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Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, the second largest city in Colorado, is located on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains against the scenic backdrop of Pike's Peak. Dramatic red rock spires at Garden of the Gods and numerous mineral springs at nearby Manitou Springs added to the attraction of the area for the Utes, Cheyennes, and Apaches as well as for tourists more than a century ago. General William Palmer, who saw the potential of the area as a resort, helped spur the incorporation of the town in 1871. A few years later the railroad boosted the influx of people into the area. The older settlement of Colorado City, which was founded as a supply center for gold miners, was absorbed into Colorado Springs during this period. The "Old Colorado City", now a National Historic District, is a reminder of this area's historic gold mining past. Modern Colorado Springs is a bustling city of over 300,000 people with many high tech industries and several important military bases. The headquarters of the U.S. Air Force Space Command is located here as well as the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Fort Carson Army Base. Recreational opportunities are abundant. Often ranked as one of the most "fit" cities in the U.S., there are numerous convenient places for hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and many other outdoor activities.
Location: Central Colorado, 70 miles south of Denver on I-25 Geologic Setting: In the foothills of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains with the Great Plains stretching to the East; the famous Pike's Peak serves as a dramatic backdrop west of the town Elevation: 6,008 feet Climate: The average high temperature in July is 84 degrees (F), dropping into the 50's at night. The average high temperature in January is 42 degrees, dropping into the teens at night. Population: Approximately 361,000; 517,000 in metro area Economy: Military, aerospace, electronics, and tourism Key Attractions: Cave of the Winds Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Will Rogers Shrine Cliff Dwelling Museum Flying "W" Ranch May Natural History Museum McAllister House Museum Miramont Castle Peterson Air and Space Museum Pioneer's Museum Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Santa's Workshop/North Pole Seven Falls U.S. Olympic Complex Van Briggle Pottery Western Museum of Mining and Industry Wildlife Experience World Figure Skating Museum Key Events: Apr: Easter Sunrise Service at Garden of the Gods May: Territory Days Jul: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Sep: Colorado Springs Balloon Classic
Visitor Information: Colorado Springs Convention and Visitor's Bureau: (800) 888-4748, http://www.experiencecoloradosprings.com/ Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau: (800)642-2567, http://www.manitousprings.org/ Map: |
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