To get to Pikes Peak, just west of the city, you can either hike or choose between the cog railway and a toll road. The 14,110 ft peak is named after Zebulon Pike who mapped it in 1806. The cog railway begins from Manitou Springs, six miles from the city.

The city's origins are interesting -- it was founded in 1871 by millionaire William Jackson Palmer, as a holiday town. Soon, people began flocking here, attracted by the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Over the years, several important religious and government institutions have been established here. Today, it houses the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Colorado College.

Among Colorado Springs top attractions is the amazing Garden of the Gods with its strange red sandstone formations, a result of erosion over the centuries.

Stop at High Pont for the spectacular view and gasp at the Balanced Rock. Within the town, you can visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the Air Force Academy and the interesting Carriage House Museum. Take a look at the historic plush Broadmoor hotel with its well laid out garden.

Canon city, just southwest of Colorado Springs offers one of the most breathtaking sights of the Rockies. The Royal Gorge, which is 1,053 ft deep, reminds one of the Grand Canyon and is spanned by the world’s highest suspension bridge.

Colorado Springs offers some great hiking, biking and horse riding in the surrounding countryside.

Cripple Creek, once famous for its gold reserves is forty miles west of Colorado Springs. Once a major boomtown, Cripple Creek today is full of casinos where low-stake gambling is allowed. Spend a day on the steam train on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad that will take you on a tour of abandoned gold mines. Accommodation is not a problem as there are several good hotels and motels here.

Mexican food is popular here as are standard Western staples such as steaks done as you like them. Downtown has several reasonably priced places to eat. There are many cafes with outdoor tables where you can rest your feet and sip a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.

Nightlife is restricted to the area around Colorado College and you can find a few bars here that serve some great margaritas. Most of these places cater to the student crowd so remain open late.

The other type of entertainment is the outdoor type. Golfing and horseback riding are popular. The nearby streams are brimming with pike and trout, so if you like to angle head to waters of the Elevenmile Reservoir. Hiking trails are some of the best in this area, as the bike trails. So if you are the outdoors kind of person, this is the place for you!

The best time to visit is in summer when the weather is cool and comfortable, largely due to proximity to the Lake. Winters and spring can get quite cold. To get to Colorado Springs fly into the city by any of the domestic airlines that service the city. If you are coming in by road, Colorado Springs is 65 miles south of Denver on the I-25. There is a Greyhound service to the city. Once in the city, the best way to get around is by your own car, so definitely consider renting one.

Hotels in the city range from exclusive resorts with all possible luxuries to hostels with basic facilities.Another option would be to stay in the campgrounds of W. Colorado Ave, with a bed costing as low as $15. Don’t forget to bring walking gear, binoculars and a camera.