Colorado Spring sits at the foot of one of America's most famous landmarks, Pikes Peak, upon whose summit Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write America the Beautiful. Pikes Peak can be reached by car, trail, or cog rail. At the top, 14,160 ft the view is breathtaking and the air is thin. So thin they sell oxygen at the gift shop. One of the nation's most fabulous city parks, Garden of the Gods, is nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak. This is a photographer’s paradise. It would take many days to shoot it all. . A visit to the area would not be complete with a walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge. Proclaimed the highest suspension bridge in the world towering over 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River and is surrounded by a 360 acre park. But you must see the bridge from below on the Royal Gorge Railroad. Travel along the Arkansas River in a domed car or get the best seat in the house on the open flatbed car. Other areas include Seven Falls, Manitou, Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. (Click on Gil-bear to return to the main menu.)