I have always been a mountain girl at heart. I grew up in the Colorado Springs area and the mountains were a steady companion. It was always a treat to drive up to the Woodland Park area to enjoy cooler temperatures, exploring the downtown area, and then going on adventures in the wide-open spaces of the mountains. I moved to Nebraska for college and realized then, that I always needed to be near the mountains. I then moved to Seattle and now am back in the Colorado Springs area to raise my family. We find ourselves in Woodland Park often, to go hiking, fishing, to cut down a Christmas tree, or to visit the Dinosaur Resource Center. It is a special town that has grown much in recent years. Here are 50 great photos of Woodland Park and the surrounding area.
1. Drive up Ute Pass
Ute Pass is a famous way if you’re going to Woodland Park. The pass also boasts a beautiful environment, especially during winter when the trees are covered in white snow.
The drive to Woodland Park from Colorado Springs is always beautiful. In the summer it is green and in the winter, often white with snow. If you are making the drive, bring some gum. The change in elevation always makes my ears plugged.
2. Green Mountain Falls
The Green Mountain Falls town along the Ute Pass is a small town offering a great view before tourists can get to their destination, which is the Woodland Park.
Green Mountain Falls is a nice little town along Ute Pass, just a few miles before hitting Woodland Park. I like to bring my kids to Green Mountain Falls Park. There is a fun playground and a lovely little lake. My brother even got married under the gazebo at this park. There are also several nice hiking trails accessible from Green Mountain Falls. Catamount Falls is one of our favorite hikes here.
3. Starbucks
A Starbucks was founded near the Woodland Park as well, serving coffee not only to coffee lovers but to those people feeling the coldness of the area too.
If you are a Starbucks fan, there is one right when entering the town. The town of Woodland Park has really done its best to make sure that the architecture of new buildings matches the mountain vibe of the town.
4. Walmart
There’s a Walmart near Woodland Park and it is huge as usual. It has a large parking space as well.
Walmart in this area is another example of businesses using an architecture that fits in with the mountains. I do not think that there are very many Walmart stores out there that look this nice with a mountain backdrop.
5. Hill near Walmart
A focused look at this hill near Walmart. There are lots of mature trees standing on it.
The hill next to the Walmart parking lot is even lovely. I appreciate the fact that everywhere you turn in Woodland Park, it still feels like you are in the mountains.
6. Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most gorgeous views that can be found in the town of Woodland Park. It is a stunning sight to behold, especially during winter when it is covered in white snow.
There are views of the backside of Pikes Peak all over the town of Woodland Park. This mountain always looks especially beautiful when covered in snow. There are opportunities to hike the backside of Pikes Peak from the Woodland Park area.
7. Safeway Shopping Center
Along with Walmart, Safeway Shopping Center is also present in the town, providing a different shopping option for the people.
This whole area of Woodland Park did not exist when I was a kid, the town has added many more shopping opportunities in recent years. As with Walmart, I do not think that there are many Safeway stores in the country that can claim they have this gorgeous of a backdrop.
8. Natural Grocers
The town also has a Natural Grocers, offering groceries, especially organic products to the residents of the area.
It is an obvious sign of growth when a town can support a Natural Grocers. This store opened in January 2019 and offers organic grocery options to residents.
9. View of Highway
A focused look at Highway 24 going to Colorado Springs. The mountain view and the vast sky look absolutely amazing while driving on this highway.
Looking back at Highway 24 toward Colorado Springs. I was lucky I came up on a cloudy day to take some pictures. The blue skies and sunshine, which are usually the case up here, unless there is a snowstorm, would have made it more difficult to take pictures.
10. Ute Pass Cultural Center
The Ute Pass offers good stopovers en route to Woodland Park. One of which is the Cultural Center.
I parked my car on the southern end of Main Street and went for a walk, snapping photos as I went. The Ute Pass Cultural Center is a true hub of the community. There is a Visitor’s Center, the Chamber of Commerce, a historical park, the Woodland Park Public Library, and a large open grassy space with an amphitheater here. Many events take place here during the summer months.
11. Lawn
This wide lawn area is a popular spot for people planning for a picnic. This spot also provides a good spot for photography because of the stunning surroundings around the area.
