Things To Do
Lovell Gulch Trailhead
A scenic loop through pine forests and meadows with Pikes Peak views. It's moderate (about 5 miles, 2-3 hours), with some elevation but rewarding overlooks—perfect for a family hike or wildlife spotting (elk, birds). Free parking at the trailhead. Location: Trailhead off Rampart Range Road (County Road 22), near Woodland Park. Cost: Free.
Centennial Trailhead
This lightly trafficked paved trail will take you along SH 67 North from Woodland Park to Lake Manitou Recreation Area (14.84 miles roundtrip). Gentle grades make it great for bicycling or hiking with the family. Trailhead and parking lot is at the intersection of W. Midland and Walnut off Hwy 67. Cost: Free or very low (possible small parking fee in some areas).
Manitou Park Lake
Manitou Park Lake Trail offers a peaceful, easy loop around a picturesque lake nestled in the foothills of the Rockies about 7 miles north of Woodland Park. This flat, family-friendly trail is relatively short (1–2.5 miles depending on your exact route) with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or short walk. You'll wind through scenic meadows, shaded forested sections, and along the lake's edge, enjoying beautiful views of the water, surrounding pines, and distant Pikes Peak. It's perfect for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, picnicking at tables with grills, or fishing from the shore (flies, lures, and baits allowed; check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for the daily bag limit, often 4 trout in aggregate for many similar waters).
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, about 30–40 minutes west of Woodland Park, is a peaceful, uncrowded spot often called "nature's quiet museum." It protects one of the world's richest fossil sites from the late Eocene epoch (roughly 56–34 million years ago, the "dawn of modern life" when many familiar mammals, plants, and insects emerged after the dinosaurs). Highlights include massive petrified redwood stumps near the Visitor Center and on short trails, plus delicate insect, leaf, seed, and fish fossils in the exhibits (most buried fossils remain protected underground). Expect easy to moderate trails (over 14 miles total), with popular short self-guided options like the flat 1-mile Petrified Forest Loop through pine forests, meadows, and aspen groves, or paths to the 1878 Hornbek Homestead. In summer, ranger-led talks, guided walks, and programs like night sky stargazing are often available—check the NPS calendar. Entrance fee: $10 per adult (16+), kids 15 and under free.
Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Drive
Drive the 19-mile road to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views, stunning photo opportunities, and fresh air. Cost: Adults (16+) $18, children (6-15) $8, carload (up to 5) $65. All visitors wanting to drive past Mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway must purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit per vehicle (available on website). You can also park at mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway and hop on and off the shuttle to enjoy stunning views, hike at Crystal Reservoir and Devils Playground, look for wildlife, visit Glen Cove Inn, and of course, chow down on famous donuts and learn from the many interactive exhibits at the Summit.
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
Travel back in time at this 12,000-square-foot world class museum dedicated to fossils from North America's Cretaceous Period including marine reptiles, pterosaurs and dinosaurs. Cost: Adults $13, children (5-12) $9, seniors (65+) $12, kids 4 and under free. Military discount $1 off.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Located about 15-minutes from Woodland Park, this wildlife center offers guided tours of a rescue sanctuary with wolves, foxes, and coyotes. Learn about conservation and see the animals up close. Space is limited. Reservations are highly recommended. Cost: Standard tour ~$25 adults (12+), $15 children (2-11); feeding tour slightly higher. Kids under 2 free.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park Discovery Tour
Family-friendly cave tour with glowing formations and geology stories, plus optional above-ground protected rock climbing routes and high zip lines over canyons for aerial thrills with stunning views. About 20-minutes from Woodland Park. Cost: Discovery Cave Tour ~$29 adults (13+), $19 children (4-12), under 4 free. Pioneer Package (above-ground) ~$25/person. Military discount 10%. For those who want something more daring and spooky, a Lantern Tour is an adventure into the mountain with only a hand held lantern to light your way! (cost is slightly more). Combined package with cave tour, rock climbing and zip lines ~$159/person.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Peak Station
Ride the historic cog train to the 14,115-ft summit for sweeping 360-degree views, often described as a breathtaking "gateway to heaven." The adventure builds along the way as the journey winds through forests, rocky canyons, waterfalls, and open alpine tundra, with chances to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, marmots, elk, or deer. The Cog Railway adds its own charm with narrated history and smooth ascent, making the whole experience relaxed yet unforgettable. From the top, you'll take in the distant Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo ranges, the Continental Divide, the historic mining town of Cripple Creek below, and when conditions are perfect, even the faint outline of Denver's skyscrapers far to the north. Cost: Reserved adult starting ~$67–$86 (online lower), child ~$57–$76. Engineer's View upgrade extra.
