Woodland Park, whimsically known as The City Above the Clouds, is just 20 minutes up the road from Colorado Springs via Ute Pass. Stay at the Edgewood Inn, a bed and breakfast that sits waaay high up on a ridge overlooking Pikes Peak.
The Edgewood Inn was built only a decade or so ago, however it feels much older — in a good way. From the high-beamed ceilings of the great room to wide-plank hickory flooring, white-oak detailing and vintage-style glass doorknobs, you’ll feel like you’re in a time before smartphones (though Pikes Peak’s Insta-worthy panorama will be hard to resist). Pick from five distinctive rooms with names like The Forest Edge and The Aspen Room that boast decidedly modern amenities, like steam showers and geothermal heating. Homestyle breakfasts and made-from-scratch cookies are all part of the fun.
This bed and breakfast doubles as a magnificent wedding venue. You’ll have use of 3,500 square feet of scenic outdoor decks, an expansive hickory dance floor and a fully equipped catering kitchen that’s ideal for entertainment.
It’s, for sure, the views of majestic Pikes Peak (whose nickname is America’s Mountain), so we’ll be mentioning it again and again.
Hands down, it’s the personal movie theater filled with 12 red-velvet chairs so plush you’ll stay to hang long after the film is over.
We’re going with the wraparound decks (they’re made of wood and have a floor so, while it’s technically not a room, we’re running with it). From here, you can ogle Pikes Peak and the surrounding forest or the starry night sky above. Plus, hosts Kathy and Dean keep well-stocked birdfeeders on their deck, so you’ll see all sorts of feathered friends stop by for their daily goodies.
You booked The Edgewood for all its Pikes Peak grandeur. But what about the baked goods? Try biting into one of Kathy’s rave-worthy muffins while taking in all the high-elevation beauty. Stay awhile and you just might see a fox!
“Edgewood Inn takes your breath away. Rooms are perfectly decorated, the view of Pikes Peak is spectacular, sunrise and sunset are picture worthy, and the owners Dean and Kathy are genuinely lovely, friendly and make you feel at home. Added bonus: Kathy makes delicious muffins! The house is very, very clean and has everything you need to feel at home. The rooms are large. It even has a movie theater in the house! I highly recommend the Edgewood Inn!” — Barbara D., Tripadvisor
Pop over to scenic summery spots like Rampart Range Road and Rampart Reservoir for hiking and fishing. See petrified redwood stumps and fossilized insects at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Motor down to the Springs for Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, the historical downtown and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
Find seven days of adventure for your Pikes Peak vacation.
Photos courtesy of The Edgewood Inn.