Danah and Kerry's Guidebook

Danah & Kerry
Danah & Kerry
Danah and Kerry's Guidebook

Sightseeing

Easy trails to more advanced trails. Be sure and stop by the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for the best Colorado Gifts! (324 Beckers Ln, Manitou Springs 80829)
1169 locals recommend
Garden of the Gods Club and Resort
3320 Mesa Rd
1169 locals recommend
Easy trails to more advanced trails. Be sure and stop by the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for the best Colorado Gifts! (324 Beckers Ln, Manitou Springs 80829)
Pikes Peak Highway does charge per person or by the car. Be sure to take coat or sweater as the temperature is much cooler at 14,000 feet.
681 locals recommend
Pikes Peak Summit House
681 locals recommend
Pikes Peak Highway does charge per person or by the car. Be sure to take coat or sweater as the temperature is much cooler at 14,000 feet.
Stop by the Starsmore Nature and Visitor Center to learn more about the many trails and wildlife. One of my favorite trails is Helen Hunt Falls.
114 locals recommend
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
15220 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd
114 locals recommend
Stop by the Starsmore Nature and Visitor Center to learn more about the many trails and wildlife. One of my favorite trails is Helen Hunt Falls.
Just 3 blocks from Memorial Park Manor. Take a tour to see where the athletes come to prepare for the Olympics. There is a small fee.
239 locals recommend
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
1 Olympic Plaza
239 locals recommend
Just 3 blocks from Memorial Park Manor. Take a tour to see where the athletes come to prepare for the Olympics. There is a small fee.
North Pole and Santa’s Workshop offers shows, activities and rides for everyone in a stunning location. This is on the road to Pikes Peak Highway.
184 locals recommend
North Pole Colorado Santa's Workshop
5050 Pikes Peak Hwy
184 locals recommend
North Pole and Santa’s Workshop offers shows, activities and rides for everyone in a stunning location. This is on the road to Pikes Peak Highway.
Free and a family pleaser. Learn more about Colorado Springs and how it got it's start. Tuesday is Food Truck Tuesday. Wednesday and Saturday is the Farmer's Market and both are located in front of the museum.
197 locals recommend
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
215 S Tejon St
197 locals recommend
Free and a family pleaser. Learn more about Colorado Springs and how it got it's start. Tuesday is Food Truck Tuesday. Wednesday and Saturday is the Farmer's Market and both are located in front of the museum.
Depending the time of year you are in Colorado Springs, you can take in a game or just walk the campus. I love to arrive near lunch time to watch the cadets march to lunch. Don’t miss the chapel, it is an architectural wonder!
215 locals recommend
U.S. Air Force Academy
215 locals recommend
Depending the time of year you are in Colorado Springs, you can take in a game or just walk the campus. I love to arrive near lunch time to watch the cadets march to lunch. Don’t miss the chapel, it is an architectural wonder!
Feed the giraffes, ride the gondola and take in all the beauty of this amazing zoo.
569 locals recommend
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
569 locals recommend
Feed the giraffes, ride the gondola and take in all the beauty of this amazing zoo.
Your ride will start in the deep forest and gives you panoramic mountain views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak.
6 locals recommend
Old Stage Riding Stables
6620 Old Stage Rd
6 locals recommend
Your ride will start in the deep forest and gives you panoramic mountain views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak.
Enjoy the swimming pools or stay fit with the gym. Open to the public.
Manitou Pool & Fitness Center
202 Manitou Ave
Enjoy the swimming pools or stay fit with the gym. Open to the public.
Scenic Waterfalls and a great little restaurant and seating area are worth the trip.
339 locals recommend
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd
339 locals recommend
Scenic Waterfalls and a great little restaurant and seating area are worth the trip.
Enjoy dinner, brunch, bowling or just walking around the lake. This Hotel is a work-of-art.
155 locals recommend
Broadmoor Hall
1 Lake Cir
155 locals recommend
Enjoy dinner, brunch, bowling or just walking around the lake. This Hotel is a work-of-art.
This historic, public golf course is a feast for the eyes. I am not even a golfer but I love to have lunch on their patio and watch the golfers.
30 locals recommend
