From Colorado Springs, it’s a short drive to Garden of the Gods. There were some neat rock formations, and lots of climbers, but we’d been spoiled recently by Moab, so we opted for a quick look around and continued on. The next stop was the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These are authentic representations of Anasazi culture over 700 years old. The attraction has been open to the public since 1906! Construction on the three-story building below the cliff dwellings, which now houses the museum and shop, was begun in 1898. Various additions were made over the years, and the buildings were occupied until 1984.

It’s about 20 miles up the partially paved Pikes Peak Highway to the summit, 14,110 feet above. The peak is the second most visited in the world, second only to Mt. Fuji. In the mid-1800s, Pikes Peak was a symbol to the gold seekers heading west. “Pikes Peak or Bust” became their slogan. The road has very few guard rails, and the hairpin turns that run the whole way up are truly hairy. The drive offers dramatic views, though, and impressive, sweeping vistas. Travelers are cautioned to watch out for sudden changes in the weather. We got caught in some light snow on the way down. Check out some photos of the trip by clicking HERE.