Experience Colorado Springs at Pike's Peak

When people gather at an altitude of 6,035 feet, remarkable things happen. Your vision clears and obstacles shrink. This is the secret to why Colorado Springs is world renowned as a group and meeting destination.

Our summer mornings are typically mild, dry and very comfortable with temperatures in the 80's to mid to high 90's, with cool nights in the 60's. An occasional dip in temperature can leave the mornings quite cool. Start your day by wearing a top with a light sweater or jacket over it that can be taken off and perhaps tied around your waist. If you're wearing pants, you might want to pack a pair of shorts.

Dress in layers (short-sleeve tops, light sweaters or jackets, shorts, thin cotton pants). Sunglasses Umbrella (or waterproof jacket) Hat (with brim for sun protection). Wear effective sunscreen. Drink plenty of water

The most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji, Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. At an altitude of 14,110 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado peaks. It is the farthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky Mountain chain, which contributed to its early fame among explorers, pioneers and immigrants and made it the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado with the slogan, "Pikes Peak or Bust".

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
Pikes Peak was named for Lt. Zebulon Pike, who first saw the mountain in 1806, but never reached the top…and predicted nobody ever would!

The earliest carriage road up the mountain was opened in 1889. The Pikes Peak Highway was built in 1915, at the then-staggering price of $350,000.

Katharine Lee Bates wrote the words to the classic American anthem "America The Beautiful" after her trip to the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893. The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb hosts top race car drivers who challenge the Peak at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. The first Race to the Clouds was run in 1916, making it the second-oldest race in America…second only to the Indianapolis 500!

Every year, hundreds of hardy souls take part in the Pikes Peak Marathon, running from Manitou Springs to the summit…and back again!

Each New Year's Eve, a local climbing group hikes up the mountain and presents a spectacular fireworks display that is visible as far away as Denver.

Pikes Peak Panoramic Camera

Since many of the mountains in the Pikes Peak region rise to 14,110 feet and most attractions on average are located at 7,000 feet above sea level, the altitude can produce some unusual sensations. The symptoms for altitude illness include a headache, touch of nausea, feeling unusually tired, or experiencing shortness of breath. One of the most important things visitors to the Pikes Peak region should know about altitude sickness is that it can be significantly minimized or even prevented by following these simple guidelines while traveling:

• Stay below 7,000 feet the first day (the city of Colorado Springs is 6,035 feet above sea level and Canon City is 5,332 feet above sea level)
• When sightseeing, work your way up to higher altitudes
• Avoid strenuous exercise the first day
• Drink more water than usual since your body will dehydrate more quickly
• Reduce alcohol intake, which has a greater effect at this altitude
• Avoid Salty foods
• Give your body time to adjust (there is a lot to see and do at the lower altitude levels)
• The following is the minimum amount of time you should allow yourself at each attraction.
• Pikes Peak - America's Mountain 2 hours
• Pikes Peak Summit House Glen Cove and Crystal Reservoir 2 hours
• 
  
  If you follow these simple suggestions, you are sure to enjoy each day of your vacation.
  
  Natural History and Human History Abounds
  By the 1870's, the railroads had forged their way west. In 1871, founded Colorado Springs while extending the lines of his Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. In 1879, General Palmer repeatedly urged his friend, Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of the Burlington Railroad, to establish a home in the Garden of the Gods and to build his railroad from Chicago to Colorado Springs. Although the Burlington never reached Colorado Springs directly, Perkins did purchase two-hundred and forty acres in the Garden of the Gods for a summer home in 1879. He later added to the property but never built on it, preferring to leave his wonderland in its natural state for the enjoyment of the public. Perkins died in 1907 before he made arrangements for the land to become a public park, although it had been open to the public for years. In 1909, Perkins' children, knowing their father's feeling for the Garden of the Gods, conveyed his four-hundred eighty acres to the City of Colorado Springs. It would be known forever as the Garden of the Gods "where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park."
  
  

  It was August of 1859 when two surveyors started out from Denver City to begin a town site, soon to be called Colorado City. While exploring nearby locations, they came upon a beautiful area of sandstone formations. M. S. Beach, who related this incident, suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable, a "young and poetic man", exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods." It has been so called ever since.

  
  
  

  SPRING ACTIVITIES:

  
  Academy Riding Stables WOW! Incredible! Awesome! are just some of the more common words we hear at Academy Riding Stables. From the oldest to youngest, the excitement we see from returning riders shows this is an experience you don’t want to miss. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your thoughts as you return from your own awesome ride!
  
  Buck Skin Joe's Where fun memories are made! Since 1958, this "Little Train with the Big View" has been treating visitors to the fantastic scenery that surrounds the Royal Gorge Region and the very best view of the Royal Gorge available anywhere. Shopaholics will love browsing through the huge gift shop at the railway depot. Watch and head for cover when gunfights explode to life daily on the streets of this authentic frontier town. Buffalo Burgers, sarsaparilla and unique gifts create the ultimate western experience...
  
  Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center Imagine dramatic views, 300 foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. That’s the view from the beautiful Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center terrace. Your visit to the Center will open up all the many secrets to the Garden of the Gods Park, a Registered National Natural Landmark of both scenic splendor and recreational opportunities. The geology, ecology and cultural history of the area spring to life through hands on exhibits and...
  
  
  
  To Learn about all of our Cosmetic Bootcamp® meetings click below:

  Physicians	Colorado Springs, Co	June 2008
  Marketing & Management	Las Vegas, Nevada	December 2008
  Financial Summit	Colorado Springs, Co	June 2008
  CBC University	TBA	TBA
  Clinical Trials	Boca Raton, Florida	May 2009