Colorado House Guidebook 2024
Adventure On!
A Native’s Thoughts on COS’s Best To-Do’s!
At Garden of the Gods, one of the country’s most unusual city parks and a designated National Natural Landmark, 300 million years of erosion have shaped the red sandstone into fantastical formations — with names like the Kissing Camels, Siamese Twins and Balanced Rock — that strikingly contrast the often vivid-blue sky. Stop first at the visitor center, which is chock-full of exhibits about the park’s geology, history, and flora and fauna (a species of dinosaur was even discovered there). Then explore some of the short, interconnected hiking trails that allow you to view the striated, pitted rock up close, starting with the 1.5-mile paved Perkins Central Garden loop (a free shuttle provides access to the trailhead through the third week of August). Or see the park on horseback (from $100), bike (rentals, from $40, available at the visitor center) or by car. Free entry.
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Ulwandle lwabaThixo
1805 N 30th StAt Garden of the Gods, one of the country’s most unusual city parks and a designated National Natural Landmark, 300 million years of erosion have shaped the red sandstone into fantastical formations — with names like the Kissing Camels, Siamese Twins and Balanced Rock — that strikingly contrast the often vivid-blue sky. Stop first at the visitor center, which is chock-full of exhibits about the park’s geology, history, and flora and fauna (a species of dinosaur was even discovered there). Then explore some of the short, interconnected hiking trails that allow you to view the striated, pitted rock up close, starting with the 1.5-mile paved Perkins Central Garden loop (a free shuttle provides access to the trailhead through the third week of August). Or see the park on horseback (from $100), bike (rentals, from $40, available at the visitor center) or by car. Free entry.
Only 5 minutes from Colorado House, Palmer Park is an awesome place to hike, bike, picnic, or zen out! It hosts a variety of hiking trail skill levels - from easy walks for families with small children, to adventurers ready to dig into a challenging (and worth it!) CO hike. Beautiful and diverse scenery, great photo ops! One of this host's go-to places for sure! ☀️ SUNSETS here are unforgettable!
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Palmer Park
3344-3376 Paseo RdOnly 5 minutes from Colorado House, Palmer Park is an awesome place to hike, bike, picnic, or zen out! It hosts a variety of hiking trail skill levels - from easy walks for families with small children, to adventurers ready to dig into a challenging (and worth it!) CO hike. Beautiful and diverse scenery, great photo ops! One of this host's go-to places for sure! ☀️ SUNSETS here are unforgettable!
For only $5, you can drive up the ultra-scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the top of our very own "14-er" (14,115 feet in elevation). The summit of Pikes Peak is absolutely a place like no other (and also a great photo op!). Note: Be mindful of the forecast before heading up; our Colorado weather comes in fast and hard on the peak! And don't forget to wear/take an extra layer or two...it is a bit cooler than the 6,035 ft. elevation in the Springs!
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Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
5089 Pikes Peak HwyFor only $5, you can drive up the ultra-scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the top of our very own "14-er" (14,115 feet in elevation). The summit of Pikes Peak is absolutely a place like no other (and also a great photo op!). Note: Be mindful of the forecast before heading up; our Colorado weather comes in fast and hard on the peak! And don't forget to wear/take an extra layer or two...it is a bit cooler than the 6,035 ft. elevation in the Springs!
This hidden"gem" (pun intended!) is located in Cascade, just off Highway 24 on the side of Pikes Peak (just before the Pikes Peak Highway turnoff). Located in a 100+ yr. old building with its own fascinating history, this laid back, exceptionally priced and staffed hole in the wall is home to an extraordinary selection of gems, rocks, jewelry, and more (and their prices are out of this world!!!). Their staff are down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and full of great vibes. Bonus: it's a close and beautiful, scenic drive up the mountain to get there - absolutely worth it and a must-do! Ask your host for additional discount info 😉!
Pike's Peak Rock Shop
4495 Fountain AveThis hidden"gem" (pun intended!) is located in Cascade, just off Highway 24 on the side of Pikes Peak (just before the Pikes Peak Highway turnoff). Located in a 100+ yr. old building with its own fascinating history, this laid back, exceptionally priced and staffed hole in the wall is home to an extraordinary selection of gems, rocks, jewelry, and more (and their prices are out of this world!!!). Their staff are down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and full of great vibes. Bonus: it's a close and beautiful, scenic drive up the mountain to get there - absolutely worth it and a must-do! Ask your host for additional discount info 😉!
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
930 Manitou AveBishop Castle
12705 CO-165Awesome, free activity outside in downtown Colorado Springs - perfect outing for the kids!
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Uncle Wilber Fountain
North Tejon StreetAwesome, free activity outside in downtown Colorado Springs - perfect outing for the kids!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdBear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek RdCripple Creek
I-Cripple Creek ne-Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
520 E Carr AveGlen Eyrie Castle
3820 N 30th StCave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds RdManitou Cliff Dwellings
10 Cliff RdThe Broadmoor Seven Falls
1045 Lower Gold Camp RdDivide
I-Royal Gorge Bridge noPark
4218 Co Rd 3ARoyal Gorge Route Railroad station
South 3rd StreetSuper fun wintertime activity for the family or couples! Located on the side of Pikes Peak!
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North Pole Colorado Santa's Workshop
5050 Pikes Peak HwySuper fun wintertime activity for the family or couples! Located on the side of Pikes Peak!
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
4729 Twin Rocks RdOld Colorado City
Lots of cool local culture and great shopping!
