What to do in Colorado Springs during visit.

TheWaterConsumer

TheWaterConsumer

C/O '26 HS Re-Applicant
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Jan 22, 2021
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I'm heading down to USAFA for a windshield tour this next week and have about 2 full days to spare in the city/surrounding area. Any places to eat/places to go that I should know about?
 
TheWaterConsumer said:
I'm heading down to USAFA for a windshield tour this next week and have about 2 full days to spare in the city/surrounding area. Any places to eat/places to go that I should know about?
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Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Grab donuts at the top of Pikes Peak, they are unique as they are made at 14K feet so they are different than regular donuts. Very cool.
 
In addition to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. . .

Manitou Springs is a nice little area to visit. They have The Incline if you're feeling up to it. That may be tough if you are coming from lower elevation, though.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is cool (from what I remember) and you'd probably pass by the famous Broadmoor Resort.

Cave of the Winds is a fun tourist attraction as well.

You could always drive up to Denver (45 mins to 1 hour) or even Boulder (~1.5 hours). I'd recommend hiking in Chautauqua Park (look up the Flatirons) and Pearl Street if you make the latter trip.
 
+1000 to AFrpaso

I'm from the Springs and attend college in Boulder, and he's bang on about both places.

Springs:
Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, you can walk around the beautiful Broadmoor, and America the Beautiful Park are my top recommendations. I also highly recommend walking around Palmer Park. Place is gorgeous. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is always fun. If you're up for the drive, Woodland Park is pretty as well and has great views behind the front range. Eagle's Peak is the famous hike at USAFA and is open to visitors. Moderately strenuous, but well worth it.

I'd recommend eating at the Skirted Heifer in Colorado Springs and O'Malley's Steak Pub up in Palmer Lake. Cadets love it, high school students from Monument love it. Everyone loves O'Malley's, because it's that darn good.


If you're wanting to drive north, definitely hike the Flatirons (Chautauqua Park), tour Pearl Street, and eat on University Hill if you choose to go to Boulder. The college campus is also quite pretty and might be worth a walk-around. Denver has tons of options, I'd suggest 16th Street Mall and Sliceworks.
 
+1 to @crymsonwynters. If in Boulder, walk through — not around — the CU grounds to view one of the most beautiful campuses around. So many good hikes in the area. And a very different feel from Colo Springs.
 
crymsonwynters said:
I'd recommend eating at the Skirted Heifer in Colorado Springs and O'Malley's Steak Pub up in Palmer Lake. Cadets love it, high school students from Monument love it. Everyone loves O'Malley's, because it's that darn good.
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My cadet and his buddies love the Skirted Heifer, when they can get out that's the go to place!!
 
Great post. I am also visiting Colorado Springs in a few weeks from FL. Thanks for the recommendations.
 
Olympic and Paralympic Museum, then across I25 to W Colorado Ave and walk/shop/eat.
Is Sheels open yet? Bookmark that for later.
Money Museum is just starting to open with limited spots.
 
parentalunit2 said:
You will want to eat at Edelweiss. Trust me.
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I'll second that! Great food and atmosphere. Very friendly and accommodating for groups as well.
But you'll have to be 21 to order their bread pudding with rum sauce.
 
I believe I saw a thread on this but despite several searches, I haven't been able to find it. We're looking at several hotels but I'm curious what other recommend for USAFA Parent's Weekend. Any that offer a shuttle? With family members thought that might be easier than trying to drive/find parking, etc. We're also considering doing an AIR BNB. Any recommendations/information would be appreciated - we know nothing. Thanks!

Or if you know where that other thread is - a link would be appreciated and then I can post there. TIA
 
A shuttle to where? If you’re thinking to USAFA, then keep in mind that the gates to get into the base are still miles from the cadet area. A shuttle cannot take you onto the base. It’s best to drive and arrive early. There’s plenty of parking for the PW events.

There are many hotels to choose from in the vicinity. We always stayed at one of the suite hotels with two bedroom suites that also offered a full breakfast. The separate bedroom for the cadet is most welcome since they will sleep a lot.

Stealth_81
 
I have heard that airbnb's are popular for doolie parents. Doolies must wear their dress blues in public, and hotels require that they are worn when going out to eat, etc. Relaxing at a house where you can cook or barbeque allows doolies to rest in civilian clothes, which is something they really want after BCT
 
It's a little bit of a drive, but the Royal Gorge is really cool.
 
Based on the schedule, it is my understanding that on Parent's Weekend - the cadets report back on Monday evening, is that correct? We understand that accommodations book up early - so we're trying to figure it out.
 
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