Patty Jewett Municipal Golf Course
900 E Espanola St
30 locals recommend
This historic, public golf course is a feast for the eyes. I am not even a golfer but I love to have lunch on their patio and watch the golfers.
The Incline ascends on the east slope of Rocky Mountain which is itself on the eastern flank of Pikes Peak.
228 locals recommend
The Incline
The Incline
228 locals recommend
The Incline ascends on the east slope of Rocky Mountain which is itself on the eastern flank of Pikes Peak.
There are many ways to see the Royal Gorge. You can take the dinner train, a Zip Line Tour, drive across the bridge, lace up your hiking boots or my favorite, from a raft. I enjoy Echo Canyon Rafting Company. You can make a reservation by calling (800) 755-3246 or go on-line to https://www.raftecho.com
340 locals recommend
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
4218 Co Rd 3A
340 locals recommend
There are many ways to see the Royal Gorge. You can take the dinner train, a Zip Line Tour, drive across the bridge, lace up your hiking boots or my favorite, from a raft. I enjoy Echo Canyon Rafting Company. You can make a reservation by calling (800) 755-3246 or go on-line to https://www.raftecho.com
If you're going to the Royal Gorge, save some time to stop by one of Colorado's favorite winery's and sample some wines.
37 locals recommend
The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey
3011 US-50
37 locals recommend
If you're going to the Royal Gorge, save some time to stop by one of Colorado's favorite winery's and sample some wines.
Take a tour of the castle or join them for high tea, this is a fun experience many do not know about. Before the tour, I like to stop into the bookstore and get a coffee or sandwich and sit in the courtyard. Stunning surroundings! Just north of Garden of the Gods.
71 locals recommend
Glen Eyrie Castle
3820 N 30th St
71 locals recommend
Take a tour of the castle or join them for high tea, this is a fun experience many do not know about. Before the tour, I like to stop into the bookstore and get a coffee or sandwich and sit in the courtyard. Stunning surroundings! Just north of Garden of the Gods.
Fun for the entire family! Guests who visit the historic ranch will find themselves surrounded by striking red rock formations, hiking trails, ranch animals, and historical Old West demonstrations including Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing, horse shoeing, hat making. The legacy and the romantic spirit of the Old West lives on. Be sure to make a reservation as there is limited seating.
42 locals recommend
Flying W Ranch
3330 Chuckwagon Road
42 locals recommend
Fun for the entire family! Guests who visit the historic ranch will find themselves surrounded by striking red rock formations, hiking trails, ranch animals, and historical Old West demonstrations including Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing, horse shoeing, hat making. The legacy and the romantic spirit of the Old West lives on. Be sure to make a reservation as there is limited seating.
Colorado Springs is known as Olympic City USA and is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame. Start your adventure in downtown Colorado Springs and use it as a springboard to the stunning urban renewal of Colorado Springs. Dine at some fabulous restaurants and local shops.
150 locals recommend
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
200 S Sierra Madre St
150 locals recommend
Colorado Springs is known as Olympic City USA and is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame. Start your adventure in downtown Colorado Springs and use it as a springboard to the stunning urban renewal of Colorado Springs. Dine at some fabulous restaurants and local shops.
Just 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, raft the Royal Gorge and decide what level/thrill you want to experience. Enjoy the cafe and gift shop afterwards.
22 locals recommend
Echo Canyon River Expeditions - Day Trips
45000 West U.S. 50
22 locals recommend
Just 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, raft the Royal Gorge and decide what level/thrill you want to experience. Enjoy the cafe and gift shop afterwards.
Enjoy an epic trip up America's Mountain on the Cog Railway. Enjoy insights, scenic views and a special experience. The railway opened back up with new tracks and trains.
27 locals recommend
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station
Barr Trail
27 locals recommend
Enjoy an epic trip up America's Mountain on the Cog Railway. Enjoy insights, scenic views and a special experience. The railway opened back up with new tracks and trains.