Imagine this grass being lush and green with people sitting on blankets and lawn chairs while a band plays in the amphitheater. Look at that gorgeous mountain backdrop and think about sipping a cool beverage in the crisp summer evening air with friends and family. There are many concerts, festivals, and other events that take place here throughout the year.
12. Building by Lawn
The Building by Lawn features a very artistic mural painted on the building. It is one of several artistic murals in Downtown.
This super cool mural is painted on the building next to the lawn in front of the amphitheater. The area near Woodland Park has a definite Western vibe. There are many gold mines up in the hills and many ranches still in operation.
13. Ute Pass History Park
The Ute Pass History Park is a complex of historic buildings with a museum about the history of the place, as well as a gift shop.
There are five historic buildings at Ute Pass History Park. Explore the buildings and stop into the gift shop and museum to learn more about the history of this region. Learn about the early Ute people, the timber and mining industries, gambling, the agricultural industry, and the role of the Colorado Midland Railway.
14. Log Furniture
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the town is the giant wooden rocking chair set outside of the William’s Log Cabin Furniture Co.
Who couldn’t stop to take a picture of a giant rocking chair? I know I could not pass it by at William’s Log Cabin Furniture Co. located on the southern end of downtown.
15. Elvis at Ammo Store
This Elvis Presley Statue sitting on a chair and playing guitar is a popular landmark in the town. It is set just outside the Guns and Ammo store.
This Elvis statue always catches my eye when walking downtown. It is sitting outside the Guns and Ammo store.
16. Downtown
You can find several shops, boutiques, restaurants, and other places in downtown Woodland Park.
There are lots of cute shops, boutiques, and restaurants in downtown Woodland Park, and lots of fun Western character.
17. Downtown
Here’s a look at the oldest bar and restaurant in the downtown Woodland Park, The Historic Ute Inn.
The Historic Ute Inn was built in 1938. It is the oldest restaurant and bar in Woodland Park. There is tasty food available, cold beer, wine, mixed drinks, and often live music. Mingle with some locals in the bar or in the separate restaurant to learn more about the area.
18. Gold Hill Shopping Center
The Gold Hill Square has a small movie theater and a shopping center, along with some restaurants and stores. It is set in a great location.
Gold Hill Square is in a prime location downtown. There is a small movie theater in this shopping center as well as several restaurants and stores.
19. 9.11 Memorial
These are what they call the “Avenue of Flags”, representing each state. Set in the middle of Lions Park is the 9/11 Memorial.
Lions Park is situated just down from Gold Hill Square. Within this park is a 9/11 Remembrance Memorial and what is known as “The Avenue of Flags.” Each state is represented.
20. 9.11 Memorial
There’s a 9/11 Memorial in the town as well, set in the middle of the park. Here’s the look of it.
In the middle of the park, between two rows of state flags, are two rectangular pieces of Pikes Peak granite. These represent the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. It is a really nice tribute.
21. Downtown
The Woodland Park signage is a very popular landmark as well. It is set near Lions Park.
This sign sits near Lions Park and always has information about upcoming events and activities taking place in Woodland Park. The Woodland Music Series is always popular with both locals and visitors.
22. City Market
The City Market is the best place for a stopover. You can pick up many things that you’ll need in your travel here.
When I was a kid, City Market was the only grocery store in town. Today, there are several others, but we often stop here when we need to pick something up when we are passing through.
23. Looking downtown
The downtown offers lots of eclectic buildings and artistic murals.
Looking back downtown, notice the eclectic buildings and the mural. There are murals in several locations downtown.
24. Rail Depot
This historic landmark, the Colorado Midland Railway Station is set in the middle of the downtown.
In the middle of downtown, there is a nice little park that houses a historic landmark, the Colorado Midland Railway Station. There are also some picnic tables, a railway car, and a sculpture.
25. Downtown Rail Car
A focused look at the Downtown Rail Car that was serving the people and visitors of the Woodland Park for years, taking them to the top of the Pikes Peak by rail.
There are plans in the works to enhance this site in downtown Woodland Park, but for now, it is still neat to stop and see the Manitou Springs Cog Railway Car. This railway was active in the Pikes Peak region for many years, taking visitors up Pikes Peak by rail. The railway is now owned by the Broadmoor and they are remodeling it. Hopefully, it will be in operation again soon, as that has always been a popular activity in the region.
