Best Time to Go
While the museums are open year-round, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, one of the best reasons to visit the area is the spectacular scenery. If you’re here to hike you might want to visit in the spring or fall. If you want to drive up Pike’s Peak, the toll road is open different hours year-round. Driving the toll road costs $6 per person. The Pike's Peak Cog Railway is a great way to take a 90-minute journey to the summit. From the top, you can see Denver to the north, and the prairie to the east; to the west you’ll see snowcapped peaks in the distance.

Average Weather
The coldest weather in Colorado Springs rings in the New Year --- January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s through the mid teens; December and February have similar weather with all three chilly months averaging less than one half inch of precipitation. Springs are cool with mean averages in the mid-40s and low 50s. May, June and July all average a bit over two inches a month in rainfall with August hitting an average of three inches of precipitation. July is the warmest month with average highs in the mid-80s.

Transportation
Allegient, America West, Frontier and Vanguard Airlines serve Colorado Springs Airport. National Car Rental, Advantage and Budget Car Rental have area locations. Yellow Cab can be reached at 719-550-9300.

In-Season Costs
Many of the museums are free; others charge between $3 and $6 for adult admission. The Pike’s Peak Railways costs $25-$26 for adults. While Colorado Springs has a sprinkling of high dollar eateries you’ll find plenty of choices in the $8-$18 range for lunch or dinner. In-season hotel rates range from $89 up to over $200; this is an area where you’ll want to check Lodging.com’s specials before booking.

Day Trips
Manitou Springs is only four miles west of Colorado Springs. It sits at the base of Pike’s Peak. To get there, travel on Interstate 25 then take Exit 141 west. It will take about 10 minutes from the exit to reach Manitou Avenue. Manitou Springs is the home of the Commonwheel Artists Cooperative. Established in 1974, the cooperative offers a crowded schedule of one-person, group, and theme exhibitions including the very popular annual Labor Day Art and Craft Fair. Manitou is full of craft shops, galleries, and specialty shops. Walk around and find some of the many natural springs, most of which have been renovated and are safe to drink. Some people believe that the natural spring water has curative powers. Manitou Springs has one of the largest National Historic Districts west of the Mississippi.