. In previous mountainous trips, we have hoped to see some but never have. So to say we were ecstatic about this sighting would be an understatement.
How do you see a bighorn sheep at RMNP? Well, a sighting is not exactly guaranteed. Every three days, the bighorn comes down the mountain to sheep lake. They will graze by the lake on this third day until they walk back up to the hill and into the mountains. They can be pretty elusive; good luck in your search.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the prettiest national parks we have journeyed to so far, and I would recommend going if the opportunity arises. Below are some of our favorite photos from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, RMNP, and the Paint Mines.
August 2021