Colorado Springs-A Fun Filled Place

Back to the adventure. "Sit back and relax while the highest cog train takes you to the top of America''s best-known mountain, Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet." The journey starts at Manitou Springs, which is really close to Colorado Springs. You will be riding in a cog railway that will take you through a steep canyon filled with pines and boulders. As you move along, you will be going through valleys and surrounding mountains.

Once you reach about 11,500 ft., you will notice the train climbs above timberline. The final portion of this ride is the breathtaking views of Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. As the saying goes, this is the sight that has inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write, "America the Beautiful." You, too, will see why once you reach this particular part.

Depending on the kind of day you go on, they say you can see Denver 60 miles away and New Mexico about 100 miles away. Once you have reached the top of the summit, you can depart the cog railway, and look at all the views before you. If you get too cold, you can always enter the gift shop and cafe right there. Take it from me, if you didn''t bring a jacket, you will be spending most of your time in there. I know. I didn''t bring a jacket because it was such a beautiful day down at the bottom of the mountain. You know the saying, "You live and you learn." Well, I did and I''m trying to help you not make the same mistake as I did. ;o)

They have the following Exhibits:

When you enter by car, you can just park and walk around, or you can drive through. It's up to you. Whichever you choose, you have free rein on how long you want to stay. We prefer to get out and walk around, enjoying the sights before us. Once we're done with walking, we then opt to drive around the Garden of the Gods.

If you want to know the history of the Garden of the Gods, then don't forget to take advantage of the educational theater presentation. It costs only $2 and is 12 minutes long. You will be able to learn the history of the park and find out how these red rocks originated. It's a learning experience for all ages

You will get to see all "seven falls" flowing in seven distinct steps down a solid cliff of Pike's Peak granite. Forewarning: For an easier trip, take the elevator, which is located inside the mountain. You will be able to get a gorgeous view of the falls from Eagle's Nest. For the more adventurous types out there, there are steps . . . tons of steps!! You can attempt to climb these steps one by one, but let me assure you, you'll be gasping for breath before you even reach the first small landing. It's that steep. If you're like us, you'll take many breaks in between those many steps. But if you're determined (like we were), you will finally reach your destination at the very top of the steps. And what a view!!

There's also a new nature trail to Midnight Falls that goes beyond Inspiration Point. You will enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the great plains.

If you aren't so adventurous and prefer to stay at the bottom (which I wouldn't blame you for one bit), then Seven Falls has gift shops and a snack bar.

My family and I have been here twice and really love it. The one thing we have not done is see the falls at night. I've heard the views are truly beautiful. I guess this means we'll have to go back there again. Darn the luck, huh?