Broadmoor, Colo., famous for its iconic resort and elegant atmosphere, is an ideal launchpad for memorable weekend trips. While the resort offers abundant luxurious experiences, the surrounding Rocky Mountain region beckons with diverse landscapes and adventures. Whether you are a resident of Broadmoor or simply enjoying an extended stay, a short drive can transport you to entirely different worlds.
These weekend trips from Broadmoor CO provide opportunities to explore everything from majestic mountain peaks and stunning red rock formations to historic mining towns and unique dunes. You will discover how easily you can transition from the sophisticated setting of Broadmoor to the wild beauty of Colorado's great outdoors.
Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs (7 miles)
A visit to the Garden of the Gods Park, combined with the quirky charm of Manitou Springs, makes for a delightful and easily accessible weekend excursion. Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark, is famous for its towering red rock formations that seem to erupt from the earth. You can explore the park's network of trails, drive scenic loops, or simply marvel at iconic formations like Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels.
After immersing yourself in the geological wonders, a short drive will lead you to Manitou Springs. This historic town is known for its natural mineral springs, where you can sample effervescent waters at public fountains. Its vibrant downtown area features unique art galleries, souvenir shops, and charming eateries. You might also consider a challenging hike up the Manitou Incline, a former railway bed that now serves as an intense stair climb with rewarding views.
After immersing yourself in the geological wonders, a short drive will lead you to Manitou Springs. This historic town is known for its natural mineral springs, where you can sample effervescent waters at public fountains. Its vibrant downtown area features unique art galleries, souvenir shops, and charming eateries. You might also consider a challenging hike up the Manitou Incline, a former railway bed that now serves as an intense stair climb with rewarding views.
Pikes Peak – America's Mountain (15 miles)
A journey to Pikes Peak is a quintessential Colorado experience and a popular choice for weekend trips from Broadmoor CO. Towering at 14,115 feet, this majestic peak inspired the song "America the Beautiful" and offers breathtaking panoramic views. You can ascend to the summit via several methods, each providing a distinct perspective.
You can drive the scenic 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, navigating its winding roads and stopping at overlooks to capture stunning photographs. Alternatively, you could experience the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world, which offers a relaxing and scenic ride directly to the summit. At the top, a new visitor center provides exhibits and famous high-altitude donuts.
You can drive the scenic 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, navigating its winding roads and stopping at overlooks to capture stunning photographs. Alternatively, you could experience the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world, which offers a relaxing and scenic ride directly to the summit. At the top, a new visitor center provides exhibits and famous high-altitude donuts.
Cripple Creek and Victor: Historic Mining Towns (47 miles)
Step back in time with a visit to the historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, located southwest of Colorado Springs. These once-bustling gold rush communities now offer a captivating glimpse into Colorado's Wild West past. Cripple Creek provides a mix of preserved history and modern gaming, as it is one of the few places in Colorado where limited-stakes gambling is permitted.
You can explore the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and tour 1,000 feet underground to experience a working gold mine. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a scenic ride through historic mining country, providing insights into the area's industrial heritage. Victor, just a few miles away, maintains a more preserved and quieter atmosphere, allowing you to walk its historic streets and visit local museums.
You can explore the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and tour 1,000 feet underground to experience a working gold mine. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a scenic ride through historic mining country, providing insights into the area's industrial heritage. Victor, just a few miles away, maintains a more preserved and quieter atmosphere, allowing you to walk its historic streets and visit local museums.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (55 miles)
For a thrilling adventure and awe-inspiring scenery, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, located near Cañon City, is an excellent destination. This park is home to one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States, stretching 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Walking across its wooden planks provides an exhilarating experience with dramatic canyon views below.
Beyond the bridge itself, the park offers additional attractions for adrenaline seekers. You can soar across the gorge on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, one of North America's highest and fastest. The Royal Rush Skycoaster provides a free-fall swing experience that sends you over the canyon's edge. Consider a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River, offering a different perspective of the impressive gorge.
Beyond the bridge itself, the park offers additional attractions for adrenaline seekers. You can soar across the gorge on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, one of North America's highest and fastest. The Royal Rush Skycoaster provides a free-fall swing experience that sends you over the canyon's edge. Consider a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River, offering a different perspective of the impressive gorge.
