If you’re traveling to Peyton, Colorado, for the HartFit Labor Day OCR 6 Hour, build a little extra time into your trip. HartFit ELEVATE OCR is on the high plains east of Colorado Springs, putting you close to wide-open prairie views and within driving reach of the Pikes Peak region’s mountains, museums and historic towns.
Here’s a practical guide to getting here, finding a place to stay and making the most of your visit.
Should I fly into Colorado Springs or Denver?
Start by checking flights into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) (https://coloradosprings.gov/nonstop-route-map). COS is about 20 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and roughly 25 road miles from Peyton itself. The airport offers nonstop service to selected cities and connections through airline hubs. Routes and seasonal service can change, so check the map and flight options for your dates.
Denver International Airport (DEN) (https://www.flydenver.com/) may offer more flight choices or a better fare. The trade-off is the drive: Colorado Springs is about 70 miles south of Denver, and Peyton is farther east of the city. Compare the full trip cost, including rental car, gas, possible tolls and drive time.
For either airport, a rental car is the easiest way to reach the race, your lodging and the attractions around the region. COS has on-site rental car options (https://coloradosprings.gov/flycos/rental-cars). If you’re using rideshare, plan ahead for your trip to Peyton and for getting around during the weekend.
Where should I stay?
For the shortest race-morning drive, look first in Peyton and Falcon. The Falcon / Colorado Springs NE KOA Holiday (https://koa.com/campgrounds/falcon/) is in Peyton and lists tent and RV sites. Contact the property directly to check Labor Day availability, current facilities and whether cabins are offered. Falcon Meadow RV Campground (https://www.visitcos.com/where-to-stay/campgrounds-rv-parks/) is another rural camping option near Falcon.
If you prefer a hotel, the east and northeast Colorado Springs area around Powers Boulevard and Tutt Boulevard can be a practical middle ground. It has hotel options, restaurants and everyday conveniences, with a drive toward Peyton. Fairfield by Marriott Colorado Springs East (https://www.visitcos.com/where-to-stay/) on Tutt Boulevard is one example in the local visitor directory.
The north Colorado Springs and Air Force Academy corridor has more hotel choices. Downtown, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs make appealing bases if you want restaurants, shops and attractions nearby, but they mean a longer drive to the race.
You can browse the Colorado Springs lodging directory (https://www.visitcos.com/where-to-stay/) for hotels and the campgrounds and RV parks directory (https://www.visitcos.com/where-to-stay/campgrounds-rv-parks/) for camping. Labor Day is a popular travel weekend, so book early, check cancellation terms and confirm parking and breakfast hours if you have an early race check-in. When comparing drive times, use the exact event address and lodging address.
Things to do around Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
Make time for Garden of the Gods (https://coloradosprings.gov/gog), with its dramatic sandstone formations and views of Pikes Peak. The city park and Visitor and Nature Center are free. You can stop for photos, take an easy paved walk or spend a few hours exploring the trails. Check the park’s current hours before you go.
Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs
For a mountain outing, visit Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain (https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations) by driving the highway or riding The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway (https://www.cograilway.com/) from Manitou Springs.
The summit reaches 14,115 feet, so take it easy, bring layers and check conditions before leaving. During the reservation season, drivers going to the summit need a timed-entry permit and an admission ticket. Check availability and book ahead.
Manitou Springs is an easy add-on for shops, galleries, restaurants and its historic mineral springs. Old Colorado City is another relaxed neighborhood for browsing and dinner.
Olympic history and the Air Force Academy
The downtown U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (https://usopm.org/plan-your-visit/) is a good option for sports fans, families or a rainy-weather plan. Its exhibits bring Olympic and Paralympic history to life through artifacts and interactive experiences. Check hours and tickets on the museum’s site.
The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center (https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/visitor-center/) is just outside the Air Force Academy’s North Gate, so you can visit the center without entering the base. Check current hours and access updates before you drive north.
Labor Day Lift Off
Colorado Springs’ Labor Day Lift Off (https://coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/) is a long-running local hot-air-balloon tradition. If the dates fit around the OCR, it can be a memorable early-morning or evening outing. Check the official site for the next event’s dates, schedule and parking details; the program can change from year to year.
A few tips for a better race weekend
Give yourself some time to adjust to the elevation. Colorado Springs is around 6,000 feet above sea level, and the Peyton high plains are higher still. Keep your arrival day easy, drink water and avoid stacking a hard workout with a strenuous hike. Visit Colorado Springs has more high-altitude tips (https://www.visitcos.com/blog/high-altitude-tips/).
Pack for changing conditions: sunny afternoons, cool evenings, wind and quick-moving storms are all possible around Labor Day. Check the forecast close to your trip, especially before a mountain drive.
Most of all, leave room to enjoy the reason you came. Keep the day before your six-hour OCR low-key, choose one main sightseeing outing, and leave yourself a flexible recovery window after the race.
Come for the challenge. Stay for the views. We look forward to welcoming you to HartFit ELEVATE OCR and Colorado Springs.
