What to do in El Paso County, CO

Step onto the campus of the US Air Force Academy to discover what goes into the training of the country's elite air force personnel. Every year, the military institution puts hundreds of cadets through a rigorous 4-year academic program.

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a 14,000-foot (4,300-meter) high mountain famed for its incredible vistas, high-altitude railroad and opportunities for adventure. It was named after explorer Zebulon Pike, who led an expedition to the area in 1806. Visit the summit of Pikes Peak at any time of the year to gaze across the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The view from here was the inspiration for Katherine Lee Bates' famed poem, America the Beautiful.

The rugged landscape of the western states of America has long been central to the region’s reputation as the Wild West and the Garden of the Gods is a stunning example of this terrain. As the low, grassy plains around Denver give way to dense woodlands, a series of rock formations rise dramatically upwards. These phenomenal red rocks are the centerpieces of the 1,367-acre (553-hectare) Garden of the Gods park, a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers and other lovers of the great outdoors.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a large complex on the side of a mountain. Laying claim to being America’s only mountain zoo, it sits at an altitude of 6,800 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level. The 140-acre (57-hectare) site is home to more than 800 animals representing over 200 species.

Go biking, hiking and camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a wilderness expanse at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain. The diverse terrain comprises 2,701 acres (1,093 hectares) and encompasses prairies and forested areas.

Venture deep into a vast underground cave network, hold on tight for hair-raising rides and enjoy stunning canyon views at the Caves of the Winds. There are adventures and activities for all the family at a natural wonder that was formed 500 million years ago.