EXPERIENCE COLORADO SPRINGS at Pikes Peak - Colorado's second-largest city. When it comes to magnificent scenery and natural beauty, Colorado Springs has it all. It's the home of America's mountain, Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's highest mountains at 14,110 feet. This "purple mountain majesty" inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" a century ago.

Major area attractions: More than 50.
Area's number one attraction: Garden of the Gods, with 1.7 million visitors per year. Home to Pikes Peak (originally named Grand Peak by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike in 1806) one of Colorado's highest mountains at 14,110 feet.

PIKES PEAK - AMERICA'S MOUNTAIN Accomplished western explorer Zebulon Pike first gazed upon the mountain that now bears his name over 200 years ago. Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas have drawn interest and scores of visitors ever since. The summit can be reached by car on the beautiful Pikes Peak Highway, by train on the famous Cog Railway or by foot on the scenic Barr Trail. If you are especially fit and ambitious, we invite you to participate in the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon that takes place each summer.

ATTRACTIONS Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region is home to more than 50 man-made and natural attractions such as Garden of the Gods, U.S. Olympic Training Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Royal Gorge Bridge, Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Flying W Ranch, Pioneers Museum, ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Focus on the Family.

RECREATION Each year, over six million visitors enjoy an endless array of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, golf, tennis, horseback riding, ballooning, fishing and hunting. Sports fans enjoy the many regional, national and international sport competitions held in our first-class venues each year.

LODGING & DINING Whether you prefer cozy bed & breakfasts, luxurious cabins or 5-star, full-service resorts, you will find a variety of accommodations to fit within your budget. In 2006, Sperling's Best Places named Colorado Springs as the Best Place to Chill, largely based upon the variety and quality of our restaurants, cafés, bistros and clubs.

CONVENIENT LOCATION Driving in is easy: Colorado Springs is located just 60 miles south of Denver via scenic Inter-state 25. Flying in is even easier through the Colorado Springs Airport ( www.flycos.com.) This newly renovated airport is serviced by eight major airlines that fly non-stop to many major destinations.

Territory Days Celebration - May 24-26, 2008 Old Colorado City.

U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation - May 28, 2008 Falcon Stadium.

Colorado Renaissance Festival - June 14-August 3, 2008 Larkspur.

SpringSpree - June 14, 2008 Downtown.

Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo - July 5, 2008 Norris-Penrose Center.

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo - July 9-12, 2008 Norris-Penrose Center.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - July 20, 2008 - Pikes Peak Highway.

El Paso Country Fair - July 19-26, 2008 Calhan.

State Games of the West - July 24-27, 2008 U.S. Air Force Academy.

Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon - August 16-17, 2008 Barr Trail.

32nd Annual Colorado Balloon Classic - August 30-Sept. 1, 2008
Memorial Park, Colorado Springs.

Commonwheel Arts and Crafts Festival - August 30-Sept. 1, 2008
Memorial Park, Manitou Springs.