Looking for breathtaking mountain views, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm? Head to Woodland Park! Known as the “City Above the Clouds,” Woodland Park sits at 8,465 feet and offers stunning views of Pikes Peak, vibrant arts, and quick access to trails, forests, and wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, dining, or relaxing with a view, this Rocky Mountain gem is a perfect Colorado escape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Woodland Park is during the summer and fall (June–October). Summer offers ideal hiking and festival weather, while fall brings golden aspens and crisp mountain air. Winter is great for snowshoeing and nearby skiing, and spring starts to bloom with fewer crowds.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Woodland Park is located on US-24, just 25 minutes west of Colorado Springs and about 1.5 hours from Denver.
  • By Air: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away. Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 2 hours away by car.
  • By Bus: While there is no major transit hub in Woodland Park, ride shares and car rentals are available from Colorado Springs.

Where to Stay

  • Eagle Fire Lodge & Cabins – Cozy cabins and lodge rooms with rustic charm and modern amenities near downtown.
  • Country Lodge – Comfortable rooms and mountain views, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
  • B&B at Historic Holden House (Colorado Springs) – Elegant Victorian bed-and-breakfast for a romantic stay just a short drive away.

Top Attractions

Go on a wolf walk with Colorado Wolf Adventures

Go on a wolf walk with Colorado Wolf Adventures

© Tristan/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Colorado Wolf Adventures?
    • Colorado Wolf Adventures was started by the former vice president of the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center. It is a wonderful place for people to learn all about wolves, one of the most misunderstood predators in the world.
  • What can visitors learn at Colorado Wolf Adventures?
    • The programs are designed for visitors of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens, and will teach you about these wild animals, how you can coexist with them, and why they’re important to the ecosystem.
  • What offsite activities does Colorado Wolf Adventures offer?
    • They have several offsite activities you can participate in like photoshoots with wolves and wolf walks, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The walk lasts about an hour into the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado, and you’ll leave with at least 200 photos of your adventure.
  • Where is Colorado Wolf Adventures located?
    • Address: Woodland Park, CO, Phone: 707-290-5282

Visit the fossil museum at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

Visit the fossil museum at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

© Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

  • What is the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center?
    • The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center was established in 2004 and has over 100,000 visitors of all ages each year. The fossil museum has several exhibits dedicated to prehistoric fish, marine reptiles, mammals, pterosaurs, and dinosaurs.
  • What are some of the notable exhibits at the museum?
    • Some of their most amazing artifacts include a Triceratops prorus skull and a specimen of Stellar’s sea cow, which was a large herbivorous marine animal that is now extinct.
  • What interactive experiences does the museum offer?
    • Join one of the museum’s many interactive tours and get hands-on while learning about the casting and molding of fossils at their fossil preparation lab.
  • Does the museum have a gift shop?
    • Other aspects also include a large gift shop where you can leave with a number of unique gifts and souvenirs.
  • Where is the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center located?
    • Address: 201 South Fairview Street, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Fish in Manitou Park Lake

Fish in Manitou Park Lake

© Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Manitou Park Lake?
    • A part of the Pike National Forest, Manitou Park Lake has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1800s. The reservoir is the centerpiece of the park and is a famed gathering spot for anglers of all skill levels as it’s constantly stocked with rainbow trout.
  • Why is Manitou Park Lake great for paddling?
    • Since the lake is nestled into a hollow, there’s very little wind, making it a calm and peaceful place to enjoy flat-water paddling.
  • What kind of wildlife can be spotted at Manitou Park Lake?
    • Bird watchers can enjoy paddling out with binoculars and seeing red-tail hawks, redwing blackbirds, and the occasional bald eagle.
  • What other activities are available near Manitou Park Lake?
    • Afterwards, head out on the surrounding Centennial Trail to enjoy their epic hiking and biking trail.

Take a tour with Great Outdoors Adventures

Take a tour with Great Outdoors Adventures

© Great Outdoors Adventures

  • What is Great Outdoors Adventures?
    • Great Outdoors Adventures is an ATV rental service that lets you explore Woodland Park and its surroundings in one of the most adventurous ways possible.
  • What types of vehicles can you rent?
    • You can rent a 2-seat or 4-seat heated UTV and take yourself on a ride-along tour or enjoy a guided ride through the many trails in Pike National Forest.
  • How do first-timers navigate the trails?
    • The ATVs come equipped with a GPS tablet loaded with the trail map to make it easy for first-timers to navigate.
  • Can you rent other types of vehicles?
    • It's also one of the best places to rent a fat tire e-bike, which is perfect for exploring the gorgeous outdoors of Woodland Park no matter if the grounds are covered in snow or mud.
  • Where is Great Outdoors Adventures located?
    • Address: 19251 E US24, Woodland Park, CO 80863, Phone: 719-686-6816

