7 ways to spend the perfect day trip along Ute Pass
Parker Seibold, The Gazette
For those looking to escape the daily bustle below Pikes Peak whether it be from work, school or simply needing a change of scenery, a day trip up Ute Pass along U.S. 24 is sure to satisfy.
The breathtaking views that surround travelers as they ascend the road above Manitou Springs can steal even the most veteran commuters and mountain-goers’ gaze.
Here are a few must-see sights, hidden gems and trusty favorites any day-trippers won’t want to miss.
North Pole
The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop.
Christmas festivities never end at The North Pole Santa’s Workshop in Cascade at 5050 Pikes Peak Highway. Featuring toys, sweets and rides, the park is free to enter in summer and fall with the option for visitors to buy ride passes. Reservations are required on peak days in November and December. Winter bookings for the wonderland begin mid-September.
Pikes Peak Pickle Shack
Some if the pickled items for sale at the Pikes Peak Pickle Shack in Cascade.
The face of “Mr. Pickle,” an anthropomorphic vegetable on a billboard advertisement, beckons drivers to Cascade’s Pikes Peak Pickle Shack, which sells an array of pickles and other jarred goodies. At 4675 Fountain Ave., shoppers can stop in and grab a special treat or gift a friend a jar of fruit cobbler, sweet potato butter, avocado tomatillo salsa, blueberry jalapeño preserves or quail eggs.
Green Mountain Falls Gazebo
Green Mountain Falls
At every turn in Colorado’s mountains there is usually a photo opportunity waiting, and the Green Mountain Falls Gazebo won’t disappoint with its small-town charm. Green Mountain Falls’ Victorian-era gazebo sits at the end of a wooden bridge on an isle in the middle of a quaint man-made lake. Across the shore kids can romp around a small jungle gym set. Playing or relaxing, the gazebo area is the ideal getaway spot to breathe in fresh air.
Pantry Restaurant
The Pantry Restaurant meal.
Take a stroll across the parking lot of the gazebo in Green Mountain Falls to the Pantry Restaurant and enjoy a breakfast filled menu served seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 6980 Lake St. Hint: Don’t miss the Signature Cinnamon Roll French Toast.
Skyspace
An interior view of the Green Mountain Falls Skyspace.
Take a 15-minute hike from the center of Green Mountain Falls to a short trail up Red Butte to experience James Turrell’s Skyspace. The permanent installation at 10392 El Paso Ave. is an observatory-like light chamber where the ceiling opens for an hourlong show of the sky.
Donut Mill
Fresh doughnuts at Woodland Park’s Donut Mill.
Follow the road to the windmill to find doughnuts, at least that’s how it works in Woodland Park. The Donut Mill at 310 W. Midland Ave., serves staple snacks from bear claws to the the jelly doughnuts and everything in between. Those who don’t want a doughnut can try the shop’s variety of Blue Bell Ice Cream flavors.
Memorial Park
The fountain in Woodland Park’s Memorial Park is pictured with Pikes Peak in the background.
It’s time to turn around and take in majesty of Pikes Peak. What better place to do that than Memorial Park in Woodland Park at 220 W. South Ave., where there is green space galore? The park is laced with pathways that lead between the pond, fishing dock, basketball court, pavilion and picnic areas. The perfect spot to end the day.
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