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John Denver may have been the first to immortalize the words in song, but he certainly wasn't the first to feel the emotion. Colorado Springs has inspired people since civilization first discovered it. This marvelous city nestles at the base of Pikes Peak, the 14,100-foot (4,297.68-meter) mountain named for Lieutenant Zebulon Montgomery Pike, who in 1806 claimed its summit could never be attained. Its mild, dry climate, clean air, and natural beauty ensure that there's never a bad time to be in Colorado Springs.

Who could doubt its beauty when its parks have names like "Garden of the Gods?" Aspens glitter gold in autumn, landscapes glisten with winter snows, spring brings a kaleidoscope of colors, and summer boasts bright blue skies over varying shades of green. Beautiful from dawn until after dark, Colorado Springs hosts towering trees, well-groomed parks, historic churches and majestic homes.

And speaking of that Garden of the Gods, it is home to some of Mother Nature's most fantastic creations. The Balanced Rock is one of the most famous rocks in the nation. You won't want to miss seeing the Steamboat Rock, the Kissing Camels or the Three Graces. And don't forget to view Pikes Peak through the Gateway Rocks.

Colorado Springs is where Katherine Lee Bates wrote the words to "America the Beautiful" in 1893. In 1870, General William Jackson Palmer wrote his wife asking, "Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?" (The home he built here, Glen Eyrie, is available for tours on request.) Spencer Penrose developed the now historic Broodmoor Hotel and conference center after making his fortune in gold and silver mining.

Like all these and more, once you visit Colorado Springs, you may never want to leave, but don't let that stop you. Come, find your own "Rocky Mountain High."