26. Rail depot
This beautifully sculpted horse-drawn carriage reminds people of the life of the early settlers in the area.
This horse-drawn carriage sculpture is also situated at the little park next to the Cog Railway Car. It is a beautiful reminder of the life of early settlers in front of a gorgeous mountain backdrop.
27. Looking back up to downtown
Another look at the Downtown coming from the Dinosaur Resource Center.
Another view looking up of the downtown area as I walked back toward the Dinosaur Resource Center.
28. Dinosaur Resource Center
The famous Dinosaur Resource Center has two giant dinosaur statues, one of which is this statue with a horrifying look. The kids love the dinosaurs though.
There are two giant dinosaur statues outside the Dinosaur Resource Center. My kids love seeing these even when we are just driving by. They are fun for photo opportunities.
29. Dinosaur Resource Center
Here’s the other dinosaur of the Dinosaur Resource Center where kids can enjoy walking around.
Here is the other dinosaur. The Dinosaur Resource Center is really great. My kids love going there. You can see large displays of dinosaur bones, watch films, see replicas, and kids can participate in a variety of hands-on activities. Just up the road a bit, you can also visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. There are pockets of fossil deposits there as well as petrified redwood stumps.
30. Fly Shop
The Peak Fly Shop can be spotted looking south of Colorado Springs. A great place for fishing enthusiasts.
Looking south out of town toward Colorado Springs, you can see the Peak Fly Shop. This is a great place to stop for suggestions for fishing in the area. The staff is friendly and they can suggest the best places to go to.
31. Cheesman Brown Trout
One of the fish that can be caught from the river is this gorgeous Cheesman Brown Trout. Here’s a focused look at the fish.
This gorgeous fish is a brown trout caught by my husband in Cheesman Canyon, which is located southwest of Deckers off of Highway 67.
32. Deckers
Deckers area is a good fishing spot and is open to fishermen. It’s perfect to fish here during the summer.
My husband enjoys fishing in the Deckers area. There are many miles of the river open to fishermen. During the summer, it is warm enough to wade in a way in shorts. Be prepared for the water to be chilly, but it feels nice under the intense summer sun.
33. Deckers
Deckers offers beautiful surroundings. It has a beautiful mini forest and a river where people can catch fish.
Deckers is located about 23 miles northwest of Woodland Park. It is a lovely drive out to Deckers through the Pike National Forest and there is some great fishing in the area. There are many campgrounds in between Woodland Park and Deckers.
34. Deckers
Here’s another look at the South Platte River located in the Deckers area. The river runs through Deckers and all the way into Denver.
Here is one more picture of the South Platte River running through Deckers. This river runs all the way into Denver, through eastern Colorado, and meets up with the North Platte River in Nebraska.
35. Red Mountain Adventure Park Playground
The Red Mountain Adventure Park Playground offers a wide course where people can skate, cycle, and even do some climbing. Lots of fun can be found in this playground.
Back in the city limits, this is the playground available at Red Mountain Adventure Park. There is a skate park here, a large BMX course, as well as a fun playground with lots of climbing opportunities.
36. HWY 67 toward WP
This look boasts the breathtaking surroundings of the town, shot taken from Highway 67.
Taken from Highway 67, this picture is looking back toward Woodland Park and Pikes Peak. The Pike National Forest stretches many miles on both sides of the highway.
37. Red Rocks Group Campground
The Red Rocks Group Campground offers a nice place for campers where they can have a picnic and other outdoor activities.
Red Rocks Group Campground is located about four miles north of Woodland Park along Highway 67. Campers can access the Manitou Lake Picnic Area from the campground via the Centennial Bike Trail. There are also many hiking opportunities in the nearby Rainbow Falls OHV Trail System and North Divide OHV Trail System.
38. Pike National Forest
This signage is like the entry of the Pike National Forest and the Centennial Trail. Both areas are great for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.
You can see both a sign for Pike National Forest and the Centennial Trail in this picture. The Centennial Trail spans 14.7 miles and is best used May through October. Pike National Forest encompasses 1,106,604 acres across six counties in Colorado.
The area within Teller County can be used for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, ATV riding and snowmobiling, and much more. You can even cut down a Christmas tree with a permit in certain areas of Pike National Forest.
