Interesting Facts

Take a one-hour drive on US Highway 50 from Colorado Springs and experience a spectacular view like you've never seen before. In Canon City, you'll find the Royal Gorge and the world's highest suspension bridge. Rising 1053 feet above the raging Arkansas River, more than one-half million people visit this attraction each year.
Oh, beautiful for spacious skies ... It's no wonder that Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write "America the Beautiful" as she pondered in amazement at the purple mountain, Pikes Peak. This beautiful mountain, massive in size, casts a shadow at sunrise that can extend as far as fifty miles to the west.
Over six million visitors flock to the Colorado Springs area each year to enjoy activities that include mountain biking, trail hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and fishing. With nearly 300 days of sunshine every year, you'll have plenty of time to fit in all of your recreational pursuits!
Pikes Peak hosts two different races each year. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the oldest car races in America, coming in second to the Indianapolis 500. The Pikes Peak Marathon, was the first US marathon to allow women participants, and remains one of the most demanding races in the world.
The most visited attraction in Colorado Springs is the Garden of the Gods. The massive red sandstone formations and the diverse flora and fauna add to the beauty of this 1300+ acre park located at the base of Pikes Peak. Once declared sacred ground by the Ute, Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indians, the area was off-limits for fighting.
During September the skies of Colorado Springs are colored with more than 125 hot air balloons. The Balloon Classic, one of the five largest balloon rallies in the country, has also been dubbed the most prestigious � the pilot must be invited to attend.
The US Olympic Committee (USOC) and Training Center are located in Colorado Springs. The USOC operates the world's fastest velodrome, the only banked speed roller skating track in the US, and the largest indoor shooting facility in the western hemisphere.
Colorado Springs lies 6,035 feet above sea level and visitors can experience negative effects caused by the higher elevation. In order to give your body time to adjust and prevent altitude sickness, stay below 7,000 feet the first day of your visit, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command is housed inside buildings within Cheyenne Mountain. The buildings are supported by 1,319 springs that weigh half a ton each to protect the delicate electronics inside from shock.
Now that's one popular breakfast food! The Colorado Springs Cereal Food Company founded Shredded Wheat in Colorado Springs in the late 1890's. To last this long, you have to taste good!