SOUTHERN COLORADO – Thousands of Coloradans are about to hit the road for the long Labor Day weekend.
AAA’s projection is that more than 640,000 people will travel 50 or more miles away from home. It’s a record-breaking trend despite higher gas prices. According to AAA, drivers can expect to pay on average between $2.80 and $2.95 per gallon over the holiday weekend. At the national level a gallon of gas will cost drivers 50 cents more than it did at this time last year.
For those who’d like to have a less expensive holiday, there are plenty of options to consider in southern Colorado.
“This weekend our plans are to kind of stay put, let all the other crazies get out there and do whatever they want to do,” said Pueblo resident Scott Burns.
Chelsy Offutt, director of communications for the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “We have a ton of great things happening here in the Pikes Peak region.”
From Colorado Springs to Pueblo, there’s no shortage of things to do this Labor Day weekend.
Offutt said, “Obviously the Labor Day lift off is one of the most well-known, one of the most beautiful, completely free. It’s happening all weekend…the Commonwheel Arts Festival happens every year so if you want to support local artists, jewelry makers and things like that that’s free and something to enjoy in the area…a hidden gem is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park out in Calhan Colorado. Not everybody knows about that place and it’s simply stunning.”
Donielle Gonzales, tourism director at the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, said, “I think the trend in the last few years even has been leaning towards a lot of staycations…the Fiesta Day Parade is one thing that’s pretty big for us on Sunday that leads itself into the State Fair.”
The Steel City is also home to Lake Pueblo State Park.
“Camping, fishing, and hiking and mountain biking on trails out there.”
If you’d like to camp this weekend get in while you still can.
“Lake Pueblo State Park typically runs at almost full capacity during Labor Day weekends.”
A word of caution for campers from the U.S. Forest Service: take those Smokey Bear rules to heart. While there’s no fire restrictions, warm weather and high winds could mean trouble if you’re not careful.
If you need to cool off, Gonzales suggests checking out museums in Pueblo.
“There are some museums that don’t have admissions that maybe you haven’t been to.”
Besides that, people can also enjoy The Riverwalk or tubing down the Arkansas River.
If you’re still looking for ideas for this weekend stop at the visitors centers in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
CLICK HERE for activities in Pueblo.
CLICK HERE for activities in Colorado Springs.
