I will neither confirm nor deny our actions, the other day…

But here are some pictures from our trip to the Manitou Incline. However, before I continue, here are some info on the Manitou Incline:

• The Manitou Incline used to be a railroad track. The rails are no longer there, but most of the ties are still in place.
• The average grade is about 40%, and the steepest grade is 68%!
• The complete hike is 1 mile long and ascends over 2,000 feet in altitude.
• The first 1/4 of the incline is owned by the City of Colorado Springs and the last 1/4 is owned by the Forest Service.
• The middle section is PRIVATE PROPERTY and to cross the signs and continue the hike is TRESPASSING … and  ILLEGAL.
• Regardless of this fact, DROVES of people (athletes and non-athlete’s alike) trek up the Manitou Incline every clear day.

Read More: About the Manitou Springs Incline

For as steep as the incline is, the hike TO the incline (from the parking lot - or where we parked …. further down Ruxton Avenue) is QUITE the workout as well.

Okay … Onto the Pictures:

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525

Part of the beauty of living in Colorado Springs is the ability to wear shorts AND wool coats in the Wintertime. As Colorado Springs real estate agents, we really appreciate the weather. Why? Well, because if it is too snowy to show homes on Monday, chances are Tuesday will be warm and sunny and great weather to buy a home for sale in Colorado Springs.

However, there are days when everyone in the house is going stir crazy and it is just too cold to go out hiking. For days like that, here are some suggestions.

Top 5 Family Friendly Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Winter

1. Olympic Training Center -  (FREE)
Every year thousands of Olympic hopefuls and world-class athletes train in Colorado Springs, at the Olympic Training Center. Stop by for a 15-minute film and a one-hour guided tour of the facilities. Every tour is different and is determined based off of the athletes’ training schedules. There are all kinds of great photo opportunities to include many Olympic inspired statues and the opportunity to stand by the Olympic Flame with spanning Rocky Mountain views in the distance.

Location: Central Colorado Springs - Close to the intersections of Boulder Ave and Union Blvd., just east of Memorial Hospital (main).

Tour Schedules: 1.888.659.8687 - Open Year-Round

2. Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Cowboy Museum
($5 Adults and Discounts for Seniors, Youth and Military. Young Kids are FREE)
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of an All-American sport that found it’s origins in Colorado in 1869 and is now a major spectator sport. In addition to the history rich museum with over 90 exhibits, there is the opportunity to meet a live, retired rodeo bull, a bucking bronco and a long horned steer.

Location: Northwest Colorado Springs - 101  Pro-Rodeo Drive (I-25 and Exit 147)

719.528.4764  -  Open Year Round  -  9am-5pm daily

3. Simpich Dolls (FREE)
Spend some time watching skilled artists and craftsmen create custom, storybook and holiday dolls in Historic Downtown Old Colorado City. Dolls can even be ordered and purchased at this location.

Location: Old Colorado City - 2413 W. Colorado Avenue

800.636.3272  -  Open Year Round

4. World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame
($3 Adults and Discounts for Seniors and youths. Young Kids are FREE)

Enjoy a tribute to all things figure skating - from the bone blades and leather straps of the 8th century all the way to the modern day stars of today.

Location: Southwest Colorado Springs- 20 First Street (Near the Broadmoor Hotel and the Broadmoor Brownstones)

719.635.5200 - Open Year Round - Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

Want to go Ice Skating? Check out the World Arena for daily year-round public ice-skating sessions. 719.477.2150

5. Ghost Town Museum
($6.50 for adults, discounts for seniors and youths, Young children are FREE)

Wild West fun in Colorado Springs! Walk down wooden sidewalks through a turn-of-the-century western town, pan for gold, and check out the 1867 Wells Fargo Express Concord stagecoach that used to run between Denver, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Location: Westside Colorado Springs -  400 S. 21st St. - Corner of Cimarron (HWY 24) and 21st Street - Just west of Van Briggle Pottery

719.634.0696  -  Open Year Round - Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Read Also:

• Colorado Springs Real Estate and Area Information Links
• Colorado Springs Has A ‘TUDE! - Altitude, That Is (Dealing With Altitude Sickness)
• Who Lives in Colorado Springs?
• About Colorado Springs - Quality of Life Indicators for the Pikes Peak Region

Relocating to Colorado Springs?

