This week, my husband Todd is going to provide a guest post. I know, how exciting! He just returned from a trip to Colorado with friends and he is going to provide you a highlight of that trip. So take it away baby...
I just spent five days at a friend's cabin in
Eleven Mile Canyon, about an hour outside of Colorado Springs. Now, unless you like roughing it, or happen to know someone whose family has a private cabin in the National Park that was grandfathered in decades ago...you won't be staying in the Canyon. But, the area around Colorado Springs has some unique and interesting sites to offer. (And worth stating, the hiking in Eleven Mile Canyon is breathtaking, as is the fishing I'm told).
First, if in the area you have to head up
Pike's Peak. While not the largest mountain in the world (or even in the lower 48), it is unique in that you can easily drive to the peak (of Pike's Peak). At 14,110 feet, the air is about 30-40 degrees cooler than at the base, and much thinner too. (Note - breathing, walking, everything is harder at the top, so keep that in mind before you head up.) However, the view (and, oddly, the doughnuts and hot chocolate) are well worth the trip. You are not only above the tree line, you are above the clouds!
(Additional note - when driving down the mountain, you have to drive in 1st gear, otherwise you burn up your brakes!) On the way down, stop at the midway point to see the crystal blue lake for more breathtaking views.
A bit further outside of Colorado Springs (about 2 hours), you can head to the
Royal Gorge. This is, in my opinion, also a great family and kid-friendly side venture. The gorge itself is a neat chance to see a Grand Canyon like massive gash in the earth. However, the natural event is surrounded by magic shows, carousels, a hug span bridge, snack stands and stores, segway rentals, and even the
world's scariest ride, a swing that goes out over the gorge which the teens would love.
I also highly recommend a rafting trip down the Arkansas River - there are many tour groups of varying prices, difficulty levels, and time lengths. However, there's no way you can go wrong - the experience is so stimulating regardless of what you choose - running over rapids, but knowing that your guide will keep you out of real danger. (Note - on the way, take a detour to the bowling alley off of Highway 285 in Fairplay and stop at Dorothy's Homemade Tamales - Duff from the Food Network called these the best chicken dish he ever ate, and he may be on to something!).
Also, a closing note that I think is fun, while not touristy. The mountain you see when driving out of the Colorado Springs airport, the large mountain with all the antennae on top, is Cheyenne Mountain, home to NORAD and probably the most fortified military location in the US (with many many nuclear weapons at its control).
So, whether you are looking for nature or food, adventure or family fun, you can find something for everyone in and around Colorado Springs.
I just spent five days at a friend's cabin in Eleven Mile Canyon, about an hour outside of Colorado Springs. Now, unless you like roughing it, or happen to know someone whose family has a private cabin in the National Park that was grandfathered in decades ago...you won't be staying in the Canyon. But, the area around Colorado Springs has some unique and interesting sites to offer. (And worth stating, the hiking in Eleven Mile Canyon is breathtaking, as is the fishing I'm told). 
(Additional note - when driving down the mountain, you have to drive in 1st gear, otherwise you burn up your brakes!) On the way down, stop at the midway point to see the crystal blue lake for more breathtaking views. 
