Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Cumbres Pass, Alamosa
Points of interest: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway, San Luis, Fort Garland, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, San Luis State Park, Alamosa
Distance one way: 129 miles
Estimated driving time: 3 hours

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway
As the highest and longest narrow gauge railway, the steam locomotive is owned by both Colorado and New Mexico.  Going across state borders on its 64 mile one-way route, the train takes you through a landscape that turns from open tundra to the ridges of the Rockies.  Follow the track from Antonito, Colorado to Champa, New Mexico to experience the thrill of the ride.

San Luis
This is Colorado’s oldest town, founded by mostly Hispanic families in 1851.  Visit the Stations of the Cross where Christ’s crucifixion is represented in strikingly beautiful bronze sculptures along a walking path located on a mesa nearby.

Fort Garland
Built in 1858, this fort included an infantry and cavalry that amounted to more than 100 soldiers designed to protect settlers in the San Luis Valley against the Ute Indians who had lived in the area for centuries.  The Buffalo Soldiers, the black troops who protected the region after the Civil War, as well as Kit Carson, add to the fame of the Fort, which has been renovated as a living museum.  Take a self-guided tour to see the room used by Kit Carson during his days of command and take in the beautiful Hispanic folk art that is displayed throughout the museum.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
At 750 feet high, the Great Sand Dunes are the highest dunes in North America, and a phenomenon to behold.  With their changing shapes due to the high winds, they are located in the San Luis Valley, along with the National Park and Preserve.  Home to herds of pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and bison, the area also boasts fox, coyote, black bear, and mountain lions.  Park your RV and you might find yourself face to face with one of these beautiful beasts.  Not to worry, they are curious but not so much that they would not prefer to be on their merry way after a moment of salutation.

For those with special needs, the park offers special designed, dune-friendly wheelchairs complete with oversize tires that make navigating over the dunes a breeze – provided the person pushing you is up to the task.

Though there are no water or electrical hookups, the area has several RV sites.  Make sure you check into the height of some of the turns within the campgrounds, as they are not all sufficient to handle more than 32 feet.  Make a stop at the ranger station at the entrance to the dunes to get information on private RV campgrounds in the area.

San Luis State Park
This park comes with electrical hookups, and as the park is only 15 miles from the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, many RVers prefer to park here for their overnights.  With a wide boat ramp and all year round trout fishing, San Luis State Park is a favorite with anglers and boaters worldwide.  Try to take a stroll around sunrise or sunset to make the most of the desert landscape with the sun reflecting its golden red colors all about.  Hiking inside the park is easy as most of the land is flat, making the area ideal for special needs visitors.

Alamosa
This former railroad town is now a serene ranching and farming community that boasts a wonderful 18 hole golf course and other attractions such as the alligator farm in Mosca.  There are several year-round RV parks in Alamosa, making the area ideal for use as a base when sightseeing in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis State Park, Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.  Have your camera ready to catch photos of the prevalent red-tailed hawk, pronghorn antelope, and the sandhill cranes that flock during the spring months.

No related posts.

With the first and second highest peaks in Colorado, this byway contains both Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive as well as a plethora of stunning lakes, lush valleys, backcountry trails, and quaint, historic towns.  Drive through south central Colorado for an amazing vacation where you can stop in the bucolic towns of Minturn, Red Cliff, Leadville, and Twin Lakes.

Minturn, Colorado

With Vail to the east and Beaver Creek to the west, this lovely Colorado Rockies mountain town is ideal for a relaxing stay where you can jump on over to either Vail or Beaver Creek for more stimulation if need be.

Red Cliff

A great vacation stop for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and backcountry hiking, Red Cliff visitors can enjoy some of the most stunning views of the 14,005 foot Mount of the Holy Cross.  There’s great trout fishing in the many lakes, with Missouri Lake being a favorite among locals.  In the spring take Shine Pass, an 11 mile drive where you will see the wildflowers spreading their petals to paint the land in vivid color.

