The Pikes Peak region evolves with new destinations

By Harlee Hunt

We are focusing on Colorado Springs all week. Check back later in the week for some restaurant recommendations and a list of hot summer events.

Colorado Springs has all you need to have the perfect summer weekend or a fun-filled day trip. The Springs offers one-of-a-kind hotels for the solo traveler, the family or friends. New and revamped eateries offer something for everyone to enjoy, and old places have new faces with revitalization efforts creating a whole new experience for not only those who are first timers, but those who have not visited in a while. “Colorado Springs is truly a year-round destination, but there’s something special about the summer months,” says Alexea Veneracion, director of communications for Visit Colorado Springs. “From sunny, blue-sky hiking days to afternoons on one of the many patios in town, it’s the best place to recreate then rejuvenate.” So, whether you are coming from out of town or checking out what is new in your city, here are a few ideas to explore this summer.

Activities

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a classic trip for those visiting the Springs. The Cog has hauled visitors to the summit of Pikes Peak and back since 1891, and to celebrate the 130th anniversary in 2021, it reopened to offer a whole new adventure people can make all their own. Whether you are interested in hiking the 13-mile Barr Trail up and riding the train back down, riding the train up and biking down Pikes Peak Highway or looking for the round-trip Cog experience, the journey is not one to miss. At the top of the 14,115-foot peak, the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center provides a chance to grab something to eat and learn more about the history of the region to round out the trip.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway / Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs

Over the last several years, Colorado Springs has conducted the City for Champions project, a series of five venues drawing in new visitors. Weidner Field is one of these venues that opened in 2021 and is home to the Switchbacks FC. But Weidner Field offers more than soccer throughout the summer. Not only can you catch a Switchbacks game anytime from now until October, you can also enjoy a concert, see a movie, take part in the Cerus Arena Obstacle Course and more. Concerts throughout the summer include Cody Johnson, Five Finger Death Punch, AJR and Incubus. This June, the stadium will also host a “Top Gun: Maverick” movie night to see the film in a new way.

For those looking for a more artistic experience, the Ent Center for the Arts is a great way to immerse oneself in the visual and performing arts. The Center’s mission is to provide the Pikes Peak region with artistic performances and educational opportunities. The art is performed by professionals, visiting artists, faculty, staff and students who create a well-rounded display of the arts. The center features both musical and traditional theater performances, while outdoors it offers sculptures and installations as well as opportunities for more intimate experiences with art.

Another initiative started by El Paso County is the Trailability Program, put in place to provide all people a chance to access nature. Colorado Springs has adopted the practice as well. In line with the initiative, they will now offer two off-road mobility vehicles, known as TerrainHoppers, designed for guests with disabilities to access trails previously unavailable to them. Individuals can make a reservation to rent a TerrainHopper, free of charge, for select trails at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Parks. The TerrainHoppers will be available at the nature centers of both parks.

Overnight

Kinship Landing is a boutique hotel with an unusual concept that opened in downtown Colorado Springs in 2021. The hotel’s focus is creating a welcoming experience for guests to plan their adventures in the area while making new friends in the process. Unlike traditional hotels, each room is designed differently, featuring shared bunk rooms reminiscent of the hostel experience, lofted bunk options for families, and traditional suites. They also offer pet-friendly and ADA accessible rooms throughout. Beyond the modern rooms, the first floor is a public space housing Homa Bar & Café. You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to check out the café location and enjoy a bite to eat.

Photo courtesy of The Well / Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs

Right around the corner from Kinship Landing is SpringHill Suites and Element, a dual hotel concept from SpringHill by Marriott and Element Colorado Springs. While more of a traditional hotel than Kinship Landing, this all-suite hotel features 136 rooms with views of downtown and the Front Range. It is located near Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Park, in addition to areas of shopping, dining and entertainment. What makes this hotel different from traditional SpringHill Suites is the pet-friendly environment and the full-service restaurant and rooftop bar, Lumin8, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating along with firepits.

Cuisine

A food hall known as The Well reopened in February, featuring an entirely new lineup of vendors and a reimagined space. For those visiting the Springs as a group or a family with diverse tastes, The Well has five vendors offering different cuisine. FORMOSA Bites offers Taiwanese street food, Shovel Ready has traditional American food, SIVAR offers Central American cuisine, Tossed features fresh and organic food for those looking for a healthier option, and Gift Horse is a traditional bar and café.

Colorado Springs may not be the hotspot for prospective skiers and snowboarders, but a new restaurant is offering an unexpected way to experience the popular winter sports. Lemon Lodge Ski Bar opened this spring and features an Olympic-level ski and snowboard simulator open to all ages.

Thirst Colorado intern Harlee Hunt is a student at Wartburg College in Iowa. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, watching movies and escaping to other worlds with a good book.'

This article is in the May-June issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.