Colorado Springs, CO, known as the amateur sports capital of the world, was the chosen destination of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue in August 2011. The scenic race route included Garden of the Gods Park, Old Colorado City and Downtown Colorado Springs. The city is also home to the United States Olympic Committee and Olympic Training Center, where visitors can watch world-class athletes in action. Colorado Springs is also home to USA Cycling and the annual Assault on the Peak bicycle ride.
Colorado Springs thrives on culture, with its own symphony and performing arts center. But there’s much more to draw and hold visitors’ attention. There are more than 50 area attractions, ranging from the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the American Numismatic Museum, a Mecca for coin collectors.
“Colorado Springs is thrilled to once again be a host city for the US Pro Cycling Challenge. The event will attract thousands of visitors and place our city on the international stage. We are very thankful and look forward with great enthusiasm, to our renewed partnership with the US Pro Cycling Challenge.”
- Steve Bach, Mayor of Colorado Springs
Download: Stage 5 Route Map
Download: Stage 5 Profile
Territory Days
Date: May 26-28, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Old Colorado City, Colorado
Short Description: Territory Days has grown from a small neighborhood craft fair into a three-day celebration of local crafts, fine arts, food and drink, that boasts approximately 100,000 visitors annually, and is a wonderful opportunity to dance, pan for gold, enjoy numerous street performers and get some serious people-watching under your belt.
www.shopoldcoloradocity.com
90th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Date: July 8, 2012
Time: Race begins at 9:00AM (road opens at 4:00AM)
Location: Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Short Description: The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is America’s second-oldest motor sports race behind the Indianapolis 500, conducted since 1916. The race is run on a 12.42 mile course that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110-foot summit of America’s Mountain.
www.ppihc.com
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Days
Date: July 11-14, 2012
Time: Various Times/Events
Location: Norris Penrose Events Center
Short Description: One of the nation’s premier Rodeo Competitions sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
www.coloradospringsrodeo.com
Rocky Mountain State Games
Date: July 20-22 & 27-29, 2012
Time: Various times
Location: Various Locations
Short Description: The Rocky Mountain State Games (RMSG) is a multi-sport festival for Colorado citizens of all ages and athletic abilities including physically disabled, visually impaired and Paralympic athletes. Recognized by the National Congress of State Games, a member of the United States Olympic Committee.
www.ColoradoSpringsSports.org
Colorado Balloon Classic
Date: September 1-3, 2012
Times: Saturday – 6am-9:30am, 5pm-9pmSunday – 6am-9:30am, 5pm-9pm
Monday - 6am-9:30am
Location: Memorial Park
Short Description: The Colorado Balloon classic has grown to be the largest and the longest continuously running hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain Region as well as the State of Colorado. This annual family event is free to the public. Mass ascensions with over 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings.
www.BalloonClassic.com
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926 by philanthropist Spencer Penrose to house his growing collection of exotic animals. In 1938, after substantial development, Mr. Penrose incorporated Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as a non-profit public trust for the people of Colorado Springs. America’s only mountain zoo offers a plethora of activities, educational programs and interactive exhibits. The zoo is among a handful of non-profit zoos and aquariums in the country. Special activities include animal encounters, safari trail tours, family overnights and moonlit safaris. The zoo is home to more than 800 animals, representing over 200 species, more than 30 of which are endangered
Located within the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., the $8 million Olympic Visitor Center hosts approximately 140,000 visitors each year. It is the primary facility providing the general public with information about the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympic Training Centers and the Olympic Movement. The Center includes the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Rotunda, the U.S. Olympic Store, indoor/outdoor patio eating facilities, a 225-seat auditorium and meeting facilities. It also features numerous art exhibitions that change several times a year. Other Olympic memorabilia displays are scattered throughout the Visitor Center including interactive kiosks at which guests can obtain information on all American Olympic athletes.
