If you dream of reaching the highest heights in our grand country, Colorado is a great place to visit!! Pikes Peak clocks in at 14,115 feet above sea level, significantly higher than Manitou Springs at 6300 feet of elevation. The temperature difference is pretty extreme when traveling to the top of Pikes Peak…often 30 degrees colder than the valley below. You can drive to the top of Pikes Peak, take the very slow, steep climb up on the Cog Railway, or [if you are absolutely insane and awesome] HIKE the 13 miles [one way] to the top on Barr Trail.
I opted to take the train up, excited about the views and the commentary. We saw marmots and mountain goats along the way, and pretty incredible scenery, but I think hiking up would have been even more immersive and exciting. Honestly, the views from the top weren’t that great for me because of storms, but it was interesting to see the clouds and rain and recognize the lightning danger from that height.
I started my day in Garden of the Gods, watching the rising sun hit the red rocks in front of the pink sky. There are cute rabbits and deer also enjoying the nature in the park. It’s a beautiful place to spend time and there are quite a few lovely hiking trails.
After my journey to the peak and back, I decided to set out on the physical challenge that brought me to Manitou Springs in the first place, THE INCLINE. This staircase is soooooo long, the top isn’t visible from the bottom. There are over 2700 steps, some steep and narrow and some closer together. Climbing up took me a chunk of effort, but I made it! I opted to save my knees and come back down on the meandering (but much longer) Barr Trail. I felt such a sense of satisfaction for completing this!! I’m not sure why middle aged adults [I know I’m generalizing] feel this drive to prove something, but I’m hoping to be able to complete physical challenges like this well into my 70’s if possible. I have a whole list of 25 stair climbs around the world that I’m planning to work on, crossing them off one at a time.
I ran out of time to go to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo [next time], and I’m sure there are so many other beautiful hikes and activities to do in the Colorado Springs area. It’s a good spot. 🙂
I do want to shout out RAD Hostel for a very comfy bed and hot shower after my hike!! I was so grateful to not be sleeping in the car on my last night!!! I was in a four-bunk female only room, but there was no one else in my room on a Wednesday night, so it was very private. I loved the place [check out Instagram for my reel] and I highly recommend it for the budget/solo traveler.
I flew into Denver, rented a Toyota Prius [SUCH great gas mileage!] from turo.com and greatly enjoyed my time in the Colorado Springs area! If I didn’t have a bajillion other destinations on my list to visit, I would definitely come back and explore the area even more! 🙂
I definitely would recommend visiting this part of Colorado!!
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