Planes, Trains, and Automobiles in Colorado

This road trip from Albuquerque is only 5 hours and 20 minutes drive time. Easy directions I 25 north to Colorado Springs.

This trip was taken in July of 2019. with 7 people ages 16 -66. 

We stayed in a centrally located hotel in Colorado Springs. 

Dinner at The Airplane restaurant 

The Restaurant is built around and in a fully intact KC-97 tanker. You enter a building attached to the plane then proceed up the steps to the body of the plane with booths along both sides. It’s a nice wide body plane so its not too cramped with a tiny little tray. Plus the food is way better than a package of pretzels and a drink. Try Steak Neptune, Buffalo Steak, Pasta, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. They have a great selection and even the menu is fun. While waiting for your meal you can visit the cockpit of the plane and take pictures “flying the plane”. We had the opportunity to meet Bob Taylor Air Force veteran fighter pilot and saw a picture of the plane he flew in WW2/Korean War on the wall. Here is the link to the restaurant with the menu and history.   http://theairplanerestaurant.com/index.htm

 A visit to Garden of the Gods                

There are free trail maps at the visitor center with several trails to take. You can take a trail that best suits your abilities. The more physically able can hike a moderate trail, or if you have a knee injury you can park in or near the handicapped section and walk flat sidewalks that are also wheelchair accessible. The views and beautiful Sandstone rock formations were enjoyed by everybody. Make sure you bring water for hiking. They have a nice visitor center with snacks, ice cream and souvenirs. The Park got its name in 1859 when Rufus Cable said it was a fit place for the Gods to assemble and called it Garden of the Gods. Free Admission https://www.gardenofgods.com/

Take a ride on the Royal gorge railroad           

The views from this 2 hour train ride of the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas river, and the bridge are spectacular. The History of the area and silver mining boom are given while riding the train. Take a trip back in time to 1890 as they had rode the train while mining for silver and lead. The train is 1950s era so you wont get the smoke and soot on the trip. Your train passes over the hanging bridge where the gorge narrows to 30ft wide. The bridge built in 1879 is suspended above the river. They have multiple options for seating including coach, Club, or Vista Dome with full upward views. the 403 Grill is on the train for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The Nacho plate is a lot of food you may want to consider sharing it with several people. There are many fantastic photo opportunities. Train rides range from $44-79 per person. Meals and drinks are available on the train. https://royalgorgeroute.com/

Spend the day in Cripple creek     

 Only 45 minutes from Colorado Springs. this Gold mining town offers a train ride, a mine tour, and casinos. You don’t have to Mine for gold in this town but if you do there are several casinos in town that would love to help you with your winnings. 

Ride the Cripple creek & Victor Narrow Gauge railroad 

Climb aboard a century old steam locomotive that leaves from the 1894 depot and gift shop every 70 minutes. It’s a 45-minute trip with lots to see.Enjoy the views and experience including Echo Valley where you can hear the train whistle echo through the canyon. Train rates $14-19. Because this is a short ride there is basic snacks and drinks available for the ride at the depot gift shop. Please check the page for any coupons discount and promotions. https://cripplecreekrailroad.com/

 Explore the Gold rush era and tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold mine. 

Discovered in 1891 the first claim to be struck by a woman. You start with putting on a hard hat for a 1000 foot descent into the mine. In an elevator the size of a phone booth with 6+ people packed in it. Just in case you are claustrophobic it only lasts 2 minutes. You have to leave behind the backpacks and large purses. This is the only vertical shaft gold mine tour and you get to explore how they extracted the gold over the ages from dynamite to drilling. Highly informative tour with a free ore sample at the end. the tour last about an hour. Rates are $15-$25 tickets can be purchased at the gift shop prior to the tour. Underground temperatures are 50 degrees so Jackets are recommended. http://www.goldminetours.com/

And Automobiles                             

We rented a Suburban to transport all of us. If you are not used to driving a larger vehicle make sure you allow plenty of room for parking. We never did finalize a name for it. The beast got the most votes from The beast, behemoth, or Land Yacht. 

*All prices were current on 8-20-20 please check with the direct website for updated pricing. updated pricing on cripple creek railroad 5-24-23