Food scene

An American Classic Breakfast often served by a sassy, fun staff. Enjoy the large outdoor eating space.
73 locals recommend
Bon Ton's Cafe
2601 W Colorado Ave
73 locals recommend
An American Classic Breakfast often served by a sassy, fun staff. Enjoy the large outdoor eating space.
European Cuisine specializing in Polish entrees. Pierogis, Potato Pancakes, Goulash, Stroganoff, Kiebalsa, Crepes and many more! They serve lunch too. One of my FAVORITES!
12 locals recommend
European Cafe and Restaurant
935 Manitou Ave
12 locals recommend
European Cuisine specializing in Polish entrees. Pierogis, Potato Pancakes, Goulash, Stroganoff, Kiebalsa, Crepes and many more! They serve lunch too. One of my FAVORITES!
Offers vegan and vegetarian options as well as something for meat lovers. They serve Breakfast and Lunch. I love the honey in my coffee.
104 locals recommend
Adam’s Mountain Cafe
26 Manitou Ave
104 locals recommend
Offers vegan and vegetarian options as well as something for meat lovers. They serve Breakfast and Lunch. I love the honey in my coffee.
Innovative Mexican fare, beer & craft cocktails served in industrial, wood-accented digs.
65 locals recommend
Dos Santos
70 E Moreno Ave
65 locals recommend
Innovative Mexican fare, beer & craft cocktails served in industrial, wood-accented digs.
It’s not Tex Mex but the owners use their Grandmother’s recipe’s and fresh juices in their Agave Tequila Margaritas. This Texas Transplant loves it!
72 locals recommend
Crystal Park Cantina
178 Crystal Park Rd
72 locals recommend
It’s not Tex Mex but the owners use their Grandmother’s recipe’s and fresh juices in their Agave Tequila Margaritas. This Texas Transplant loves it!
This Local Burger joint got its start during the Pueblo Annual Chile and Frijole Contest. The burgers are made to order with Fries, Milkshakes, Colorado Craft Beers and served in a funky atmosphere.
29 locals recommend
Bingo Burger - Colorado Springs
132 N Tejon St
29 locals recommend
This Local Burger joint got its start during the Pueblo Annual Chile and Frijole Contest. The burgers are made to order with Fries, Milkshakes, Colorado Craft Beers and served in a funky atmosphere.
This brewery is a 3-story brewery housed in a historic building which features microbrews, a billiards hall and American fare.
145 locals recommend
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co
2 E Pikes Peak Ave
145 locals recommend
This brewery is a 3-story brewery housed in a historic building which features microbrews, a billiards hall and American fare.
Go below the streets to the The Rabbit Hole which offers a spin on traditional American Favorites with interesting drink options. This is a small venue and more for adults.
243 locals recommend
The Rabbit Hole
101 N Tejon St
243 locals recommend
Go below the streets to the The Rabbit Hole which offers a spin on traditional American Favorites with interesting drink options. This is a small venue and more for adults.
Home of Denver Biscuit Company (great breakfast in the morning) and serves Fat Sully’s Pizza in the afternoon and evenings. If possible, ask for rooftop seating and enjoy the view.
115 locals recommend
Denver Biscuit Company - Colorado Springs
528 S Tejon St
115 locals recommend
Home of Denver Biscuit Company (great breakfast in the morning) and serves Fat Sully’s Pizza in the afternoon and evenings. If possible, ask for rooftop seating and enjoy the view.
One of Colorado Springs favorites and serves Classic Italian options in a historic building with a lively atmosphere. Make reservations if you want a chance to have a table! Otherwise you can go upstairs to their other restaurant, it won’t disappoint.
127 locals recommend
Paravicini's Italian Bistro
2802 W Colorado Ave
127 locals recommend
One of Colorado Springs favorites and serves Classic Italian options in a historic building with a lively atmosphere. Make reservations if you want a chance to have a table! Otherwise you can go upstairs to their other restaurant, it won’t disappoint.
The best steak in the city easily goes to Famous Steak House. Sides are served family-style. Enjoy live music from the piano bar.
45 locals recommend
Famous Steak House
31 N Tejon St
45 locals recommend
The best steak in the city easily goes to Famous Steak House. Sides are served family-style. Enjoy live music from the piano bar.
