Colorado Springs Gave Me the Adventure I Wanted—and a Lesson I Needed
Rafting, hiking, ziplining, and an unplanned cog-railway ride made a four-day Colorado escape memorable for more than its scenery.
From June 2–4, 2023, Colorado Springs looked like an easy adventure: a nonstop flight, a rental car, and enough outdoor experiences to fill the itinerary. I booked United through Expedia, stayed at the Best Western on Harrison Road, and used Royal Gorge Rafting & Zip Line Tours for the headline activities.
The rafting was the unquestioned highlight. The river was close to being shut down because it was running so fast and rough, and our trip encountered Class IV and V rapids. I had rafted the same river around 2006, when the water gave us Class II and III rapids. This was not the same company—or the same river experience. When no one else wanted the front position, I took it, which meant my travel companion took the other side – they were not thrilled.
Ziplining was fun, but I wouldn’t say adventurous. Hiking gear earned its place in my luggage, although the hydration packs did not. At Garden of the Gods, my routes included the easy half-mile Siamese Twins trail, the easy three-quarter-mile Balanced Rock trail, and the moderate 2.5-mile Palmer/Chambers-Bretag loop, with access around the Scotsman and Siamese Twins area. I was being kind to my travel companion who wasn’t the 10-milee-a-day explorer like I am.
A ride on Pikes Peak Cog Railway became an unplanned addition after I built in downtime for my traveling companion who decided we needed more. The cog railway took about an hour and a half to reach the summit. When we disembarked the car, some visitors felt nauseated and dizzy. The altitude slowed my pace and affected my breathing a bit, but once I was back down, I felt fine. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for a stellar view: it was snowing with minimal visibility.
The activities worked; the travel partnership did not. Sometimes traveling with the wrong person clarifies why traveling solo can feel so freeing. If you follow my stories long enough, you will discover that it sometimes takes me more than once to learn a lesson.
For active travelers, Colorado Springs can combine whitewater, ziplining, mountain views, aviation history, and Garden of the Gods in a short trip. I would return for the adventure. I would simply plan the human side of the journey with as much care as the reservation side.
Trip details from Jennifer’s records
Flights for two: $691.68
Royal Gorge rafting and zipline package for two: $509.86
Hotel: about $350
Rafting photo package: $89
National Museum of World War II Aviation: $28
Rental car: about $69 per day
Dinner picks: Paravicini’s Italian Bistro and Edelweiss German Restaurant
