Woodland Park, Colorado

Due to population growth in Colorado, Woodland Park is now more of a suburb of Colorado Springs than the independent tourist town it once was. Pikes Peak hovers in the distance, visible from nearly anywhere in town. It’s located just west of the Springs on Highway 24.

The town resides at 8,465 feet in Teller County, and its motto is “The city above the clouds.” The population was estimated to be around 8,300 people in 2020. It was incorporated in 1887 as Manitou Park, but eventually changed its name because of all the tall trees in the area.

Main Attractions

Woodland Park CO Memorial Park Pikes Peak VIew — Pikes Peak hovers over Woodland Park’s Memorial Park.

Pikes Peak – This mammoth peak can be seen from town and offers sightseeing and recreation. Head to the top via Pikes Peak Highway or by train via the Cog Railway, departing from Manitou Springs. Some people even hike this massive 14,110 foot peak.

Rampart Reservoir – Managed by the Pike National Forest, the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area provides year round adventure only ten miles east of town. Fishing is excellent, with ice fishing common during the winter. You can also hike and camp by the lake.

Recreation

Sunrise over Pikes Peak — Sunrise view of Pikes Peak from Mueller State Park near Woodland Park, CO. Photo by: Michael Levine-Clark

Camping –

Nearby Mueller State Park in Divide offers over a hundred campsites in an alpine forest.
There are several campgrounds around Woodland Park. Head north on Highway 67 toward Deckers and you’ll pass a few, not too far from Woodland Park.
Read about camping near Woodland Park and around Rampart Reservoir.

Fishing – For water sports, head west on Highway 24 to Eleven Mile or Spinney Mountain lakes.

Hiking – There is hiking of all levels to be found by Pikes Peak. Mueller State Park also features 55 miles of trails for all skill levels. Another stunning place to hike is the Florissant Fossil Beds.

Accommodations

Pikes Peak Paradise Woodland Park — Stay at Pikes Peak Paradise in Woodland Park.

Booking.com

Bristlecone Lodge – With many communal spaces, a spacious porch, and individual suites or cabins, this is the perfect place to meet people during your stay in Woodland Park.

Pikes Peak Paradise B&B – Only a short drive from the Colorado Springs airport, this accommodation is a great cozy spot to rest. The rooms are luxuriously furnished, and the kitchen is open for complimentary snacks and coffee after a daily breakfast service.

Eagle Fire Lodge & Cabins – This boutique, apartment style accommodation is only minutes from all of the area’s attractions. There is a variety of room types, so you can find the perfect fit for your group.

Read about the best hotels in Woodland Park or the cabins to rent near Colorado Springs and Woodland Park.

Dining

Downtown Woodland Park CO Donut Mill — The Donut Mill in downtown Woodland Park.

Swiss Chalet Restaurant -Established in 1962, this spot serves fine steak and seafood in an Alps-like setting.

The Donut Mill – For a morning donut and coffee head to this local eatery on the main drag of downtown.

The Historic Ute Inn – A locals’ saloon with a full lunch and dinner menu.

BierWerks Brewery – For tasty micro brew and plenty of outdoor seating head to this modern brewery.

Crystola Roadhouse – A biker bar on Highway 24, with burgers, beer and live music.

Read about best restaurants in Woodland Park.

Special Events

Farmers market vendors — Farmer’s Market vendors in Woodland Park, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/wpfarmersmarket

Jun-Sep – Farmer’s Market – Join over 100 vendors in Memorial Park to shop local produce, baked goods, coffee, and more.

Jul – Symphony Above the Clouds – Held annually the day after the Fourth of July, this free event features a live symphony, fireworks, and cannon blasts from Fort Carson.

Aug – Mountain Arts Festival – Weekend of arts and crafts in downtown Woodland Park. This fun fest is held in mid August, and features a slew of artists from the state and country.

Sep – Fall Festival – A celebration of fall at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. There is also a chili cook-off that you can enter for cash prizes.

Highway 24 coming into town.