2.5 miles in the sky at Pikes Peak :-)

While in Colorado Springs, we drove to the top of Pikes Peak - elevation 14,500 feet. That's 2.5 miles up, with 40% less oxygen at the top. Despite that, we saw half a dozen guys riding bikes up to the peak.  Even more insane were the groups zipping DOWN the steep grades and around tight switchbacks as part of a tour operation. It was pretty chilly and breezy at the top. The winds can reach 120 mph and the temperatures range from a high of 64 degrees to a low of -60 degrees.

At the start of the ascent is a series of reservoirs, from which Colorado Springs gets its water. This area is technically desert, so the reservoirs are critical for the city.  

Near the top above the treeline, there were still some small places with snow

From the top the 360 degree view was magnificent, especially on such a sunny day 

Here we are near the top. Had shorts on but it was pretty chilly!!

After making the loooooog descent we went exploring in nearby Old Colorado City. Found a friendly outdoor place for pizza and local beer. Old Colorado City apparently has a reputation as a place where brothels thrived in the good old days. Rumor has it that many gentlemen entered the brothels via tunnels from the more respectable parts of town.  We didn't see any houses of ill repute, but roamed in and out of lots of little shops of all kinds. The town has lots of art galleries and stores selling jewelry, clothing and cowboy stuff. 

Back at the campground a woman at a nearby campsite had set up a wading pool for her two dogs. It was a really hot day with no shade trees around. This dog looks pretty pleased, don't you think?