CategoriesActivities and Tours, Tour Prep, Wild West Experience by

How to Prepare for Tomahawk Throwing Like a Pro

If you’re looking for a new activity that’s part sport, part stress relief, and all-around fun, it’s time to try tomahawk throwing in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a team-building outing, or a unique family challenge, this Wild West-inspired skill is surprisingly easy to pick up—and extremely satisfying once you start landing hits.

At Broadmoor Outfitters, our tomahawk throwing sessions are designed to be welcoming, interactive, and competitive in the best way. You don’t need to be a lumberjack or a history buff to get into it—just bring a good attitude, a bit of focus, and maybe a little friendly trash talk.

Here’s how to prepare for your first throw, what to expect from the experience, and tips to help you hit the bullseye like a pro.

What Is Tomahawk Throwing, Exactly?

Tomahawk throwing is the art (and thrill) of hurling a small tomahawk at a wooden target from a set distance. It’s been around for centuries and has roots in Native American and early frontier history. But don’t worry—you won’t be thrown into the woods to fend for yourself.

In a guided experience with Broadmoor Outfitters, you’ll receive:

  • Safety instruction and personalized coaching
  • A structured throwing range
  • Individual and team-based games and challenges

It’s more about precision than power, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your accuracy improves with a little practice.

What to Wear and Bring

While you won’t be wrestling tumbleweeds, tomahawk throwing is an outdoor activity—so it pays to dress appropriately.

Wear:

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (think activewear or casual layers)
  • Closed-toe shoes with good traction
  • A light jacket or hat if it’s breezy or sunny

Avoid:

  • Open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Dangling accessories or loose sleeves
  • Anything too restrictive (you want full arm movement)

You don’t need to bring your own gear—everything is provided, including tomahawks, safety equipment, and a shaded outdoor range. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Is It Really That Easy to Learn?

Yes—and no. Tomahawk throwing is one of those activities where anyone can start landing solid throws within minutes, especially with proper instruction. But mastering it? That takes focus, form, and a bit of finesse.

During your session, your instructor will walk you through:

  • The basic grip and stance
  • How far back to stand
  • How to control your rotation
  • Tricks to improve your aim and consistency

You’ll quickly discover that technique matters more than strength, and small adjustments can make a huge difference. With a little guidance and repetition, even first-timers can start sticking axes like a pro. For some more tips, check out THIS blog post.

Group-Friendly and Great for Events

Tomahawk throwing makes an unforgettable addition to corporate retreats, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette weekends, or team-building days. Broadmoor Outfitters offers it as part of their Wild West Experience , which also includes options like archery and air rifle shooting. These activities can be run as individual stations or turned into a full-blown friendly competition between teams.

The experience is also perfect for groups with varying activity levels, as it doesn’t require intense physical exertion—but it still brings the energy, excitement, and some good-natured rivalry.

Pro Tips for First-Time Throwers

Want to walk away from your first session feeling like a Wild West champ? Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Relax your grip: You’re guiding the tomahawk, not throwing a baseball
  • Follow through: Let your arm extend naturally after the release
  • Use your legs: A slight lean or step into the throw can improve accuracy
  • Stay consistent: Try the same stance and motion until it clicks
  • Don’t get discouraged: Even the best miss the target now and then—it’s all part of the fun

How to Book Your Experience

Ready to give it a throw? Tomahawk sessions with Broadmoor Outfitters are offered year-round and can be booked as standalone experiences or part of a larger group event. All sessions take place just minutes from The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs.

👉 Book your Wild West adventure here:
https://www.broadmooroutfitters.com/socialacitivities/wild-west/

Final Thoughts: Throw Like a Pro, Laugh Like a Local

Tomahawk throwing might sound a little wild, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of Colorado Springs’ most talked-about outdoor activities. It’s easy to learn, endlessly fun, and incredibly satisfying—especially when that blade hits wood and sticks with a loud thunk. Whether you’re looking to blow off steam, try something new, or impress your crew with hidden skills, this is your moment to channel your inner frontiersman (or frontierswoman).

