Experience the western pioneer spirit that shaped a nation here in Colorado’s Pikes Peak Country! Learn first hand the cowboy code and rediscover the honest independent lifestyle of the Great American West.
DAY 1
Directions: U.S. Hwy 24 West, North on 31st Street, West on Colorado Avenue, North on Columbia. Open: Year-round.
Enjoy the Garden of the Gods from horseback with the Academy Riding Stables (ARS), the only commercial stables offering rides in the Garden. Images in the red rocks come alive as you wind your way through the scenic trails and ever-present wildlife. Real cowboys, with knowledge and skill help you enjoy the most from your ride. They point out several images in the rocks including: Sleeping Indian, Pig, Indian Chief and Flying Fish.
ARS offers one, two and three hour rides. You must be at least 8 years-old and not weigh over 250 lbs. We are open year-round, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 719-633-5667.
Lunch at the Mason Jar
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Directions: The Mason Jar is located at 2925 West Colorado Avenue adjacent the 30th Street stop light.
The Mason Jar features good-old country cookin’ and is well suited to the needs of an active family.
Directions: From I-25 travel West on Exit 147.
To some, rodeo is a sport. To others, it's a business. But to most competitors, rodeo is simply a way of life. Professional rodeo is the only major competitive sport, which evolved from a working lifestyle. Its development over the years is brought to life in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. This is the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to the sport of rodeo and the men and women who have made it a world-class sporting event. Visitors are treated to the Hall of Fame gallery, two multi-media shows, art exhibits, live rodeo animals, rodeo arena and sculpture garden. The museum is open year round. For more information, call 719-528-4764.
Directions: From I-25 Exit 146 West on Garden of the Gods Road, North on 30th street. Follow the signs.
Dreams about cowboys and Indians, covered wagons and chuckwagon suppers are sure to bring out the city slicker in you. Mosey on over to the Flying "W" Ranch, an actual working cattle and horse ranch, for a taste of the old western lifestyle featuring its chuckwagon suppers, Old Western Town, Indian Rug Weaving, working blacksmith and traditional brand of western entertainment -- the nationally-recognized Flying "W" Wranglers. The Flying "W" has served between 40 - 1400 people nightly since 1953.
Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling the following 800-232-FLYW. Dinners are available from mid-May through mid-September, 7 nights a week. The Flying "W" Ranch also has a Winter Steak House operation, which features the Wrangler's famous stage show. The Steak House is open October through May, with the exception of January and February.
DAY 2
Directions: Located on Highway 24 at 21st Street next to the Van Briggle Pottery.
Relive the exciting days of the Old West when miners dug for gold and cowboys rode the range. Ghost Town Museum is a complete and authentic old western town built from the very buildings abandoned after the Pikes Peak region's gold mining era and straight out of the days of America's frontier. Explore the sheriff's office, general store, Wild West saloon, jail, Victorian Home and blacksmith shop which transport you back to how life was lived almost 100 years ago. Ghost Town is open year-round. Ghost Town is under cover in a huge building eliminating weather worries. For more information, call 719-634-0696.
Lunch on your own
Directions: From I-25 in Colorado Springs take U.S. Hwy. 24 (Exit 141) west to Divide U.S. Hwy. 67 south.
Visit historic Cripple Creek and take a ride on the Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad. The four-mile, round-trip adventure features a fascinating narration on the rich history of the area. Pass over a reconstructed trestle and travel alongside mines and ghost towns. Special stops allow you to take advantage of points of interest and photo opportunities. The train is fully restored and pulled by a 15-ton locomotive of the 0-4-0 type, typical of the early steam engines that helped win the West.
The Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad is located at the head of Bennet Avenue in Cripple Creek, 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. The railroad is open from May through October. Call 719-689-2640 for more information.
Directions: From I-25 in Colorado Springs (Exit 141) U.S. Hwy. 24 west to Manitou Exit, West on Manitou Avenue to Ruxton Avenue.
For more than 30 years, the Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theatre has provided the Pikes Peak region with an evening of hilarious comedy and quality entertainment. The evening begins with a family-style dinner with the melodrama immediately following (audience participation is strongly encouraged). After the melodrama, a foot-stomping sing-along and vaudeville olio full of song, dance and comedy continues the fun throughout the evening.
Located at 444 Ruxton Ave. in Manitou Springs, the Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theatre is open year-round. Call 719-685-5104 for reservations and information.
DAY 3
Directions: From I-25 in Colorado Springs (Exit 140B) to U.S. Hwy. 115 south to U.S. Hwy. 50 west to Cañon City.
This authentic Old West theme park comes alive daily with Wild West action and fun. Award-winning street shows enhance an entertainment package which, during the main season includes magic shows and western singing. A highlight of the park is a 30-minute scenic train ride to the rim of the Royal Gorge Canyon. The best panoramic view of the Royal Gorge and bridge is seen at Point Alta Vista. Additional entertainment abounds with a horse-drawn trolley, pony and horseback rides, gold panning and exploring the various authentic buildings from the Colorado 1800's Frontier. Great food and drinks are available at the restaurant and saloon.
Buckskin Joe is open May through September and is an hour south of Colorado Springs in the Royal Gorge Park area. For more information call 719-275-5149. Open May through September.
Directions: U.S. Hwy. 24 west. Look for the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum on the right.
The utilization of a natural cliff overhang for shelter by prehistoric native-American Indians beautifully illustrate our connection with geology. Wander leisurely through the preserve and explore the fascinating architecture of the ancient Anasazi. These actual ruins (c. 1100-1300 A.D.) provide a spectacular backdrop for the colorful Indian dancers who perform traditional dance programs June through August. Manitou Cliff Dwellings has two museums featuring cultural displays of prehistoric Southwestern Indian artifacts in interesting and educational exhibits. Several gift shops feature Indian-made pottery, jewelry and crafts.
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