Wines of Colorado is a local favorite. Order your American fare (I like the Trout Almandine or Ruben Sandwich) and sample some of the Colorado wines. Order a glass with the meal or get a bottle for the evening. This is on your way to Pikes Peak Hwy and North Pole.
86 locals recommend
The Wines of Colorado
8045 US-24
86 locals recommend
Wines of Colorado is a local favorite. Order your American fare (I like the Trout Almandine or Ruben Sandwich) and sample some of the Colorado wines. Order a glass with the meal or get a bottle for the evening. This is on your way to Pikes Peak Hwy and North Pole.
Sacred Ground Café is where the locals go for a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a bite of the honey cake. Natasha often has live music on the weekends.
36 locals recommend
Sacred Ground Cafe
1801 Cheyenne Blvd
36 locals recommend
Sacred Ground Café is where the locals go for a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a bite of the honey cake. Natasha often has live music on the weekends.
Swirled Ice Cream to perfection dipped in toppings you may have never thought to combine. Tantalizing to your taste buds in a fun retro atmosphere.
20 locals recommend
Frozen Gold
80 E Moreno Ave
20 locals recommend
Swirled Ice Cream to perfection dipped in toppings you may have never thought to combine. Tantalizing to your taste buds in a fun retro atmosphere.
Josh and Johns was started by Colorado College Students. Delight yourself with a scoop of their local flavors or get a homemade cone of goodness.
54 locals recommend
Josh & John's Ice Cream-Downtown
329 N Tejon St
54 locals recommend
Josh and Johns was started by Colorado College Students. Delight yourself with a scoop of their local flavors or get a homemade cone of goodness.
We absolutely love the Donburi Bowls. Such a unique atmosphere with a simple menu but the flavors can not be beat.
10 locals recommend
Chiba Bar
19 E Kiowa St
10 locals recommend
We absolutely love the Donburi Bowls. Such a unique atmosphere with a simple menu but the flavors can not be beat.
School has never been so Fun. The Brewery offers locally brewed beer (so many flavors), a restaurant with tantalizing flavors and whiskey tasting. Enjoy the spacious outdoor seating. This is a wonderful place to go after a great hike.
200 locals recommend
Ivywild School
1604 S Cascade Ave
200 locals recommend
School has never been so Fun. The Brewery offers locally brewed beer (so many flavors), a restaurant with tantalizing flavors and whiskey tasting. Enjoy the spacious outdoor seating. This is a wonderful place to go after a great hike.
A chocolate lovers paradise. Sample chocolate from the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory such as Chocolate, Caramel Apples, Fudge and so much more. Walk around Old Colorado City and enjoy the day. Check out their website for any specials.
22 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
2431 Colorado Ave
22 locals recommend
A chocolate lovers paradise. Sample chocolate from the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory such as Chocolate, Caramel Apples, Fudge and so much more. Walk around Old Colorado City and enjoy the day. Check out their website for any specials.
Inspired by the streets of Paris, the Parisian Owner can often be found making your meal. Homemade sauces and batter that's made daily where the crêpes are the main event. Crepes are not just for Breakfast, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
7 locals recommend
Paris Crepe
1019 S Tejon St
7 locals recommend
Inspired by the streets of Paris, the Parisian Owner can often be found making your meal. Homemade sauces and batter that's made daily where the crêpes are the main event. Crepes are not just for Breakfast, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A nice restaurant with great service. Available for lunch, dinner and catering needs. Be sure to check the times on their website. This French restaurant and world class bakery is inspired by European bistros. Options include steak, pasta, fine seafood even vegetarian and gluten-free options! I personally love the bakery treats and cakes made on site.
58 locals recommend
Marigold Cafe & Bakery
4605 Centennial Blvd
58 locals recommend
A nice restaurant with great service. Available for lunch, dinner and catering needs. Be sure to check the times on their website. This French restaurant and world class bakery is inspired by European bistros. Options include steak, pasta, fine seafood even vegetarian and gluten-free options! I personally love the bakery treats and cakes made on site.

