Conquer the Thrill Rides of Colorado Springs

Fine Adrenaline-Inducing fun in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are an outdoor adventurer’s dream, from adrenaline-inducing thrill rides to memorable, guided excursions, the Pikes Peak region of Colorado offers year-round activities and amazing natural scenery that’s completely snap-worthy. Test the limits at an array of exciting attractions.

Colorado Ultralights is perfect for small parties and solo travel, this unforgettable thrill offers a bird’s eye view of the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Learn the basics of “Trike Flying” from a certified flight instructor with more than 2,000 sport-flying hours and 20 years of experience. The aircraft features a parasail-like wing with open-air views and offers a chance to take the wheel and earn hours toward a real pilot’s license. Passengers can choose from 30-minute to hour-and-a-half tours and the sights are simply breathtaking.

For more hangtime, head to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Home to some of the oldest show caves in the U.S., there’s plenty to fill an entire day. After a spelunking trip or lantern-lit tour of these intricate caverns, head to the outdoor attractions. Get elevated on the Wind Walker Challenge ropes course that dangles hundreds of feet above William’s Canyon. Feeling extra brave? Take ride on the Bat-a-Pult zip line. For the ultimate drop, strap into the one-of-a-kind TERROR-Dactyl to get launched 150 feet at 160 kilometers-per-hour.

CALLOUT: The caves are a great choice no matter what time of year as they’re a constant 12.2 degrees Celsius.

Another notable drop, the RoyalRush SkyCoaster at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Deemed one of the scariest in the country, this three-person ride swings 365 kilometers over the Royal Gorge and rushing Arkansas River below. Head over to the CloudScraper zip line (the highest zip line in the country) for a  tandem race to the end of the gorge. Round out the day with a ride on the site’s aerial gondolas and of course, walking the wooden planks on North America’s highest suspension bridge. Close neighbors, the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience offers a prehistoric themed museum, guided trail walk and aerial adventure park.

CALLOUT: The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers a “bridge only” discounted rate from 7 – 10 a.m.

The Royal Gorge Region is also home to some of the most renowned whitewater rafting in Colorado and the country. More than 15 skilled companies offer guided rafting trips down the Arkansas River. Choices run from fun, family floats to full-on class V rapids. Many rafting companies offer a range of attraction packages that combine adventure tours that make it easy to book a few days of experiences.

CALLOUT: The Royal Gorge is referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Colorado.”

Those who feel like taking a backseat can enjoy the scenery on a Colorado Jeep Tour excursion. Learn all about the history, geology and paleontology of the area in one of these all-weather vehicles. Even pets are welcome to ride.

Full of impressive rock formations, Colorado Springs is home to endless trails, open spaces and hiking spots. The most-visited attraction in the area is Garden of the Gods Park. Visitors from around the globe trek to this inspiring city park. Free and open to the public, many marvel at the bright red rock formations. So many, in fact that it was named the number one park in the U.S. by TripAdvisor users. There are endless tours and ways to enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder. Book a Segway tour, ride a historic trolley car, learn to rock climb or rent an electric bike to take in the scenery. Head to the free, onsite Visitor & Nature Center to learn all about how the red rocks came to be.

CALLOUT: This free city park hosts more than four million annual visitors

Another, not-to-be-missed natural wonder is The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Nestled in South Cheyenne Cañon, the site has been wowing travelers since the 1880s. Known as the “grandest mile of scenery in Colorado”, it’s also the only waterfall in the state of Colorado to hold a spot on National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls. Walk (or take the shuttle) to the falls while admiring rolling creeks, flower beds and rock formations like Pillars of Hercules and George Washington’s profile. Those who love a challenge can ascend the 224-step staircase to admire the flowing falls below. The top of the falls meets two beautiful hiking trailheads, Inspiration Point and Midnight Falls. An alternative to epic views from the staircase climb is the mountain elevator to Eagle’s Nest Overlook. Add on a Soaring Adventure package to zip line over the trees and cascading waters below.

Another of the region’s most treasured gems is Pikes Peak. Also known as America’s Mountain after the words to the poem, “America the Beautiful”, which were penned when author, Katharine Lee Bates made a trip to the summit. Today, visitors can take in the same beauty from the 4,302-meter summit. From the twists and turns of driving the Pikes Peak Highway to hiking Barr Trail there are several ways to reach the top. The highway does not offer guard rails of any kind. The mountain is also the site of the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, bringing the world’s best drivers to compete for the checkered flag across the finish line.

CALLOUT: Pikes Peak is the second-most visited mountain in the world next to Japan’s Mount Fuji.

Home to unbelievable blue skies, more than 55 things to do, and the glory of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, adventurers won’t be disappointed with a trip to this charming city.