It's no wonder Katharine Lee Bates wrote the words to "America the Beautiful", inspired by her mule ride up Pikes Peak in 1893. From the majestic snow capped Pikes Peak to the towering red rocks at Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon, the region has something for everyone. Take the famous Cog Railway or drive the Highway to the top of 14,110 foot Pikes Peak, tour the United States Air Force Academy, hike in Garden of the Gods or Cheyenne Cañon Park, shop in restored Old Colorado City or quaint Manitou Springs, visit our area's many museums and historical sites, experience whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River near Cañon City, take the scenic train or drive over the bridge at Royal Gorge or take a turn at the slots in Cripple Creek's historic gaming district. Holden House is always nearby.

Enjoy clear spring mornings, warm summer days, view changing aspens in the fall, or relax by the fire on quiet snow covered afternoons. Historic accommodations, natural beauty and fun filled adventure await you! Spend a few days, a week, or more. You'll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Our Area's Historic Past
The Pikes Peak Region embodies the words "Colorful Colorado"...

First inhabited by the Ute, Cheyenne, Kiowa and Arapahoe Indians and later discovered by Zebulon Pike and William Jackson Palmer, the Pikes Peak region has a deep history. The area first began to develop in 1870 when William Jackson Palmer traveled from his home of Pennsylvania to the Rocky Mountains. He founded the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and started his city of Colorado Springs as a resort community, nicknamed "Little London" at the time, due to the influx of European visitors. Glen Eyrie Castle was his home, and is owned today by the Navigators. The Castle is open for tours, afternoon teas and special events. Around the turn of the 19th century, Colorado Springs became the top gold mining exchange center of the world and was home to many of the nation's millionaires. The first Colorado City was founded years earlier in 1854 as a supply center for the mining camps. It was a major commercial and entertainment area for those seeking their fortunes of gold up the pass in the Cripple Creek mining districts. After the founding of Colorado Springs as a "dry" city by General Palmer, the area of Colorado City was known for its shops, saloons, gaming establishments and its racey "red-light" district. Although closed off today, tunnels exist under the Avenue, built so respectable Victorian gentleman could pass across the street without being recognized. Today, the historic district of "Old Colorado City" is sprinkled with fine shops, restaurants and art galleries. During the 1800's, Colorado Springs became popular with the medical community with the quest for health; Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs boasting clean air and the healing waters of local mineral springs. Our visitors are equally impressed by similar activities that brought those initial tourists "on holiday" to experience the Pikes Peak Region of the Rockies. Our area provides a splendid and varied Colorado vacation spot for today's travelers.

A Day in the "Springs"
Here are some of our thoughts for a great day of Pikes-"Peeking"...

After a hearty breakfast with us at Holden House, a short drive will take you to Garden of the Gods Visitor Center where breathtaking views of the red rock formations in Garden of the Gods Park and a trip up the cog or highway to Pikes Peak will provide you with many photographic opportunities. Right down the road is quaint Manitou Springs (pronounced Man-i-too). As you browse through the shops, be sure to take a drinking cup and taste the natural springs scattered around town. If you've worked up an appetite after a full morning, we have more than 50 restaurants that are within a few miles of Holden House. After a leisurely lunch or afternoon snack, take a scenic drive up Ute Pass to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings were transported to Colorado Springs from the Mesa Verde (southwest Colorado) area in the late 1800s. The ruins provide a compelling setting for the Indian dancers who perform from June through August. As the sun begins to set, make your way to Seven Falls. Nicknamed the ''Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado'', Seven Falls cascades 181 feet in seven distinct steps down a solid cliff of Pikes Peak granite. Also lit at night, you're welcome to hike the 224 steps that take you to the top, step on the elevator, or observe the beauty from the base of the falls. North Cheyenne Cañon, a free city park, offers scenic creekside and mountain trails, peaceful surroundings and features spectacular Helen Hunt Falls, named for Helen Hunt Jackson, the author of the widely acclaimed book Ramona, about the plight of native Americans during the 1800's. Portions of her original home are housed in the Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum in downtown.

What the Locals Do
Year-round events, a vast array of attractions and the surrounding natural beauty of Colorado Springs will ensure locals and visitors a pleasant Pikes Peak experience...