Leadville

Leadville, Colorado is the highest incorporated town in the United States.  Sitting at 10,521 feet above sea level, Leadville boasts many historic attractions.  Visit the Tabor Opera House for its magnificent architecture that stands in competition with the five mountain peaks surrounding the town.  You will surely feel dwarfed by the 14,440 foot high Mt. Elbert, the 14,421 foot high Mt. Massive, the 14,148 foot high Mt. Democrat, the 14,036 foot high Mt. Sherman, and the 14,172 foot high Mt. Bross.  For a greater glimpse into Leadville’s mining past, take a trip to the Matchless Mine and the Dexter Cabin where you will feel the energy of days gone by.

Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes sports an amazing view of La Plata Peak just to the west.  This 14,336 foot high mountain stands guard over the tiny town that sits inside the San Isabel National Forest.  An intimate place where everyone seems to know each other, you can enjoy a vacation here with the feeling of a true Colorado Rockies experience.  Hike the backcountry trails within the national forest or fish in the Twin Lakes Reservoir to complete your travel in a tranquil environment that will be unforgettable.

No related posts.

This past spring my partner and I decided to take a trip that was long overdue, the drive that had been described to us so many times as covering some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado.  From Ouray to Silverton and then on to Durango and finally Telluride, this drive is known as the San Juan Skyway and it truly is all it is said to be, and more.

And so we headed out towards the San Juan Mountains that cut their individual patterns across the sky.  There to the west was Mount Sneffels with its long ridge and high craggy peak, while looming to the east was the indefatigable Uncompahgre Peak.  We followed the highway, winding around to reveal stunning views of both mountains as we drove on to the beautiful town of Ouray.  There at the top of a stunningly lush valley the mountains come together to create a canyon.  We were excited to discover the famed Ouray Ice Park where climbers from all over the world come in winter to test their skills on the sheer ice walls that have been created over the past years.  Stopping to take it in, we then pressed on to the town itself, which for good reason, has been called the “Switzerland of North America.”  After a delicious dinner with stunning views and a restful night at a great little hotel, we climbed back into the car to continue our journey.

From Ouray, we took Highway 550, which led us to Red Mountain Pass, a steep climb through the Uncompahgre Gorge.  This section of the road is known as the Million Dollar Highway where Ouray and Silverton mining camps were first linked back in 1884.  One legend has it that the road cost many millions to create, while another claims that the name relates to the amount of ore used to pave its surface.  Driving this highway was a blast, with its hairpin turns that reveal ever more wonderful vistas as you climb higher and higher.

We arrived in Silverton, on the southern side of the gorge.   Lying in a beautiful valley that links the Uncompahgre and the Weminuche wilderness areas, Silverton is a famed winter travel destination for skiers looking for some of the best snow conditions in the Colorado Rockies.

We later stopped in Molas Pass where we hiked some of the backcountry paths.  Waterfalls, vast spreads of springtime flowers, and crisp alpine breezes were all we needed to encourage us to spend a few days camping under some of the most brilliant nighttime skies imaginable.  We spotted many constellations once our campfire had died out, and slept our dreamless sleeps, breathing in fresh mountain air that invigorated us for more hiking come dawn.

From here we continued on to Durango and found a thousand things to do!  A great winter vacation area, Durango is just as alive and kicking in every other season.  We had a ball renting mountain bikes for exploring miles of wilderness territory.  We also took the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to experience the feeling of travel way back in the days of the early miners when the steam engine ruled.

After spending the night in one of Durango’s finest, we were ready to continue our travels along the San Juan Skyway.  Heading west through forested hillsides and then northwest along the edge of the mountains, we had the La Plata Range on one side with its snowcapped peaks reaching up to the clouds above.  Once we reached Highway 145 at Dolores, we traveled along the Dolores River amongst the cottonwood trees where we stopped to marvel at the bald eagles circling all around, snapping our cameras vigorously to catch them in all phases of flight and landing.

