8/3/04 Colorado II

COLORADO

from Manitou Springs in the East



	Garden of the Gods		South Gateway Rock

	Like all of the Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs area, Garden of the Gods has a different vista in every direction. Red rocks to one side, blue mountains to another, a thunderstorm on another side and a green valley on the other. The City of Colorado Springs runs this 1,360+ acre park, donated in 1909 by the family of Charles Perkins.



	Pikes Peak cog rail train		view from the summit at 14,111'

	There's more than one way to climb Pikes Peak. The Cog Railway allows you to take a break from driving to use your binoculars and take some pictures. It's about a 3-1/2 hour round trip, with 40 minutes at the top for food, water or more pictures. On the ride back, DVD's or VHS with background history are for sale.
	Pikes Peak video short		7 Falls video short



	7 Falls - the lower section		7 Falls portrait mode

	7 Falls is set back in the woods of South Cheyenne Canon in Colorado Springs. Two very steep staircases lead to the top of the Falls on one side, and an adjoinging viewing platform on the other. An elevator is also available to the viewing platform, but you have to climb the stairs to get to the top of the Falls. Take your time and make the climb, it's well worth it.



	the Royal Gorge entrance		Royal Gorge span

	Royal Gorge (just west of Canon City) is a small theme park complete with what is claimed to be the world's highest suspension bridge, spanning the 1,053' high gorge. It sways in the wind as you walk or drive over it, but once you get to the other side, there's a petting zoo and wildlife park to bring your pulse back down.
	Colorado National Monument short		Royal Gorge area short



	Colorado National Monument		the road through the park

	The Colorado National Monument features a scenic and winding 23-mile road that climbs through a dry, yet colorful landscape just outside of Grand Junction. Views of Grand Mesa abound, and extensive hiking is available. The visitor's center has a drinking fountain to restock your containers with. This is crucial in these parts.



	Ouray		Route 550

	Route 50 is a scenic winding road that borders streams, meadows, mountains and ranches. It runs east-west, connecting to Route 550 to the west. Route 550 is a spectacular mountain drive with steep inclines, hairpin turns and switchbacks, (all without guardrails) connecting Montrose, Ouray, Silverton and Durango. Ouray is also know as Switzerland America.



	LINKS: Colorado: Places To Go