May 30th to Jun 1st ~ Colorado Springs

Organ in Protestant Chapel at the Air Force Academy

Dick and Karen used to live in Colorado Springs, so they played tour guides here, showing us where they used to live and where they had their pie shop, Plush Pippin. Over a delicious BBQ at our campsite our first evening, we got to meet three of their long-time friends, Alanna, Graham and Laura. Made for a wonderful introduction to this area.

In addition to sharing memories, there are several must see things in Colorado Springs. 

Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy

Getting on base: Public areas of the Academy are open to visitors and guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enter through the North Gate (exit 156 on Interstate 25) and will need to provide one of the following:

• Military ID
• Driver’s License
• Photo ID

We started our tour at the Visitor’s Center.

Visitor’s Center

The life for cadets is strictly managed, especially for the first year. There is a very informative museum like display that details much of what is expected of anyone entering the academy. They set high standards and there is vigorous competition to get accepted in the first place.

Dorm style rooms must be kept spotless, with minimal furnishings and only two personal items are allowed.

What a typical first year dorm room looks like

The list of standards and room requirements were detailed on two signs.

There is a one-third-mile paved trail from the Visitor’s Center that you can take to visit the Cadet Chapel.

Chapel Exterior

The chapel is an iconic symbol of the Academy campus. It is multi-denominational, with separate chapels for the Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and the largest upstairs chapel being for the Protestant denomination. There is also another chapel that can be utilized for a variety of religions, including Muslim, American Indian, African and many smaller faiths.

Protestant Chapel

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We got to witness a graduation ceremony of sorts where those who had completed their schooling to become trainers received their berets.

Ceremony celebrating cadets getting training beret

You are welcome to tour much of the campus, but for us the Chapel was the highlight.

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak in the distance

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners, which are mountains more than 14,000 feet (4,267.2 m) above sea level. Known for stunning views from the summit, it has drawn sightseers and mountain climbers from around the world.

In July 1893, Katharine Lee Bates wrote the song “America the Beautiful“, after having admired the view from the top of Pikes Peak.

“The Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, operates from Manitou Springs to the summit, conditions permitting.” ~ Wikipedia

Sadly, after 125 years, the Cog has closed for 2018 to assess some of the older equipment. They are hopeful that it will be reopened for the 2019 season.

We were disappointed that the railway was closed, but decided to drive to the top via the Pikes Peak Highway. At the base of the mountain we were stopped at an entry point, and when they wanted $50 per car, we thought that a bit excessive to drive ourselves and chose to pass on this one.

Hopefully we can return at some point in the future and be able to take the Cog instead.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs mineral water fountain

Manitou Springs

Right next to Colorado Springs, this picturesque mountain town is worth a short visit. We spent a leisurely hour wandering in and out of several shops and managed to pick up some decadent cherry balsamic vinegar. Delish!

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

A National Natural Landmark, this free park is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and simply enjoying the magnificent rock formations, many of which are over 300 million years old.

Shortly after entering the park you will pass by one of the most well-known sites, Balanced Rock.

Balanced Rock

A short distance further brings you to the Trading Post. Certainly a tourist “trap” of merchandise, but be sure to try a sample or two of their delicious fudge. The dark chocolate with sea salt was my favorite. Karen and I left a monetary deposit in exchange for a couple of drool-worthy squares.

We continued on to the Visitors Center, where we checked out the museum exhibits and watched the 12 minute movie.

Animal display

This dinosaur was found only in this area

You can also arrange tours at the visitors center.

Tours are available

Just past the Visitors Center is the North Main Parking Lot where you can take a free guided nature walk at 10am or 2pm. Our timing was off, so we explored on our own.

Gateway Trail

Many of the legendary rock formations can be seen from taking the easy meandering loop trail that leaves from this parking lot. This is the Central Garden Area.

List of major formations found along this trail

The path is level and easy walking but can get quite warm

Reminder to bring a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water…

Rock climbing lessons

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There is not an abundance of RV parks inside Colorado Springs. We chose to stay at Lone Duck Campground, which is a few miles outside of town. The campsite is well maintained, has a clean laundry facility, swimming pool and play area, plus a small lake for fishing. Free popcorn was an additional plus.

Next Stop: Royal Gorge and Bishop Castle

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we got to see Colorado Springs through Dick and Karen’s eyes. We have heard of their restaurant/pie business for some time and it was wonderful to finally get to see where it once was. We also enjoyed meeting their dear friends and spending a fun evening together.