The mountains came closer as we passed Rico and began climbing higher.  There, just around a steep bend, was Lizard Head Peak thrusting its summit high into the beyond.  We decided to come back to this magnificent spot for a future winter vacation in order to do some cross-country skiing in the now grassy meadows below.  As we drove on, other mountain ranges spread out before us until we found ourselves in shadowy forests of aspens as the light began to fade.  We became silent as the colors of the evening wove their spell around us, adding to the mystique of this beautiful Colorado vacation.

Finding ourselves in Telluride, we enjoyed several days in this marvelously diverting ski town known for its festivals, great dining, boutiques, and celebrities.  After immersing ourselves in the area, with as much hiking, eating, shopping, and bar hopping as we could muster, we were ready to head home, again promising ourselves that we would definitely take this marvelous trip again during the winter season.  Satiated, but immensely satisfied, we were determined to tell all our friends that the San Juan Skyway makes one of the best travel vacations in the Colorado Rockies.

No related posts.

It is hard to imagine visiting the Colorado Springs area without a visit to the Will Rodgers Shrine of the Sun. The five story high tower is made from 5,000 cubic yards of granite taken from Cheyenne Mountain, along with 200,000 pounds of steel, and 20 wagonloads of cement used as fortification, with nary a nail or piece of wood involved. The shrine offers magnificent views from the observation deck at the base of the tower, as well as from the many lookout points higher up. The final observation area stands at 8,136 feet above sea level, providing visitors with a stunning 360 view of the Front Range mountains and the vast reaches of the eastern plains.

At the top of the tower are a set of Westminster chimes that toll every fifteen minutes, eloquently ringing out towards the valley below. At night the shrine is illuminated, providing residents of nearby Colorado Springs with a stunning view of this historic memorial that looks like a medieval style tower.

Will Rodgers was a true Renaissance man who came to the fore in the 1920’s and ‘30s. As a cowboy, roper, entertainer, political pundit, and humorist, he befriended industrialists, politicians, and movie stars in equal measure. When his life ended in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, mourning was an international affair. It was then that the wealthy philanthropist, Penrose Spencer and his wife Julie decided to dedicate their tower to Rodgers.

The tower was in construction in 1934 before Will Rogers’ death, and it was completed in 1937. Created on a side of Cheyenne Mountain, just above the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the shrine houses the tombs of the Spencers as well as their friends Harry Leonard and Horace Devereux. Their tombs and the various exhibits about these extraordinary people are on the bottom level of the tower.

Inside the tower visitors will find artwork, articles, and photographs, many of them commemorative photos that help define the life of Will Rodgers. Visiting the displays throughout the tower’s rooms and stairways is an excellent way to understand the influence of this amazing man as well as his place in the history of the region.

The Will Rodgers Shrine of the Sun is under the auspices of the El Pomar Foundation, created by Penrose and Julie Spenser as a way to oversee the many philanthropic projects designed to assist Colorado, Colorado Springs, and the Pikes Peak area.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, take I-25 to Circle (exit 138), go west to the Broadmoor Hotel. Turn right at the hotel and follow signs to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, then drive 1-1/2 miles further on the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway.
Phone: 719-633-9925
Admission: Free with Zoo tickets ($12 adults, $10 children)
Hours: Early March to Labor Day, entrance from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, otherwise 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The shrine is closed at times during the winter months due to bad weather.

No related posts.

Seven Falls, just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado is an array of seven beautiful waterfalls that cascade over solid granite cliffs. Located in the South Cheyenne Canyon, you can watch the falls teem down through the gorge from atop the Eagle’s Nest Observation platform, which you will find by taking the elevator inside the mountain up to the top. For those of you who are ready for a more challenging exercise, an option is to climb the 185 step stairway alongside the Falls, getting a good workout while you enjoy the view. Once you’ve arrived, look for American Dippers, the waterfall’s local nesting birds.

