Trifter

PIKE’S PEAK

Drive about an hour from Denver to a completely different world.

From the balcony of your Denver hotel, you marveled at Pike’s Peak as the visage responded to changes of light and weather throughout the day, but you were not fully prepared for an up-close, and truly awesome, visit to the mountain.

Pikes Peak is 14,110 feet in elevation, and can be reached on foot by experienced hikers; by automobile on a very interesting and winding road that will teach you the true meaning of the word, “switchback”; or, in summer, by cog railway.

The cog railway, departs from Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs, and offers comfortable enjoyment of the mountain. The trip takes about three hours, including a 40-minute stop at the summit.

The depot is located at 515 Ruxton Avenue. Take Exit 141 from Interstate 25, toward the mountains on Manitou Avenue, 1 ½ miles to Ruxton Avenue. The depot is ¾ mile at the top of the street.

The railway seems sturdy and reassuring, and only operates when weather is ideal for safety and sightseeing.

A guide shares points of interest including views of the city of Denver, 75 miles away, and New Mexico’s spectacular mountains 100 miles to the south. Possibly, the most commanding vista is of the seemingly endless Great Plains to the east. They are a striking reminder of the greatness and grandeur of the United States.

Keep an eye out for mountain wildlife, including yellow-bellied marmots (You will recognize them when you see them.). Visit Summit House during the rest stop, and possibly partake from the flavored oxygen bar.

Make reservations and check weather conditions with the transportation supplier, www.cograilway.com to avoid disappointment. Adult fare is $29-$31; children $16-$17, kids on parents’ laps are free.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

The Air Force Academy is easily accessible from Interstate 25. Just follow the signs.

There are some areas where walking is strenuous, but the grounds are beautiful, there are some planes on exhibit for ohs and ahs, and even a fairly brief visit of an hour or so allows you to absorb some of the lore and experience Air Force atmosphere.

Contact the Visitors’ Center. They welcome inquiries and are willing to extend their hospitality to make your visit a success.

The Visitors’ Center presents a short movie highlighting the academy experience, exhibits that address aspects of cadet training principles, a snack bar, and comfort facilities. There are wheel chairs for use within the center.

SOMETHING TO EAT

Exit Interstate 25 South at Bijou Street, Exit 142. Take a left across the bridge and follow the right fork of the road. Giuseppe’s Deport is at the bottom of the hill, 1 ½ blocks from the freeway.

Pause outside and enjoy the original gas streetlights and the excitement of freight trains using the tracks to transport today’s commodities.

Amid the memorabilia and original furnishings, modern computer systems keep the restaurant running to the  standards of today’s demands. Step inside and you are immediately informed of waiting time, daily specials, and reservations being filled. Historic facts and Colorado trivia contribute fun to the short wait for a table.

The Italian menu includes a profusion of fresh vegetables and fresh-baked breads. There is pizza in every guise.

A traditional menu with fried chicken, Rocky Mountain trout, and steakhouse specialties is provided. Every item seems mouth-watering.

CONCLUSION

During the short drive back to Denver, the car will be filled with talk of the events of the day. If you have gathered brochures and literature along the way, this is a time to share, ask questions, get another point of view, savor the day, and rest.