Colorado Springs bus tours
Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers several bus tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s stunning natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and rich history. Here are some popular Colorado Springs bus tours you might consider:
- Pikes Peak Tour: Embark on a guided bus tour to Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous fourteeners (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation). Travel along the scenic Pikes Peak Highway and enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding landscapes. At the summit, take in panoramic views of the Colorado plains and explore the visitor center.
- Garden of the Gods Tour: Explore the awe-inspiring rock formations of Garden of the Gods on a guided bus tour. Marvel at towering sandstone pillars, balanced rocks, and dramatic cliffs as you traverse the park’s winding roads. Learn about the geology, history, and Native American legends associated with this natural wonder.
- Historic Manitou Springs Tour: Discover the charming town of Manitou Springs on a guided bus tour that highlights its rich history, quirky shops, and natural mineral springs. Visit historic landmarks like the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Miramont Castle, and the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.
- Old Colorado City Tour: Step back in time with a guided bus tour of Old Colorado City, the original capital of the Colorado Territory. Explore the historic district’s Victorian-era buildings, art galleries, and specialty shops, and learn about its role in Colorado’s mining and pioneer history.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Shuttle: Take a shuttle bus tour to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of the highest zoos in the country. Ride the shuttle to the zoo’s entrance and enjoy a day of exploring exhibits featuring over 750 animals from around the world, including endangered species and rare wildlife.
- Colorado Springs Brewery Tour: Sample craft beers from local breweries on a guided bus tour of Colorado Springs’ vibrant craft beer scene. Visit popular breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs, and enjoy guided tastings of a variety of beer styles, from IPAs and stouts to sours and lagers.
These are just a few examples of the many bus tours available in Colorado Springs, offering a variety of experiences for visitors to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. Whether you’re interested in natural beauty, history, or craft beer, there’s a bus tour in Colorado Springs to suit every interest and preference.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to a thriving craft beer scene with a variety of breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. Here are some popular breweries in Colorado Springs:
- Bristol Brewing Company: Bristol Brewing Company is one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in Colorado Springs. Located in a historic building in the Ivywild neighborhood, Bristol offers a diverse lineup of handcrafted beers, including their flagship Beehive Honey Wheat and Laughing Lab Scottish Ale.
- Trinity Brewing Company: Trinity Brewing Company is known for its innovative and creative approach to brewing, with a focus on barrel-aged and sour beers. Their eclectic beer menu features a rotating selection of experimental brews, as well as classic styles like IPAs and stouts.
- Red Leg Brewing Company: Red Leg Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery dedicated to producing high-quality craft beers. Their taproom features a patriotic theme and offers a variety of beers, including their popular Devil Dog Stout and Howitzer Amber.
- Phantom Canyon Brewing Company: Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is located in a historic building in downtown Colorado Springs and offers a unique dining and drinking experience. Their extensive beer menu includes a wide range of styles, from traditional lagers and ales to specialty brews like Belgian tripels and barrel-aged sours.
- Cogstone Brewing Company: Cogstone Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery known for its cozy taproom and friendly atmosphere. They specialize in brewing classic styles with a focus on quality and consistency, and their rotating beer list always features something new and exciting to try.
- Storybook Brewing: Storybook Brewing is a neighborhood brewery located on Colorado Springs’ west side. They offer a variety of beers, including hop-forward IPAs, refreshing lagers, and seasonal specialties. The brewery’s whimsical theme and cozy taproom make it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
- Nano 108 Brewing Company: Nano 108 Brewing Company is a nano-brewery located in the heart of Colorado Springs. They focus on brewing small-batch, handcrafted beers with an emphasis on quality and flavor. Their taproom offers a laid-back atmosphere and a rotating selection of beers on tap.
These are just a few examples of the many breweries in Colorado Springs, each offering its own unique atmosphere and selection of craft beers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to explore new flavors, Colorado Springs’ breweries have something for everyone to enjoy.
Colorado Springs, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, has a rich and diverse history shaped by Native American tribes, explorers, miners, and pioneers. Here are some key points in Colorado Springs’ history:
- Native American Presence: The Colorado Springs area has been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne, for thousands of years. These tribes hunted, fished, and gathered in the region, leaving behind artifacts and petroglyphs that offer insights into their way of life.
- Early Exploration: The first recorded European exploration of the Colorado Springs area occurred in the late 18th century when Spanish explorers ventured into the region. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that American explorers, such as Zebulon Pike, began to survey the area.
- Gold Rush Era: The discovery of gold in the nearby Pikes Peak region in the mid-19th century sparked a gold rush and led to the establishment of Colorado Springs. The city was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War veteran and railroad tycoon, as a resort destination and railroad hub.
- Health Tourism: Colorado Springs quickly became known for its clean mountain air and therapeutic mineral springs, attracting tourists seeking health and relaxation. Numerous resorts and sanitariums were built in the area, catering to visitors seeking relief from respiratory ailments and other health conditions.
- Military Presence: Colorado Springs has a strong military presence dating back to the late 19th century when Fort Carson was established to protect settlers and miners in the region. Today, the city is home to several military installations, including the United States Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base.
- Cultural and Educational Hub: Over the years, Colorado Springs has developed into a cultural and educational hub, with institutions such as the Colorado College, the Fine Arts Center, and the Pikes Peak Library District contributing to the city’s intellectual and artistic vibrancy.
- Outdoor Recreation: Colorado Springs’ stunning natural surroundings, including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Cheyenne Mountain, have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s extensive trail system, parks, and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Today, Colorado Springs continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic city, blending its rich history with modern amenities, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.