Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour

Two wheels, mountain air, and a grand resort. The Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour gives you a lively way to see Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area without spending the afternoon in a vehicle. I like the small group of no more than six people, and I like how the route mixes outdoor scenery, art, grand homes, and local history.

The 1.5-hour tour costs $89 per person. That is not a bargain-priced sightseeing ride, but the fee includes a live English-speaking guide, helmet, bottled water, audio receiver, and new earbuds. The main drawback is physical: Segway riding is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

I also like the personal feel of the tour. Guides such as Steve, known as Happy, have been praised for being friendly, informative, and fun to spend time with. You will need comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and clothes suited to riding outdoors.

Key points to know before you book

• A six-person limit keeps the tour personal: You can hear the guide clearly and ask questions without shouting across a large group.
• The route begins near Starsmore Nature Center: Meet at 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Road, across from the nature center and near the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds.
• Starr Kempf’s sculptures make an unusual first stop: The striking outdoor art gives you an early photo opportunity and breaks up the historical commentary.
• The Broadmoor area is seen from the road: You pass mansions, schools, clubs, Penrose House, and Pine Grove rather than touring the interiors.
• Training is included before the ride: Your guide gives a briefing, helps you practice, and only then gets the group moving.
• The tour returns to its starting point: There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you arrange your own way to and from the meeting area.

Why a Segway works well in Cheyenne Cañon

Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area offer two different sides of Colorado Springs. One feels tied to the outdoors, with canyon scenery and open views. The other is associated with elegant homes, historic buildings, private clubs, and the Broadmoor Resort.

A Segway lets you cover more ground than you would on foot while keeping the pace slower and more open than a car tour. You are outside, moving through the area, and able to stop for photographs. I see this as the main reason to choose this activity over a standard sightseeing drive.

The vehicle also adds a bit of fun. You stand upright, steer with the handlebar, and glide along after a short lesson. If you have never ridden one, the training matters. The tour does not simply hand you a helmet and send you into traffic. You receive an explanation, a practice run, and time to get comfortable before visiting the main sights.

That said, a Segway is not the best match for every visitor. You need to feel steady while standing and turning. The operator specifically rules out the activity for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, and wheelchair users. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, so pack sneakers or another secure pair of closed shoes.

Starting near Starsmore Nature Center

The meeting point is at 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Road in Colorado Springs. You are directed toward the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds near Starsmore Nature Center, then told to turn left at the corner of Cheyenne Boulevard and Evans Avenue. Look for the tour signs and parking on the right.

This is a self-drive activity. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow enough time to find the meeting area and park before your starting time. Since the tour begins and ends at the same place, you do not need to arrange a second pickup point later.

The beginning is practical rather than grand. You meet the guide, receive your helmet and equipment, and listen to a safety briefing. The included audio receiver and new earbuds help you hear the commentary as the group moves, which is useful when wind, traffic, or distance makes ordinary conversation harder.

The small group size should help here. With a maximum of six participants, the guide can watch how everyone handles the Segway and offer direct help during the practice period. That is especially useful for first-time riders who need a few minutes to stop overthinking every turn.

Cruising through Cheyenne Cañon

Once the group is ready, the ride heads through the Cheyenne Cañon area. The appeal here is the change of pace from city sightseeing. You are not confined to a bus window. You get moving air, outdoor views, and the simple pleasure of gliding from one point to the next.

The route is designed as a guided ride rather than a strenuous outdoor excursion. The tour description highlights natural beauty around Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area, but it does not promise a hike or an extended nature walk. If you want long trails or a serious workout, this is not that kind of outing.

I would treat the canyon section as a scenic introduction. It gives the guide room to explain the area and lets you get used to the Segway before the route turns toward architecture and local landmarks. Bring sunscreen, even if the weather feels mild at the start. You are exposed to the outdoors for the full 1.5 hours.

Comfort matters more than style. Wear clothes that let you move freely and shoes that stay firmly on your feet. A camera or phone is worth bringing, but keep it secure while riding and use the planned stops for photos.

Starr Kempf’s sculptures add a surprising stop

The first named stop is the work of Starr Kempf. His sculptures are described as unique and striking, making this one of the most distinctive parts of the route.

This stop gives the tour more range than a simple resort drive. You get art, local character, and a good place for photographs before moving on to the grander buildings of the Broadmoor area. The sculptures are also a useful reminder that Colorado Springs sightseeing is not only about mountains and resorts.

The stop is brief enough to fit within a 1.5-hour route, so do not expect a full art museum visit or a long formal lecture. Instead, think of it as a memorable outdoor encounter. The guide provides context, and you get time to admire the pieces and take pictures.

For many people, this may be the most unexpected part of the tour. The resort is the obvious headline attraction, but the sculptures provide the kind of detail you might miss if you were only driving through the area.

Penrose House and the Broadmoor’s grand surroundings

From Starr Kempf’s sculptures, the tour continues to Penrose House and the streets around the Broadmoor Resort. You pass historic mansions, schools, and clubs connected with the area’s upscale character.

The route offers exterior views. You should not expect entry into private homes, clubs, or resort facilities unless the guide specifically says otherwise. That distinction matters because the tour is about seeing the district and hearing its stories, not taking an indoor tour of the Broadmoor.

