If you’re taking paid time off this year and want a staycation, here are a few local attractions to consider – including some that have undergone major upgrades or added new features and major upgrades. For a more complete list, go to visitcos.com:

– Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City: The attraction is back after a devastating June 2013 fire that destroyed most of the bridge and the park’s 52 buildings and structures. In addition to the bridge itself, which hangs nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, the attraction features a 14,000-square-foot visitors center, an aerial tramway with six gondolas that traverse the gorge and a zip line and sky coaster that allow individual flyovers of the gorge, among other amenities. rgbcc.com.

– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs: On Colorado Springs’ southwest side, exhibits at the nation’s only “mountain zoo” include the Asian Highlands, Encounter Africa and the Monkey Pavilion and Primate World. The zoo also offers a carousel and sky ride, among other features. cmzoo.org.

– Garden of the Gods and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, Colorado Springs: The northwest-side park, home to breathtaking red sandstone formations, is open to hikers, horseback riders, cyclists and rock climbers (although climbers should check for recent weather-related restrictions). The Visitor & Nature Center recently received a multimillion-dollar makeover that included new exhibits and the new Geo-Trekker Theater. gardenofgods.com.

– Seven Falls, Colorado Springs: Purchased last year by The Broadmoor hotel and now billing itself as The Broadmoor Seven Falls, the southwest-side attraction – a series of majestic waterfalls in South Cheyenne Canyon – is scheduled to reopen this summer after it was closed in late 2013 because of damage caused by heavy rains. When it does, it will include a new Western-themed restaurant, zip lines to allow visitors to soar above the Seven Falls property and a mile-long trail extension from the Seven Falls entrance to The Broadmoor. No firm reopening date has been set. sevenfalls.com.

– North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop, Cascade: The amusement park has more than 25 rides and attractions, Santa’s House, gift shops and concession areas, among other features. northpolecolorado.com.

One more:

– 5 hiking trails near Colorado Springs where you can escape big crowds

Rich Laden, The Gazette