I saw the AFA on a childhood cross country camping trip. It was really memorable, especially the unique cathedral Visitors • United States Air Force Academy
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We visited the AFA in 2021 with a particular interest in seeing the Cadet Chapel. To our dismay, it was closed for renovation with an estimated completion date of 2027. So, anyone wanting to visit the AFA, don’t expect to see the Chapel.
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We took a drive up the Pikes Peak Highway a few years back and LOVED it. definitely not for the faint-of-heart, though 
The first time we went up Pikes Peak long ago, we drove our Odyssey minivan (and think perhaps that journey contributed to short life on its transmission). The second time we went via the cog railway - fun!
No matter how you go, bring warm clothing. Up top even in summer you’ll want long pants and a jacket or sweatshirt. It’s always very windy, under 60 degrees… even if it is shorts weather at the base.
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The Sasquash Outpost in Bailey ( probably about an hour west of Denver on 285) is pretty whacky and we all enjoyed it!
It’s a scenic drive too.
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How skilled are you at mountain driving? Denver to Grand Lake via Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park and returning on I-70 is a good day trip. Lots of wonderful scenic overlooks along Trail Ridge.
Stop for lunch at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill in Grand Lake. Just throw your peanut shells right on the floor! Or stop at Hernando’s Pizza Pub in Winter Park and add your dollar bill art to the wall. My family likes to stop at the Georgetown Valley Candy Company on our way back to Denver. They sell ice cream, yummy fudge, delicious caramel corn and, of course, souvenirs.
If you’re up for a hike, Devil’s Head Trail in Sedalia is a moderately easy hike to a fire lookout tower that affords 360-degree views of the Front Range. From Sedalia, explore nearby Castle Rock or tour Cherokee Ranch and Castle. For a more reverent hike, consider visiting the Mother Cabrini Shrine near Golden.
I’ve never gone whitewater rafting but I’ve heard good things about Liquid Descent. They do a steady business running the rapids of Clear Creek. Enjoy your visit.
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We did this last year on our trip to Denver. We had bought timed tickets in advance - the day turned out to be very cloudy though. Called and they said they were still open - so we decided to go anyway. S drove and honestly the fog was so bad, he couldn’t see much of the road ahead. He was relying on the navigation to show him how the road curved! And I was wondering why the heck do I decide to do these things?
Couldn’t see much at the top either. On the way back down, it cleared up for a few magical moments - what a view! We got one picture of all of us with the beautiful view and then by the time, we tried to take another, fog rolled in again!
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Driving the trail ridge road last year was amazing. The views are just breathtaking! I think we did have to get timed tickets for entry from the estes park end, if I remember right. And we didn’t drive back to Denver or Estes Park - we just headed to Grand Lake and then onto Aspen for a few days…
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Oh wow, I can’t imagine driving in the fog. It was a crystal clear day when we drove it and it was still challenging!
I can’t believe they have an auto race up that road!
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