AdAmAn Alley, Colorado Springs, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

AdAmAn Alley is a short pedestrian passage in downtown Colorado Springs, named after the AdAmAn Club, the group that has climbed Pikes Peak every New Year's Eve since 1922. It is a small stop with a big story, and from its mouth you can look west to the mountain itself.

The story behind it

The AdAmAn Club began in 1922 and takes its name from its habit of adding one new climber each year. Its members climb Pikes Peak at the very end of the year, spend the night on the way up, and at midnight on New Year's Eve set off fireworks from the summit. Seen from town, a small burst of light appears high over the dark mountain.

The club marked its 100th anniversary in 2022, and the alley was rebuilt that year as a tribute. It reopened in late November 2022 with murals that tell the climbers' story. Pikes Peak is a serious mountain, and its weather can turn fast, which is part of why the tradition earns such respect in the city.

What to look for

• Stand at the mouth of the alley and look west, where you get a direct view of Pikes Peak.
• The murals tell the story of the club, with climbers roped together on the mountain.
• Look for the burst of light painted over the peak, a nod to the midnight fireworks.
• Notice the rock cairns in the artwork, which mark the route up the Barr Trail.

Tips for your visit

• Allow about ten to fifteen minutes. It is a short passage, so it works best as one stop on a longer downtown walk.
• The alley runs through the block between Tejon Street and Nevada Avenue, so it is easy to fit in while you explore the surrounding streets.
• Go on a clear day if you want the mountain view, since cloud can hide the peak completely.
• It is an open outdoor passage rather than a building, so there is nothing to enter. If you plan to visit around New Year's Eve, check local listings for current plans.

See it on a quest

Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows in Downtown, Colorado Springs is a good way to see this alley. You reach it on foot as one stop of a longer route through downtown, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle in front of what you see. One ticket covers the whole group.

Colorado Springs Detective Mystery: Infiltrate a Secret Society. suits anyone who likes a detective theme with their sightseeing. You walk between real downtown places at your own pace, hear the story of each one, and work out a puzzle on the spot. One ticket covers the whole group.

Ghost Hunt in Colorado Springs turns a stroll through the center into a self-guided walk with a spooky theme. There is no guide and no group to join: you start when you like, learn about each stop as you get there, and solve a puzzle along the way. One ticket covers the whole group.