Tag: lifestyle
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Free shuttle starts to Red Rocks, other destinations west of Denver
A long-envisioned shuttle to top outdoor destinations in the Denver area has officially hit the road. Memorial Day weekend marked the launch of Westracks ー beginning an initiative to cut back emissions and hassles for drivers who might otherwise fight traffic and struggle for parking. The free shuttle is also aimed at getting people without…
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Happy Trails: A favorite loop at Stratton Open Space in Colorado Springs
Meadows Trail Stratton Open Space is a poster child of Colorado Springs’ Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) initiative, which voters approved in 1997. That set aside a portion of sales tax revenues to preserve natural areas 一 an early example being this hilly mosaic of meadows and woods between the neighborhood and North Cheyenne…
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Here are 4 of the best barbecue spots in Colorado Springs
In this weekly feature, we’re celebrating the best of Colorado Springs’ food and drink scene ー as determined by voters in the 2026 Best of the Springs (thebestofthesprings.com). We’ll throw in our own recommendation, too. Up this week: barbecue. Gold: The Chuckwagon On the Springs’ east side, fans line up before the doors open Thursday-Sunday…
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Vision shaping for long-sought bike path off scenic, deadly highway in Colorado
In Boulder, local and visiting cyclists have long sought a dedicated path away from the popular but dangerous shoulders of a highway through scenic, hilly countryside. They’ll have to keep waiting. A bike path along U.S. 36 between Boulder and Lyons still requires bureaucratic approvals, tens of millions of dollars and potentially another year or…
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Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway reopening for visitors eager to return after closure
After nearly two years away, Coloradans will return to one of the state’s most scenic roads Memorial Day weekend. Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is reopening ー North America’s highest paved road climbing more than 7,000 feet from Idaho Springs toward the summit near 14,130 feet. Reservations can be booked at Recreation.gov: $20 for vehicles…
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Happy Trails: Historic, scenic path in southern Colorado is ‘Royal Gorge without the crowds’
When it comes to outdoor recreation around Cañon City, it seems there’s always something new. This has been the case over the past decade, as the town has focused on expanding trails to grow its tourism economy. Mountain bikers have known about Oil Well Flats, but more recently they along with hikers have been getting…
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Proposed trail in Manitou Springs sparks debate over recreation, conservation
A vision for a short trail in the hills of Manitou Springs has garnered long conversations at City Hall, underscoring a broader debate over recreation and conservation. So went a recent conversation at a City Council meeting, which ended with leadership voting in favor of an environmental study to help inform a potential trail through…
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New singletrack coming to one of Colorado’s most iconic trails: ‘A very important addition’
One of Colorado’s most iconic trails is growing. A nearly 2-mile stretch of singletrack is expected to be built this summer along the Monarch Crest, along a vaunted, well-traveled corridor above 11,000 feet that is part of the Colorado Trail. “The Colorado Trail is one the greatest trails in the world, and it’s going to…
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Pikes Pick: Musical midweek tradition returning to Colorado Springs’ Hillside Gardens
In Colorado Springs, a rite of summer is found at a green expanse where people gather for live music and jubilation that breaks up the workweek. Hillside Gardens’ Summer Concert Series returns May 20, kicking off the Wednesday night tradition. From 6-8:30 p.m., the scenic wedding venue hosts three bands and pours beer, wine and…
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Happy Trails: The simple joys of open space below regal peak in Colorado Springs
North Blodgett Loop In the coming weeks, expect to hear more about trails opening around the south end of Blodgett Open Space, from a new parking lot below Pikeview Quarry. Over the years, trails have steadily expanded along with preserved acreage in that direction, into more hills backdropping Colorado Springs’ north side. But as attention…