RIGHT: DREAMSTIME
mountain getaways
surrounding region have more than
55 attractions and activities to enjoy.
Some of the most popular are places
like Garden of the Gods Park, the U.S. Air
Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Training Center. However, the most visible
guards the city with its shadow. Everpresent Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain
is the most visited mountain in the
world next to Mt. Fuji in Japan. There
are three different ways to reach the
14,115-foot summit. The Pikes Peak Cog
Railway is the highest cog in the world
and operates year-round. It’s a leisurely trip to view the five different life
zones on the way to the top. Another is
driving or cycling the Pikes Peak Highway. The third and most adventurous,
is hiking 12.6 miles of Barr Trail. Many
choose to hike half-way then spend the
night at Barr Camp before finishing
their fete.
The view from the top is literally
breathtaking. In fact, it inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen the words to
America the Beautiful after a visit. Be
sure to grab a world-famous donut at
Manitou Springs
the Summit House. This tasty treat has
an extra special recipe due to its high
altitude. Many are convinced they
taste better when consumed at the
top of the mountain. Once your feet are
back on lower ground, the Cog Depot
and entrance of Pikes Peak Highway
are both near the charming mountain
community of Manitou Springs.
The area was named for its natural
mineral springs that indigenous Native American tribes who first called
it home, believed to have natural
healing powers. The waters contain
various run-off from Pikes Peak and
are scattered throughout town. The
springs are free, open for tasting and
each have different mineral makeup.
The town was a popular location for
Tuberculosis patients in the late 1800s
WINTER 2013 | FOOD TRAVELER 21