Blogging

The Legend of Emma Crawford & the Manitou Springs Coffin Races

If you’ve ever visited Manitou Springs —or you happen to be lucky enough to live there—you’ve probably heard about Emma Crawford. But for those of you who don’t know, we thought we’d share her story and how her life (or death, really) inspired the famous and fun Emma Crawford Wake and Coffin Races in Manitou Springs on Saturday, October 26th. Those of you who know the tale can skip ahead to our handy Race Day Survival Guide, a necessity for enjoying the festivities stress-free. But first, who wa

Elevation of Pikes Peak –

For more than 150 years, a spirited discussion has reigned about Colorado Springs’ beloved 14er Pikes Peak and her official elevation. Is she truly 14,115 feet? Why was her official elevation changed multiple times? Why does it matter? To visitors, this might seem like a rather silly discussion, but in Colorado? We take elevation very seriously. It’s hard not to when your state is home to 58 14ers — mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. (We know, we know, some people claim there are only

Flying W Ranch is Coming Back to Colorado Springs in 2020 –

The Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated reconstruction of its famous, family-friendly property. The first shovel hit the ground at the end of June, but to residents of Colorado Springs and the ranch’s many return visitors, it is a celebration that has been six years in the making. The Flying W Ranch is poised to re-open by May of 2020, but there’s a chance it could do a soft opening sooner if building goes well over the next few months. Now,

ProRodeo Hall of Fame Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Colorado Springs

There’s a whole lot to cheer about at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. It celebrates 40 years as the coolest monument to all things cowboy in the west. The legacy of cowboy culture runs deep in the Pikes Peak region. Our hills and plains have seen their share of horsemanship, ranching, cattle herding and a fair amount of sheep, too. As such, we’ve been pretty proud to be home to such a prestigious attraction. We think Colorado Springs and rodeos are a match made in co

Pikes Peak - Summit House Updates

September 15th is the last day of the shuttles, so for those of you who have been waiting to drive to the summit, now’s your chance!  From September 16, 2018 to May of 2019, the highway is yours — weather permitting, of course.  Be sure you call 719-385-7325 to check road conditions before you head out.  Drive hard friends, we’ll see you on the mountain!

On June 4, officials broke ground on the brand-new Pikes Peak Summit Complex, a new visitor center that will replace the original Summit House

Back to School Activities in Colorado Springs — Grownup Edition

School is back in session, which means the grown-ups can come out to play at all their favorite attractions! Yes, parents can officially venture out without small people in tow asking for snacks every five seconds, and the child-free set can finally be first in line at zoo. So, take the day off and set aside the chores for another day. The city is now your (mostly) child-free playground! Read on for ideas having fun while the kids of Colorado Springs are safely ensconced in school, at sports or

Hail Storm at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo –

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs suffered a catastrophic hailstorm on August 6, resulting in the deaths of five animals, injuries to multiple people and an incredible amount of destruction to the zoo. Videos from visitors spread across social media and the news, showing enormous ice chunks hammering into buildings, cars and those unfortunate enough to be caught in the open when the storm unleashed. After a four-day closure to repair damage, care for the animals and remove disabled c

Practicing Fire Safety in Colorado Springs

No question, it is HOT here in Colorado Springs and that means that the fire danger is high. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time enjoying all that this beautiful region has to offer! We want everyone enjoying the trails, campsites and lakes. We just want you to do it smart when fire danger is high. Therefore, we’re slapping on our Smokey the Bear caps and sharing some tips for practicing fire-safety while still having fun. Read on, future rangers! (Disclaimer: Reading this arti

Motorcycle Riding in the Pikes Peak Region: Tips, Rides and More

Riding a motorcycle in Colorado is an exhilarating experience, especially in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Here, you can take your pick of high mountain peaks, rolling plains, urban landscapes and any other terrain you can think of. However, riding in Colorado can be a quite a change for visitors from lower altitudes and flatter states — or new riders who are just starting out. We’ve asked our favorite motorcycle friends and family to help us put together some helpful Colorado moto