What else?

Question

Ok, I'm posting in the Colorado Springs are, but my question expands outward. Around Aug 10, we will be in CS, after a week in the Estes area. In CS we will be visiting the 7 Falls for the day. From there, we head to Royal Gorge for a day, then Mt Princeton for a day. Then home, back to Phoenix, through Cortez.

The tail end of this trip is somewhat open ended. I am wondering if there are any "must-sees" in this little triangle area, not too far out of the way, that might warrant an extra day or 2. I've been to Sand Dune NP, Black Canyon NP, Mesa Verde NP, and also to Pikes Peak, so don't need to include them. My main interest is photography, and I know the whole area is photogenic. We are active seniors with limited hiking desire and ability, more into car touring with shorter walks.

Anything come to mind? I know this area has lots of little hidden gems, and hoping one or two comes out of this post.

Answer

Given your itinerary through Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge, and Mt. Princeton, and your interests in photography and car touring with minimal hiking, there are several additional options worth considering to fill an extra day or two. This area is full of scenic drives, historic sites, and photogenic small towns that don’t require strenuous activity.

Here are some worthwhile stops and routes:

Great Sand Dunes National Park alternative viewpoints: Since you’ve already been to the dunes, consider the Medano Pass Primitive Road area for interesting sand dune photography from a different angle without hiking. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
Cripple Creek: This historic mining town west of Colorado Springs is very photogenic with Victorian-era architecture, casinos, and surrounding mountain views. The drive itself offers striking scenery of the foothills and valley.
Canon City scenic drives: Even outside the Royal Gorge Bridge area, the nearby Temple Canyon Park and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provide short walks with excellent photography of unique geological formations and preserved fossils.
Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway: This loop connects Cripple Creek, Victor, and Florissant, offering historic mining towns, panoramic mountain views, and roadside photography opportunities with minimal walking required.

Other suggestions if you have flexibility:

Horsethief Falls / Phantom Canyon Road: A scenic drive north from Florence toward Cañon City with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and historic mining structures. The road is well-suited for photography and short scenic stops.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs area: Even if you’re already visiting, take a short drive along Chalk Creek Road toward Buena Vista for amazing alpine photography opportunities and riverside vistas without strenuous hiking.
San Isabel National Forest overlooks: There are several pullouts along Hwy 24 and Hwy 285 with stunning mountain and valley views, ideal for photography from the car or very short walks.

In summary, to maximize photography opportunities and scenic drives without adding strenuous hikes, focusing on historic towns like Cripple Creek, scenic byways like the Gold Belt Loop, and overlooks along San Isabel National Forest will enrich your trip. These stops are close to your main route and provide variety in landscapes, historic charm, and accessible viewpoints.

What else?

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