The Garden of the Gods is where we took one of our earliest vacations together. You can spend ages exploring the natural rock formations and surrounding landscape. There is also a Visitor & Nature Center where you can learn about the history of the land and potentially pick up a souvenir. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated if you are going to go trekking in the park! Bring your hiking boots for this one.

Want to hike up 2,744 steps?!

Referred to by locals as simply ‘the Incline’, this popular but strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. After climbing the ~2,000 vertical feet, you’ll finally reach the summit. At the top, the Incline Trail connects to Barr Trail, which offers a steep but scenic 3-mile path back down to the base.

This can take several hours to complete, and it is definitely not easy. Free reservations are required to begin your ascent.

You can drive up and down Pikes Peak, or you can take Cog Railway! Weather-permitting, the Cog Railway is a serene and scenic option for ascending Pikes Peak.

Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The ultra-prominent 14,115-foot fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The town of Manitou Springs lies at its base.

No matter how you get to the summit, you simply have to get a high-altitude donut or two from the commissary!

You will be above the tree-line for this one - sunglasses are recommended, and expect it to be windy.

The source of these 8 famous mineral water springs lies deep underground in a system of cavernous aquifers. As the ancient water erodes the surrounding limestone, carbonic acid is created, which gives the Manitou springs their effervescence. This natural carbonation forces the water back to the surface through cracks in the rocks, where it absorbs high concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (soda) and other minerals.

Tours are offered every hour on the hour. Online tickets are not currently offered. Reservations are not required for groups of 10 or less.

Take some time to drive out to one of the most stunning campuses in the country and the natural splendor of the Rockies along the way. There is a Visitor Center if you are interested in learning about the history of the US Air Force or purchasing any memorabilia.

Shaquille O'Neal, former NBA superstar and current TV analyst for Turner Sports Network is also now DJ Diesel. He is playing a set at Red Rocks the day after our celebrations! If you are still in town, this should definitely be a trip and a half.