Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour

The most unusual part of this Colorado Springs outing is the way it links Cheyenne Cañon scenery with the polished Broadmoor district. You glide past Starr Kempf’s remarkable metal sculptures, Penrose House, old mansions, schools, clubs, and the famous Broadmoor Resort without spending the day inside a tour vehicle.

I like the small group of no more than six, which makes the guide’s stories and riding help more personal. I also like the short training session before setting off, plus the audio receiver and new earbuds that let you hear the commentary while moving. The main catch is simple: Segway riding requires balance and comfort on your feet, so this is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems.

Key points to know before you book

• Starr Kempf’s sculptures come first, giving the tour an art stop that is far more unusual than a standard sightseeing loop.
• The route covers two very different sides of Colorado Springs, from South Cheyenne Cañon to the refined Broadmoor area.
• Small groups are limited to six people, a useful advantage if you want to ask questions or need a little extra riding help.
• Training is included before the tour begins, with a practice run so you can get used to the Segway.
• Steve, also called Happy, is one of the guides, and his friendly, informative approach has been singled out as a strength.
• The tour costs $89 per person and lasts 1.5 hours, with bottled water, a helmet, guide, and audio equipment included.

Starting beside South Cheyenne Cañon

You meet at 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, across from the Starsmore Nature Center, near the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds. The exact approach matters, since the meeting point is not a hotel lobby or a central downtown office.

Turn left at the corner of Cheyenne Boulevard and Evans Avenue, then look for the tour signs and parking on the right. Give yourself enough time to find the area without rushing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the starting point and back.

The guide begins with a safety briefing and a thorough introduction to the Segway. You get a short practice run before the group leaves. That is important for first-time riders. A Segway can feel odd for the first few minutes, and this pause gives you a chance to learn how it responds before you are looking at scenery and listening to stories.

You receive a helmet, bottled water, an audio receiver, and new earbuds. Wear closed, comfortable shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, and loose or uncomfortable clothing will make the ride less pleasant. Sunscreen and a camera belong in your day bag, too.

Riding the canyon and finding your balance

The route begins around Cheyenne Cañon, where the appeal is the change of pace from a walking tour or bus ride. You are moving under your own control, with the guide leading the way and providing commentary in English.

The Segway gives you a raised view while keeping you close to the surroundings. That makes this a good choice if you want more motion than a standard history walk but do not want a strenuous hike. You still need to remain upright and manage the machine, so this is not a passive sightseeing experience.

The tour is described as a ride around the canyon and Broadmoor areas rather than a long backcountry excursion. That distinction helps set expectations. You get natural views and open-air movement, but the central purpose is to connect several Colorado Springs sights in a compact route.

If you have never used a Segway, the practice time is one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions, keep your movements controlled, and do not treat the machine like a bicycle. The tour is only 1.5 hours, so there is enough time to see several places without making the outing an all-day commitment.

Starr Kempf’s sculptures: the tour’s most unexpected stop

The first main stop is the work of Starr Kempf. His sculptures are unusual, large-scale pieces that add a strong artistic note to a tour otherwise centered on scenery, homes, and local landmarks.

This stop is especially useful for anyone who likes to mix cultural sights into an outdoor activity. The sculptures are visually distinctive and make natural photo subjects. You can pause for pictures and take in the forms before moving on.

I appreciate this part because it keeps the outing from becoming a simple ride past expensive houses. You get something with a clear creative identity, and the guide can place it within the wider story of the area.

Bring your camera, but keep the stop in proportion. The experience is a moving tour with several points of interest, not a long museum visit. You will have time for photographs, but the focus remains on the overall route.

Penrose House and the Broadmoor district

From the sculptures, the ride continues to Penrose House. The tour then passes historic mansions, schools, and clubs near the Broadmoor Resort.

This section shows how the Broadmoor area developed as a place of grand homes and established institutions. The value comes from the guide’s commentary. You are not just passing buildings; you are getting context about Colorado Springs and the people, places, and traditions connected with this part of town.

The small-group format helps here. With only six participants, it should be easier to hear the guide and ask about a building that catches your eye. The included audio receiver and earbuds provide another layer of help, especially while the group is moving.

You should also expect the balance between riding and storytelling to vary by moment. A Segway tour cannot stop at every building for a long explanation. Instead, you get a broad look at the district, with selected stops and commentary that keeps the group moving.

Seeing the Broadmoor Resort up close

The Broadmoor Resort is the best-known sight on the route, and the tour gives you a chance to see its grounds and take a picture. Even if you already know the resort from photographs, viewing it as part of the surrounding district adds context.

The resort is not presented as a hotel tour, and you should not expect an interior visit or a formal property inspection. The appeal is the exterior view and the chance to understand where it fits among the surrounding mansions, clubs, and roads.

This is a good photo stop, especially if you want a clear souvenir of the ride. Your guide also provides the historical and local commentary that turns a quick picture into part of a larger story about Colorado Springs.

