The base of the mighty Pikes Peak begins in Colorado Springs at an elevation of 6,065 feet above sea level. Just a little trivia on what is known as the most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world. It sits at an elevation of 14,115 feet above sea level and is the 31st highest peak in Colorado – out of the 54 peaks in Colorado – that are categorized as “fourteeners,” or mountains with elevations above 14,000 feet. We think that’s pretty impressive! Back in 1859 this mountain was the symbol of the Gold Rush slogan, “Pikes Peak or Bust”. On the day that we were there, there were quite a few low clouds at the peak so we did not venture on the Cob Railway to the top – a 8.9 mile ride to the summit – to view what we’re sure was even more impressive as what we were seeing from a distance. Two other sightseeing destination at the foot of Pikes Peak were the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and the Garden of the Gods, both located in Manitou Springs.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is definitely a rare treasure. Preserved under a protective red sandstone overhang, authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings built more than 700 years ago. What’s so unique about the dwellings is that there are no “Do Not Touch” signs anywhere. They want you to touch and explore the architectural remnants of an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area from 1200 BC to AD 1300 through a self-guided tour.
What a unique sitting bench (below) made from ski’s and snow boards. The dwellings (or alcoves as they are referred to) provided shelter from wind, rain and snow, thus avoiding the effects of the harsh climate.
This room is called the KIVA. It is where families kept warm and prepared meal around the fire pit, and therefore had access to light. Small holes within the circle of the fire pit allowed ventilation and fresh air to flow. Ledges (or shelves) up from the main floor were used for utility storage, along with special niches that held sacred objects of the Anasazi – also known as the Ancestral Puebloans. Notice the window covering made from tree branches which hopefully protected animals from entering this particular area. Notice the small entrances which we all had to crouch down to get though. The Anasazi were small in statue which was why most of these alcoves housed more than one floor. We would definitely feel claustrophobic.
Some fun pictures: Signage asking visitors to be good. Kokopeli is a favorite of ours and an Old Hopi Proverb of words to live by. Amen to that!
The area of unique sandstone formations (over 300 million years old), called the Garden of the Gods, was discovered in 1859 by two surveyors from Denver who were assigned the task of finding/planning for what is now Colorado City. Upon discovering this natural treasure one of the surveyors said that it was, “a fit place for the Gods to assemble”, and thus the name. This park remains free for the public to enjoy as of 1909 and in 1979 became a Registered National Natural Landmark. Notice the spectacular red rock formations – lined with the smell of juniper trees throughout the park - and of course, the views of Pikes Peak. The park offers 8 miles of trails, mountain biking, technical rock climbing (for which permits and appropriate climbing gear are required), horse back riding and areas for family picnics. A little something for everyone encompassing 1,350 acres! Two of the most well known formations – the Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock – have everyone snapping pictures for special memories that’s for sure. Also, we immediately spotted the “window” between two formations leading down to the Springs.
Tall Spires behind some pretty massive Juniper trees were a beautiful sight against the blue sky. Gary, Kay and Jeff saying “cheese”. We couldn’t resist snapping this picture of two amateur rock climbers. We didn’t see many gals taking to the rocks, but when we did we needed to acknowledge them with a . . .”Go Girl”!!!
Manitou Springs is hidden between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Its name came from a Native American word for “spirit”. There are eleven (11) naturally carbonated mineral spring fountains located throughout this town which run free. Our sampling of the spring water from just a few of the fountains is definitely something that you have to acquire. For us, we’ll pass as it is quite similar – in our words – like baking soda and water. And, if any one remembers this type of home remedy used for indigestion you’ll agree that we are not rushing to bottle this stuff up for further consumption. We did walk the main street where visitors can visit all kinds of unique gift shops and many types of cuisine to greet your pallet should you so wish to partake. And, we did with Mexican on the menu.
What an experience for us. We are so glad that Gary and Penny suggested these places for us while we were in the area. It was such a treat to spend quality time with both of them. Rest assured that we will not be waiting for another 6 years to hook up with them again. This is just the tip of what Colorado has to offer and we are definitely hooked on this state – but only when the weather is nice – no snow or COLD for us (burrrrr)! We will continue our journey on to Lake Havasu, Arizona from here. Just not sure when that will happen yet!
Hugs
Kay & Jeff
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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