39. Near Painted Rocks Campground
A look at one of the town’s popular attractions, the sandstone rocks located near the Painted Rocks Campground.
These interesting rock formations are located near Painted Rocks Campground. These outcroppings are made out of sandstone. This area is also close to the Centennial Bike Trail and Manitou Lake.
40. Near Painted Rocks Campground
This sandstone rocks truly takes a person’s attention with their natural beauty.
Another view of the sandstone rock outcroppings.
41. From HWY 67 looking toward Manitou Lake
A look from Highway 67 towards Manitou Lake. The lake is usually frozen during the peak of winter.
Taken from the side of Highway 67, you can see a glimpse of Manitou Lake, which is frozen in this picture.
42. From Hwy 67 looking toward Pikes Peak
A look from Highway 67 looking towards the Pikes Peak. The view is just astonishing.
This is taken from the same spot on Highway 67, but looking in the opposite direction toward Pikes Peak. The open meadows mixed with the forest and mountain views are especially beautiful in this area.
43. Campground
The South Meadows Campground is a gorgeous place for a long walk. It is also a nice spot for campers.
This is South Meadows Campground. It is closed for the winter, but imagine a bright blue sky with plenty of campers. This campground is in a nice spot, just a few miles outside of Woodland Park with easy access to the Centennial Trail and Manitou Lake.
44. Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park is a gorgeous place for hiking or camping. This spot above is a perfect place to watch the sky while being surrounded by nature.
Mueller State Park is gorgeous. Come for a day hike or go camping. It is especially lovely when the leaves are turning in the fall. You need a state park pass to gain entrance or you can pay a day-use fee. We also discovered that you can check out a backpack from the public library that has a special pass for the state parks. There are also maps and information about the state parks in Colorado, a set of binoculars, and more.
45. Crags
The Crags Trail, also known as Devil’s Playground Trail is a beautiful outdoor place, perfect for a long walk.
We hiked the Crags Trail/Devil’s Playground Trail in October with my brother-in-law, his girlfriend, and their dog. The trees were lovely at this time of the year and the trail was suitable for our kids. We turned around partway, but you can go much farther and even reach the top of Pikes Peak from the Crags Trail. Start out on the Crags Trail and then branch off if you would like to do the Devil’s Playground portion.
46. Crags
This place is one of the gorgeous trails that the town can offer. The view here is absolutely breathtaking.
This is my brother-in-law and his girlfriend’s dog. He joined us on our hike. There are some really cool rock formations along the Crags Trail/Devil’s Playground Trail.
47. Eleven Mile Canyon
The Eleven Mile Canyon is a beautiful place and is very popular among fishermen.
Eleven Mile Canyon is really beautiful and a very popular place for fly fishermen. This picture was taken in the spring. The road follows the South Platte River and there are many places to pull off to fish or just wade in the water and have a picnic. The rocks in the canyon are also popular places for rock climbers.
48. Eleven Mile Canyon
Here’s the famous Eleven Mile Canyon. It has a lovely appearance and is known for its growing large fishes.
Eleven Mile Canyon in the winter. There are some huge boulders in the canyon and it is lovely any time of the year. There are three campgrounds in the canyon. Nearby is Eleven Mile State Park, which holds Eleven Mile Reservoir. There is camping available in Eleven Mile State Park and plenty of recreational activities on the water.
49. Eleven Mile Canyon Cutbow
A catch from Eleven Mile Canyon, here’s a closer look at a rainbow trout mixed with a cutthroat trout.
Caught by my husband in Eleven Mile Canyon, this cutbow is a rainbow trout mixed with a cutthroat trout. Fishing a streamer fly is a good way to catch larger than average trout when fishing the South Platte River.
50. Eleven Mile Canyon Rainbow Trout
A close up look at this rainbow trout, caught at Eleven Mile Canyon, where the river is known for growing large fish.
This brute was caught on a cold morning in May by my husband at the top of Eleven Mile Canyon. This spot on the river is known for growing large fish, like this rainbow trout.
Marie grew up in the Colorado Springs area, moved away as a young adult, and recently moved back to raise her family. She and her family head up to the Woodland Park area frequently to go hiking, fishing, boating, or to cut down a Christmas tree. It is always cooler at the higher elevation, making it a welcome escape during the summer months.