Below is just an overview of info that will give you an idea what to expect. As I think of things, I might add more to this page.
Hotel Address
303 N 3rd St, Cripple Creek – 719-689-0856 – Your GPS will bring you right to the hotel.
Parking
Parking and entry into the hotel is in the back. There is a large parking lot but you can park your car near the entry, unload your luggage and then park the car.
Your Rooms
Rooms have already been assigned. There are 15 rooms in the hotel and I took all the king beds for our group. See Hotel St Nicholas page for your room number. You can take your luggage up to the room and get settled without checking in. I will be around to direct traffic and make sure you get settled.
Arrival Dinner
The hotel is setting up sandwiches and snacks in the Breakfast Room. That way we can spend some time together in the hotel so it will be easy if you or anyone in your family needs to call it a day. Dinner is set from 6pm to 8pm – but I will monitor the flights and we can extend the dinner if needed.
Hotel Bar – The Broiler Room Tavern
You can also get soup and a few other items from the bar. The menu is limited but feel free to order whatever you want. The bar not only serves alcohol but has a full menu of non-alcoholic drinks including dirty sodas. If you order from the bar, just tell them to put it on “Linda’s Tab”. I am going to tip the hotel bar at the end of our stay but if you want to throw a buck or two on the bar that would be great.
Continental Breakfast
The hotel has a free Continental Breakfast but it simpler than most you see at chain hotels. It does have hard boiled eggs, bagels, toast, yogurt and of course, coffee and tea. If you are use to a more substantial breakfast you may want to go out to one of the local restaurants. BUT you will need to be ready to go when we need to leave in the mornings for our adventures.
Our Agenda
I have things planned for each day but think we will get back to the hotel in the early afternoon each day (probably around 3 – 4) to give everyone a chance to unwind or see other local attractions that are not on our agenda. And if you want to opt out of something on our agenda – feel free – no questions asked. After 80 years, I know sometimes, there are things you just don’t want to do.
After our tour of Pike’s Peak, if you want to hang out in Manitou Springs, go back to Garden of the Gods to see more or go back to the hotel – just do what you want to do.
Our tour of the Royal Gorge doesn’t really stop in the park, but does include tickets if you want to go back after our tour ends (about 2pm).
Hydrate… Hydrate… Hydrate
Coming from sea level to 9500 feet (Cripple Creek) can sometimes cause Altitude Sickness. This happens when your body has trouble adjusting to lower oxygen available at high elevations. Symptoms include headaches, feeling dizzy, throwing up, and being very tired. Drinking an extra bottle of water a day – in the morning – but drink small amounts steadily rather than chugging a large amount all at once. Aim for three 16 oz bottles of water or five 8 oz glasses of water before you get to Cripple Creek and during your stay. I brought a couple of cases of Costco water so we should have plenty on hand. Plus the hotel, has lemon water handy to refill your water bottles.
Mix in electrolytes if you have them. Avoid alcohol and caffeine especially on the first day.
I bought some oxygen boost cannister. A few breaths can be enough to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What to bring
It looks like we might have rainy weather during our stay. The rain in Utah and Colorado is different than in Texas. We get fast-moving afternoon thunderstorms which may hit one area while leaving another close by area dry. We get a storm and then the sun comes out. Typically it doesn’t rain all day – just passing storms. But you should be prepared. If you have a water-proof jacket, bring it.
Days will be in the mid-70s and nights in the low-50s (even high 40s). I usually wear long sleeve tees or a light sweater that I can take off during the day.
On Saturday, when we tour the Royal Gorge temps will be in the low 90s – but we will be in open air jeeps so it could be cooler. Always bring a jacket. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable.
And bring closed-toe shoes for the tours. There could be rocky and uneven terrain when we stop for sight seeing.
I also recommend a hat when outside. The sun is much more intense at 9500 feet.
Heading out in the mornings
August 20 – 9:00am – we are staying around the Cripple Creek and Victor area.
August 21 – 8:30am – Pike’s Peak – We need to be at Rocky Mountain Rides by 9:30. 2400 Naegele Rd, Colorado Springs – 719.362.6332. It’s about 45 miles and will take us roughly one hour via CO-67 S and US-24 E.
August 22 – 8:00am – Royal Gorge – We will head to Canon City for Colorado Jeep Tours which is about 55 minutes from the hotel. 50905 W US Hwy 50, Canon City – 719.275.6339.
Food/drink during tours
I am bringing a cooler with drinks and snacks during the tours. We will have lunch at the Summit of Pike’s Peak on Friday. I have made arrangements for a sack lunch for the Royal Gorge tour on Saturday.
Maid Service
The hotel does not have daily maid service – but if you need more towels, just ask at the front desk.
Dry Sauna
You can book a free 20 minute dry sauna at the hotel for up to two people. There still seems to be some times available for late afternoons. Click here to schedule.
Grand Peak Spa
There are a few times available for a spa treatment. Just to make sure you should schedule after 4pm. Click here to schedule.