Colorado Springs is the state’s second-largest city, but it’s first in the hearts of many visitors as a place of astonishing beauty with natural attractions, historic and geologic marvels in all directions. Spend a few days exploring the city and the communities that surround it, including Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, Cascade, Florissant and Woodland Park.
Sustainability Activity
Drop a few coins for Quarters for Conservation at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! By collecting quarters and other coins, the zoo funds new and existing wildlife-conservation projects.
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Insider's Tip
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Insider's Tip
Insider's Tip
Insider's Tip
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Head West to Cripple Creek
The excitement that drove the Gold Rush still lives in Cripple Creek, a historic gaming and mining town where treasure seekers and hooligans from near and far can still try their hands at poker, black jack, roulette, craps and slot machines. Watch for the donkey herd that roams the streets — they love carrots and apples! The town is an hour's scenic drive from Colorado Springs.
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado. Read MoreCOTREX
Map the Trail
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Hang on Main in Woodland Park
On your way back to Colorado Springs, hit up Woodland Park, known as The City Above the Clouds. Main Street has shops and restaurants, and is the perfect place for a stroll and to stretch your legs.
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