So get ready to throw like a pro—and maybe, just maybe, hit that bullseye on your first try.

CategoriesColorado Springs History, Where to go... by

Echoes On The Plains: Visiting The Sand Creek Massacre Site

Nestled on the high plains of southeastern Colorado, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site preserves the memory of one of the most tragic and pivotal events in the history of the American West. On November 29, 1864, more than 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho people—most of them women, children, and the elderly—were killed in a surprise attack by U.S. soldiers. The site now serves not only as a reminder of the atrocities committed but also as a place of education, healing, and quiet reflection.

Located near Eads, Colorado, the site offers visitors the chance to walk the ground where history unfolded, learn from exhibits and interpretive signage, and pay their respects to the lives lost. For those traveling through southeastern Colorado or following the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, this solemn and powerful destination provides an important opportunity to confront and understand Colorado’s complex and painful past.

The History of the Sand Creek Massacre

In the fall of 1864, amidst growing tension between Indigenous communities and settlers in Colorado Territory, a group of Cheyenne and Arapaho people—led by peace chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope—set up camp near Sand Creek. They believed that they would be protected by the U.S. government. Despite having raised an American flag and a white flag of truce, the camp was attacked. The culprit was a unit of 675 soldiers from the Colorado U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under Colonel John Chivington.

Over the course of several hours, hundreds were killed and mutilated in what would later be widely condemned, including by military investigations and Congressional inquiry. The massacre remains a defining moment in the history of the Plains tribes and in the nation’s reckoning with its treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Today, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site exists to honor the victims, acknowledge the harm, and educate future generations.

What to Expect When You Visit

The site is remote and quiet, offering a peaceful yet sobering atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space with care and intention. Start your visit at the Visitor Contact Station, where you can speak with park staff, view interpretive displays, and collect maps and information.

A short walking trail leads to an overlook of the massacre site, with wayside signs that explain the event and highlight key locations. Interpretive materials help visitors understand the stories of those who lived and died here.

The walking trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and follows open prairie terrain, with little shade—so bring sun protection, water, and appropriate footwear. There are no food services or water fountains at the site, and cell service may be limited.

📍 Location:
55411 County Road W
Eads, CO 81036
Google Maps Directions

🕒 Hours:
The site is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but hours can vary by season. Be sure to check the official NPS hours and information page before visiting.

🎟️ Admission is free.

How to Pay Your Respects

The National Park Service and affiliated tribes ask visitors to treat the land as a memorial and sacred site. Please:

  • Stay on designated paths and trails
  • Speak quietly and be mindful of other visitors
  • Refrain from removing natural materials or artifacts
  • Reflect and learn with humility and openness

This is not just a historical site—it is a resting place for those who were killed, and it holds deep spiritual significance for descendants of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations.

Each year, tribal members and the public are welcome to attend the Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run/Walk, a commemorative event held to honor the victims and promote healing. You can learn more about it through the Northern Cheyenne Tribe or Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes websites.

Educational Resources and Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of the Sand Creek Massacre and its legacy, consider these resources:

For educators or those planning group visits, the park also offers curriculum guides and lesson plans.

Plan Your Visit

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is not your typical day trip—but that’s what makes it so meaningful. It invites you to slow down, reflect, and learn. It’s a place where history is not just told but felt. Through the wind across the plains, the silence of the landscape, and the stories etched into the earth.

Whether you’re exploring Colorado’s cultural landmarks or making a purposeful stop on your road trip through the southeastern part of the state, this site serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to remember, reckon, and grow.

➡️ Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/sand/index.htm

CategoriesActivities and Tours by

Cog Up, Bike Down Pikes Peak: The Most Epic Way to See America’s Mountain

There’s no shortage of ways to experience the majestic Pikes Peak, but if you’re looking for something unforgettable, adventurous, and completely unique, nothing beats the Cog Up, Bike Down Pikes Peak tour. This experience combines a scenic ride to the summit on the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway with a guided mountain biking descent down one of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers. Whether you’re visiting Colorado Springs for the first time or you’re a local chasing thrills, this tour is an absolute bucket-list adventure.

