Vacations to Colorado Springs -- Is a car necessary?

Question

I might plan to visit Colorado Springs in August for a 4-day vacation.

Problem is, that, I live in New York City, and I don't have a car.

Is a car necessary to get to all the destinations that Colorado Springs has to offer (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, etc)? Or would I be able to hike everywhere?

The hotel would be downtown.

I'm a very active person, and I could walk for 4-5 hours without taking a break.

But I'm not used to the thinner air, so I don't know if I would still hold up...

Answer 1

You don't absolutely NEED a car but if you rent one you'll be able to spend more time enjoying the sights instead of riding the bus. The public transportation system here is very inefficient. But, that being said, you can access almost all of the popular spots via the bus. As far as Pikes Peak goes, unless you are a long distance runner take the Cog Railway UP and hike the Barr trail DOWN.(Or if you rent a car you can drive up and down the Pikes Peak highway.

Answer 2

Colorado Springs is spread out over a large area, with no public transportation to speak of, so a car is really your best option. Garden of the Gods is probably about 5 miles from downtown, but would be quite a long winding hike to get on the other side of the highway and such.
Most people do alright in the altitude, until they take the trip to the top of Pikes Peak. Drink lots of water.
Also watch your alcohol intake, as the elevation tends to get sea-level visitors drunk much faster. :-)

Answer 3

yes, a car would be necessary. unfortunately colorado does not provide the extensive array of public transpo that new york or california might have.
if you still decide to go.... not only are garden of the god and pikes peak wonderful places to visit, but also try seven falls, cave of the winds and manitou springs, if you have the time. there are also some cliff dwellings either in manitou or colorado springs (cannot remember exactly). most hotels will have those site brochures lying around in the lobby somewhere. some places can be relatively expensive to visit (i think cave of the winds was $18 per adult, last i checked), but are also worth it if you have the time and money.
the thinner air can be a problem to those that are closer to sea level.... take plenty of water and don't forget that sunscreen as you are closer to the sun in colorado and become even closer the higher you get. just take it easy if you do any hiking.... take a friend or, if you are traveling alone, make sure your cell phone is charged.
i hope you have a wonderful vacation, take lots of pictures! you will be visiting one of my favorite areas in colorado.

Answer 4

I think your best bet would be to get a car - Garden of the Gods, PIke's Peak all of that are several miles from downtown Colorado Springs.

Answer 5

You'll need a car for sure. Coming from the city to 6000 feet you won't be able to walk 4-5 hours without a break.It takes a few weeks to get use to the altitude. Drink plenty of water while you're here

Answer 6

Yes! Just rent one from any car rental agency and off you go. You will see so much more with a car than you would if you tried to do it on foot. I love Colorado Springs. Colorado is beautiful.

Answer 7

You really do need to rent a car...i lived there for over 20 years. wonderful city, but all those places are far apart and the altitude might bother you. Have a great trip.

Answer 8

Rent a car - it's cheap. The thin air isn't a big deal unless you do very strenuous exercise.

Answer 9

yes, i would suggest renting a car...the altitude really gets to people, so you should drive most places...have fun