The Broadmoor Resort itself is the major visual stop. It is one of Colorado Springs’ best-known landmarks, and the guide makes sure you have a chance to see it and take a picture. If you are collecting classic Colorado Springs images, this is the point to have your camera ready.

I like the combination of public streets and guided commentary here. A resort can be easy to photograph but hard to understand. The guide connects the buildings and streets with the area’s past, giving the ride more meaning than a quick drive-by.

The possible limitation is that the tour cannot control traffic, road conditions, or how long you can pause at each location. The experience works best if you value a broad look at the district rather than a detailed architectural inspection of one building.

Pine Grove’s mix of homes

The final part of the route glides down Pine Grove, where you see an eclectic range of houses. This section shifts attention away from the resort and back toward the surrounding neighborhood.

That variety helps keep the itinerary from feeling like a single-theme tour. You see more than one polished hotel complex. The route also gives you a sense of how the grand Broadmoor setting sits alongside ordinary residential streets and different styles of homes.

Again, the experience is primarily visual. You ride past the houses while listening to the guide, with photo opportunities along the way. The tour does not list interior visits or private property access, so respect the residential setting and follow the guide’s instructions for stopping.

By this point, you should be comfortable with the Segway. The earlier training and practice period have already done their job, and the final stretch is about enjoying the ride and taking in the surroundings. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How much value do you get for $89?

At $89, this is a mid-priced short tour rather than a low-cost way to fill an hour. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a guide, helmet, bottled water, audio equipment, earbuds, training, and a small group limited to six people.

The strongest value is the combination of transportation and interpretation. You are not just renting a Segway and following a map. You have a guide who leads the route, explains Colorado Springs, points out buildings, and manages the group’s pace.

The 1.5-hour duration also makes this easy to fit into a busy day. You can pair it with other Colorado Springs activities without giving up half a day. The short length has a tradeoff, though. You will see several areas, but the stops cannot be deeply detailed at this price and duration.

I would consider $89 reasonable if you want an active, guided overview and have never explored the Broadmoor area by Segway. It is less appealing if your main goal is a long canyon outing, a resort interior tour, or a low-cost walk through town.

Reserve now and pay later is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are helpful if your Colorado Springs schedule is still changing, but check the available starting times before planning the rest of your day.

The guide can make or break the ride

The guide is central to this experience. The route includes a lot of passing sights, so clear storytelling gives the ride its shape. You hear about Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor area, notable buildings, and the people or places connected to them.

The strongest praise has focused on the guide’s friendly manner and useful information. Steve, who is known as Happy, has been singled out for being very nice and informative. Another guide was described as fun to be with and well informed about the area.

That tells you what to expect from the tone. This is not presented as a stiff academic lecture. The commentary is meant to be entertaining while still giving you local background. If you enjoy asking questions, a six-person group gives you a better chance to do so.

The audio receiver adds another layer of convenience. You can listen in English while riding instead of trying to stay close enough to hear every sentence. The live guide remains important, since the audio equipment supports the tour rather than replacing the person leading it.

Who should book this Segway tour?

I would recommend it to an active first-time visitor who wants a compact introduction to southern Colorado Springs. It suits you if you like combining scenery, local stories, outdoor art, architecture, and a little movement.

It is also a good fit for people who want to see the Broadmoor Resort without committing to a long formal tour. You get the classic view, but you also see Cheyenne Cañon, Starr Kempf’s sculptures, Penrose House, Pine Grove, and the surrounding homes.

The experience may work well for couples, friends, and small family groups with participants who can safely ride a Segway. The six-person limit keeps the outing more personal than a large bus tour.

I would choose something else if you cannot stand comfortably for 1.5 hours, have one of the listed medical concerns, use a wheelchair, or need hotel transportation. I would also skip it if you want access inside the resort or historic homes. This is an exterior sightseeing ride with stories and photo stops.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure fit. Open-toed footwear is not allowed, and loose or uncomfortable clothing can make standing and steering less pleasant.

Bring sunscreen, water is provided, and a camera. The tour includes bottled water, but sunscreen and personal items are your responsibility. Keep your phone or camera ready for Starr Kempf’s sculptures and the Broadmoor Resort, but wait for a stop before taking photos.

Arrive with enough time to find 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Road and the marked parking area near Starsmore Nature Center. The directions involve Cheyenne Boulevard, Evans Avenue, and the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds, so do not leave navigation until the last minute.

Check the starting time when you book. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, but the available departure times can vary. Since you return to the same meeting point, it is easy to plan a meal or another activity afterward once you know the exact schedule.

Should you book the Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, active overview of Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area, especially if the idea of seeing mansions and a famous resort from a Segway sounds more fun than sitting in a vehicle. The small group, included training, and well-regarded guides add real value to the $89 price.

Skip it if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, cannot ride comfortably, or want long nature walks and indoor access. For the right person, this is a compact and entertaining way to connect Colorado Springs scenery with its art, homes, and resort history.

FAQ

How long is the Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $89 per person.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at 2130 S Cheyenne Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906. The meeting area is near the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds and across from Starsmore Nature Center.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What does the tour price include?

The price includes a guide, helmet, bottled water, an audio receiver, and new earbuds.

What should I bring?

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

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users. The tour is conducted in English and is limited to six participants.