Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour

Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor make an unusually good pair for a Segway tour. You get open scenery, historic homes, public art, and a close look at the famous Broadmoor Resort without spending the whole outing on foot. The short training session helps you get comfortable on the Segway, while the guide adds local stories along the way.

I like the small group of six or fewer, which should make it easier to hear the commentary and ask questions. I also like the mix of stops: Starr Kempf’s striking metal sculptures, Penrose House, old mansions, and the varied homes along Pine Grove. The main consideration is physical: Segways require balance and standing, so this is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Key points at a glance

• Starr Kempf’s sculptures: Begin with unusual outdoor art that makes a memorable first photo stop.
• Broadmoor by Segway: Pass the famous resort, nearby mansions, schools, and clubs without committing to a long walking tour.
• Small English-speaking group: The tour is limited to six people and includes a live guide plus an audio receiver.
• 90 minutes on the road: The compact schedule fits neatly into a day of sightseeing in Colorado Springs.
• South Cheyenne Cañon setting: Meet near the Starsmore Nature Center and ride through one of the area’s most scenic districts.
• Steve, also called Happy: This guide is praised for being friendly, informative, and fun to spend time with.

Why this tour works in Colorado Springs

A Segway gives you a different view of Colorado Springs than a standard car tour. You move slowly enough to notice details, yet cover more ground than you would on foot. That matters here because the route links several distinct parts of the city: the wooded Cheyenne Cañon area, the Broadmoor district, historic residences, public art, and Pine Grove.

The tour costs $89 per person for 1.5 hours. That is not the cheapest sightseeing activity in town, but the price includes the guide, helmet, bottled water, audio equipment, and new earbuds. You are paying for equipment, instruction, and a small group rather than a simple ride through the area.

I see the best value for someone who wants an introduction to the Broadmoor district but does not want a long architectural walk. It is also a useful choice if you have only part of a day in Colorado Springs. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to the starting point.

The short format is a strength and a limit. You get a focused outing rather than an all-day trip, but you should not expect a detailed visit inside every landmark. The emphasis is on riding, looking, and listening as the guide connects the sights.

Meeting at South Cheyenne Cañon

The meeting point is at 2130 South Cheyenne Cañon Road, near the South Cheyenne Cañon Picnic Grounds and Starsmore Nature Center. You turn left at the corner of Cheyenne Boulevard and Evans Avenue, then look for the tour signs and parking on the right.

This is a practical starting point because the route begins close to the natural scenery of Cheyenne Cañon. You are not first spending time in a hotel lobby or waiting for a shuttle. The tour ends at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics simple.

Plan to arrive ready to ride. Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are required, and open-toed shoes are not allowed. Sunscreen is sensible, and you will want a camera for the art, buildings, and views. Bottled water is included, but bringing a little extra water may still be useful on a warm day.

The activity is offered in English. You receive both a live guide and an English audio receiver with new earbuds. That combination should help you catch the guide’s comments while the group is moving, though you still need to stay aware of the road and your surroundings.

Learning the Segway before setting out

The guide does not simply hand you a Segway and send you down the road. You first receive a briefing and thorough training, followed by a short practice run. Only after you are ready does the group begin the main route.

That training is important even if you have used a Segway before. The machine responds to your body position, so the first few minutes are about learning how to start, stop, turn, and maintain control. New riders may feel a small rush of nerves at first. The practice period gives you a chance to settle in before the more interesting sights begin.

Steve, also known as Happy, is one guide associated with this experience. The strongest praise directed at him focuses on his friendly manner and informative commentary. That is useful here because the tour depends on the guide to turn a ride past buildings and streets into a story about Colorado Springs.

The group size is limited to six participants. I prefer that setup to a large convoy. A small group can stay closer together, and the guide has a better chance to notice if someone needs a little more time with the controls.

Starr Kempf’s sculptures make a strong first stop

The first named stop is the work of Starr Kempf, an artist known for large, unusual metal sculptures. The pieces provide an immediate change of pace from the natural surroundings and give you something distinctive to photograph.

This is more than a quick decoration stop. Public art can tell you something about the character of a neighborhood, especially when the work is unusual enough to become part of the local identity. Here, the sculptures offer a clear visual anchor early in the tour.

You can admire the forms, take photos, and listen as the guide explains what makes the pieces notable. The tour information does not specify how long you remain at the sculptures, so expect a photo and commentary stop rather than a formal gallery visit.

For photographers, this may be one of the most satisfying parts of the route. The sculptures are described as especially striking, and they add variety to the usual mix of resort buildings and historic homes. If your camera roll tends to fill with scenery, this gives you something more original.

Penrose House and the Broadmoor district

After Starr Kempf’s sculptures, the route continues toward Penrose House. The house adds another layer to the tour’s look at the area’s past and connects naturally with the historic residences near Broadmoor.

The experience is not designed as an interior house tour. You pass the property and hear about the area from the guide while remaining on the Segway. That makes the stop easy to fit into a 90-minute route, though anyone hoping to tour rooms or spend a long time at each building should adjust expectations.

From there, you pass historic mansions, schools, and clubs near the Broadmoor Resort. This part of the outing is valuable because it shows the wider district rather than treating the resort as an isolated hotel. The resort is famous, but the surrounding streets help explain the setting and the kind of development that grew around it.

You will see the Broadmoor Resort from the outside and have time for a photo. The resort is one of the tour’s headline sights, but the guide’s commentary is what gives the stop context. Bring your camera, but do not expect hotel pickup, an inside visit, or an extended resort tour.

