RESOURCE GUIDE
Colorado
Welcome TO COLORADO AND UCCS
Welcome to Colorado and UCCS! Colorado is a beautiful state with everything from soaring 14,000 ft. mountain ranges, forests of evergreens and aspens, sand dunes, crystal clear lakes, beautiful rock formations, old ruins, historical landmarks, canyons, castles, art, and more! This guide is intended to help you plan your stay and adventures in Colorado Springs while you are participating in the EDBA program*. *Please note, the information provided in this guide is not a comprehensive list of restaurants, activities, events or hotels in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
FESTIVALS and ACTIVITIES
BRECKENRIDGE OKTOBERFEST
SKI RESORTS
Host of the largest street celebration in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is the Colorado staple for Oktoberfest! Breckenridge Oktoberfest includes a funfilled weekend of fall foliage, great parties, Paulaner Bier, collectable steins, and genuine German cuisine. Don’t miss the largest Oktoberfest in the Rocky Mountains. Event Schedule for 2021: https://gobreck.com/event/breckenridgeoktoberfest/
Breckenridge: https://www.breckenridge.com/ Keystone: https://www.keystoneresort.com/ Arapahoe Basin: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/ Copper: https://www.coppercolorado.com/ Vail: https://www.vail.com/ Beaver Creek: https://www.beavercreek.com/ Aspen: https://www.aspenmeadows.com/ Steamboat: https://www.steamboat.com/ Purgatory: https://www.purgatoryresort.com/ Telluride: https://www.mountainlodgetelluride.com/ Silverton: https://silvertonmountain.com/
MUST SEE FESTIVALS Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off (Memorial Park) More Information: https://coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/ Crested Butte Wildflower Festival More Information: https://crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org/
FESTIVALS and ACTIVITIES BUTTE THEATRE SCENIC TRAINS
https://303magazine.com/2017/ 05/colorado-train-rides/ Royal Gorge Train: https://royalgorgeroute.com/ Cumbres-Toltec Train: http://cumbrestoltec.com/ Durango-Silverton Train: http://www.durangotrain.com/
139 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek
Performing arts theater in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The Butte Theater is owned by the City of Cripple Creek. The Theater partners with the City of Cripple Creek to produce programming in the historical Butte Theater. The City began extensive renovations to refurbish the Butte with fresh paint, Victorian-era wallpaper, and period chandeliers. A 1,350-square foot stage spans the main room, with seating for 184 guests. https://buttetheater.com/
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WWII AVIATION 755 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs
Opened to the public in 2012, the National Museum of World War II Aviation documents the role that military aviation played in the emergence of our nation as a world power. The museum tells the story of the tremendous technological advancements in aviation during the War and the contributions and sacrifices of the men and who won the air war. More information at https://www.worldwariiaviation.org/
NORTH POLE SANTA'S WORKSHOP
5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade
Santa's Workshop is an amusement park that opened on June 16, 1956 in Cascade, Colorado, located on U.S. Route 24 just west of Colorado Springs at the entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway, at the Northern end of Pikes Peak. More info at http://northpolecolorado.com/
FESTIVALS and ACTIVITIES CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level, it is the highest zoo in America. More information at https://www.cmzoo.org/
PENNY ARCADE 1759, 930 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs
At the Manitou Penny Arcade you will be able to find some of the first arcade games and walk through arcade game history playing over 20 different pinball machines to 30 different racing games. The games can date back to the 1930's if not earlier. More information at https://www.weknowcolorado.com/penny-arcade/
SHORT WALKS & HIKES IN THE CITY Great locations in the city for short walks/hikes- Ute Valley Park and Stratton Open Space.
MOLLY KATHLEEN MINE 9388 CO-67, Cripple Creek
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a historic vertical shaft mine near Cripple Creek, Colorado. The mine shaft descends 1,000 feet into the mountain, a depth roughly equal to the height of the Empire State Building in New York City. The mine currently gives tours, and is visited by around 40,000 people annually. More information at http://www.goldminetours.com/
FESTIVALS and ACTIVITIES SCIENTIFIC & CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is an organization that supports numerous cultural entities throughout Denver. Through SCFD, you can obtain information about great events happening in Denver such as theater performances, museums, galleries, and other fun weekend activities. You can also learn about free events coming up through their website, http://scfd.org/
DOWNTOWN DENVER AQUARIUM 700 Water Street in Denver, CO 80211
The entertainment and dining complex features a public aquarium boasting more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits that highlight fascinating ecosystems around the world. Downtown Aquarium houses over 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, the Nautilus Ballroom and amusements for the entire family. More information at https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 2001 Colorado Blvd in Denver, CO 80205
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading resource for informal science education. It has a variety of exhibitions, programs, and activities help Museum visitors experience the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. https://www.dmns.org/
DRIVES and Locations COLORADO HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS Highway of Legends Scenic Byway - This 82-mile route allows drivers to discover some of southern Colorado's finest treasures. Running from Trinidad to Walsenburg, the route offers dazzling views of the Spanish Peaks, passes through San Isabel National Forest and summits Cucharas Pass. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway - This 55-mile route, which starts in Central City and runs north to Estes Park along Colorado Highways 72 & 7, passes through some of Colorado's most popular destinations. Map and details at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways//
MOUNT CUTLER HIKE This trail is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. More information available at https://www.cheyennecanon.org/hiking.
