Irene Tanis

Woodland Park, CO Area Guide

Woodland Park is small town located just 17 miles west of Colorado Springs in Teller County that exudes a welcoming sense of peace and hospitality. A large portion of Woodland Park's population consists of one-time visitors who converted to full-time residents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people calling Woodland Park home increased by more than 2,000 from 1980 to 1990; and roughly the same increase was seen from the 1990 census to the 2000 count. Coined "The City Above the Clouds" by long-time resident Cal Elder, Woodland Park often enjoys clear, bright sunny skies. This is a small town bursting with charm and friendliness.

Nestled on a wooded plateau and more than 8,000 feet above sea level, Woodland Park offers spectacular views of Pikes Peak, the Rampart Range, all the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and acres of national forest. The spectacular mountain setting allows for endless year-round recreational activities. Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, nestled among one million acres of Pike National Forest, bathed in sunshine at the base of Pikes Peak, is the pristine mountain community of Woodland Park.

Centrally located, Woodland Park is your ideal base camp for day trips into the Pikes Peak region. Nearly any location in town is the ideal spot for embarking on hiking, camping, backpacking and mountain biking outings. Angling opportunities abound, thanks to nearby Rampart Reservoir and Manitou Lake and the scenic South Platte River - a prime spot for fly fishing - located near Deckers. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are just a few of the winter activities to be enjoyed. Comfortable summers and mild winters offer year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding, and ice skating. Fishing along the South Platte River, Manitou Lake, Rampart Range Reservoir, or Eleven Mile Canyon and Reservoir are all within 25 miles of Woodland Park. Also, bring your clubs and play our 18-hole championship golf course amid scenic mountain views.

Residents who lean toward more metropolitan recreation can hit the balls on Shining Mt. Golf Club, take the kids to play in one of the city's four parks (totaling 25 acres of fun within city limits) or head to Cripple Creek for a few hours of limited-stakes gambling. A long list of annual events throughout the year draws the community together while welcoming tourists. The Colorado Ice Fest, a cool ice-carving celebration, warms up January. Patriotism takes center stage in the old-fashioned Fourth of July festivities, and the Ute Trail Stampede Rodeo leaves its brand in July.

For the above information and more on Woodland Park, please visit:
http://www.experiencecoloradosprings.com/travel.asp?pageid=16%7C149
http://www.coloradosprings.com/relocation/fullstory.php?id=1643

Woodland Park History

In 1891, after becoming established as a resort town and business center for the surrounding area, Woodland Park was incorporated. Woodland Park's primary business was saw milling. Logs were cut and sold for railroad ties and braces used for the gold mines of Cripple Creek and Victor. The history of Woodland Park is typically that of a small community in the mountains, favored with a good location and able to respond to changing situations. This combination of favorable location and ability to respond has resulted in periods of rapid growth since 1891. This growth has been directed in a positive way to protect the natural beauty of the area as well as the residents. Woodland Park has become a city where modern convenience blends well with historic charm.

The location of Woodland Park is its greatest asset. The city is located on a high, broad plateau between 8,200 and 9,000 feet above sea level and offers "the best view of Pikes Peak". It is also at the junction of Ute Pass and a valley system that extends north of the city, providing a well-drained town site and favorable access to Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak to the southeast, Denver to the north, and mountain recreation areas in all directions.

Nature has been lavish in her donations to Woodland Park, the town taking its name from the thickly wooded hills and valleys on every side. Stately pines and spruce of prolific growth form a perfect forest for miles around, in a grand picturesque scene. Looking to the south the view is spectacular. Pikes Peak with her colossal sheds stands in bold relief against the blue sky, her snowy crest above the clouds. The canyon of Fountain Creek, with its rugged borders, flows to the plains. The easy access to all of this through Ute Pass gives Woodland Park a unique place among the State resort areas.

Discover this and more about Woodland Park’s rich history at:
http://www.city-woodlandpark.org/about.php
http://woodlandpark.citystar.com/woodland.html

Woodland Park Parks & Recreation

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the variety of public parks and leisure-time facilities. There are 25 acres of improved parks including Memorial Park, Meadow Wood Park, Bergstrom Park, and the Lion's Park. Enjoy playgrounds, picnicking, fishing, ice skating, softball, and special events. For a complete list of parks and their amenities, please visit: http://www.city-woodlandpark.org/department/parksandrec/parks.php

Woodland Park Local Events & Attractions

Woodland Park is home to numerous local events and attractions. A number of full-time musicians reside in Woodland Park and the surrounding areas, and arts festivals have become more frequent in recent years, often held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Woodland Park is also the site of the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, a museum devoted to dinosaurs and fossils. Clint Vahsholtz, an ARCA driver, is a notable resident of the city. Local attractions and events can be found below.

Fishing
The trout are here for the taking. Manitou Lake is just a few miles north of the city. Rampart Range Reservoir is just eight miles away. Ice fishing adds to the region's wintertime fun.

Hiking Trails
Whether by foot, horseback or mountain bike, well-groomed trails can be appreciated by nature lovers of all ages. It's a great way to enjoy the abundance of beauty that awaits you. Cross-Country skiing and snow shoeing ensure these scenic paths deliver year-around rewards.

Camping and Wildlife
If "roughing it" means sleeping under the stars, or simply relying on the amenities of your RV, you'll find the perfect spots right here. A wide selection of campgrounds, cabins, RV parks and rustic lodges can accommodate every outdoor adventurer. No matter where you pitch your gear, expect an abundance of wildlife, fresh clean air and . . . spectacular scenery.

Activities and Recreation
Bring your clubs and play 18 holes amid scenic mountain views . . . compete in the annual Mayor's Cup Footrace . . . or trek across the same roads used by cyclists around the world for high-altitude training.

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
A new 20,000 square foot dinosaur museum in Woodland Park, Colorado. Exhibits include huge marine reptiles, pterosaurs, remarkable dinosaurs, a visible working fossil lab, educational activities, interactive children's area, and a great gift shop. Open 7 days per week year round.

For the above information and much more on Woodland Park’s events and attractions, please visit:
http://www.coloradolinks.net/Colorado_Museums/w_museums.htm
http://www.city-woodlandpark.org/about.php

For more information on Woodland Park visit the official website by clicking here

For the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce website click here