The perfect weekend in Colorado's "City Above the Clouds"

Tucked in the foothills of Pikes Peak, Woodland Park is a small Colorado mountain town found about 20 miles west of Colorado Springs. Known as “the City Above the Clouds," locals live life at about 8,500 feet in elevation, surrounded by trail-filled terrain perfect for hiking, biking, and more.

A few top attractions in this town include Memorial Park, a newly renovated downtown park with a clear view of Pikes Peak, as well as a quaint main street lined with shops and restaurants.

Find recommendations for the perfect two-day trip to Woodland Park below:

Day One

Start your day by picking up a fresh donut or a savory biscuits and gravy dish to-go at the Donut Mill, found on the town's main strip. With breakfast in hand, head over to Memorial Park to catch the sunrise as the day’s first light hits the towering 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.

After sunrise, set your sights toward a mid-morning hike. Drive Rampart Range Road to Rainbow Gulch Trail, which can be used to access the breathtaking Rampart Reservoir in Pike National Forest. The trail is about 3 miles roundtrip and rated as easy difficulty.

The trail follows a wide path with little elevation change, taking hikers to an abundant mountain environment with Pine forests, Aspen groves, and a rushing stream, ending at the featured reservoir.

After the hike, visit the Historic Ute Inn for food. It's found on the main strip in Woodland Park and is a saloon-style restaurant with a full lunch and dinner menu.

Walk off your lunch by taking a stroll down main street for boutique shops, Colorado GearLab, Mountain Wookies, and more.

When the figurative dinner bell rings, make your way to Carmen, a tapas grill and bar that specializes in steak, seafood, and the small, flavorful appetizers.

Call it a night at the cozy Eagle Fire Lodge and Cabins, where you can choose between a single room or your own rustic cabin.

Day Two


Wake up and breathe in that fresh mountain air to start day two in Woodland Park.

The Hungry Bear is a great stop for a complete breakfast. Options include several types of pancakes, crepes, and much more.

After breakfast, one great hike regardless of the season is Pancake Rocks, found about 45 minutes southwest of Woodland Park along Colorado Highway 67. The trail is about 7 miles roundtrip with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Views on the trail open up into a mountain valley with Pikes Peak nearby and flat rocks layered like a stack of pancakes.

If you want great views without the workout, opt for the mountain summit-reaching Pikes Peak Highway, found just 12 miles east of Woodland Park. Before planning your trip, check for weather-related closures that might be in place on the mountain's Twitter page. Make your trip up the mountain especially unique by renting a three-wheeled open-air Polaris Slingshot from Great Outdoor Adventures for the trip.

Round out your weekend in Woodland Park with a brew and German-style food from BierWerks Brewery. If you like good beer, you're sure to find a great option at this spot.