Tucked Between Misty Colorado Peaks Is A Sleepy Mountain Town Full Of Waterfalls And Cozy Cabins

At the base of one of Colorado's ultimate destinations, Pikes Peak, Green Mountain Falls offers a unique, relaxed getaway experience. Situated in a picturesque valley between Woodland Park and Colorado Springs, this quiet mountain town is beloved for its peaceful outdoor recreations, waterfall trails, and enchanting cabin accommodations. Accessed via Highway 24, Green Mountain Falls draws year-round visitors from Colorado's nearby attractions, like the stunning city park of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and the Manitou incline in Manitou Springs.

Despite being just a roughly half-hour drive from the bustling Colorado Springs, Green Mountain Falls is a nature lover's dream, surrounded by Pike National Forest. The town sits at a staggering 7,800 feet in elevation with an average population of just below 900 residents. Visitors are drawn to the serenity of Green Mountain Falls and its proximity to abundant mountain trails, trickling waterfalls, and a general peaceful feel.

Green Mountain Falls is vibrant for a small community with multiple local eateries, an iconic historic lodge, and a booming art community. The town even hosts the Green Box Arts Festival every summer. Whether you need a weekend of solitude next to a crackling fireplace or a trip fueled by creative inspiration, Green Mountain Falls is the perfect charming alpine setting.

As reflected in its name, Green Mountain Falls has a seemingly endless supply of beautiful waterfalls. Before heading out to one of the town's trails, prepare yourself for the possibility of managing the effects of altitude sickness, as some of the trails can gain over 1,500 feet in elevation. Green Mountain Falls provides hikers with four distinct parking areas along Ute Pass Avenue to easily access its many trailheads.

The Catamount Falls Trail is a moderately difficult 2.8-mile loop trail gaining 560 feet in elevation. The trail comprises multiple smaller trails and ultimately takes hikers to the area's most popular waterfalls, Crystal Falls, and along the Thomas Trail to the Catamount Falls. The similarly named Catamount Trail extends the trip to a 6-mile round trip through an open wildflower field known as the Garden of Eden and to the South Catamount Reservoir near Pikes Peak.

The trails are dog-friendly, as long as pets are leashed, and most accessible from around May through October. Green Mountain Falls provides an interactive hiking map and app, though it's advisable to download them before you arrive, due to limited cell service. Registered with the Leave No Trace program, hikers should always stay on marked trails, pack out any trash or waste, and avoid disturbing the abundance of local plants and wildlife.

Green Mountain Falls and the neighboring Woodland Park area offer visitors a wide range of cabins, tiny homes, lodges, and budget hotels whose prices can range from $80 to upwards of $160 for a nightly stay. In the heart of Green Mountain Falls is the famous Green Mountain Falls Lodge, originally built in 1910. The lodge features an array of rooms including a jacuzzi suite, a penthouse, and multiple studios.

Green Mountain Lodge isn't the only cozy, rustic lodge to choose from, though. The Outlook Lodge has a luxury feel, complete with lush bedding, warm fireplaces, hot tubs, and beautifully decorated rooms. This rustic but contemporary spot in Green Mountain Falls has rooms from $150 per night, including deluxe rooms, and even family suites.

Vacation rentals are plentiful in Green Mountain Falls, from quaint cottages to luxurious cabin retreats with wraparound porches, hot tubs, and even woodland A-frame homes. These accommodations range from secluded cabins with private decks and hot tubs to centrally located pet-friendly homes. Whether you're a solo traveler looking for a nostalgic mountain-town retreat or a family ready for your Colorado adventure, Green Mountain Falls provides the outdoor thrills and the perfect accommodations for a relaxing and restful home away from home.