Events and Experiences

Experience everything the area has to offer. From local events and activities to experiences with 25, 50 and 100 miles; this page has all our favorites whether you want to stay in town or take a little drive.

  • Local Hiking

    There are several amazing hikes within just a few miles. Explore the AllTrails app for a comprehensive list. Here’s a few of our favorites.

    Palmer Lake Reservoirs - moderate 4 mile hike, with the trailhead being less than a mile away.

    Chautauqua Mountain - moderate 5 mile hike, using the same trailhead as the reservoirs.

    Limbaugh Canyon - moderate 8 mile loop that’s more “off the beaten path”. Our favorite!

    AllTrails

  • Neighborhood Walks

    If you aren’t up for a hike, but still want to enjoy the beauty of Palmer Lake, the creekside walk is for you. Walking straight from the cottage, this 2 mile easy walk takes you through scrub oak and along a bubbling creek, where you’ll often see our deer friends.

    Map

  • Palmer Lake

    At the base of Ben Lomand mountain, Palmer Lake is a popular destination in the summer and winter and is free to access. During the summer, enjoy lounging on the beach, fishing, standup paddle boarding, tubing and BBQ’s in the pavilion. During the winter enjoy ice fishing, ice skating and watching the locals play ice hockey.

    Lake Info

 Within 25 Miles…

  • Garden of the Gods is just 15 miles away and holds some of the most stunning rock formations in the country. Drive through or stop and hike, there’s something for everyone.

    The Incline is just a few miles from Garden of the Gods and boasts some spectacular views at the top. It’s a hard journey to get there though! Make free reservations online for your hike and bring lots of water!

    The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a family favorite! Just 24 miles away, enjoy feeding the giraffes and seeing a ton of different animals!

    Notables: Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings

  • Manitou Springs has some of the best shops for local artisans. If you are looking for unique gifts, strolling through this charming town is a must.

    Castle Rock is just 20 minutes away and has the largest outdoor outlet mall in the nation. All the name brand stores you could wish for.

    Notables: Park Meadows Mall, Cherry Creek Mall

  • Colorado boasts over 250 hot springs in the entire state and several are within driving distance.

    Sunwater Spa - In Manitou Springs, this spa is a favorite. Book your hot springs tub online well in advance and soak while gazing at the mountains.

    If you are willing to drive for a day trip, these hot springs are for you; Mt Princeton (72 miles), Cottonwood Hot Springs (74 miles) and Indian Hot Springs (54 miles).

 Within 50 miles…

  • From Colorado Springs to Denver, the options are endless for the foodie. Check out our Yelp collection “WAKE Recommended Restaurants” for a list of our favorites.

  • If you love music as much as we do, Colorado is the place to be.

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre - An experience you won’t want to miss. One of the premier music venues in the country, come dance between the rocks to your favorite bands.

    Star Gazers Theatre - A charming venue in Colorado Springs. Check their schedule early, as this is a small venue and tickets sell quickly.

    Denver Notables: The Fillmore, Bluebird Theatre, Mission Ballroom, Cervantes

  • We love our teams! From football, hockey, baseball, basketball and lacrosse you can find a game in any season. Check the schedule for the Denver Broncos, Avalanche hockey, Nuggets basketball, Rockies baseball and Mammoth lacrosse.

 Within 100 miles…

  • Colorado is well known for our year round outdoor activities.

    Skiing/Snowboarding - The top resorts of Colorado are Breckenridge (66 miles), Vail (87 miles), Aspen Snowmass (102 miles), Winter Park (73 mile), Beaver Creek (93 miles), Keystone (67 miles) and Copper Mountain (72 miles)

    Hiking - Some of the best day hikes within 100 miles…Sky Pond in Estes Park (91 miles), Royal Arch Trail in Boulder (64 miles), St. Mary’s Glacier (88 miles), Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail in Genesee Park (68 miles) and Lost Lake via Hessie Trail (99 miles)

    Rafting - Canon City is just 48 miles away and there are several rafting companies to guide you on some epic river waters. Check out Royal Gorge Rafting, Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Clear Creek Rafting Co.

    Ziplines/Adventure Parks - For all sorts of Colorado adventuring, find Adventures out There in Colorado Springs and book zip line tours, jeep tours, hot air balloons, climbing, Segways and more.

  • If you are looking for family activities, there are lots of options in both Colorado Springs and Denver.

    In Denver….The Nature and Science Museum, Children’s Museum, Aquarium, Denver Zoo, Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park and Waterworld.

    In Colorado Springs visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The North Pole amusement park, Ghost Town Museum, the Florissant Fossil Beds, Glen Eyrie Castle and the Pioneers Museum.