Ready to ride? Here’s everything you need to know about the Cog Up, Bike Down experience.

What is the Cog Up, Bike Down Pikes Peak tour?

The Cog Up, Bike Down tour is a full-day adventure offered by Broadmoor Outfitters. You’ll start by ascending to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak via the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in North America. Once you reach the summit, you’ll gear up, meet your professional biking guides, and descend 13.5 miles of scenic highway by bike—all the way down the mountain.

How difficult is the ride down Pikes Peak?

This tour is designed for intermediate riders and above. While the route follows the paved Pikes Peak Highway, the descent includes sharp turns, steep drop-offs, and high speeds. The terrain is smooth, but because of the altitude, wind, and downhill grade, you’ll want to be comfortable on a bike and confident using hand brakes.

You do not need to be a professional cyclist or in top physical shape—riders coast most of the way down. However, this isn’t recommended for beginners or those uncomfortable with long descents.

What are the age, height, and weight requirements?

To participate in the Cog Up, Bike Down Pikes Peak tour, riders must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age: 10 years old
  • Minimum height: 5’1″
  • Maximum weight: 250 lbs

These guidelines help ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants.

What should I wear and bring?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, especially above 14,000 feet. It’s important to dress in layers and be ready for rapid temperature changes from the summit to the base. There can be a 30-40 degree temperature difference between the Summit and Colorado Springs.

Recommended attire and gear:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers
  • Light jacket or windbreaker
  • Long pants or bike shorts
  • Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or trail shoes work well)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

Broadmoor Outfitters provides:

  • Bike and full-face helmet
  • Reflective vests, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads
  • Transportation
  • Experienced guides and support vehicles

More details here: Broadmoor Outfitters – What to Expect

How long does the tour take?

Expect the full experience to last around 6 hours. This includes:

  • Transportation to the Cog Railway Depot
  • Scenic train ride to the summit (about 1 hour)
  • Time at the summit to take photos and acclimate
  • Safety briefing and equipment fitting
  • The 13.5-mile downhill bike ride
  • Return transportation and wrap-up

Most tours depart in the morning and wrap up early afternoon. Exact timing will be based on the Cog Railway Train and Weather.

Is it safe?

Yes—safety is a top priority. Riders are guided by trained professionals who provide:

  • A comprehensive safety briefing before the descent
  • Support vehicles during the ride and WFA Trained Guides
  • Emergency equipment and communication
  • Constant trail updates and rider check-ins

The tour follows the Pikes Peak Highway, which is paved and well-maintained. Guides adjust the pace and stop for rest or photos along the way.

Can I take photos or videos?

Absolutely! There are multiple scenic stops along the route where you can safely snap photos, and the summit of Pikes Peak offers jaw-dropping views of the Front Range, plains, and beyond. If you have a GoPro or action camera, it’s a great way to capture your ride—just be sure it’s securely mounted.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes—this tour is popular and space is limited, especially during peak summer months. It’s best to reserve early through Broadmoor Outfitters’ booking page.

If you have other members of your group will be riding just the Cog, make sure to buy their tickets beforehand. You can check Cog Railway schedules directly at cograilway.com to coordinate your plans.

What makes this the most epic way to see Pikes Peak?

It’s simple—you get the best of both worlds. The scenic train ride lets you relax and enjoy the mountain’s grandeur on the way up, while the bike descent delivers a thrilling, immersive connection with the landscape on the way down. It’s a rare combination of sightseeing, adrenaline, and guided storytelling that few experiences can match.

You’ll leave with amazing photos, a true sense of accomplishment, and a story to tell that most Colorado visitors can’t top.

Ready to Ride?

Don’t just drive up and down Pikes Peak—feel the mountain under your wheels. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for an unforgettable experience, the Cog Up, Bike Down Pikes Peak tour is hands-down one of the best adventures in Colorado.