Play on the Shining Mountain Golf Course

Play on the Shining Mountain Golf Course

© Shining Mountain Golf Course

  • What is the Shining Mountain Golf Course?
    • Recognized as one of Woodland Park’s best public gathering places, the Shining Mountain Golf Course is open to residents and visitors of the area seasonally.
  • What makes Shining Mountain Golf Course unique?
    • It is the first permanent mountain disc golf/ball golf course in the state of Colorado.
  • What golf courses are available at Shining Mountain?
    • There are three different golf courses to choose from: Serenity Pines, the Whispering Pines Disc Golf Course, and the “Beast” Disc Golf Course.
  • What other amenities does the golf course offer?
    • Other aspects of the course include the Shining Mountain Bar & Restaurant, a private event center, and a Pro Shop filled with everything you’ll need for an amazing time out on the green.
  • Where is Shining Mountain Golf Course located?
    • Address: 100 Shining Mountain Lane, Woodland Park, CO 80863, Phone: 719-687-7587

Have a picnic at the Red Rocks Group Campground

Have a picnic at the Red Rocks Group Campground

© Laima/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Red Rocks Group Campground?
  • What makes this campground a great choice?
    • It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a serene place to get away to, no matter if you’re in the mood for day camping or staying there overnight.
  • When is the Red Rocks Group Campground open?
    • It’s usually open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.
  • What amenities does the campground offer?
    • The group camping site is operated by the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company and includes amenities such as double vault restrooms and potable water for drinking.
  • Are pets allowed at the campground?
    • Yes, pets are allowed on the campgrounds but must be leashed at all times.
  • Where is the Red Rocks Group Campground located?
    • Address: Red Rocks Campground Road, Woodland Park, CO 80863, Phone: 719-636-1602

Grab a sweet treat at Joanie's Bakery & Delicatessen

Grab a sweet treat at Joanie's Bakery & Delicatessen

© Joanie's Bakery & Delicatessen

  • What is Joanie's Bakery & Delicatessen?
  • What makes Joanie’s sandwiches special?
    • Their grilled sandwiches are out of this world and attract patrons from far and wide, especially those who are in the mood for a delicious, no-nonsense meal.
  • Is the food at Joanie's made fresh?
    • Yes, all of the food served is made in-house, from scratch, and with the freshest ingredients available.
  • What are some popular sandwiches at Joanie’s?
    • Be sure to try some of their most popular sandwiches such as the Reuben, turkey melt, or the chicken pesto melt.
  • Does Joanie’s offer takeout for outdoor adventures?
    • If you’re planning a day of hiking and exploring the outdoors, Joanie’s will be more than happy to pack up your meal to go.
  • Where is Joanie's Bakery & Delicatessen located?
    • Address: 110 East Midland Avenue, Woodland Park, CO 80863, Phone: 719-686-9091

Where to Eat

  • The Donut Mill – Iconic stop for giant donuts, breakfast burritos, and coffee with a mountain-town vibe.
  • Joanie’s Bakery & Delicatessen – Warm, welcoming café serving scratch-made pastries, sandwiches, and soups.
  • Swiss Chalet Restaurant – Elegant alpine-style dining offering European dishes, steaks, and wine in a cozy log cabin setting.
  • AJ’s Stone Oven American Pizzeria – Local favorite for pizza, wings, and relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Woodland Park Farmers Market (Summer–Fall) – Weekly event featuring fresh produce, crafts, live music, and local vendors.
  • Mountain Arts Festival (August) – Juried art show with paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more held in Memorial Park.
  • Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, food vendors, and fireworks with mountain backdrops.
  • Lighter Side of Christmas Parade (December) – A whimsical nighttime holiday parade and community event with lights and laughter.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Woodland Park, Colorado:

  • Garden of the Gods (30 min) – Explore towering red rock formations and hiking trails in this free public park in Colorado Springs.
  • Cripple Creek (45 min) – Visit this historic mining town turned casino destination with museums, tours, and scenic drives.
  • Manitou Springs (30 min) – Discover mineral springs, boutique shopping, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway base.
  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (20 min) – Hike trails and learn about ancient petrified redwoods and fossils.
  • Pikes Peak Highway (30 min to entrance) – Drive or take a tour to the 14,115-foot summit for panoramic views of the Rockies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is Woodland Park known for?
    • Named after the abundance of trees near the original town site, the city of Woodland Park is a wonderful place filled with breathtaking scenery, historic sites, and much more. The quaint mountain town has its share of serene sites and attractions, but also has a few surprising and exhilarating places that will thrill the entire family.
  • What are some places to explore in Woodland Park?
    • You’ll be able to explore the beauty and charm of Woodland Park at places such as Manitou Park Lake, the Red Rocks Group Campground, and Rainbow Falls Historic Site.
  • How far is Woodland Park, Colorado from Denver?

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures with blooming wildflowers. Pikes Peak Paradise Bed & Breakfast – A charming stay with incredible mountain views. Explore Mueller State Park – Enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and fresh mountain air.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. Eagle Fire Lodge & Cabins – A cozy stay with rustic charm. Visit Pikes Peak – Drive or take a cog railway ride to the summit for breathtaking views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and golden aspen trees. Woodland Country Lodge – A comfortable retreat for fall travelers. Drive the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway – Experience Colorado’s stunning fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and peaceful, ideal for a mountain getaway. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodland Park – A modern and convenient winter stay. Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing – Enjoy winter sports in the beautiful mountain landscape.

Plan Your Trip