Mount Rushmore or Pike's Peak?

[KCmike]

If you could pick one for a long weekend which one would you do?
From KC Pike's Peak is 9hrs and Mount Rushmore is 10 and a half. We want to see both but are trying to knock one out over Labor Day.

 

[jdb in AZ]

What is your family in the mood to do? At Pike's Peak you can ride the cog rail or go horseback riding. Or hike, or go white water rafting (tho that's probubbly already booked up solid for Labor Day this year.)

If you go to Mt. Rushmore be sure you see the lighting ceremony at 9 p.m. Very patriotic. Also in the area is the on-going work on the Crazy Horse Memorial. And the on-going archeological excavation at Mammoth Hot Springs. And the buffalo in Custer State Park.

Either one would be an excellent choice.

 

[KCmike]

What is your family in the mood to do? At Pike's Peak you can ride the cog rail or go horseback riding. Or hike, or go white water rafting (tho that's probubbly already booked up solid for Labor Day this year.)

If you go to Mt. Rushmore be sure you see the lighting ceremony at 9 p.m. Very patriotic. Also in the area is the on-going work on the Crazy Horse Memorial. And the on-going archeological excavation at Mammoth Hot Springs. And the buffalo in Custer State Park.

Either one would be an excellent choice.

Think we are shooting for Pike's Peak (cog railway), Garden of the Gods, and maybe the gorge. Do you know of any good trails that would have waterfalls or lakes and that aren't too difficult?

 

[FINFAN]

Think we are shooting for Pike's Peak (cog railway), Garden of the Gods, and maybe the gorge. Do you know of any good trails that would have waterfalls or lakes and that aren't too difficult?

Colorado Springs has Seven Falls...it's only one fall but there are a coupla trails. The main one up to Inspiration Point is about a 45 min rt hike.You will have to climb about 200 steps to get to the trail, but again, at your own pace. I think the fee is about 12-15 bucks per adult to get in.
Garden of the Gods~awesome place~ FREE, no lakes or waterfalls but some of the most beautiful scenery and climbing/trails around. We could spend a whole weekend there.
Royal Gorge, about an hours drive from the Springs...pretty cool, a little pricey/touristy, but worth seeing.
If you have the time, I would head 2.5 hours north to Estes Park (take 36 from CS for the scenic route. 25 for the fastest) and into Rocky Mtn Natl Park. Great trails along Bear Lake...just beautiful overall. If you had time drive Trail Ridge Road, catch the end if summer in the mtns...just breathtaking(literally for those not aclimated, lol)
Hotels/campgrounds will be hard to come by this weekend, but there is a new Emabassy Suites in Loveland right off of 25 if you do head to RMNP...about an hour out of Estes, but a beautiful drive along 34 for the most part.
Have a great weekend!

 

[skiingfast]

KC Mike, I really love the Black Hills and far prefer it.

But as stated above there is lots to do in both areas and you would probably enjoy either in great ways. Might need to flip a coin on this.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Since you're choosing Pike's Peak, if you have time check out nearby Manitou Springs. There are 7 springs you can check out & drink the water - be sure to bring a cup to drink from. Nearby is Cave of the Winds.

I went to Colorado Springs on a business trip, and while there, we took a side trip to Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs (I think that is the town - 7 natural springs), and went on a tour of Cave of the Winds. The Facilities Engineer who also went told me that he wanted to go on all the business trips with me. lol