👉 Book your ride now: https://www.broadmooroutfitters.com/cog-up-bike-down-pikes-peak/

CategoriesActivities and Tours, Mountain Bike Tours, Tour Prep by

How to Prepare for a Guided Mountain Biking Tour in Colorado

From alpine forests to red rock canyons, Colorado is packed with unforgettable terrain—and one of the best ways to experience it is on two wheels. Whether you’re new to the sport or just new to the area, joining a guided mountain biking tour in Colorado is the perfect way to explore rugged trails without worrying about logistics. With expert instruction, quality gear, and routes tailored to your skill level, guided tours take the guesswork out of your adventure. But before you hit the trail, there are a few things you’ll want to know to make the most of your ride.

Why Go Guided?

Colorado’s mountain biking scene is incredible—but it can also be intimidating. Trail networks can be vast, cell service is often spotty, and conditions can shift quickly with the weather and elevation. A guided tour gives you direct access to a local expert who knows the trails, understands your ability, and can handle navigation, pacing, and safety. It’s ideal for riders visiting from out of town or anyone who prefers to focus on the fun instead of the route-finding.

Broadmoor Outfitters offers guided tours through Colorado Springs’ most scenic spots—including Gold Camp Road, Cheyenne Cañon, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. These tours include gear, water, helmets, and trail instruction, making them a convenient and confidence-building option for all experience levels.

What to Wear and Bring

Colorado’s weather is famously unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Even on warm, sunny days, you might start your ride in a light jacket and end in short sleeves. Layering is key—opt for moisture-wicking clothing and avoid cotton, which stays damp and can chill you quickly.

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must, ideally something with grip like trail runners or mountain bike-specific shoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a lightweight windbreaker will come in handy too. Many tour providers will offer water and helmets, but it’s a good idea to bring your own hydration pack or reusable bottle and a small backpack for personal items. For longer rides, toss in a high-energy snack or two.

Getting Ready for the Ride

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy a guided mountain biking tour in Colorado, but being reasonably active helps. If you’re coming from lower elevations, consider arriving a day or two early to let your body adjust. Staying well-hydrated in the days before your ride can also reduce altitude effects and fatigue.

First-time mountain bikers may want to get familiar with shifting gears and using hand brakes on local paths before joining a tour. Your guide will give you on-trail coaching, but a little muscle memory makes the ride smoother from the start.

Where to Ride: Scenic Trails Worth Exploring

If you’re heading to Colorado Springs, you’re in luck—this area offers a blend of challenge and beauty. Gold Camp Road is a popular guided route with mellow climbs, fun descents, and historic railroad tunnels carved into the mountainside. It’s scenic without being overly technical, making it a favorite for both beginners and families.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is another standout destination, offering loop options that wind through colorful sandstone formations. Meanwhile, Cheyenne Cañon Park delivers denser forest terrain and a few steeper stretches for riders looking to push themselves a bit further.

If you’re venturing beyond the Springs, destinations like Crested Butte, Durango, and Fruita are also worth a visit. Each town offers bike-friendly infrastructure and epic singletrack, often with year-round ride options depending on elevation.

Final Tips for an Awesome Tour

Once you’re out on the trail, your guide will handle most of the heavy lifting—trail choices, safety checks, and technique coaching. All you need to do is stay alert, communicate clearly, and enjoy the experience. If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask questions or request a break. These tours are designed to match your pace, not push beyond it.

After the ride, give yourself time to unwind and celebrate your accomplishment. Consider grabbing a meal or local brew in Colorado Springs or whatever trail town you’re exploring—your legs will thank you, and the local spots always have a post-adventure vibe.

Start Your Ride the Right Way

A guided mountain biking tour in Colorado is more than just a workout—it’s a chance to see wild terrain, build confidence, and connect with the outdoors in a new way. Whether you’re riding through forested foothills, cruising historic roads, or weaving between sandstone towers, you’ll come away with new skills and unforgettable views.

Ready to roll? Book your tour with Broadmoor Outfitters and let the pros handle the details while you focus on the ride.