The view from the top of Pikes Peak is breathtaking. The summit of the mountain rises to 14,115 feet above sea level. To reach the summit, drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway or purchase a ticket to ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Pikes Peak Highway permits small drivable RVs, but restrictions prohibit trailers, campers, and rigs exceeding 24 feet in length. The Cog Railway parking lot does not accommodate RVs or trailers, either, so for this activity, it’s best to leave your RV at the campground.
Garden of the Gods Park tops the list of top places to visit in Colorado Springs. The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center serves as a museum, information center, and gift shop. This family-friendly park has free self-guided tours and paid electric bike and Segway tours. Garden of the Gods is easy to navigate in an RV. Before driving through the park, stop at the Visitor and Nature Center to find which roads and parking lots best accommodate larger RVs.
In Colorado Springs, people work hard and play harder. The city has miles of scenic trails for walking, biking, and hiking. Local favorites include the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and Seven Bridges Trail. Do you want to tackle a day-long hike? Try Rampart Reservoir Trail, a moderate 13-mile loop. You won’t need to worry about driving from Colorado Springs before dawn because, with a rental camper, you can stay near the trailhead at Meadow Ridge, a national forest campground. If you don’t have time for a day-long hike, but you want to push yourself to your limits, hike the Manitou Springs Incline. The Incline is a strenuous .9-mile ascent up 2,744 railroad ties. The elevation increases 2,020 feet from the base of the trail to the summit, and it’s considered one of the most challenging hikes in the area.
Colorado Springs has tons of kid-centered activities that adults will enjoy, too. Take your little animal lovers to feed the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Park. On hot days, especially after a long walk or bike ride, your kids might beg for a place to cool off. The Uncle Wilbur Fountain at Acacia Park is a popular spot for kids to splash and play for free. Got a sweet tooth? Visit Josh & John’s, a local favorite for handmade ice cream and shakes.