A visit to Colorado Springs isn't complete without a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the only mountainside zoo in the U.S. At 6,800 feet above sea level, it's bit of a hike but definitely worth it. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also home to the largest giraffe herd in the country (18)! Pay a couple bucks for a handful of lettuce and watch about 3-4 giraffes get suddenly very interested in what you have to say :)

The trip ended with a hike near Helen Hunt Falls with some more crazy, fast changing weather, and some great late-afternoon views of downtown Colorado Springs.