On & Off-Road UTV Tours
Drive through Pike National Forest—cross creeks, climb trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy overlooks. Self-drive or guided options available. Great Outdoors Adventures in the Woodland Park/Pikes Peak area can be contacted via email at fun@goadventures.org. Cost: From ~$150+ per adult (2-hour tours). Children must be 4+ to ride. Includes free helmet and goggles.
Historic Triple B Ranch
A historic dude ranch offering guided rides on beautiful trails in Pike National Forest (1–2 hours typical, longer options available) . They also have unguided rides for experienced riders. Little cowboys and cowgirls who aren’t ready for a trail ride can ride in the arena on ranch's gentlest trail horses, led by a skilled wrangler. Cost: varies by ride length (often $50–$100+ per person). Triple B is also one of the only ranches in the area to offer hayrides. The ranch is about 10–15 minutes north of Woodland Park.
Big Country Equestrian Adventures
Offers a mix of short, scenic outings and immersive experiences through picturesque trails in the Pikes Peak Forest area—perfect for those seeking that classic Colorado horseback vibe. Options include: 1) Relaxed guided rides on picturesque forest trails, sharing history and wildlife info. All levels welcome. Cost: Typically $75–$150+ based on length. 2) Three-Hour Guided Ride & Picnic with scenic landmarks and wildlife; includes a halfway picnic lunch for two. $450 for two riders (additional riders on request). 3) Overnight Camping Adventure Ride: Full-day scenic ride to pre-set camp; all-inclusive dinner, overnight stay, breakfast, and return ride. $450 per rider. 4) Around the Ranch Ride: Shorter 2-hour excursion capturing ranch life and nearby views. $100 per person; optional campfire cookout meal +$20/person.
Local Art Scene
Woodland Park boasts a vibrant local art scene that perfectly complements its mountain charm. Here are a few notable shops to check out: • Reserve Our Gallery (400 W. Midland Ave) — Represent 19 local artists with original paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more. • Colorado Scenes (617 Midland Ave) — Focuses on regional landscapes and scenes. • Westside Gallery (300 West Lake) — An art studio space for classes, events, and open studio time. • Outside The Box — Offers walk-in painting, pottery, and classes. • Dragoncoin Art and emerging spots like the Woodland Park Art Gallery (part of downtown businesses).
Peak Fly Shop
Guided Services Local outfitter offering guided fly fishing excursions on nearby rivers and waters. Half- or full-day options tailored to skill level. Cost: Guided trips ~$300–$500+.
South Platte Fly Shop
Full-service fly shop and guide service in Woodland Park, specializing in the South Platte River (Gold Medal waters nearby) and local reservoirs. Half- or full-day guided fly fishing for trout—great for beginners to experts. Cost: Guided trips vary (~$300–$500+ per person/day; group rates possible).
Eleven Mile Reservoir / Eleven Mile State Park (Self-Guided or Boat Fishing)
One of Colorado's premier reservoirs for trophy trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat), pike, and kokanee salmon. Bank fishing available, or bring your own boat/kayak for deeper water. Scenic with hiking trails and picnic spots. Park entry ~$10/vehicle; fishing with license.
Manitou Lake (Self-Guided Fishing)
A small, accessible lake in Pike National Forest with handicap-accessible piers—ideal for easy bank fishing or family outings. Stocked with trout; calm waters and mountain backdrop make it relaxing. Location: Short drive from Woodland Park (near Cascade). Cost: Free (with license). Website: Search via Colorado Parks and Wildlife or local resources (no dedicated site, but often mentioned on Fishbrain or AllTrails).
Rampart Reservoir (Self-Guided Fishing)
A scenic reservoir in Pike National Forest with easy access for bank fishing (no wading/swimming allowed). Stocked with trout; popular for rainbow and brown trout from shore or small boats (non-motorized permitted). Great for casual fishing with picnic areas nearby. Location: About 10–15 minutes east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road. Cost: Free fishing (with valid CO license); possible small day-use fee.
Shining Mountain Golf Course
An 18-hole championship public course right in Woodland Park, known for its challenging layout, pristine conditions, and stunning mountain scenery. It's a local favorite with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding forests—suitable for all skill levels. Cost: Varies by season/time (typically $50–$80+ for 18 holes; check for carts/rentals).