Author: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by: Joe Hilbers

Ronnie Greenberg

5310 Dubois Ave

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 347-7437

mrg5310@aol.com

Rocky Mountain Grandeur

By: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos: Joe Hilbers

The natural aura of Colorado Springs dry climate, clear cool mountain air and wild west ambience have been luring guests since the turn of the 19th century. The ease of access to the Rocky Mountains outdoor activities are virtually unlimited. In the winter there’s skiing, snowmobiling, sledding or ice fishing within a two hour drive. During spring and summer there’s a rich network of paths and trails that’s a natural choice for walking, hiking, mountain climbing and biking, while the rivers and lakes lure kayakers, boaters, river-rafters and fishing.

Where to stay

The Broadmoor with the soul of a legend, has been indulging the known and unknown alike in pampering and superior service since 1918. The “Grande Dame” cradled at the foot of the dazzling Cheyenne Mountains is built around the blue green waters of the lake. The timeless charm and modern amenities of the resorts spacious 700 rooms and suites provide a relaxing and luxurious ambience. Windows and balconies provide front-row seats to spectacular scenery, glorious sunrises and fiery sunsets

Championship golf ranks as the favorite recreational pursuit, and golf lovers can start their day taking a swing at the two 18-hole courses, the West course, or the East course.  For tennis buffs the tennis complex features three cushioned hard courts, 3 Har-Tru courts and 3 pickleball courts. Work out to your heart’s content at the fitness center and then indulge yourself at the full service Spa, or enjoy  zip lining and falconry.

Dining choices run the gamut from fine dining to casual and everything in between in the Resort’s  10 restaurants and 10 additional cafes and lounges. The Broadmoor’s extensive wine list ranks among the finest in the world. The Summit is a freestanding restaurant where Executive Chef David Peterson features a menu of American Brasserie; The Penrose, Forbes only Colorado Five-Star and Five-Diamond  restaurant; The Golden Bee an authentic 19th-century pub; Ristorante del lago; La Taverne and  Restaurant 1858, among others.

The Broadmoor is located at One Lake Avenue in Colorado Springs. For reservations and special Great Escape Packages , romantic getaways, holiday celebrations and galas, phone: (800) 755-5011 or  www.broadmoor.com

Area Highlights of the Springs & Pikes Peak Region

There is something magical about Pikes Peak the star attraction of the area that was sighted by Zebulon Pike back in 1806. But it wasn’t until the late 1850’s that attention was focused on this symbol of the American frontier.  The slogan  “Pikes Peak or Bust” became a rallying cry during the gold mining boom, when the landmark was used as a beacon for the prospectors.  Katherine Lee Bates enraptured by  the purple mountain majesty penned ” America the Beautiful” well over a century ago.

Today, the awe-inspiring Pikes Peak is the crown jewel of the Pike National forest. From the gateway at 7,400 feet to the 14,110-foot summit, it is accessible via a 12-mile hike up the Barr Trail, a 19-mile scenic journey by car, or the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad.

Wind through alpine wonderlands, mountain reservoirs, and wildlife habitats with Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, beyond the timberline and over the clouds.  From the Summit House, thrilling 360-degree panoramic vistas overlook the Continental Divide, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Plains.

Seven Falls is located within a natural box canyon that terminates dramatically at a 181-foot waterfall cascading seven distinct steps of a sheer granite cliff.www.sevenfalls.com

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo is famous for its diverse and exotic collection of more than 650 animals from around the world.  All your favorites are here from elephants to lions and monkeys, hippos and bears. It’s also a rare opportunity to feed the world famous giraffe herd, come nose to nose with lions and great apes, and get to see more than 30 endangered species including the Amur tiger, Mexican wolf, and Black-footed ferret. www.cmzoo.org

Manitou Springs

                  The charming Victorian town of Manitou Springs located 4 miles west of Colorado Springs, is forever likened to its natural drinking springs. Long before Easterners traveled here, the Ute, Cheyenne and many other natives considered this area spiritual and sacred and it is now a National Historic District.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway in service since 1891 is the world’s highest cog railroad. It has taken millions of people on an unforgettable thrilling trip from the depot in Manitou Springs to the 14,110 foot summit of America’s mountain, in comfort and safety.  Reservations can be made by visiting www.cograilway.com

Garden of the Gods, a true geological experience, is set in a 1300 acre park at the foot of Pikes Peak, surrounded by twenty spectacular towering red sandstone formations. There’s eight miles of trails to hike, bike, or ride horseback, leading to scenic views, nature walks and places to settle in for a family picnic. Everyone will enjoy viewing the fast paced 12 minute multi-media adventure using time lapse photography, four screens, and the spine-tingling finale of “America the Beautiful” sung by the U.S. Air Force Cadet Choir. Visit www.gardenofgods.com

Canon City

It’s all aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a fascinating two- hour train ride that follows the most famous portion of the old Denver & Rio Grande Western train line. On a roundtrip from Canon City to Parkdale, you get to go through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” and under the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge towering 1,000 feet above. From the train you’ll experience scenery, wildlife, red-tailed hawks and eagles, and get to watch the rafters riding in the churning Arkansas River. You’ll have your choice of the Coach, Club-Class, Gourmet Lunch or Dinner cars riding through the Royal Gorge in style.  For reservations visit www.royalgorgeroute.com

For more information, guides and brochures contact:

The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.visitcos.com

Pikes Peak Country Attractions www.pikes-peak.com

Manitou Springs  www.manitousprings.org