Our innkeepers at Holden House give their favorites...
We love to embrace the natural wonders that the area provides. From the leisurely trails found in Cheyenne Cañon, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Bear Creek Regional Park to the more challenging Barr Trail up Pikes Peak, Waldo Canyon or Mueller State Park, an avid hiker can always find someplace to take in nature, birds and wildlife. While Heather enjoys the outdoor offerings in the summer, she prefers to stay indoors during the winter. Museum tours such as those at the Pioneer's Museum, Miramont Castle and musicals at the Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, the Colorado Springs World Arena or the Fine Arts Center will keep guests entertained during cool Colorado evenings. Beth especially enjoys the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo where you'll see the largest giraffe exhibit in North America. She recommends the many fine dining and shopping establishments in Old Colorado City, downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Our guests appreciate the variety of free and scenic attractions. You can tour the U.S. Olympic Training Complex, stroll through Garden of the Gods Park and visit the famous cadet chapel at the Air Force Academy. You might also favor the striking beauty of the Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog Railway. Owner-innkeepers, Sallie and Welling, and their knowledgeable staff, are always happy to offer personal recommendations to our many sites, activities, dining and shopping areas in the Pikes Peak Region of the Rocky Mountains, no matter what your preference.

History and Culture Abounds
There are numerous museums, arts and cultural facilities to be found in Colorado Springs...

An Adventure for Everyone!
For the moderate or the adventurous guest, we have a variety of activities that will keep you busy. From biking down Pikes Peak to enjoying an early morning balloon ride over the city, the possibilities are endless...

Arts and Nightlife
Our area activities will keep your nights as busy as your days...

  • Colorado College concerts, speakers, ice hockey and sports events
  • Colorado Springs World Arena
  • Cowboys-country nightclub and venue for country music artists
  • Dining-from casual to fancy, ethnic to Colorado cuisine, our area provides a taste of the Springs with variety for every palate and appetite
  • Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinners and Western Shows featuring the world famous "Flying W Wranglers"
  • Fine Arts Center and the Reparatory Theatre
  • Imperial Players Melodrama Theatre in Cripple Creek
  • Iron Springs Chateau Dinner Theatre-experience an old fashioned melodrama and vaudeville comedy show
  • Lon Chaney Theatre and the Star Bar Players-a quaint downtown live theatre with local productions
  • Movies-our area movie theatres are located all around town, one featuring IMAX
  • Nightlife-an array of nightclubs, music and jazz in downtown and throughout the region
  • Pikes Peak Center- home of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and a variety of theater, ballet, and other live entertainment
  • United States Air Force Academy Theatre and "Falcons" Sports Events

Year' round fun-Calendar of Events

  • January-Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs
  • February-Carnival Mardi Gras Parade and Gumbo Cook-Off in Manitou Springs
  • March-St. Patrick's Day Parade in historic Old Colorado City
  • April-Easter Sunrise Service
  • May-Territory Days in Old Colorado City, Colorado College graduation, Annual Celebration of the Arts in Manitou Springs, Hummingbird Festival in Cheyenne Cañon Park
  • June -Renaissance Festival, Air Force Academy graduation, Clayfest in Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Springspree in downtown
  • July- Fabulous Fourth Celebration at Memorial Park, El Paso County Fair in Calhan
  • August-Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Mountain Music Festival in Manitou Springs
  • September-Colorado Balloon Classic and I.A.F.F. Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, both events at Memorial Park
  • October-Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs, Boo at the Zoo at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
  • November-Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival, Thanksgiving Holiday
  • December-Festival of Lights Parade, Electric Safari at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Rocky Mountain Christmas in Old Colorado City, Old Colorado City Historical Society Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour

Let us help you plan your trip. Call the Colorado Springs Visitors Bureau at 1-877-PIKES-PEAK and the Manitou Springs Chamber at 1-877-642-2567 for free vacation information. For an online tour of the area, jump to the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau Web Site. We have listed for your convenience the web link to the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association, Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Manitou Springs Chamber and Pikes Peak Country Attractions.

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1102 W. Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado (CO) 80904
719-471-3980
Fax: 719-471-4740
Email: mail@holdenhouse.com
 www.holdenhouse.com

Toll free reservations: 1-888-565-3980

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