Last Updated: May 24, 2026
From the Great Sand Dunes we drove a couple of hours to Colorado Springs, Colorado. There were so many things to see and do in Colorado Springs, but we only had time for Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Costco.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the second-most-populous city in Colorado, behind Denver, and ranks among the 40 largest cities in the United States. It is very much a military town — home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and to Cheyenne Mountain, which houses the famous Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Built into the granite during the nuclear-war anxieties of the 1960s, the complex is reminiscent of “Dr. Strangelove”: tucking the facility deep inside a mountain greatly reduces the risk of damage from an attack. It contains fifteen freestanding buildings, most of them three stories, mounted on giant steel coil springs and shielded behind massive blast doors so that operations could continue through a nearby blast. While the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) moved its day-to-day operations to nearby Peterson Space Force Base in 2006, Cheyenne Mountain remains a fully functional alternate command center, staffed around the clock and ready to take over within minutes.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a public city park, so it is free to visit — and it is beautiful. There are numerous hiking trails winding among the rocks, with viewpoints at every turn. The park got its name back in 1859, when two surveyors came upon the striking sandstone formations. One suggested it would be a “capital place for a beer garden.” The other exclaimed, “Beer garden! Why, it is a fit place for the gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.” The name has stuck ever since.
The park reminded us of Utah. It was nice to see red, pink, and white sandstone formations again.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
We had a scenic, private pad facing Cheyenne Mountain. The park has numerous pet-friendly hiking trails that Jake enjoyed daily.
We saw deer and prairie dogs around the campground. The site had 50-amp service, 60-psi water pressure, and sewer, but no Wi-Fi. Satellite reception was good.
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the few mountains in the country with a road leading all the way to a 14,000-foot summit, and the views were spectacular. Colorado has 53 “fourteeners” — peaks above 14,000 feet — and Pikes Peak, at 14,115 feet, is among the most famous. It is named for the American explorer Zebulon Pike. The toll road to the summit is 19 miles long and fully paved, and there is also a cog railway that climbs to the top. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, and the Pikes Peak Marathon are all annual events on the mountain. It was a bit unnerving driving up the road without guardrails.
Along the way, we saw turkey, pika, and marmots. Jake wanted to jump out the car window to chase this marmot.
At the summit there was a gift shop and restaurant. We bought four fudge-covered donuts just to say we ate donuts made at 14,000 feet. They weren’t very good. (A new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center opened in 2021 — now the highest-altitude visitor center in the world — and the famous high-altitude donuts are still on the menu.)
Katharine Lee Bates — a teacher, poet, and writer — visited the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893. She was so inspired by the views that she wrote the poem that became the song “America the Beautiful.” We loved being up in the clouds; watching them move so quickly was mesmerizing — better than a lava lamp.
Practical Tips for Visiting Colorado Springs
Getting there. Colorado Springs sits along Interstate 25 about 70 miles south of Denver and roughly two hours northeast of the Great Sand Dunes. Colorado Springs Airport offers regional flights, and the city makes an easy day-trip from Denver.
Garden of the Gods. The park is free to enter and open daily. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the parking crunch, and stop at the visitor center for trail maps. The paved central trails are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, and permitted rock climbing is popular on the formations.
Driving Pikes Peak. The Pikes Peak Highway is a paved 19-mile toll road to the 14,115-foot summit. As of 2026, expect a fee of about $18 per adult or roughly $65 per carload, and note that a timed-entry permit is required from late May through September. Fuel up before you start, use low gear on the descent to spare your brakes, and dress warmly — the summit can be 30 to 40 degrees colder than the city.
Altitude. The thin air at 14,115 feet affects many visitors. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and limit your time at the top if you feel lightheaded or short of breath. If driving the guardrail-free road feels daunting, the cog railway — rebuilt and reopened in 2021 — is a relaxing alternative.
Where to stay. We camped at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which offers spacious sites and pet-friendly trails right within the city. Reservations fill up fast in summer, so book well ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak rises to 14,115 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado’s 53 “fourteeners.” It is one of the most visited mountains in North America thanks to the road and cog railway that reach its summit.
How do you get to the summit of Pikes Peak?
There are three ways up: drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hike the strenuous Barr Trail. The drive and the train both deliver you to the summit visitor center.
Is Garden of the Gods free?
Yes. Garden of the Gods is a free public park owned by the City of Colorado Springs, open daily with no entrance fee. There is also a separate visitor and nature center near the park.
Can you tour the NORAD complex inside Cheyenne Mountain?
No. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is an active military facility and is not open to the public for tours. Visitors can, however, hike and camp at the separate Cheyenne Mountain State Park nearby.
How much does it cost to drive the Pikes Peak Highway?
As of 2026, the toll is around $18 per adult and $8 per child, or roughly $65 for a carload of up to five people. A timed-entry permit is also required during the busy season from late May through September.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring through early fall offers the best access and weather. The Pikes Peak summit can see snow in any month, and the upper highway may close temporarily in bad weather, so always check current road conditions before heading up.
Awesome, hard to beat a lava lamp!