During summer, fall, and winter, the entire canyon is lit up, with the culmination leading to Seven Falls. Here an array of lights in all colors makes for a brilliant and magical sight.

During the summer you can see Native American dances performed every hour. Couple this with the buzz of hummingbirds and a plethora of other wildlife such as mule deer, golden mantle ground squirrels, and chipmunks, and you will have given yourself a beautiful gift of enjoying big nature at its best.

Address: 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: (719) 632-0765
Directions: Take I-25 exit 141, head west on U.S. 24, turn south on 21st St. for approximately 3 miles, turn west on Cheyenne Blvd., then left onto S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd.
Hours:
Spring/Fall 9am-5:15pm
Mid-May through Memorial Day 8:30am-9:30pm
June-Mid August 8:30am-10:30pm
Winter 9am-4:15pm
Holiday lighting weekends end of November through mid-December 9am to 9pm daily
December 19-29,2005 5pm-9:30pm nightly
Closed: New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve
Admission: $8.25 day-$9.75 night: adults, $5.25 day-$6.25 night: children (6-15)
Senior, Military and AAA rates: $7.25 day-$8.75 night
Holiday rates: $5.50 adults, $3.50 children 6-15

No related posts.

One of the best railway trips in the Colorado Rockies is along the bottom of the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, Colorado. Riding along the Arkansas River with its class V rapids, abundant wildlife, flowering cacti, and historic cabins makes for some truly amazing photos to bring to the folks back home. With 1,000 foot cliffs rising out of the ground on either side of the train, the experience is nothing less than exhilarating.

Along the way you will stop at Hanging Bridge where the narrow canyon made supports essential. See them hanging on each side of the canyon walls as you look up to the suspension bridge above.

The history of the area is full of Wild West lore. Approximately 120 years ago there was a railroad war between two companies that vied for service on this route right after the original tracks were laid down. Passenger and freight services were constant until 1967 when the passenger service was suspended. Then in 1999 the Royal Gorge Route Railroad reintroduced passenger service as a tourist attraction, providing visitors with an exciting two hour ride through this magnificent and unique gorge.

Enjoy gourmet dining along with some special surprises on this world class train ride that will give you indelible memories for years to come.

Address: 401 Water Street, Cañon City, CO.
Phone: 303-378-2612 / 569-2403; 888 -724-5748
Directions: from Highway 50 in Cañon City, South on 3rd Street, 1 block to Santa Fe Depot
Hours: Summer schedule: daily, 9:30am, 12:30pm, (3:30pm departure is
available through the summer, except from 8/20 – 10/7 when it is
only available on Saturdays) Coach or Gourmet Lunch
Summer schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday (check dates) 7pm,
Gourmet Dinner and Coach
Labor Day to Memorial Day: Saturday & Sunday 12:30pm only,
Coach, Club or Gourmet Lunch
Winter schedule: Saturday night only, 5pm or 6pm (except Jan. & Feb.)
4-course Gourmet Dinner
Admission:Coach $29.95 adults, $19.50 kids 3 to 12.
Vista Dome Lunch $94.95 adults, $74.95 Child (3-12)
Vista Dome Dinner $104.95 adults & Child (8 and older)
Lunch $69.95 adults, $49.95 kids 3-12.
Dinner $79.95 adults and children over 8.
Murder Mystery Dinner $110 adults.
Winemaker’s Dinners $125 per person (dining car) or $150 (Vista Dome) June23, July 21, Aug. 18 & Sept. 15, 2007
Cab ride $99 adults

No related posts.

What better way to get a flavor of the Wild West than to visit the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. Here you will find all the cowboy regalia you could dream of. From chaps to boots to spurs and all the antique rodeo paraphernalia in between, you will enjoy this immersion in one of the quintessential pastimes of America’s original action junkies.

