Getting to the Bottom of Pikes Peak?

Most folks want to get to the top. Not me. Been there — done that a long time ago. But don’t let that stop you from getting to the top of Pikes Peak. It’s a spectacular sight to see and one of the treasures of our American landscape.

Manitou Springs.
Drive about 15 minutes or so out of Colorado Springs and you’ll find the delightful little town of Manitou Springs — and the home of Pikes Peak. By the way, Manitou Springs itelf is a very nice little town that bears the title of a National Historic District.

Car, Rail or Trail to the Top
You do have a choice on how you’ll get to the top of Pikes Peak. You can drive up the Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,110-foot summit. You can hike up. Or you can take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It’s a modern train designed by a Swiss rail car company. The fare runs $30-$32, depending on the month. But be sure to check the Web site for discount coupons before you go. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant, gift shop and an unbelievable view in every direction.

 

 

Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Ever heard of the Anasazi Indians? They lived in Colorado and New Mexico about 700 years ago and appear to be ancestors of the Pueblo Indians. A well-preserved example of their cliff dwelling architecture is right at Manitou Springs and can be explored at no cost. Next to the Cliff Dwellings is a reconstructed Pueblo building that houses a museum and gift shop. You are free to walk through the Cliff Dwellings and see the unique methods the Ancient Ones used to protect themselves from the elements. I’ve climbed through the dwellings before, but enjoyed it again on this trip. It doesn’t take too long and is worth fitting into your itinerary.

NEXT: More Places to Visit Around Manitou Springs

TIP: Flying directly into Colorado Springs (on Midwest Airlines) makes sense when you realize how much you can see and do in and around that area. Everthing is just a short drive away — even the mountain towns. And many of the sights are in close proximity to each other.

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