Pikes Peak Wonders

Find a blend of urban comforts, accessible (though not completely tamed) natural landmarks and a true reflection of the Western way of life. Here you’ll have the option to sit back and relax or kick up some adventure.

Pikes Peak Wonders

Cities in This Region

On the left side, thin red-rock formations protrude from the earth. On the right green-grass fields lead up to dark-green bushes at the base of the geologic formations at Garden of the Gods. — Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

A man stands in a red shirt, green shorts and a yellow baseball cap in the Arkansas River fly fishing. In the distance green trees and vegetation sits beneath mountains under a blue sky. — The Arkansas River near Salida

The metal Royal Gorge Bridge rises above the stone canyon face with Rocky Mountains in the distance under a hazy sky. — The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City

A couple walks along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk with blooming flowers and green plants to the right. — Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo

Six rafters wearing yellow plastic helmets with orange life jackets sit in a bright-yellow inflatable raft and tumble nose first into splashing whitewater. — Rafting the Royal Gorge

A giant red-rock geologic formation comes up from green grasses and scrubby bushes under the snow-covered Pikes Peak. — Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

A man runs a donkey down a street with other people running donkeys in the background. Red-brick buildings sit in the back of the image and spectators cheer from the streets. — Donkey Derby Days in Cripple Creek

Situated where the Great Plains meet the Rockies in the heart of Colorado, the Pikes Peak Wonders region has no shortage of striking natural features, including its namesake Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge and sweeping sun-kissed prairie. Beyond the geological marvels and quintessential vistas, the region’s cities and towns are as diverse as its landscape — giving visitors the opportunity to blend the best of the vast wilderness with the joys of urban living.

Discover an impressive inventory of critic-approved restaurants, world-class arts and culture offerings and luxury accommodations in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, the region’s two largest metropolitan areas. Soak away your worries at hot springs in Nathrop, Buena Vista or Salida, or take a deep dive into the state’s mineral-rich history by roaming former mining hubs like Victor and Cripple Creek. Spot the Milky Way in some of Colorado’s darkest skies in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff; and peruse one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops in Colorado City, Florence, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park and more.

There are seemingly endless ways to check off the area’s bucket-list wonders: Cruise past a famous collection of fourteeners (peaks 14,000 feet tall or higher) on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway; stroll across one of the world’s highest suspension bridges in Cañon City or battle rapids on the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument.

The Arkansas River has trips for trips for rafters of all levels — from mild to wild — as well as Gold Medal fishing, while the Arkansas River Headwaters Area and the Pike and San Isabel national forests teem with stellar hiking and biking trails. Winter brings a wealth of other delights, including skiing and boarding at Monarch Mountain and snowmobiling, snowshoeing cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

After a day of hitting the trails or off-roading to a ghost town, travelers can raise a glass to their exploits at local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries and satisfy their appetites with gourmet cuisine. A visit to the Pikes Peak Wonders region will give you a taste of true Western livin’ and inspire you to make the most out of each day.

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