Colorado springs vacation question?

[Tiggerlovr9000]

We are taking a trip there next summer and saw on the Garden of the Gods site they talk of a tour that tells about the rock formations and rattlesnakes. Are there rattlesnakes there?Also I am allergic to horses and wondered how close the trails for walking are from the ones with horses? I saw Manitou Springs and thought it would be cool to drink the spring water,is it safe? Thanks for any help in advance

[Tick-Tock]

Yes, we have rattlesnakes in Colorado. But it would be a pretty rare event to see one (as far I know my DH hasn't seen one since I've lived here, which is 10 years now, and he hikes quite a bit).

You'll have to get a trail map to see which trails are open to horses. I'm sure there will be some trails that are hiker-only.

[trennedy]

We have gone to Colorado Springs a few times for vacations and love it there. Manitou Springs is okay. My kids really like the cograil train. (no horses there) It is about 2 hours and the views are beautiful. Our favorite thing to do is go white water rafting...we did class 2-3 and my DD and DS thought it was wonderful!!!
Have a great time!

Tracey

[MNNHFLTX]

Interesting that you mention rattlesnakes and the Garden of the Gods. We did some hiking there three years ago and we had only gone 1/4 mile on the Central Gardens trail loop when one (a small one) slithered across our path. It really just seemed intent on getting where it wanted to go, but the soft rattle did unnerve my husband (he has a thing about snakes--like Indiana Jones!) As long as people stay on the trails, I highly doubt there would be any problem, as they like to hang out in the underbrush and around rocks off the trails. If you do come across one, just stay a safe distance away.

As far as horses, we didn't see any on the trails we hiked, but my understanding is that all of the non-paved trails in the park are multi-use, with the exception of a couple of trails that are off-limit to bikes. I'm sure you can ask at the visitor center which trails are more likely to be used for horseback riding, so as to avoid horses as much as possible. Also the Central Garden Loop (most of which is paved) is open only for foot traffic, and you can see a lot of pretty scenery from it.

We also visited Manitou Springs and while they say that the water is clean enough to drink from it, we didn't try it. The town itself is very picturesque, with lots of little shops, art galleries and restaurants. Taking the cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak was a highlight for us--we saw marmots and bighorn sheep and of course the view was amazing!

[mouseketeer mom]

We are heading to Colorado Springs in July! Does anyone have any info on Cheyenne Mountain Resort? I have 2 ressies in place for both Cheyenne Mountain Resort and the Broadmoor. I have to settle on one. I didn't consider Rattlesnakes....that sounds awful!!!

[MickeyAD]

I've never been to Cheyenne Mtn Resort, but I can tell you the Broadmoor is absolutely beautiful. That whole area in the Springs is beautiful and you'll have a great time!

[jsw123]

Not helpful with the snakes, but I went to the Garden of the Gods about 10 years ago --- and they call it that for a reason. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been!!! Enjoy it. I am jealous!!!!