When I first set foot in Colorado Springs, I feel two things.

One is that the air is different, and the other is that Pikes Peak is much closer than I expected.

This city, located at an elevation of 6,035 feet (1,839 meters), is one of the few large cities in the U.S. that is surrounded by mountains.

It is the second-largest city in Colorado after Denver, with a population that recently surpassed 470,000 according to the latest census.

The city's history dates back to 1871 when railroad entrepreneur William Jackson Palmer established a planned city, giving birth to Colorado Springs.

There is a theory that the name 'Springs' was chosen with the natural mineral springs of nearby Manitou Springs in mind.

Palmer designed it from the beginning as a luxury resort city for wealthy tourists and those seeking health in the West, and that DNA still remains in places like the Broadmoor Resort and Old Colorado City.

Understanding Colorado Springs cannot exclude the story of military bases. With Fort Carson Army Base, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and the U.S. Air Force Academy just to the north, this city is a key hub of the U.S. defense industry.

Military personnel, their families, and civilians related to the military make up a significant portion of the city's population, deeply influencing its culture and economy.

The tourism resources here are among the best in the U.S. The first place that comes to mind is the Garden of the Gods. This national natural landmark, with its red sandstone rocks rising toward the sky, has free admission and is popular year-round for hiking and photography.

Pikes Peak, a 14er at an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 meters), has a road and a Cog Railway that allow you to experience the summit without hiking.

Old Colorado City is a historic district located to the west of the city, featuring charming streets lined with independent shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Manitou Springs is a separate small town located further west from Old Colorado City, known for being the starting point of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, its mineral springs, arcades, and unique shops. Seven Falls is a representative waterfall tourist spot in the area, visited by famous personalities from Shirley Temple to Marilyn Monroe.

Colorado Springs has been nicknamed 'Olympic City USA' since before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The headquarters of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is located in this city, and in 2020, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum opened downtown. Dozens of national teams train and live in this city.

The climate is semi-arid, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Summers are dry and warm, while winters see snowfall, but despite the high elevation, there are days when temperatures are milder than in Denver. However, the weather can change dramatically within a day, so layered clothing is essential. It is common to experience snowstorms for several days in spring, followed by warm weather the next day.

Colorado Springs may not have the glamour of Denver, but it is a city uniquely blended with nature, history, military culture, and sports. There is a reason why first-time visitors feel they cannot see everything in just a day or two. Just exploring Pikes Peak properly can take a whole day, and witnessing the sunrise at the Garden of the Gods is an experience you will never forget. This city reveals more the more you know about it, becoming increasingly attractive over time.