Denver: The State Capital (74 miles)
A slightly longer drive north from Broadmoor will bring you to Denver, Colorado's bustling capital. This city offers a wealth of urban attractions and cultural experiences for a full weekend getaway. You can explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, each with its character, from the trendy RiNo Art District with its colorful murals and breweries to the historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) area with its Victorian architecture and lively nightlife.
Denver offers numerous world-class museums, including the Denver Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of Native American art and modern architecture. The Denver Botanic Gardens provides a serene escape with diverse plant collections worldwide. You might catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts or explore the revitalized Union Station, a beautiful transportation hub with shops and restaurants.
Denver offers numerous world-class museums, including the Denver Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of Native American art and modern architecture. The Denver Botanic Gardens provides a serene escape with diverse plant collections worldwide. You might catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts or explore the revitalized Union Station, a beautiful transportation hub with shops and restaurants.
Breckenridge: Historic Charm and Outdoor Adventure (107 miles)
A bit further into the mountains, Breckenridge offers a quintessential Colorado ski town experience equally appealing in summer. This historic mining town is renowned for its charming Main Street, lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings that now house boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Beyond the historic charm, Breckenridge is a hub for outdoor adventure year-round. In winter, it is a world-class ski and snowboard destination. In summer, you can hike or bike hundreds of miles of trails, explore historic mine tours like the Country Boy Mine, or enjoy activities at the base of Peak 8.
Beyond the historic charm, Breckenridge is a hub for outdoor adventure year-round. In winter, it is a world-class ski and snowboard destination. In summer, you can hike or bike hundreds of miles of trails, explore historic mine tours like the Country Boy Mine, or enjoy activities at the base of Peak 8.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (137 miles)
For an iconic Colorado mountain experience, a weekend trip to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is an excellent choice. Estes Park is a charming mountain town with a main street full of unique shops, restaurants, and local art galleries. You can take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the town and surrounding peaks.
The main draw, however, is Rocky Mountain National Park, which is consistently one of the most visited national parks in the country. You can drive the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road (seasonal, usually late May to mid-October), which is the highest continuous paved road in North America and offers incredible alpine vistas. The park provides countless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (elk and bighorn sheep are common), and exploring pristine alpine lakes and forests.
The main draw, however, is Rocky Mountain National Park, which is consistently one of the most visited national parks in the country. You can drive the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road (seasonal, usually late May to mid-October), which is the highest continuous paved road in North America and offers incredible alpine vistas. The park provides countless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (elk and bighorn sheep are common), and exploring pristine alpine lakes and forests.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (164 miles)
For a truly unique landscape, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers an otherworldly experience and makes for memorable weekend trips from Broadmoor CO. This national park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, set dramatically against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The dune field spans approximately 30 square miles, creating a vast natural playground.
You can engage in sandboarding and sand sledding, with rentals available just outside the park entrance. Hiking the dunes, especially to the top of High Dune or Star Dune, provides a challenging workout and incredible panoramic views. In late spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, offering a unique "beach" experience. It is a striking contrast to Colorado's typical mountain scenery.
You can engage in sandboarding and sand sledding, with rentals available just outside the park entrance. Hiking the dunes, especially to the top of High Dune or Star Dune, provides a challenging workout and incredible panoramic views. In late spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, offering a unique "beach" experience. It is a striking contrast to Colorado's typical mountain scenery.
Contact Trish Ingels
Trish Ingels brings extensive local knowledge and a deep understanding of the Broadmoor market. From historic estates to custom-built residences, Trish helps clients navigate this exclusive area with confidence and discretion. Whether you're exploring the idea of moving to Broadmoor or preparing to sell a one-of-a-kind home, Trish offers tailored advice and expert-level service that reflects the high standards of the community.
Reach out to Trish Ingels today for personalized insights, thoughtful guidance, and trusted representation in one of Colorado’s most exceptional real estate markets.
Reach out to Trish Ingels today for personalized insights, thoughtful guidance, and trusted representation in one of Colorado’s most exceptional real estate markets.