Larkspur, Colorado

Larkspur is a tiny town situated between Denver and Colorado Springs on Highway I-25. It’s most known for its annual event, the Colorado Renaissance Festival, which runs every weekend during the heart of the summer.

The town resides at an elevation of 6,726 feet in Douglas County. There are many open spaces in the area and Pike National Forest is nearby as well, providing great outdoor recreation opportunities. As of 2020, the town had 218 residents.

A post office was founded in Larkspur in 1871. The town was named for the plethora of larkspur, a flower found by the original townsite. Larkspur was officially incorporated in 1979.

Main Attractions

Colorado Renaissance Festival Captain Jack Sparrow Pirate — Captain Jack Sparrow at Colorado Renaissance Festival. Photo by: Jonathan Reyes

Colorado Renaissance Festival – Calling all minstrels and maidens to this annual 16th-century themed festival held in the woods of Larkspur. From mid-June to early August, come out for live entertainment, authentic renaissance era food, and plenty of merriness to be had.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – This massive 100-acre camping and RV park can be seen off of I-25. There are plenty of different accommodations ranging from tent sites, RV sites, yurts, and cabins. Your stay will also include access to a water park, restaurant, arcade, and a yoga lawn.

Recreation

Three small cabins under the stars — Mini cabins for rent at Jellystone Park in Larkspur, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/jellystoneparklarkspur

Camping – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has the most plentiful camping options in town. Read about the camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur, and Monument.

Fishing –

Palmer Lake is only 13 minutes south of Larkspur and is very kid-friendly with great opportunities to catch sunfish, bluegill, and trout.
The Department of Wildlife stocks Monument Lake with catfish, pike, and perch often.

Hiking –

Pike National Forest is nearby and has many great trails to explore. Two popular ones close to Larkspur are Devil’s Head Lookout and Dawson Butte Open Space Trail.
Spruce Mountain Open Space is also an option for hiking. The trail system is all connected, so check out Eagle Pass, Oak Shortcut, and Spruce Mountain trails to create your own adventure.

Accommodations

Larkspur CO Old Beaver Pond — Old Beaver Pond, Larkspur, CO. Photo by: wld_777

Booking.com

While there are no accommodations in small-town Larkspur, check out these options in Castle Rock and Monument.

Dining

Tan building with Pizzeria sign — Larkspur Pizzeria and Cafe, a local favorite for a good meal. Photo by: facebook.com/larkspurpizzeria

Spur of the Moment – Large portions of staple American food such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and more. They also have a great bar to check out.

Charrito’s House Mexican Restaurant – Classic Mexican eatery with a robust menu of authentic dishes.

Larkspur Pizzeria and Cafe – Locally owned pizza spot with a small-town vibe, friendly service, and great pizzas for delivery or dine-in.

Special Events

Colorado Renaissance Festival Soft Pretzels for Sale — Pretzels at Colorado Renaissance Festival. Photo by: Jonathan Reyes

May – Greenland Trail Races – Held at the local Greenland Open Space, these trail races range from 4 miles to an ultramarathon 50k.

Jun-Aug – Colorado Renaissance Festival – Let your imagination run wild at this weekend event held from mid-June to early August.

Jul – Greenland Open Space Pack Burro Races – Grab your burro partner and race a 3 mile, 8 mile, or 25k course at Greenland Open Space. Each “pack” consists of one donkey and one runner.

Jul-Aug – Music in the Park – Head to Larkspur Community Park to spend warm summer nights listening to live music. Some nights are sponsored by local businesses and include fun activities like a BBQ or bicycle giveaways.

Dec – Tree Lighting – Santa himself makes an appearance to light the town’s Christmas tree each year.