Contact the Wagner iTeam for information on moving to Colorado Springs
719.434.7525

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525

The Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection works with a lot of people looking to relocate to Colorado Springs. One of the biggest propblems that people face when they move here is altitude sickness.

Colorado Springs Elevation

Colorado Springs is one of the “highest” cities in the United States - perched at an altitude of 6,035 above sea level -755 feet above Colorado’s “Mile High” city of Denver (5,280 feet). In fact, when in Denver, travel to our city is referred to as “heading UP to the ‘Springs” even though we are south of them.

“At high altitudes, less oxygen is brought into the body with each breath, reducing the flow of oxygen into the brain.” - International Society for Mountain Medicine (So much for calling me an “air head”…)

Did you know ..
Colorado Springs is home to the Olympic Training Center. The “high altitude training” for our athletes is very beneficial. See, if an athlete can beat a record at THIS altitude, they will be phenomenal at lower elevations. In fact, where I may get a bit winded after a long walk here, I can walk for hours, effortlessly, when I visit my Mom in Portland, Oregon.

Although high altitude causes Coloradoans to use more calories and burn fat faster, there are some less than desirable side effects of altitude to those who move to and visit us in our homeland…

Altitude Sickness

Between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level, about 1 in 4 people will experience mild altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness, and it strikes these folks within about 12 hours of arriving at high altitude. In fact, it is so common, that if someone feels ill when at a high altitude, it is safe to assume it is just altitude sickness unless proven otherwise.

Some symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Shortness of Breath (Hyperventilation)
• Fatigue
• Dry Throat
• Increased Urination
• Awaking Frequently at Night

There are ways that altitude sickness can be avoided both before you arrive and while you are here.

Avoid Altitude Sickness

Before traveling to Colorado Springs (or other cities above 5,000 feet):

• Get plenty of sleep - The altitude will make you tired.
• Exercise more - You will need to be in pretty good shape to expect to be active at all while in Colorado Springs.
• Plan your trip - Allow yourself time to acclimate
• Please Remember: If you have had altitude sickness before, you will get it again.

*People suffering from lung problems (like Emphysema) or heart problems MUST consult with a doctor before traveling to high altitudes, as symptoms could be fatal. However, it must be noted that fatal reactions to altitude have never been recorded in Colorado Springs.*

While in Colorado Springs:

• Drink plenty of water - You will need the extra hydration and oxygen.
• Avoid tobacco - The list goes on…
• Avoid salty food - You will already be working to stay hydrated.
• Drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol that you drink - Trust me on this one. (Hint: Visitors to our altitude make for cheap dates.)
• Avoid strenuous activity in the first couple days - Give your body some time to acclimate. Visit our mountain-side zoo (and check out our new baby gorilla, or hand-feed our 19 giraffes…), but do it later in your trip, as it is quite a hike!

Stay below 7,000 feet for the first couple days - Save your trip (via foot, car or Cog Railroad) to the top of Pikes Peak (14,110 feet) for the end of your trip.

Alleviate Altitude Sickness

Now, no matter how much planning you may do, altitude sickness can still occur. In these cases, the best ways to alleviate the symptoms are:

• Take some ibuprofen
• Relax
• Stay away from alcohol
• Drink a lot of water
• DO NOT go any higher in elevation until the symptoms disappear

These precautions apply to elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. Symptoms are known to be worse, as the altitude increases. Check out the International Society for Mountain Medicine regarding precautions to take if your travel plans include any Colorado’s beautiful ski towns.

Moving to Colorado Springs? Please consider hiring a moving company. You will be in no shape to unload a truck when you first arrive. Or, arrive a couple days early and stay at a hotel or with family. This will give you a few needed days before you have to unpack.

One you are here, you will agree: The thin air is a minor price to pay for all the magnificent beauty that the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado Springs has to offer.

*Original Post By Mariana Wagner 2/21/07

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525

What is your favorite haunted location? On Friday, October 31, you will have a chance to vote. After thousands of entries, our own Briarhurst Manor in Manitou Springs, CO has been picked as one of three finalists on Sci Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters.  If it wins, TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), will come out to Colorado and investigate our historical location. Tammila Wright, Keller Williams real estate agent and resident of Manitou Springs, submitted the location and will appear on the Ghost Hunter’s LIVE event at Fort Delaware on Friday night where you will be able to vote by text message or online during the 7 hour long event which starts at 5pm MST.