GREAT VIEWS The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, separated by about half a kilometer. The mountains are on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, Colorado, United States, about 12 miles southwest of Aspen. Both peaks are fourteeners.
drives and Locations RAINBOW LAKE RESORT Buena Vista, Colorado
Set along Rainbow Lake in the Collegiate Peaks of San Isabel National Forest, this casual lodge dating from 1929 is 8 miles from both the center of Buena Vista and Route 24. Visit www.rainbowlakeresort.com or call 719-395-2509 for more information.
PAINT MINES 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan CO, 80808
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located about 30 miles east of Colorado Springs by the town of Calhan. The park's landscape is a combination of prairie and badlands with colorful hoodoos being the main draw. When the parks department began buying the land in 1997, they discovered many more treasures. Archaeological surveys revealed evidence of Paleo Indians dating back to 7000 B.C. Points, tools, and fossilized wood point back to American Indians who were drawn to the mineral-stained rock that they used for paints and dyes. And bison bones were discovered by surveyors who believe that Indian hunters drove herds off the cliff walls, aptly called "buffalo jumps." There are two connected easy loop trails that can be combined into a single hike. The northern and eastern part of the park is mostly rolling prairie with majority of the clay rock formations being located in the south. The trails are fairly easy with a few benches provided to sit down and enjoy the view.
More information at https://communityservices.elp asoco.com/parks-andrecreation/paint-minesinterpretive-park/
drives and Locations ESTES PARK Estes Park is a town in northern Colorado. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests, and tundra. Nearby are the wilderness areas of Roosevelt National Forest. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway connects the town to the summit of Prospect Mountain for views over the valley.
OLD STAGE ROAD Colorado Srings
Old Stage Road is a 26.2 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Colorado Springs, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for scenic driving and ohv/off road driving and is best used from March until November. More information can be found here https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/oldstage-rd-to-gold-camp-rd.
GHOST TOWNS Visit Colorado ghost towns. More information can be found here https://www.uncovercolorado.com/ghosttowns/
ASPEN Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a ski resort town and year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It's also known for high-end restaurants and boutiques, and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom. The Wheeler-Stallard House is a local history museum set in a 19th-century, Queen Anne–style home, while the Aspen Art Museum displays contemporary artworks.
drives and Locations
CRESTED BUTTE Crested Butte is a town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Downhill ski and mountain-bike trails crisscross the slopes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. There are Nordic ski routes around town. The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway takes in wilderness areas like Kebler Pass, to the west, known for colorful Quaking aspen trees in fall. Shops and restaurants in wooden buildings line downtown’s Elk Avenue.
GREAT FOR HIKING AND RUNNING Colorado Springs
Hiking or running: Garden of the Gods; Palmer Park; New Santa Fe Trail; Monument Valley Park
THE CRAGS TRAIL The Crags Colorado gets its name from the magnificent rock formations that you will see along the way and at the end of this trail. The majority of the Crags trail is easy, with just a slight altitude gain except for in the very beginning and the end. At the end, the views at the very top are beautiful. More information at https://www.visitcos.com/directory/crags-trail/
PALMER LAKE RESERVOIR Palmer Lake Recreation Area is a popular and charming location for those who enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding under the beautiful blue Colorado sky. More information at https://www.visitcos.com/things-todo/outdoors/parks-trails/palmer-lake-recreation-area/
drives and Locations BRECKENRIDGE Breckenridge is a Colorado town at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range. It's known for its ski resort, yearround alpine activities and Gold Rush history. The Victorian core of this former mining town is preserved as the Breckenridge National Historic District, running primarily along Main Street, with colorfully painted buildings from the 1880s and '90s housing shops, galleries, and restaurants.
WILKERSON PASS Highway 24
A drive out to Wilkerson Pass on Highway 24 is a great way to spend the afternoon. This is a gorgeous drive and you are rewarded with a stunning vista as you make a turn and the South Park Valley opens up before you. There is a visitors center on the left just before you make the turn. Here is a link to the visitors center. https://www.colorado.com/historicplaces-districts/wilkerson-pass-visitor-center. Go South on I 25 and take US24 West. You can combine this with any recommendations for activities in Buena Vista or Breckenridge.
Image from https://www.outtherecolorado.com/things-to-do/wilkersonpass-overlook/article_3c781a4f-9ee5-5c10-a643-16df30cece02.html
drives and Locations
GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs is a resort city in Colorado known for its hot springs. It sits in the rugged Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the vast White River National Forest. Glenwood Canyon is rich with wildlife and features Hanging Lake, with its striking turquoise waters. Glenwood Caverns are ancient underground caves. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has roller coasters and canyon swings overlooking the Colorado River.
PAGOSA SPRINGS Pagosa Springs is a town in southwest Colorado known for its hot springs. It’s surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains and vast areas of national forest. The San Juan River, with its abundant trout, runs through town. To the northeast, Wolf Creek Ski Area offers downhill runs and cross-country trails. Southwest, Chimney Rock National Monument features the ruins of ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Steamboat Springs is a city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort. The latter has 6 peaks including Mount Werner. The city’s geothermal hot springs are said to have therapeutic properties. Near the city center, the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs is equipped with swimming and soaking pools, plus water slides.
drives and Locations GREAT NATIONAL PARKS Rocky Mountain National Park, Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde.
Great Sand Dunes https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm
Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde
https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm