COME TO LIFE / Colorado Springs COLORADO SPRINGS TOURS & ADVENTURES COLORADO PIKES PEAK WONDERS The Colorado Springs area is one of the state’s favorite places to play. Here are a few quick ways to soak in its Rocky Mountain splendor. Be sure to visit COLORADO.com/ ColoRoadT rips for even more itiner aries! 1 TAKE A MOUNTAIN-BIKE TOUR Whether you BYOB or need all the gear to get on the trails, several outfitters will get you set up and show you routes designed for every skill level, from an easy loop through Garden of the Gods to a virtual flight on the Pikes Peak Highway. 2 GET ABOVE IT ALL See the city, Pikes Peak and all its other spectacular assets from a hot-air balloon ride. Most flights take off at sunrise and are likely to render you speechless. 3 RIDE THE WHITEWATER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ADOBESTOCK/HENRYK SADURA; COLORADO SPRINGS BALLOON CLASSIC, JAMES FRANK; ARKANSAS RIVER, CLASSIC VISIONS; THE LOCAL MOTIVE PARTY BUS; GARDEN OF THE GODS PARK, THE BROADMOOR; ACADEMY RIDING STABLES, THE BROADMOOR. Just a short drive from the Arkansas River, one of the country’s most popular whitewater-rafting destinations, more than a dozen Colorado Springs outfitters are waiting to show you just the amount of thrills you’re after. 4 EXPERIENCE THE WILD WEST Explore the area’s canyons, parks and trails while communing with nature and your new best friend. Ranches and stables around town have several ways to make you feel like a real cowboy or gal. 5 SCALE TO NEW HEIGHTS With all the mountains surrounding the city, you’ve eventually gotta climb a few! Hook up — literally — with a guide to get you squared away and climbing in the right direction. 6 BEER TOURS & PARTY BUSES Take a walking tour of craft breweries in both Colorado Springs and Manitou with Springs Beer Tours, which come with a side of history. Or hop on the Local Motive Party Bus,to experience the breweries, distilleries and eateries on wheels. @localmotivepartybus STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Cañon City (page 194), Cascade (page 194), Colorado Springs (page 194), Divide , Falcon (page 198), Franktown , Green Mountain Falls , Lake George , Manitou Springs (page 202), Monument , Palmer Lake , Woodland Park 114 / 1-800-COLORADO