Neighborhoods

Great Shopping and Independent Restaurants and Cafe's in this historic town. Make sure to stop by the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
388 locals recommend
Old Colorado City
388 locals recommend
Great Shopping and Independent Restaurants and Cafe's in this historic town. Make sure to stop by the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Take an extra water bottle with you and locate the natural springs and sample the drinking water. Each spring has its own flavor. More boutique shops and cafes to browse.
649 locals recommend
Manitou Springs
649 locals recommend
Take an extra water bottle with you and locate the natural springs and sample the drinking water. Each spring has its own flavor. More boutique shops and cafes to browse.
This mountain town has a great Dinosaur Museum. My favorite is Chimayo Turquoise – Dan, the owner, is Native American and knows all there is to know about the Native American Jewelry and goods. His selection is unmatched and his prices are VERY competitive. It’s worth the trip to Woodland Park.
129 locals recommend
Woodland Park
129 locals recommend
This mountain town has a great Dinosaur Museum. My favorite is Chimayo Turquoise – Dan, the owner, is Native American and knows all there is to know about the Native American Jewelry and goods. His selection is unmatched and his prices are VERY competitive. It’s worth the trip to Woodland Park.
This small mountain community has great trails, a few shops and The Pantry, a popular breakfast stop.
50 locals recommend
Green Mountain Falls
50 locals recommend
This small mountain community has great trails, a few shops and The Pantry, a popular breakfast stop.

City/town information

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, the historic mining town of Cripple Creek is surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking scenic views. The boom of Colorado’s Gold Rush put Cripple Creek on the map. More than 100 years ago, this mining community attracted thousands of gold-seekers in search of their fortunes, and you can still do that there today in the town's casinos and gaming halls. My personal favorite is the Donkey Derby Days or Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, Butte Opera House. I also love the local shops. Its a beautiful drive in the Fall!
228 locals recommend
Cripple Creek
228 locals recommend
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, the historic mining town of Cripple Creek is surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking scenic views. The boom of Colorado’s Gold Rush put Cripple Creek on the map. More than 100 years ago, this mining community attracted thousands of gold-seekers in search of their fortunes, and you can still do that there today in the town's casinos and gaming halls. My personal favorite is the Donkey Derby Days or Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, Butte Opera House. I also love the local shops. Its a beautiful drive in the Fall!
Enjoy breathtaking views at Royal Gorge. There are many ways to take in these stunning views: ride Royal Gorge Route Railroad, visit The Royal Gorge Bridge And Park or go Whitewater Rafting. If you like wine, stop for local Colorado wine tasting at the Holy Cross Abbey. Just a 30-40 minute drive from Colorado Springs.
30 locals recommend
Cañon City
30 locals recommend
Enjoy breathtaking views at Royal Gorge. There are many ways to take in these stunning views: ride Royal Gorge Route Railroad, visit The Royal Gorge Bridge And Park or go Whitewater Rafting. If you like wine, stop for local Colorado wine tasting at the Holy Cross Abbey. Just a 30-40 minute drive from Colorado Springs.

Traveler advice

What to pack

Bring a jacket. It is cooler at night and much cooler

It is cooler at night and much cooler on the mountain.
What to pack

Be sure to stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle.

Altitude Sickness Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
Customs and culture

Plan your high altitude excursions for the AM.

Storms tend to develop in the afternoon hours.