Here are 10 great reasons to visit our great city this fall.

1. History and Heritage
From the gold mines of Cripple Creek to the turn-of-the-century charm of Old Colorado City to the healing waters of Manitou Springs, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the colorful landscape of the Pikes Peak region while exploring the area's colorful history.

2. Quaking Aspens and Fall Foliage
Aspens are synonymous with fall in the Rocky Mountains. The golden shimmer of leaves, set against the occasional random evergreen, is an awe-inspiring sight. The name "quaking" comes from the way the leaves quake or shimmer in the breeze.

Mid-September through early October is the ideal time to explore the "Bowls of Gold" in the high country around Pikes Peak. The rugged and majestic terrain will be dotted with the brilliant colors of fall, from the bright yellows and golds of the aspen trees to the burnished oranges of scrub oak and other native plants.

Head up the pass for a relaxing drive from Colorado Springs or Cañon City to the gold fields of Cripple Creek. If you're looking for something a bit more rugged, try driving Phantom Canyon Road. Starting on Highway 50, this gravel road, which follows the old Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad, increases in elevation from 5,500 feet to 9,500 feet.

In addition to the drive to Cripple Creek, there are many places in the region to view these magnificent trees, such as Rampart Range Road, Gold Camp Road, Highway 24 West toward Florissant and Divide, and Highway 67 north of Woodland Park. Make sure you bring your camera!

3. Fall Festivals and Events

IAFF Fallen Firefighters Observance: A chance to honor the sacrifice made by professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty. September 20, 2008.

"Mt. Pisgah Speaks" Cemetery Walk: Join the Gold Camp Victorian Society for their 9th annual walking cemetery tour. All proceeds benefit the Gold Camp Victorian Society's Historic Preservation Efforts. September 20, 2008.

Royal Gorge Go Fast Games: The world's top daredevils take on gravity at these annual games, featuring B.A.S.E. and bungee jumping from the world's highest Suspension Bridge. September 25-28, 2008.

2-Mile High Club's Aspen Tours: See the beautiful colors as Colorado showcases the "World's Greatest Gold Camp." Tours start at the Pikes Peak Heritage Center in Cripple Creek. Tours are free, although donations are accepted to buy food for the city's resident donkey herd. September 20-21, 27-28, 2008.

Cripple Creek Fall Festival: The "World's Greatest Gold Camp" more than lives up to its name in the fall, when the aspen-covered hillsides glow in beautiful shades of gold. The city celebrates this magical time of year with a variety of events and Jeep tours. October 4-5, 11-12, 2008.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park's Octoberfest: It's Octoberfest, Colorado-style, with live entertainment by Polka Mates on October 4th and Rick Borger and the Average German Band on October 5, 2008.

2008 World Tour of Gymnastic Superstars: A gymnastics extravaganza combining the magic of gymnastics with the energy and excitement of live contemporary music. Special musical guest recording artist Jordan Pruitt will perform in person as part of the show. October 5, 2008.

Town of Terror at Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway: For many many years, the town of Buckskin Joe has had a reputation of haunting. This Halloween season, come see for yourself. The real town of terror. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. October 16-31, 2008.

Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Bring your treat-or-treaters for a festive, safe Halloween party. Select animal exhibits will be open and don't miss the haunted fun house. Magic shows, carnival games and a boo carousal top of this exciting ghoulish fun for the kids. October 17-19, 24-26, 2008

Emma Crawford Festival Memorial Coffin Parade & Races: The legend of Emma Crawford will live on again when the coffins hit the streets on the 25th for a race up main street in Manitou Springs. Each coffin will be pulled by four mourners with an "Emma" placed in the coffin. Join us for the race of your life! October 25, 2008.

4. Golf Courses
We don't stop playing golf when summer ends. In fact, with 300 days of sunshine every year and moderate winter temperatures, we never stop playing golf.

The Broadmoor: Home to three of the finest championship golf courses in the world, and site of the 2008 U.S. Senior Open.

Patty Jewett: The third oldest public golf course west of the Mississippi, Patty Jewett has history, character and a special place in the hearts of golfers throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Valley Hi: One of Colorado Springs' hidden gems, Valley Hi has been challenging players of all levels since 1956.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort: Nestled at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, the course combines tour-quality greens and broad fairways with an experience that is unmistakably Colorado.

Shining Mountain: Located at 8,500 feet above sea level, you'll literally be golfing above the clouds at Woodland Park's jewel of a course.

5. Shopping and Dining
One-of-a-kind boutiques, discount stores, world-famous chains… Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region offer shopping from the spectacular to the sublime. Diners in the Pikes Peak area will find a variety of choices, from native creations to international cuisine. Whatever your taste buds desire, you'll find it here.

6. Air Force Academy Football
Year two of the Troy Calhoun era kicks off this exciting football season. The Falcons were undefeated at home last year, a streak they hope to continue throughout the 2008 season.

2008 Air Force Falcons Schedule

7. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Welcome to America's only mountain zoo, home of the world's largest captive giraffe herd and the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit, your chance to get closer to moose, mountain lions, Canada lynx, North American river otters, grizzly bears and bald eagles than ever before.

New in 2008, the Mountaineer Sky Ride is a chairlift-style, open-air ride that provides spectacular views of the Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs and the plains to the east.

8. Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is America's Mountain. Inspiration for "America the Beautiful." And the most visited mountain in all of North America. Hike it, drive it, or take the train. The Pikes Peak Highway offers plenty of opportunities to get out of your car and explore the mountain, including beautiful Crystal Park Reservoir. At the top, be sure to try the world-famous high altitude donuts made fresh at the Summit House. Learn more at Pikes Peak Colorado.

9. Outdoor Recreation
Cooler daytime temperatures make fall an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. Add to that the bright autumn colors and you'll see why locals and visitors alike love hiking and biking this time of the year.

10. Photo Safari through Garden of the Gods
The colorful red sandstone formations are reason enough to visit. But in fall, the red is contrasted against a backdrop of brightly colored flora and fauna for an eye-popping visual extravaganza. You can hike, bike or take a horseback ride through the Park. And be sure to stop by the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center for some great photo opportunities, along with a short film on the history of the Park.

Other great photo ops include: the overlook just above the Visitor & Nature Center on Mesa Road, Siamese Twins and Balanced Rock. If you're unsure of where these great spots are, be sure to ask the good people at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

Of course, these are just ten of our favorite reasons to visit during the fall. For hundreds more, check out Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak today or get your own copy of our FREE Official Visitor Guide.