The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame is full of highlights, such as video shows that track the history of the rodeo as well as those that exhibit the sport as it is done today. Watch cowboys tame the bucking broncos and lasso calves for branding – all part of a day’s work for the cowboys of yesteryear as well as today.

A perfect replica of a rodeo arena is just outside the Hall of Fame along with a sculpture garden that encapsulates the excitement of rodeo action in stone.

The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame is the perfect vacation destination for the family as well as any of you who are Wild West history buffs, so be sure to get your boots pointed in the right direction to enjoy a day of full American Cowboy immersion.

Address: 101 Pro Rodeo Drive off Rockrimmon Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Phone: 791-528-4764
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm except holidays
Admission: Adults, $6 – Seniors 55+ $5- Children 5 – 12, $3 – under 5, free

No related posts.

Hop aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs to see why Katherine Lee Bates wrote her famous “America the Beautiful” in 1893. Even though she took a mule-drawn wagon to see the view from the top of Pikes Peak, you can experience the same thrill she felt by ascending on the highest cog railway in the world and the highest railway of any type in the United States. Reaching 7,539 vertical feet in just nine miles, you will experience some of the most exhilarating views imaginable, including the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, and the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

As you reach your destination you will climb through a variety of ecological zones, including semi-arid pine forests, high-altitude Aspen groves, wide tundra that expands above the tree line, and then fields of granite that lie near the summit. The vertical climb is accomplished through the cog railway’s toothy gears that configure with the track. Make sure you stay alert to all the wildlife along the way such as hawks, mountain goats, marmots, and bighorn sheep.

Driving on Pikes Peak Highway or hiking or biking to the summit is another way to enjoy the thrill of the mountain. But taking the railway provides an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Plan on three hours and ten minutes to go round trip, with a half hour or so to enjoy the Summit House and Gift Shop before turning around.

Make sure you bring a jacket or sweater as the climate changes with the high altitude. Though it may be warm down below, you may find it quite chilly as you ascend.

Season: Year round
Information and reservations: 719-685-5401
Prices (round trip): Adults, $30.50; Children, $17.00 and $18.00 high season (July 1 – Aug 18); under 2 years old, free.
Directions: From I-25 in Colorado Springs, take US-24 (exit 141) west 4 miles to the Manitou Ave (Manitou Springs) exit. Go west on Manitou Ave 1-1/2 miles to Ruxton Ave, turn left, go 3/4 mile to the top of Ruxton (515 Ruxton Ave).

No related posts.

Just at the base of Pike’s Peak lies one of the most popular historic towns in the Colorado Rockies. Manitou Springs, Colorado’s first resort town, is one of the best destinations for experiencing the flavor of the Old West. Named after a Native American character in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “Hiawatha”, Manitou Springs is also well known for its naturally carbonated mineral water, which was used in the past a healing tonic for many health issues.

Once a sacred site for the Native Americans who used the waters to care for digestive problems and other ailments, Manitou Springs became a focal point for migrating tribes. The reputation of the springs eventually rustled the imagination of the entrepreneurs, General William J. Palmer (who founded Colorado Springs) and Dr. William A. Bell, who were looking to create a perfect resort in the foothills of the Rockies. And this is just what they did!

Today there are seven springs to sample right in the heart of town. Additionally the downtown area of Manitou Springs brims with local artisanal work, galleries, verdant parks, and wonderful restaurants and cafes. Stay in one of the many hotels, motels, or Bed and Breakfasts and enjoy a vacation filled with terrific outdoor attractions and activities such as visits to the nearby Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or Miramont Castle.

With its healing waters surrounded by majestic natural beauty, Manitou Springs continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Colorado Rockies. With something for everyone, including great shops and a downtown arcade, the town should be a priority on your vacation travel agenda.

Directions: From I-25 in Colorado Springs, take US-24 (exit 141) west 4 miles to the Manitou Ave (Manitou Springs) exit, and go west on Manitou Ave.

No related posts.

