25-Day Senior-Friendly Cowboy & Scenic Road Trip from Goodman, MS to Colorado Springs, CO with Historic and Nature Highlights

Day 1: Goodman to Magazine Mountain

Goodman, MS to Magazine Mountain, AR on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Goodman

Begin the road trip driving northwest toward Magazine Mountain, Arkansas, known for its stunning views and peaceful hiking trails, ideal for seniors.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

2:00pm

Explore Mount Magazine State Park

Enjoy beautiful overlooks and visit the Lodge at Mount Magazine for a scenic rest and light walk around the terrain.
USD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lodge Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views featuring delicious Southern cuisine prepared with local ingredients.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Magazine Mountain to Pawhuska

Magazine Mountain, AR to Pawhuska, OK on September 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Lodge

Enjoy a fresh breakfast served with mountain views, the perfect start for the day.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Pawhuska, OK

Travel westward to Pawhuska, known for its rich Native American and cowboy heritage along the Osage Nation Scenic Byway.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Osage Nation Museum

Explore Oklahoma’s oldest tribally controlled museum showcasing Osage Nation history and culture significant to the region.
USD8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Mercantile by The Pioneer Woman

Enjoy classic home-style dishes in a cozy atmosphere curated by Ree Drummond, highlighting local flavors and comfort food.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pawhuska to Dodge City

Pawhuska, OK to Dodge City, KS on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with freshly baked pastries and breakfast classics before the longer drive.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Dodge City, Kansas

Head north to Dodge City, an iconic cowboy town with authentic Old West history and museums to explore.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

2:00pm

Visit Boot Hill Museum

Discover the legend of the Old West through interactive exhibits and reenactments about Dodge City’s past as a cowboy hub.
USD15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll the Historic District

Enjoy a peaceful walk through the historic streets with carefully preserved architecture and antique shops.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Long Branch Saloon & Grill

Dine in a western-style setting featuring classic American cuisine including steaks and comfort food favorites.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dodge City to Colorado Springs

Dodge City, KS to Colorado Springs, CO on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a quiet breakfast to prepare for the scenic drive to Colorado Springs.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Colorado Springs

A scenic western drive crossing into Colorado, with options for short stops to stretch and take in natural views on the way.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

2:00pm

Visit Garden of the Gods Park

Explore easy walking paths with spectacular red rock formations and accessible viewpoints perfect for seniors.
USD0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Military Lodging: Fort Carson

Enjoy affordable and comfortable lodging with military facilities available for restful accommodations.
USD50, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

A relaxing dining experience featuring comfort foods and a variety of non-alcoholic options in a casual setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Colorado Springs Nature

Colorado Springs, CO on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Start the day with excellent coffee and fresh bakery items, popular among locals for a relaxed breakfast.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Enjoy easy pathways and animal exhibits, known as America’s only mountain zoo with beautiful scenic views.
USD24, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mountain Shadows Restaurant

Dine in a tranquil setting offering lighter fare and hearty meals near the zoo surroundings.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Garden of the Gods Visitor Center

Explore the exhibits and enjoy the gift shop or sit in the café while admiring rock formations from the inside.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Palmer Park

Take an easy flat walk through wide trails with excellent views of the city and surrounding nature.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Experience a unique dining atmosphere offering gourmet dishes crafted with local ingredients.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Colorado Springs History

Colorado Springs, CO on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bonnie's Coffee & Kitchen

Enjoy hearty and healthy breakfast options in a friendly small café popular with locals.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Learn about the regional history including early settlers, Native Americans, and cowboy culture in a comfortable, accessible environment.
USD5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe

Farm-to-table lunch spot offering fresh, organic options in a laid-back atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Manitou Springs

Short scenic drive to this historic town near the Garden of the Gods with unique shops and peaceful spots.
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2:00pm

Walk around Manitou Springs Historic District

Enjoy browsing art galleries, shops, and mineral springs with seated resting spots and benches for easy pacing.
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4:30pm

Tea and Light Refreshments at The Dancing Bean Cafe

Rest with tea or coffee and homemade pastries before the evening.
USD10, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Colorado Springs for Dinner

Dine at Edelweiss German Restaurant for a unique cultural meal featuring senior-friendly options.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Restful Day & Military Lodging

Colorado Springs, CO on September 8, 2025

Sleep In

Leisure morning

Take the morning slow, enjoy lodging amenities and rest after active touring days.
CURRENCY0, Until 11am

11:30am

Brunch at Urban Bakery & Coffee

Casual brunch with wholesome options, great coffee, and gluten-free choices available.
USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center

Learn about military history and enjoy stunning views of the Academy Chapel and grounds with easy walking paths.
USD0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Rest at Military Lodging

Afternoon tea or rest at lodging facilities on Fort Carson for relaxation.
CURRENCY0, Rest of day

6:00pm

Dinner at Fort Carson Dining Facility

Enjoy convenient and well-prepared meals on base catering to seniors and military members.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 8: Begin Scenic Colorado Loop

Colorado Springs, CO on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodging

Fill up with a comforting meal before setting off on day trips to nearby scenic spots.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Pikes Peak Summit

Easiest way by car or Pikes Peak Cog Railway for senior-friendly uphill experience with breathtaking views from 14,115 feet.
USD38 (cog railway) or USD15 (car entrance fee), 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Summit House Cafe

Enjoy light meals at the summit with spectacular panoramic views of the Rockies.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Colorado Springs

Relax during the scenic descent and return to town for the evening.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rest period at lodging

Enjoy a calm afternoon resting legs and enjoying the peaceful lodging.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Shuga's

Cozy spot with eclectic, flavorful meals and calm ambiance perfect for relaxing dinner.
USD30, 1h30m
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