Colorado Springs Official Visitors Guide 2009 - (Page 70) 70 Hidden Gems of The Pikes Peak Region VisitCOS.com Hidden of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region No visit to Colorado Springs is complete without a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak, the aweinspiring red rocks of Garden of the Gods, the magnificent Chapel and the U.S. Air Force Academy or our other top attractions. We recommend them all! But to create a memorable and unique Colorado Springs experience, we have a few hidden treasures to recommend. u Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Located on 750 acres of the sweeping plains of eastern El Paso County, the mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The colorful clays were used for making pottery and ceremonial paints. The park features fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that were formed through erosive action and the forces of nature. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage and many natural wonders. www.elpasoco.com/parks u Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum – This downtown landmark portrays the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region in exhibits emphasizing the unique character of this uncommon Front Range community. As the focal point of the city’s lovely downtown, the museum draws thousands of people to the area annually. Centered in one of our downtown parks, this elegant and historic structure is surrounded by inviting green lawns, colorful flowers, outdoor sculptures and a splendid granite fountain. The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Museum admission is free. www.CSPM.org u Memorial Park Sk8Park – This new free 40,000 sq. ft. park opened in December 2008 and includes an obstacle street, plaza street, bowls, snake runs and a pool-style bowl for your “sickest” tricks! Located in Memorial Park next to the Sertich Ice Center. www.springsgov.com u New Santa Fe Regional Trail – Extending from the Palmer Lake Recreation area off County Line Road to the City of Colorado Springs, this 15-mile trail drops 1200 feet in elevation as it follows a 6.5-mile portion of the abandoned Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad line as it passes through the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders enjoy a variety of wildlife, abundant wildflowers, open grasslands, cottonwoods and ponderosa pines, interesting geological landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Monument Rock, and magnificent views of Pikes Peak enhance the experience. www.elpasoco.com/parks u America the Beautiful Park – Located between the heart of downtown Colorado Springs and I-25, this city park features the stunning Continuum – The Julie Penrose Fountain, a rotating water sculpture that represents the life-giving movement of water between the atmosphere and the earth. The park also includes a pavilion, unique playground, picnic tables and access to downtown trails. www.springsgov.com u Bear Creek & Fountain Creek Nature Centers – Hike the foothills, search for mule deer, and discover Bear Rock formation at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park Creek! Scrub oak thickets, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, a mountain creek, and abundant foothills wildlife attract children and adults to Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. Interpretive programs, special events, http://www.VisitCOS.com http://www.elpasoco.com/parks http://www.cspm.org http://www.springsgov.com http://www.elpasoco.com/parks http://www.springsgov.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.