The City of Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in the State of Colorado. The city is the county seat of El Paso County. Colorado Springs is located just east of the geographic center of the state and 63 miles south of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. At an elevation of 6035 feet, Colorado Springs is well over one mile above sea level, though some areas of the city are significantly higher. The natural physical beauty of the area, situated at the base of Pikes Peak and with an uninterrupted view of the Front Range, can be enjoyed by all. The magnificent scenery inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem "America the Beautiful" after her visit here.
Most residents of Colorado Springs will tell you one of the advantages of living in this part of the state is the daily sight of Pikes Peak towering in the west. The Peak, at 14,100 feet above sea level, is an inspiring vision to those who live beneath its magnificence. Zebulon Pike tried to climb the mountain in November 1806 at the direction of President Jefferson to determine the southwestern boundary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, but was forced back by a blizzard. Since that time, thousands of annual visitors, hikers and other outdoor-recreation enthusiasts take pride in scaling the Peak, either on foot, by train or drive the 19-mile scenic highway and enjoy the view from the new Summit House. The city's founder, General William Jackson Palmer, built the first house in the area in 1871 then the Gold Rush era of the 1890s brought many Easterners this way. Many adopted the well-known saying of "Pikes Peak or Bust" on their travels West to seek their fortunes in gold.
The climate in Colorado Springs is classified as an "alpine desert" with dry, clean air .The moderate winter and summer temperatures combined with more than 300 days of sunshine per year make Colorado Springs an ideal city for outdoor activities. Summers are dry with temperatures in the 80s to mid 90s, with cool nights in the 60s. Spring and fall temperatures range from the mid 50s to the low 70s and winters here can be white, but normally the snow that does fall melts quickly and reveals a sunny sky again. Winter temperatures range from the low 30s to the upper 40s. Snowfall averages 42 inches per season, but due to the area's plentiful sunlight, most snow melts from roadways in a day or two.
In addition to attracting a wide variety of industry, from military to high-tech to nonprofit, the city boasts more than 12,000 acres of parks, trails and open space. People from all over the World are being drawn to Colorado Springs. A great climate and the promise of financial opportunity have moved Colorado Springs from a small prairie town to one of the premier cities in the country and in July 2006, Money magazine's 2006 Best Places to Live in America survey ranked Colorado Springs No. 1, and employers will be looking at the city as a potential boomtown for their businesses.
City of Colorado SpringsChamber of CommerceHispanic Chamber of Commerce of Colorado SpringsColorado Springs Convention and Visitors BureauManitou SpringsQuietly nestled between the red rocks of Garden of the Gods Park and majestic Pikes Peak, lies the unique town of Manitou Springs. "Manitou," a Native American word for "spirit," describes this beautiful mountain community. There are nine mineral springs throughout the small town that are fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. Long ago, natives considered Manitou Springs a sacred area.
Manitou Springs is just a short drive from Colorado Springs. However, the small town offers many of the conveniences of a larger city. In fact, Manitou Springs offers a variety of dining choices (from world-class establishments to favorite neighborhood eateries frequented by locals). Visitors also have their choice of quality accommodations when they come to Manitou Springs. There are quaint bed and breakfasts, an historic hotel, and a variety of classic motels, motor inns and cabins or campgrounds. Housing opportunities are certainly varied from hillside bungalows to opulent estates.
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors BureauTri-Lakes/MonumentAccording to the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, "Beautiful scenery, friendly people and fascinating history are interwoven in the tapestry of the growing Tri-Lakes communities" Monument, Palmer Lake and Woodmoor are at the north edge of El Paso County, situated at the high point between Denver and Colorado Springs known as the Palmer Divide."
The area is home to residents who work locally and also those who choose to commute short distances to either Colorado Springs or Denver (via Interstate 25). The Tri-Lakes area is adjacent to the Pike National Forest and has a varied landscape characterized by rolling, treed hills and (usually) beautiful views of Pikes Peak and the city lights.
The Tri-Lakes area provides a variety of options for dining, accommodations and entertainment. There are several recreational areas that attract people from all parts of Colorado every year.
Tri-Lakes Chamber of CommerceFountain ValleyFountain Valley, named by the New York Times as America's Millennium City, includes the communities of Fountain, Widefield, and Security, Colorado. These communities are situated near Fountain Creek in the foothills of the frontrange of the Rocky Mountains and represent a unique blend of urban attractions and rural delights. This area is located just 10 minutes from Colorado Springs but seems a world away due to it's more relaxed pace and small town feel. Fountain Valley has plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
Fountain Valley Chamber of CommerceFalconThe towns of Peyton and Falcon are approximately 8 miles east of Colorado Springs. This area is growing rapidly and is expected to account for the majority of the growth in El Paso County over the next decade. The terrain consists mostly of rolling prairie land. Many homes have magnificent views of Pikes Peak in the distance. Several of the larger developments are master-planned communities with activity centers, local elementary schools and their own parks and trail systems.