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
215 S Tejon StIsithunzi seDinosaur
201 S Fairview StGreen Mountain Falls
Antero Reservoir
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
1 Olympic PlazaProRodeo Hall of Fame
103 Pro Rodeo DrPatty Jewett Municipal Golf Course
900 E Espanola StCityROCK
21 N Nevada AveThis Local's Favorite "Local" Eateries & Bars
These are some of my favorite *nearby* eateries and digs - all within a short walk/bike ride or very short car ride from Colorado House!
🥐🍮☕ The incredible aromas of this bakery's impressive variety of homemade-daily, traditional, out-of-this world baked delights fill the parking lot...in a literal and sensory way! Get there as early as you can, because although they have an astounding variety of traditional, delicious, fresh-baked goods, they sell out nearly every day!
📍Only a 5-7 min. walk👣 or 2 min. car ride🚗 from Colorado House! Just look for the bright blue Boonzaaijer's sign!
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Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery
610 E Fillmore St🥐🍮☕ The incredible aromas of this bakery's impressive variety of homemade-daily, traditional, out-of-this world baked delights fill the parking lot...in a literal and sensory way! Get there as early as you can, because although they have an astounding variety of traditional, delicious, fresh-baked goods, they sell out nearly every day!
📍Only a 5-7 min. walk👣 or 2 min. car ride🚗 from Colorado House! Just look for the bright blue Boonzaaijer's sign!
Great local spot with a killer Eggs Benedict (and many other very tasty breakfasts and entrees). Awarded 'Best Breakfast and Brunch' by The Gazette in 2019! The "O.P." also has a select adult beverage menu alongside their tasty breakfasts and delicious sandwiches/salads- they do make a good Bloody Mary! This Mom-n-Pop restaurant is well-worth a try.
📍LOCATION: Just up the street and around the corner! Approximately a 6-8 min. walk👣/easy bike ride🚴♀️/2 min. car ride🚗 from Colorado House!
👉Note: There are not a ton of seating options for large parties (8-10+), but it's great for individuals, couples, and families (lots of booth seating).
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Omelette Parlor
900 E Fillmore StGreat local spot with a killer Eggs Benedict (and many other very tasty breakfasts and entrees). Awarded 'Best Breakfast and Brunch' by The Gazette in 2019! The "O.P." also has a select adult beverage menu alongside their tasty breakfasts and delicious sandwiches/salads- they do make a good Bloody Mary! This Mom-n-Pop restaurant is well-worth a try.
📍LOCATION: Just up the street and around the corner! Approximately a 6-8 min. walk👣/easy bike ride🚴♀️/2 min. car ride🚗 from Colorado House!
👉Note: There are not a ton of seating options for large parties (8-10+), but it's great for individuals, couples, and families (lots of booth seating).
O'Furry's is just up the street next to/on the other side of the Omelette Parlor. Definitely the nearby hole-in-the-wall bar, but with friendly service, some quiet corner booths and plenty of high rise cocktail tables and TV's for sports fans. Although the food service can be a bit slow, the bar food here is usually worth the wait (the fried Shrooms are yum!). The bar crowd has always been mellow and laid-back when I've been in with friends or family.
📍LOCATION: Just up the street and around the corner; only a 7-8 min. walk👣/quick bike ride 🚴♀️ from Colorado House!
O'Furry's
900 E Fillmore StO'Furry's is just up the street next to/on the other side of the Omelette Parlor. Definitely the nearby hole-in-the-wall bar, but with friendly service, some quiet corner booths and plenty of high rise cocktail tables and TV's for sports fans. Although the food service can be a bit slow, the bar food here is usually worth the wait (the fried Shrooms are yum!). The bar crowd has always been mellow and laid-back when I've been in with friends or family.
📍LOCATION: Just up the street and around the corner; only a 7-8 min. walk👣/quick bike ride 🚴♀️ from Colorado House!
☕🍴🍸🍳🥗
◆ STIR is the local favorite for many of us in this neighborhood. Beyond the great vibes and energy, their unique and thoughtful food and drink menus (👌coffee and yummy crafted cocktails!) cater to just about everyone - they offer vegan, vegetarian, and "everything-etarian" menu options (all delicious). Plus, the "away-from-downtown scene" is a big perk to many of us STIR-lovers. The service is friendly and absolutely some of the best around. This place and its staff are neighborly, hip and memorable - as is the coffee, food, and cocktails!
📍LOCATED: in the nearby Bon Shopping Center, only 3 min. by car 🚗 and an easy (and quite lovely!) 10 min. bike ride 🚴♀️ or 20 min. walk👣 from Colorado House - weather permitting, of course. 😉
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STIR Coffee & Cocktails
2330 N Wahsatch Ave☕🍴🍸🍳🥗
◆ STIR is the local favorite for many of us in this neighborhood. Beyond the great vibes and energy, their unique and thoughtful food and drink menus (👌coffee and yummy crafted cocktails!) cater to just about everyone - they offer vegan, vegetarian, and "everything-etarian" menu options (all delicious). Plus, the "away-from-downtown scene" is a big perk to many of us STIR-lovers. The service is friendly and absolutely some of the best around. This place and its staff are neighborly, hip and memorable - as is the coffee, food, and cocktails!
📍LOCATED: in the nearby Bon Shopping Center, only 3 min. by car 🚗 and an easy (and quite lovely!) 10 min. bike ride 🚴♀️ or 20 min. walk👣 from Colorado House - weather permitting, of course. 😉
Rocky Mountain Brewery
625 Paonia StMountain Gems & Gotta-See’s!
Manitou Springs