“After spending so much time in the Briarhurst Manor and experiencing unexplained occurrences, they knew it would be a good candidate for “The Great American Ghost Hunt” contest. ‘I had heard stories all my life and then I was experiencing things for myself’” - Erick Wright

Check out the Haunted Briarhurst website

Tammila and her husband, Erick, have very intimate knowledge of the Briarhurst as generations of their families have lived in the area. Tammila was recently interviewed by Pilgrim Films for the segment on Friday and stated that:

“We are History Geeks that don’t mind exploiting the “night” life of a property to get visitors interested in its history. It truly helps when the place is truly haunted like the Big “B”. - Tammila Wright

The interview will talk a little about the history of the Briarhurst and the unusual occurrences that made it a finalist. She has set up a website, Haunted Briarhurst, for more information about the historic building.

Read the Briarhurst Ghost Stories

Do you want to own a bit of Manitou Springs history and a reported haunted landmark? You can!

The Briarhurst Manor is For Sale for a mere $7mil!

Tammila is the head of our Keller Williams Hope Commercial Division and is the listing agent for the property.  She isn’t worried about the “haunted house” reports hurting the sale of the property, in fact, it might help. TAPS has also investigated the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park several times and because of them and other ghost hunting teams, their hotel remains full most of the year and their business has tripled.

Read about the History of the Briarhurst Manor

Looking to buy a Historic Home in Manitou Springs, but can’t afford the Briarhurst Manor?

There are many other properties in Manitou Springs for sale. The Wagner iTeam has two properties for sale in downtown Manitou. Tammila is co-listing with us on a Manitou Springs historic Victorian 4,700sq home at 102 Navajo Ave which has been used as Bed and Breakfast (The Keepsake Inn).

We also have another great home for sale in Manitou Springs at 833 Shoshone Pl which has that Manitou charm, but with modern conveniences and gorgeous views! Both are conveniently located just blocks off Manitou Ave.

Search All Homes for Sale in Manitou Springs

Make Sure You Check Out and VOTE FOR the Briarhurst Manor on
“Ghost Hunters Live” Event on the Sci-Fi Channel at 5pm this Halloween!

WATCH THE Sci-Fi Briarhurst VIDEO

This article was written by:
Kristen Senn - Wagner iTeam Military Relocation Specialist and Listing Manager

**All images taken by permission from HauntedBriarhurst.com

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525

Here are some handy links to websites about Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, to include Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs and Monument:

School District Information:

• Compare Colorado Springs area Schools: Great Schools
• Colorado Springs School District Links

Military Information - Military Bases Links:

• Fort Carson Army Base - The Mountain Post: “Home to the 3rd BCT, 43rd ASG, 3rd ACR, 5th Armored Brigade, 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, and the 10th Special Forces Group.”
• United States Air Force Academy: “The Air Force Academy Mission is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.”
• Peterson Air Force Base: “Home of the 21st Space Wing, Air Force Space Command, United States Space Command, and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).”
• Schriever Air Force Base: “Home of the 50th Space Wing, Space Warfare Center and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.”
• Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station: “Central collection and coordination center for a worldwide system of satellites, radars, and sensors that provide early warning of any missile, air, or space threat to North America.”
• NorthCom - North American Command: “Plans, organizes, and executes homeland defense and civil support missions.”
• NORAD - North American Aerospace Defense Command: “Bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America.”

Colorado Springs Neighborhoods Information: Colorado Springs Neighborhoods

Colorado Springs Information:

• Colorado Springs Utilities
• Colorado Springs City Website
• Colorado Springs Visitor Page
• Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
• Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Reports
• Colorado Springs Foreclosure Information
  

Monument and Tri-Lakes Area Information:

• Monument CO Chamber of Commerce Website
• Monument Real Estate

Fountain Information:

• Fountain CO Chamber of Commerce Website
• Fountain Real Estate

Manitou Springs Information:

• Manitou Springs CO Chamber of Commerce Website
• Manitou Springs Real Estate

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525