The Cadet Chapel is one of the most popular man-made attractions in Colorado, with more than a half million visitors every year. Groundbreaking began on the iconic landmark Aug. 28, 1959, and was completed in 1963 at a cost of $3.5 million. The Cadet Chapel's principal designer and architect was Walter A. Netsch Jr. A Chicago native, Mr. Netsch studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, receiving his degree in 1943 and joining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was 34 when he completed the design for the chapel. The chapel's aluminum, glass and steel structure soars more than 150 feet into the Colorado sky. Its 17 spires can be easily spotted from Interstate 25, several miles east.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a 1,600 acre regional park acquired over 120 years ago by the City of Colorado Springs, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C. This was the first city park to be created as a wilderness park following the creation of the first National Park, Yellowstone, by Congress. In addition it was a gift to the city from Colorado Springs founder General William Palmer.
Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO is a stunning geological wonder. This Natural National Landmark was recently singled out as One of the Top 10 Public Spaces in 2011 by the American Planning Association for its 300 million years of geologic history, its impressive array of dramatic rock formations, and its use as a habitat by species as diverse as dinosaurs and honey ants. Now a city owned park, Garden of the Gods offers exceptional natural beauty, wildlife, hiking and biking trails, rock climbing and horseback riding. Over 2,000,000 visitors make their way through this stunning, and free, attraction each year.
This 500 room Colorado Springs, CO hotel delivers an exceptional lodging experience to business travelers, family vacationers, and couples seeking romantic getaways. Enjoy a well-appointed guestroom or suite, unparalleled service, and an array of premium amenities. Savor superb meals at one of their two onsite restaurants. Delight in unique shopping and entertainment options in Old Colorado City, which is only five miles from our full-service Colorado Springs hotel. Other nearby entertainment includes the Colorado Springs World Arena. Other amenities: two swimming pools, fitness center, meeting rooms, a Marketplace, business service center, and complimentary local area shuttle within a 3 mile radius.
The Garden of the Gods Club features 69 overnight accommodations. Lodge rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of the Garden of the Gods landmark with its spectacular natural formations, sheer cliffs and abrupt towers, balancing rocks, and oak-covered valleys, all framed by the snow-capped Pikes Peak. Enjoy onsite dining. The menu is orchestrated around the use of fresh, local ingredients and Executive Chef, Nicholas Arnold, and his team put the finishing touches on every breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tucked away quietly amid breathtaking vistas awaits 316 newly renovated, finely appointed guest rooms and suites arranged in eight residential lodges across Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Surrounded by extraordinary mountain backdrops and picturesque views, each room has been designed to provide the ultimate escape from the everyday. Modern amenities and supreme comfort are perfectly paired with an understated Rocky Mountain inspired décor for the ideal setting for rest and relaxation. Cheyenne Mountain Resort features an impressive range of year-round recreational activities, including swimming, golf, tennis, basketball and a full-service workout center complete with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. You will also find jogging, hiking and biking paths located in the area surrounding the resort.
Smashburger was born to carry the torch for the modern burger lover. Where smash. sizzle. savor means a dedication to creating the best-tasting “smashed-to-order” burger. We start with 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill, placed on a butter-toasted artisan bun and topped with the highest-quality cheeses, freshest produce and condiments. A place where you can get a meal for every taste and appetite, where you can select one of our great recipes or you can create your own. A place that is close to home and affordable. Where the energy is comfortable and relaxed. Where the food is served to you quickly and on a place – not in a bag – Smashburger is the better way.
Located in the heart of Colorado Springs inside what will eventually become The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, Springs Orleans is the newest addition to the downtown dining scene. A chic décor and upscale yet laidback atmosphere make us a great place to enjoy amazing food at affordable prices while enjoying excellent entertainment. We pride ourselves on being a relaxed and fun place to hang out with friends, enjoy Happy Hour and bring your family for a wonderful meal that won’t break the bank. www.SpringsOrleans.com.
Sonterra Innovative Southwest Grill captures the spirit of the American Southwest in both atmosphere and culinary flair. All menu items are prepared from scratch daily using local and organic ingredients whenever possible and are expertly presented. Taste the difference at Sonterra Grill ... fresh flavors, local favorites
Now offering Brewery tours including group beer education and beer pairing seminars. This one-of-a-kind mountain grill features Colorado cuisine and handcrafted beer and rootbeer. In addition to the new tours they have a “Brewer’s Whimsy” that features a new flavor every Tuesday staring at 5pm with brewmaster on hand to discuss the seasonal flavors. Second location opening in 2012.