We did a loop down from Denver to Colorado Springs via i-25 where we went to Garden of the Gods.  From there before the balancing rock we took a right on to Rampart Range Road.

 

image

There are several signs warning how bad the road is, but it was a pretty good road!

The switchbacks overlooked the Garden of the Gods rock formation and had several great views of Red Rocks near the trail.  This is such a fantastic road, highly recommended!  We played a bit on the turn around and the 2011 RR SC handled it beautifully.

image

From there we went to Manitou Springs and it was a quick drive away.  Manitou Springs has a vibrant downtown area dominated by a sprawling indoor outdoor arcade.  Or perhaps more aptly Arcade Collection.  There are tons of rides for the little ones, and retro gaming for the adults.

image

The arcade has takes up a pavillion and more than 5 store fronts.  Patsy’s offers beach boardwalk fare including funnel cakes.

There is an interesting pay what you want coffee shop, bars, and a toy shop in the immediate area.

After cripple creek we headed north through back roads in national forest until we met up with 285 around conifer.  We had a quick drive back and the miles flew by once on the highway.

I tried out the fog lights + high beams ccf mod I wrote about in the Gap-Diagnostics IIDTool Bluetooth piece, and I can say it throws a lot more consistent light from far away to close in, a very welcome improvement in night visibility.

Pictures coming!

 

 

 

 

One Comment

  1. Excellent write-up and adventure. Well done.

Leave a Comment