Best day trip from the resort: Royal Gorge or Pikes Peak options
Both Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Pikes Peak make excellent day trips from Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Royal Gorge is best if you want a long scenic drive plus high-bridges and aerial attractions; Pikes Peak (summit drive, cog railway, or Manitou Springs) is better for summit views and shorter access to mountain-town activities.
In this guide
- At-a-glance: distance and drive time
- What you’ll do at Pikes Peak
- What you’ll do at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
- Which is best for families vs. active travelers
- Practical timing, tickets and hours to plan for
- Where to eat and what to bring from the resort
- Planning tips from the resort (logistics and accessibility)
At-a-glance: distance and drive time
Which is closer depends on route: Pikes Peak’s summit area and Manitou Springs sit west of the resort and are the quicker mountain options; Royal Gorge lies to the southwest and requires a longer drive. Both are doable as full-day outings from the resort, but one is better if you prefer less time in the car.
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- Pikes Peak (summit area / Manitou Springs): generally the shorter drive from the resort; road distance to the peak is greater than straight-line distance but typically a 30–60 minute drive to Manitou Springs and longer to the summit by road.
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: about a 1-hour drive and roughly 56–60 miles southwest of Colorado Springs via CO‑115 (longer if you stop en route).
| Option | Typical drive from Cheyenne Mountain Resort |
|---|---|
| Pikes Peak / Manitou Springs | Shorter drive to Manitou Springs; summit road or cog railway adds time |
| Royal Gorge Bridge & Park | About a 1-hour drive (~56–60 miles) via CO‑115 |
| Notes | Pikes Peak summit access time varies by activity (driving vs cog railway); Royal Gorge includes on-site gondola/bridge activities that add time. |
What you’ll do at Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak offers several ways to reach high-elevation viewpoints: drive the summit road, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs, or base yourself in Manitou Springs for shops and short hikes. The exact time to reach the summit depends on your choice (driving vs train) and seasonal hours for summit access.
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- Drive the Pikes Peak Summit Highway (seasonal hours apply for summit access).
- Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs (round-trip journey takes several hours).
- Explore Manitou Springs: dining, shops, and short trails near the base of Pikes Peak.
| Activity | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Driving to the summit | Flexible schedule but summit hours vary seasonally; weather can change quickly |
| Cog Railway | Scheduled round-trip train with scenic, slower ascent |
| Manitou Springs | Town-level dining, shops, short hikes; good for a shorter outing |
What you’ll do at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park centers on a very high suspension bridge spanning the Arkansas River; park activities include a gondola that crosses the gorge and adventure options such as zip lines and via ferrata. Plan for time on-site to use those attractions and to walk the bridge and overlooks.
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- Walk the suspension bridge and use viewpoints along the rim.
- Ride the gondola across the gorge for different perspectives.
- Buy tickets for paid attractions on-site (zip line, via ferrata, other aerial activities).
| Attraction | Notes |
|---|---|
| Suspension bridge | High-elevation walkway over the Arkansas River |
| Gondola | Crosses the gorge; offers panoramic views |
| Adventure activities | Zip line, via ferrata — ticketed attractions on park grounds |
Which is best for families vs. active travelers
Families with younger children often prefer Pikes Peak options that include Manitou Springs activities or a relaxed cog-rail ride, plus short, easy trails. Royal Gorge can be thrilling for older kids and teens because of the heights and aerial adventure courses, but some attractions may have age, height, or weight restrictions — check the park directly.
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- Families with small children: consider Manitou Springs, the cog railway, or short hikes near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak base.
- Families with older kids/teens: Royal Gorge attractions (zip lines, gondola) provide higher-adrenaline options.
- Active hikers: Pikes Peak area has trail options (weather- and season-dependent); plan altitude and weather considerations.
| Group type | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Families with small children | Pikes Peak base / Manitou Springs / cog railway |
| Families with teens or thrill-seekers | Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (gondola, zip) |
| Hikers and summit-seekers | Pikes Peak drive/hike or cog railway |
Practical timing, tickets and hours to plan for
Both destinations are seasonal and have operator hours that change by time of year. Summit road hours for Pikes Peak and attraction hours at Royal Gorge vary; check each operator’s website on the day you travel and allow extra time for mountain weather and traffic.
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- Start early if you plan to visit either site and return to the resort the same day.
- Allow 3–4+ hours on-site for Royal Gorge if you plan bridge walking plus an attraction (gondola/zip line).
- Allow several hours for a Pikes Peak summit trip if you include the cog railway or a summit stop; Manitou Springs can be a shorter 2–3 hour visit.
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Buy attraction tickets in advance when offered (cog railway, Royal Gorge activities) |
| Weather | Mountain weather can change quickly — pack layers and check forecasts |
| Driving | Expect longer travel times if you stop at Garden of the Gods or other sights en route |
Where to eat and what to bring from the resort
Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers several on-site dining outlets where you can fuel up before a day trip: Mountain View Restaurant for breakfast, The General Store for coffee and snacks, and Elevations or Gates Grille for later meals. Bring water, layered clothing, sun protection, and any altitude medication or supplies you need.
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- Morning options: Mountain View Restaurant (breakfast hours Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–10:30 AM; Sat–Sun 7:00 AM–11:00 AM) or The General Store (opens 6:30 AM).
- Pack: water, sunscreen, layers, sturdy shoes.
- If you have a later return, consider grabbing sandwiches or snacks from The General Store to eat on the road.
| Resort outlet | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Mountain View Restaurant | Buffet breakfast; outdoor terrace before a full day out |
| The General Store | Coffee, smoothies, grab-and-go snacks from 6:30 AM |
| Elevations | Lunch or cocktails after return (hours vary) |
Planning tips from the resort (logistics and accessibility)
A car is usually needed to reach either destination from Cheyenne Mountain Resort; the resort sits on a large property and most off-site attractions are best reached by private vehicle. If you prefer not to drive, check local shuttle or tour operators for scheduled trips to Pikes Peak or Royal Gorge.
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- Cheyenne Mountain Resort address and front desk phone: 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906, US; BookResorts agents (24/7) +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking help.
- The resort lists nearby attractions (Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge) as easy day-trip options.
- Check each attraction’s accessibility and age restrictions before you go; Royal Gorge attractions and Pikes Peak services (cog railway, summit road) may have limits and seasonal schedules.
| Resort rooms to consider after a long day | Why |
|---|---|
| Room, Resort View (High Floor) | King bed and elevated views; good for quiet evenings |
| Room, with Sofa bed, Mountain View | Extra sleeping option for families returning tired from a day trip |
| Presidential Suite | Larger living area if you prefer more space to relax |