Named the Garden of the Gods in 1859 by two surveyors, the land with its soaring rock structures rising to the sky deserves the moniker. The land was bought in 1879 by Charles Perkins, owner of the Burlington Railroad, who added more acres over time. When he died in 1909, his children donated all of the accumulated 480 acres to the city of Colorado Springs. More land was acquired later to preserve the sanctity of the area.

With its wide variety of flora and fauna, the Garden of the Gods is a hugely popular tourist destination for those who are thirsty for majestic vistas and vast natural settings. With its contrasting greenery from abundant willows, scrub oak, juniper, and pinon pine against the brilliant red of the towering rocks, the park is truly awe-inspiring. Winter brings its own form of beauty, with soft snow dusting the rocks’ shoulders. The area is known for having several different ecosystems, which accounts for the variety of plant and animal life all around.

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in the Garden of the Gods. Whether it is rock climbing, skating, hiking, or horseback riding, the park offers great adventures to one and all.

Take some time at the Visitors & Nature Center where information and displays on the ecology and geology of the area are both educational and entertaining. For those of you who are natural science buffs, be sure to take one of the daily 20-minute walks with knowledgeable staff member who will tell you about the natural evolution of the area. The recent discovery of Native Americans having lived on this land 3,000 years ago makes for a fascinating topic on the cultural history of the land.

The park’s gift shops are known as some of the best in Colorado Springs. Here you will find exquisite samples of Native American jewelry and pottery, porcelain sculptures, books, postcards, and other interesting items, including some of the best fudge this side of your grandmother’s kitchen. Enjoy the café with its amazing views, including Pikes Peak which looms nearby. If you are in the southwest corner of the park, visit the Garden of the Gods Trading Post where you can buy Native American art, Pueblo pottery, sand paintings, and enjoy the many special events hosted by the Trading Post. Though the Trading Post is not an official part of the park, it enjoys a special relationship with all involved. Here too there is a café where you can enjoy a lunch in the surroundings of immense natural beauty.

There are many special events in the park such as a free 30 minute walking tour on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Learn about the local wildflowers, reptiles, and other fascinating subjects.

Take the “bat walk” on Tuesday evenings, June through August where you can learn about these nocturnal critters and then talk a walk to see them in their natural habitat. Reservations are required: 719-219-0108.

On Wednesdays at 5 pm, June through July, there are guided walks where you can see the Prairie Falcons nesting atop the great rocks or hunting for food. No reservations necessary.

One of the most spectacular events at the Garden of the Gods is the Easter Dawn Service held each year and attended by thousands. Watch the sun rise over the majestic display of rock formations to get a true sense of spiritual grandeur within a setting that will create memories for years to come.

Create your own special event by scheduling a wedding or a get-together by booking well in advance. The park has a chapel along with other areas that are ideal for receptions and parties.

…and don’t forget…

The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Just across the street from the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center you can enjoy many special events at this living history that is open from June to Labor Day.

Garden of the Gods Information:
Address: 1805 N 30 St. Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: 719-634-6666 (park info) 719-219-0107 (gift shop)
Directions: On I-25, find Garden Of The Gods Road exit (#146), go west towards the mountains 2-1/2 miles, turn left on 30th. Slightly over 1 mile you will find the Visitors and Nature Center on the left, the park on the right. From Manitou Springs & Camp; Old Colorado City, find Ridge Road where it crosses Colorado Ave on the west side of Old Colorado City (west of 31st) and slightly east of Manitou Springs–just east of where Colorado Ave (called Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs) cross under US Highway 24.
Hours: 5 am to 9 pm Nov through April; 5 am to 11am May through Oct
Admissions: Free
30 min narrated bus tours: $5 adults, $2.50 children

Handicap accessible.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site:
Directions: see above directions and go to Visitor and Nature Center at east entrance to park. Site is across the street.
Phone: 719-578-6777
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed through Sun, June to Labor Day
Admission: $6 adults, $4 teens and seniors, $2 children 12 years and under

No related posts.