Discover the charming mountain communities along Ute Pass
Updated: June 17, 2026
For a fun stay in the mountains, head up past Manitou Springs and stay on Highway 24 until you reach Green Mountain Falls, Woodland Park and Divide.
The Ute Pass area makes for a quieter and more immersed-in-nature experience for your visit. Discover quaint shops and restaurants as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the natural wonders.
For lodging, we recommend staying with Cascade Escapes in their Zeb Cabin tucked away on the mountain side near Green Mountain Falls. This secluded cabin offers access to the beautiful mountain landscape with trails, waterfalls, and fishing. Driving up the road past Woodland Park, the Pikes Peak Ranch offers seven cabins to select from. These charming cabins provide an escape into the Colorado Pike National Forest in a comfortable mountain style with breathtaking views.
Near Woodland Park there are camping options, including Thunder Ridge Campground and Meadow Ridge Campground that are located next to Rampart Reservoir with access to hiking trails around the reservoir. Another great one is the Lone Duck Campground, which includes cabins, RV sites, and tent sites for you to choose from along with access to a fishing pond, heated pool, and playground – perfect for a family trip!
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Start your mornings with coffee and a delicious breakfast at Café Leo in Woodland Park or The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls. To fuel your mid-day adventures, grab a sandwich at Joanie’s Deli and Bakery or grab a gyro and veggie plate at Sam’s Gyros & Kabobs in Woodland Park. For dinner, we recommend grabbing tacos made with fresh and seasonal ingredients at Cantina Verde or grabbing pasta and local wine at Wines of Colorado.
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AM: Hike in Mueller State Park
PM: Green Box Self-Guided Public Art Tour
PM: Sunset show at Green Mountain Falls Skyspace by James Turrell
Kick off your visit with a hike around Mueller State Park and the more than 5,117 acres to explore! It’s a great spot for bird watching, camping, hiking and picnicking. Keep in mind, there is a daily vehicle fee, and dogs are not allowed.
Spend the rest of the day with Green Box Arts for a self-guided public art tour in Green Mountain Falls. This tour will take you throughout Green Mountain Falls to find incredible public art installations. There are permanent and temporary pieces that are on display throughout the year, so be sure to check out the website for updates on what art is in town when you are!
In the evening, stay around Green Mountain Falls and enjoy a relaxing sunset experience at Green Mountain Falls Skyspace by James Turrell. Tucked away on the mountain side, Skyspace overlooks Gazebo Lake and the surrounding pine forest. This immersive activity pulls you into a sensory and contemplative experience in an artistic environment. Sit back and relax with Skyspace while watching a Colorado sunset like you’ve never seen before.
AM: Mustang Wisdom Mountaintop Forest Bathing with Rescued Mustangs
PM: Florissant Fossil Beds
For day two, spend a relaxing morning with rescued mustangs at Mustang Wisdom. Experience the Colorado forest at the pace of horses. Mustang Wisdom offers a guided sensory hike with rescued mustangs on a private mountain ranch. This activity is a great way to take care of yourself and regulate your nervous system through a connection with nature and horses. The hike is slow-paced with intentional pauses for meditation and reflection with a stop at the mountaintop labyrinth. This experience is sure to be one you will not forget!
Spend your afternoon on a hike in the Florissant Fossil Beds. This hike is not only beautiful but also educational. This recreational area has a rich history of once being a redwood forest and the fossils that remain are on display for you to explore throughout the area. Discover the outdoor exhibits that feature massive, petrified tree stumps and find other exhibit panels along the way. If you are traveling with kids, there is a Junior Ranger program that engages youth in completing the Ranger book and receiving a badge. These books and badges are available at the visitor center. We recommend spending time at the center to learn more in-depth information about the beds from the park ranger.
AM: Rockhound ATV Tours
PM: Wines of Colorado
For more adventure on day 3, head over to Rockhound ATV Tours and get outside in the fresh Colorado mountain air for a tour that includes breathtaking views. This activity is perfect for people who have no experience riding ATV’s as well as experienced riders. These tours will take you through the Pike National Forest and are designed to immerse you in nature in a responsible and memorable way. All ages are welcome, but to operate a single-rider ATV, the rider must be 16 years of age and 18 years of age for passenger vehicles. Open year-round, these tours are a fun and exciting way to explore the outdoors and see the Colorado landscape. Dress for the outdoors and prepare to get a little dirty – especially if it’s muddy!
After your exciting ATV adventure, visit Wines of Colorado to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a cool beer. They serve a long list of wines, beers and spirits, all crafted in Colorado.
AM: Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
PM: Explore the many shops in Woodland Park
PM: Hike around Rampart Reservoir
On your last day, head over to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for a tour of the sanctuary where you will be able to see wolves, coyotes, foxes and learn about the history and current issues they face. They offer standard tours as well as feeding tours where you will get to experience feeding the animals. The only age restrictions for these tours are on the Full Moon Tours where there are no children under 8 years allowed. Open for the winter and the summer season, you will be able to meet the beautiful animals throughout the year. Reservations are required.
In between adventures, spend some time in town to explore the many great shops Woodland Park has to offer. Reserve Our Gallery is a great gallery that exhibits artwork from local artists, so be sure to stop by!
After visiting the shops in Woodland Park, drive over to Rampart Reservoir for some hiking. The Rainbow Gulch Trail goes all the way up to the reservoir. There are also many spots to picnic and relax near the reservoir, just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting!
If you’re looking for some local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these nearby events!
Festivals & Events
America's Mountain Festival201 Saddle Club Avenue
Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Festivals & Events
Great Outdoors Fest720 US-24
Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
July 4 — July 19, 2026
Ignite your artistic spirit surrounded by nature's beauty at the Green Box Art Festival.
Festivals & Events
Mountain Arts FestivalMemorial Park
200 N Park St
Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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