Seeing the Broadmoor Resort from the road

The Broadmoor is an easy landmark to recognize and a natural photo stop. The Segway lets you approach it without the effort of a long walk, and you can take in the scale of the property while moving through the surrounding district.

I would treat this as a sightseeing pass rather than a resort experience. The tour does not promise access to guest areas, meals, spa facilities, or a hotel tour. You are there to see the landmark, hear about the area, and continue along the route.

That distinction matters when judging the $89 price. If your goal is simply to snap a picture of the Broadmoor, the tour may feel expensive. If you want the resort placed within a broader ride through Cheyenne Cañon, public art, mansions, and Pine Grove, the cost makes more sense.

The resort also works well as a midpoint in the story of the tour. You begin with nature and sculpture, move through Penrose House and historic residences, then reach the most recognizable property in the district. The route keeps changing, so the ride does not depend on one sight alone.

Pine Grove adds a more lived-in view

The final part of the route takes you down Pine Grove, where you see an eclectic variety of houses. This is a useful contrast to the polished image of the Broadmoor. Instead of one grand resort and a group of formal landmarks, Pine Grove shows a more mixed residential side of the area.

That variety is part of what makes a guided neighborhood ride worthwhile. You are not only checking off famous buildings. You are also seeing how the district shifts from grand properties to individual homes with different styles and personalities.

The tour description does not give the names or architectural details of particular houses, so I would not book this expecting a formal architecture lecture. Think of Pine Grove as a relaxed final stretch, with the guide pointing out details you might otherwise pass without noticing.

It is also a good place to enjoy the basic pleasure of the Segway. After the training and stops, you should have more confidence with the controls. You can focus less on every movement and more on the road, houses, and views around you.

The natural side of Cheyenne Cañon

Cheyenne Cañon supplies the tour’s outdoor setting. The route includes the area around South Cheyenne Cañon Park, so the outing is not limited to city streets and resort architecture.

The appeal is the change in scenery. You move through an area known for natural beauty, then continue toward art, houses, and the Broadmoor. That combination makes this more interesting than a ride focused only on hotels or only on parks.

The supplied details do not specify trail conditions, elevation changes, or the exact amount of time spent inside the park. You should therefore think of this as a guided ride around the Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor areas, not a hiking trip or a rugged off-road excursion.

Comfort matters. Wear clothing that lets you move freely, use sunscreen, and choose sturdy closed-toe shoes. Because the activity involves standing and balance for about 90 minutes, anyone with physical concerns should consider the restrictions carefully before booking.

What the equipment and group size mean

Your package includes a helmet, bottled water, an audio receiver, and new earbuds. Those items cover the basic needs for a short guided ride. You do not need to arrange a helmet or bring your own listening equipment.

The audio receiver is especially useful when the guide is explaining a building or telling a story while the group is moving. You still hear the guide in person, but the receiver helps keep the commentary connected to the route.

A limit of six people is one of the strongest practical features. Large groups often create a gap between the front and back riders. A small group should feel more manageable, especially during the early practice period and at photo stops.

The tour is led in English, and the guide provides the local explanation rather than leaving you to follow a map. You get a more personal experience than a self-guided ride, but the tradeoff is that the pace and stops follow the group’s schedule.

Who will enjoy this 90-minute ride

I would recommend this activity to first-time visitors who want a quick look at several sides of Colorado Springs. It suits people who enjoy local stories, public art, historic buildings, and a little physical activity in the same outing.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and small groups who want something less ordinary than a standard bus tour. The Segway adds a bit of fun without requiring an entire day of training or travel.

The tour is less suitable if you want a slow, detailed visit at each building. It is also a poor match for anyone uncomfortable with balancing on a moving machine or standing for 1.5 hours. Pregnant women and people with back or heart problems should not book it, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You should also consider the weather and your comfort outdoors. The ride takes place outside, and sunscreen and comfortable clothing are specifically recommended. The tour provider allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, which gives you some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the $89 price fair?

At $89, this is a mid-priced short tour. The cost includes instruction, a live guide, helmet, water, audio equipment, and a small group. You are also paying for the convenience of moving between several areas without arranging your own route.

The price is easiest to justify if you value the Segway itself. You cover more ground than on foot, get a guide’s stories, and see a mix of sights that would take more planning to connect independently.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see the Broadmoor from outside. In that case, you could visit the area without booking a guided ride. The tour earns its price through the full combination of Cheyenne Cañon, Starr Kempf’s sculptures, Penrose House, historic mansions, Broadmoor, and Pine Grove.

The six-person limit also matters. A private tour would cost more, while a large group might cost less but feel less personal. This experience sits between those options and offers a practical middle ground.

Should you book the Broadmoor Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a lively introduction to Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor district, enjoy learning from a guide, and are comfortable standing on a Segway. The route has enough variety to keep the 90 minutes moving, and Steve, known as Happy, brings the friendly, informative style that this kind of outing needs.

Skip it if you want an indoor resort visit, a long nature walk, or a detailed tour of individual houses. Also skip it if balance, back, heart, or mobility issues make Segway riding unsuitable.

For the right person, this is a compact and distinctive way to see Colorado Springs. You get public art, local history, natural scenery, and the Broadmoor in one small-group outing, with enough time left in the day for other plans.

FAQ

How long is the Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $89 per person.

Where does the tour begin?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting 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 language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and audio guide are in English.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to six participants.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Bring 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 problems, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.