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We have a few things in the works. If you are interested in either of the following trips, please email your interest to leftcoastcrime2013 (at) gmail.com.

Trip #1 - ROYAL GORGE TRAIN
AND ROYAL GORGE PARK
(Hotel departure time is 10:00 a.m.)

Be amazed as a diesel locomotive pulls passenger coaches, a concession car and one open flatbed observation car with railings through one of Colorado’s landmarks. This train takes passengers on an unforgettable 24 mile, 2 hour journey into the depths of the Royal Gorge, from Cañon City to Parkdale and then back. It stops for 10 minutes for passengers to experience the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge, with the rim towering 1,000 feet above. This spectacular section of track runs alongside the raging waters of the Arkansas River and is the only way through the Royal Gorge other than negotiating the rapids. Words cannot describe the shear beauty and grandeur of the Royal Gorge with the intensity of its color of solid rock walls close to the train rising high above.

The Royal Gorge is one of America's most spectacular scenic attractions and is home to the world's highest suspension bridge, which spans the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet. Constructed in 1929, this engineering marvel was accomplished in just 6 months without a single fatality or major accident. The 5,000-acre park surrounding the Royal Gorge provides numerous scenic overlooks, enabling you to view the spectacular chasm from various vantage points. In addition, you can cross the suspension bridge, ride the world's steepest incline railway to the bottom of the canyon and glide across the gorge on an aerial tramway. The park also features a theatre, an entertainment gazebo, a variety of shops and restaurants, and tame deer that will eat right out of your hand.
Open every day of the year, the Royal Gorge Bridge is located eight miles west of Canyon City (about one hour and fifteen minutes from Colorado Springs).

$119.00 per person (price includes transportation & gratuities)
(5 -7 Hours)

Trip #2 - PIKES PEAK VIA COG RAILROAD
Sunday, 3/24
Bus departs from hotel at 12:30 p.m., returns at 5:00 p.m.

          What can you see from the top of one of Colorado’s highest mountains?
If the mountain is Pike Peak, you’ll see snow, for sure. You might be able to see Denver, 75 miles to the north, the Sangre de Cristo mountains pushing into New Mexico, 100 miles to the south, and the miles upon miles of snowcapped giants that form the Continental Divide. (There’s plenty to see on the way up, too.)
          And you don’t even have to do any hiking—all you have to do is get off the cog railway and walk to the Summit House (snack bar, gift shop, information). But if you want, there’s also time to stroll around the top of the peak, and maybe even have a snowball fight.
          Fore more than 100 years, the world’s highest cog railway has been transporting passengers in safety and comfort to the 14,100-foot summit of Pike’s Peak.
          The adventure starts when you board a modern Swiss-made train and depart from historic Manitou Springs. From there, the railway follows a cascading stream through a steep canyon filled with dense pines and gigantic boulders. The trains travel about eight miles per hour, giving photographers and sightseers ample time to take in and record the magnificent panoramas.
          Then the train starts its climb above timberline.
          Once you reach timberline (11,500 feet), the only animals that inhabit this alpine tundra are the yellow-bellied marmot and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
          The final leg of the ascent provides an unparalleled view of Manitou and Colorado Springs. The red rocks of Garden of the Gods are nestled into the valley below, and the Great Plains stretch eastward as far as the eye can see. This sight inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful"!
          During your stay on the summit, you may refresh yourself in the Summit House. Amenities include a gift shop, information services and a snack bar.
          Due to the cooler temperatures at the peak, (up to 30 degrees cooler than Colorado Springs) it is suggested that you bring a warm jacket. **DRESS WARMLY. IT WILL BE COLD ON THE TOP OF THE PEAK** If you have a history of severe cardiac or respiratory problems, it is advised that you consult your doctor before making the ascent. (Fortunately, you will have had 4 days to acclimate to the elevation at the base.)

Other nearby places of interest
If you are interested in visiting some other areas of interest in and
around Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Resort concierge
will be happy to help make arrangements. Here are some of the options:

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