The resort section may be less satisfying if you want extended time at one landmark. The schedule has several stops, so you will not spend the entire 1.5 hours here. That is a reasonable trade for seeing Cheyenne Cañon, Penrose House, Starr Kempf’s sculptures, and Pine Grove in the same outing.

Pine Grove and its varied houses

The last part of the route glides down Pine Grove, where you see an eclectic mix of houses. This gives the tour a more residential finish after the formal Broadmoor sights.

I like this change in tone. Mansions and resort buildings tell one part of the area’s story, while a range of homes shows how the neighborhood feels beyond its best-known landmarks. It is a reminder that Colorado Springs is not just a collection of grand visitor sights.

The houses are viewed from the route, so this is more about the overall character of the street than entering private properties or touring individual interiors. Keep your camera ready, but listen closely as the guide points out what makes the area different.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. That makes planning easier because you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

What the $89 price includes

At $89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Colorado Springs. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a live English-speaking guide, Segway instruction, helmet, bottled water, audio receiver, and new earbuds.

You are also paying for a compact route that combines nature, public art, architecture, local history, and a major resort sight. Trying to cover all of those areas independently would require more planning and possibly several separate stops.

The real value depends on your interest in the riding itself. If you like active sightseeing and want to cover ground in an unusual way, the price is easier to justify. If you mainly want long visits inside historic buildings or at the Broadmoor, this may feel expensive for the amount of time spent at each location.

The 1.5-hour duration is a strength for a busy Colorado Springs schedule. You can fit it into a morning or afternoon and still have time for another activity. It also limits fatigue, though some people may wish the route lasted longer once they get comfortable on the Segway.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to adults and older children who are comfortable standing, balancing, and following riding instructions. It suits people who want a guided introduction to several parts of Colorado Springs rather than a deep visit to one attraction.

It is also a strong match if you enjoy local stories, unusual art, and architecture. The mix of Starr Kempf’s sculptures, Penrose House, Broadmoor buildings, and Pine Grove homes gives the tour more variety than a simple resort photo stop.

The tour may work well for a couple, a family group, or friends who prefer a small outing. With six participants maximum, you are less likely to feel lost in a large crowd. The guide can keep the group together and respond to questions more easily.

This is not the right choice if you need wheelchair access, have serious back or heart concerns, or are pregnant. The activity provider also says it is not suitable for those conditions. Closed shoes are required, so plan your clothing around riding rather than dressing only for photographs.

Guide style and the small-group advantage

A good Segway tour depends heavily on the guide. You need clear instructions at the start, calm help if the machine feels unfamiliar, and commentary that remains easy to follow while the group is moving.

Steve, known as Happy, is one of the guides. His approach is described as friendly and informative, which is exactly what this type of outing needs. The best guide moments here are likely to come through the stories attached to the streets and buildings, not through a long formal lecture.

The group limit of six is one of the strongest practical features. A larger group can create gaps, noise, and less individual help during the practice session. Six people keeps the experience more manageable and makes the audio equipment more useful.

The tour is conducted in English, with both a live guide and an English audio guide included. If you rely on spoken commentary, keep your earbuds in place and stay close enough to follow the group’s movement.

Weather, clothing, and practical preparation

The experience takes place outdoors, so weather will shape your comfort. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, apply sunscreen, and bring a camera if photos matter to you. Bottled water is provided, but dressing for the conditions remains your responsibility.

Do not arrive in open-toed shoes. They are not permitted. A pair of closed, comfortable shoes is the safest choice for the training session and the full ride.

The route includes photo stops, but you should not expect unlimited time at every location. Keep your camera easy to reach, then return your attention to the guide and the ride.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility when your Colorado Springs schedule is still changing.

My call: book it if you want motion and variety

Book this tour if you want to see Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area in a short, active outing. The combination of Segway riding, Starr Kempf’s sculptures, Penrose House, old mansions, Pine Grove homes, and the Broadmoor Resort gives you a broad look at the area without committing to a full-day tour.

I would skip it if you want a slow architectural walk, extensive indoor visits, or a completely effortless sightseeing experience. The Segway requires balance, and the $89 price is best justified by the unusual ride, small group, equipment, and guide commentary.

For a first Segway experience, the training and limited group size are reassuring. For repeat visitors to Colorado Springs, the art stop and residential route add something beyond the usual resort photograph. If those details appeal to you, this is a practical and entertaining way to spend 90 minutes.

FAQ

How long does the Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour last?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd in Colorado Springs, near the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds and across from the Starsmore Nature Center.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What sights are included on the route?

The route includes Cheyenne Cañon, Starr Kempf’s sculptures, Penrose House, historic mansions, schools, clubs near the Broadmoor Resort, Pine Grove, and the Broadmoor Resort.

Is Segway training provided?

Yes. The guide gives you a briefing, thorough training, and a short practice run before the tour begins.

What is included in the price?

The $89 price includes the guide, helmet, bottled water, audio receiver, and new earbuds.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a camera. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.