Twilight in the Garden of the GodsDusk falls on the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In August, I traveled to Colorado Springs on vacation with my family. We had a great time. I normally associate Colorado Spring with winter attractions, but it's a great place to visit in the summer as well. For me, the biggest draw was the Garden of the Gods, which is located on the outskirts of the city. The place is accessible and gorgeous. I took quite a few photos. Above is the Garden of the Gods at dusk. Below are a couple of photos taken during the daytime and then one at dawn.

Garden of the GodsGarden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Red Rocks, Yellow FlowersA rock formation towering over yellow wildflowers in the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dawn in the Garden of the GodsA summer dawn in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

We also visited Pikes Peak while we were there. The base of the mountain is about 10 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, so it was very close. The peak of the mountain is 14,115 feet above sea level, so it is quite high. We took a cog railway up to the peak, which turned out to be a great way to travel to the top. At the peak, there's a large visitor center where they serve donuts made at high altitude and other tasty snacks.

Train AscensionAscending Pikes Peak on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado.

Railpath to Pikes PeakA view of Pikes Peak from above the treeline, featuring the railway path up to the peak.

Looking Back from the Railway AscentView from back back of the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway while climbing to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado.

View from Pikes Peak Summit Visitor CenterPike National Forest, United States – August 9, 2025: A view from within the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.

Colorado Springs is very close to a lot of amazing sights. Another close sight, besides the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, is Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a beautiful area just outside Colorado Springs. Helen Hunt Falls is named in honor of Helena Maria Hunt Jackson (October 15, 1830 to August 12, 1885), a poet and writer who became an activist on behalf off improved treatment of American Indians by the U.S. government.

Helen Hunt FallsHelen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Canon Park in Colorado.

I really enjoyed visiting Colorado Springs. It's a lovely place to visit with many great sights that are both beautiful and accessible.