Conquering Colorado Springs: Which Mountain Should You Attempt (Without Actually Trying)?
Ah, Colorado Springs. Land of breathtaking vistas, craft breweries, and...well, mountains. Lots of mountains. But if you're planning a trip and don't fancy scaling Everest (or even a particularly large stairwell), then figuring out which mountain to admire from a safe distance is key.
What Mountain Is Near Colorado Springs |
The King of the Crop: Pikes Peak
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Let's be honest, folks, there's a reason they call it America's Mountain. Pikes Peak, towering over 14,000 feet in the sky, is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Colorado Springs mountain scene. It's the one gracing all the postcards, the one that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen "America the Beautiful" (side note: girl clearly had a good view). You can hike it, drive it (if you're feeling adventurous), or just admire it from the comfort of a patio with a frosty beverage in hand.
But Wait, There's More! Lesser-Known Mountain Gems
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Now, Pikes Peak is all well and good, but maybe you're looking for something a little less, well, crowded. Fear not, intrepid adventurer (or Netflix enthusiast, no judgement here), because Colorado Springs has a whole range of mountains waiting to be explored (from a safe distance, of course).
- Mount Evans: This guy might be shorter than Pikes Peak, but the views are just as epic. Think panoramic landscapes and adorable marmots - basically, everything you ever wanted in a mountain, minus the altitude sickness.
- Cheyenne Mountain: Home to the secretive (and possibly alien-inhabited, but that's just a conspiracy theory...maybe) North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). You might not be able to see inside, but hey, at least you can say you checked out a mountain with a seriously cool backstory.
- The Rampart Range: This whole range offers stunning scenery and plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels. Bonus points for having a name that sounds like a renegade group of superheroes.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
How to Choose Your Mountain:
- Consider your fitness level: Hiking Pikes Peak is no walk in the park (literally). If you're more of a stroll-and-sip-coffee kind of adventurer, there are plenty of other options.
- Think about the views: Do you want a classic, postcard-perfect panorama? Or are you more interested in something a little more unique?
- Embrace the mystery: Maybe you don't want a mountain with a ton of fanfare. There are plenty of lesser-known peaks waiting to be discovered (or at least admired from afar).
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Bonus FAQ: Mountain Conquering Edition
- How to Hike a Mountain: This one requires a whole other post, but let's just say comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and a healthy respect for altitude are key.
- How to Drive a Mountain (Yes, Really): If you're opting for the Pikes Peak Highway, take it slow, enjoy the views, and be prepared for some switchbacks that would make a pretzel jealous.
- How to Admire a Mountain from Afar: Find a comfy spot, pack a picnic, and don't forget your camera (or just your eyeballs, the views are that good).
- How to Avoid Getting Eaten by a Mountain Lion: Look, this is highly unlikely, but maybe stick to the well-traveled trails and avoid wearing brightly colored clothing (studies suggest mountain lions have a thing for neon).
- How to Spot Bigfoot (Because Why Not?): There's no guaranteed method, but rumor has it they like hanging out in remote areas. Just be sure to pack some snacks - Bigfoot is said to be a social creature (with a hankering for Slim Jims, apparently).
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