The Crawford Hotel
Credit: Denver Union Station VISIT DENVER
Larimer Square
Credit: Eric Lindberg VISIT DENVER
DENVER | the mile high city COLORADO SPRINGS | olympic city u.s.a.
Take the airport train from DEN straight into the classic 1914-built Union
Station (the original went up in 1881) and book into The Crawford Hotel
that’s nestled inside — from there much of Denver’s downtown is
within easy walking distance. Colorado Springs was founded as a resort city in 1871, and remains
a destination that leaves one feeling at ease. Bring the whole family
and start your visit with a VIP tour of the U.S. Olympic Training Center
to see where our Olympic athletes train, then get out and do some
exercise of your own. Begin at the Garden of the Gods, just northwest
of the town center, where red rock formations, plains grasslands, and
juniper-pinyon forests collide to create a unique geological wonder
that has been a protected free public area since 1909. Hike, bike, ride
horses, or rock climb — the choice is yours.
Sports fans can stroll to Coors Field to take in a Colorado Rockies
baseball game, or head in the opposite direction to catch a Denver
Broncos football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Foodies will find excellent choices at Larimer Square, a classic old
Victorian neighborhood. Check out Tag Restaurant for convivial world
fusion dining or dig into steak frites, escargot, and other French
bistro comfort foods at Bistro Vendome nearby. Craft breweries are
everywhere in Denver — 150 and counting — so seek out Woods Boss
Brewing, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, or Bruz Beers for unique beer tastings.
Be certain to take a ride out to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre,
where the whole family will find a place that delights and amazes. The
impressive sandstone amphitheater was formed naturally, creating
perfect sound quality. The venue plays host to big-time musical artists.
See a show, hike and bike the trails, or take the kids to Dinosaur Ridge
nearby for a look at the many dinosaur bones and fossils found here.
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Then it’s on to Pikes Peak, the massive 14,115-foot natural edifice
known as “America’s Mountain.” Drive, hike, or bike up to the very
top — whatever suits your fitness level — and once you reach the
summit, catch your breath in that high-altitude air while drinking in
wilderness views.
For the ultimate Colorado Springs experience, book a stay at The
Broadmoor, the venerable resort that opened here in 1918. These
days, it boasts two famous golf courses, a luxurious spa, and plenty of
adventure opportunities including ziplining, fly fishing, and even a hike
to Seven Falls — its own iconic waterfall. It’s a perfect home base for
all that this spectacular part of America’s West has to offer.