Colorado Springs, CO (part 1 of 3)
We had planned this trip year ago. But during the time we had originally planned on going, life happens! We had moved and found out we were expecting our little bundle of joy. So we kept the info on where and what we wanted to do for a latter date.
It's now a latter date, and about 3 extra people!
Now from Muskogee to Colorado Springs it a 10 hour drive. We have 4 adults 2 teens and a 2 1/2 year old. We also only have x amount of days to take this trip in. Oh and little tip. It's a higher elevation too and you can actually get elevation sickness if you are not hidrated enough. So we decided that trying to make that drive in one day would be a little too much.
Day 1 Friday June 2nd
Drive from home to Salina, KS
Due to work and kid pick ups we are not able to leave until 6 pm. We stop in Broken Arrow for a quick bite for dinner and to let the rush hour die down a little. Then we make our way to Kansas.
We had planned to stop at this totally awesome truck stop that had all this wizard of oz stuff but thanks to GPS and the "ok google" voice thing. We got a little off track. Ended up in a town ish area we were not expecting. Stoped and reset the GPS and went onto Wichita.
We decided the Salina was only an hour away and this would mean less driving on day 2. Booked the hotel and pulled in at about midnight. Got in the rooms and everyone was ready to call it done for the day.
Day 2 Saturday June 3rd
Drive from Salina, KS to Colorado Springs, CO
Good morning all! Luckily the hotel had a hot brekfest so we were able to eat and pack up, clean up all at the same time! There was a little gas station next door for a coffee and a trinket (cause I'm weird but we already know this.) On the road again!!!
Now I found this totally awesome site online that shows diffent road side attractions. Anyone can add updates to kept the site up to date and you get to see some hidden gems along the way. There was one more station that was supposed to be all decked out in wizard of oz things but the address led us way back to some dirt road that clearly would not be a good place for travelers to stop at. Go figure. At this point I'm 0 for 2, bummer dude.
We happen to notice that we had a headlight out. So a quick stop at a local store and a lunch in the park lot with bathroom breaks.
Through the flat land of Kansas. But look at that view!
Across the state line and hello Colorado!
And hello visitor center, right off the highway, hard to miss. This is what I'm talking about. Oh and they this totally awesome Old Town Museum right next door. We need a good leg stretch anyway!
Oh and a fun little FYI. In this particular little town. They have a 12 o'clock alarm. So that everyone is all on the same time. It just happens to be a tornado alarm. Also at this time it has stared to get really cloudy and windy. Now I don't know about you but spending some time in Oklahoma and hearing the "song of our people" it make you want to look in the sky and see where it's coming from! A quick check with the locals and a little laugh we find out it's just the time alarm! Whew. On the road again!
We look for the 499.99 mile marker in Colorado, because it would be funny. Only thing is it has a problem of being stolen. People suck sometimes. It was gone.
No more stops at this point. It's time to get to Colorado Springs. And watch the mountain range I grew up with get closer and closer!
We made it! First stop is Garden of the Gods. Now we forgot that is was Saturday and holy smokes the people! We were able to find a place to park and get out for a much needed starch and of course to check out all we could. It has some amazing paved and unpaved trails. It's also a 100% free park, and pet friendly too. This was just amazing to walk arpund and we could have spent the whole vacation there!
We found the hotel, and right next door was a dinnies. Woho for not having to drive anymore! It was just us and on other small group of people.
Off the bed, for Amber is crazy and like to plan a full day of fun!
Day 3 Sunday June 4th
The Falls
First day! Great breakfast! Off we go to the Seven Falls. We get up to the entrance, and with it being in session we had to go back down the hill some to the parking area at the Broadmoor Resort, where they bus you in. Parking at Seven Falls is extremely limited so if you go in session you will need to be bussed in. We load up and head back up there.
They drop you off at the info both where you pay to go in. At this point you can choose to get tickets for the cart ride to the falls. *If you have small children that are walking or it's hard to walk, you want to do this, it's about 1/2 mile to the falls up hill at this point. We chose to walk.
On the walk up there are little thing to look for. There are rock formation listed on the map so you know where to look for them. It's a really pritty walk just to get to the falls!
Just befor you get to the base of the falls is a lookout point. You can either take the stairs or walk the blasted out tunnel to the elevator to the top. From the top its amazing looking. You get a GREAT look at the falls and of the location!
Now at the falls. Wow this thing is HUGE! It's 224 steps to the top. Here we go!
Ok quick break half way!
At the top! I got a little light headed so needed to really take a break. Climbing that much elevation with a toddler strapped on my back for the whole thing was a little much. Unwrap the kido drink some powerade and I was good to go!
Now that your on the top, now what? How about a hike!! There is an inspiration point about another 1,000 feet up, it's about a 2 mile hike round trip this point. It's very inspirational!
We also went to go look at the midnight falls. Very relaxing and beautiful!
What gose up, must come down. This is so much easier going down, however if you get vertigo make sure you have someone with you!
Back down to the bus drop off. And time for some food! We head back to the hotel for sandwiches and relaxation!
After lunch we head back into the same general area to Helen Hunt Falls. From our walk earlier we opted to not walk this one. Some reason we were all warned out!
Ok now here is a fun one. This is not on the map. This was found on the roadside attractions. Starr Kempt's Kinetic Sculptures. This guy's work is crazy amazing, and if you pay attention you can also see it through the city in some areas!
We head to Old Colorado City, it's basically there old school downtown area.
Looking for dinner when we decided on Pueblo Viejo, which is not in the area but so worth going to!!
After dinner we head back to our hotel. It's getting close to sunset time, and thanks to having extra adults with us. Hubbs and I head back over to Garden of the Gods. WOW this place is amazing during the day, but at sunset the colors are even more spectacular!
