Green Mountain Falls

At an altitude of 7,800 feet, less than 1,000 people live in Green Mountain Falls: a mountain town tucked in a valley surrounded by Pikes Peak National Forest. Most residents know each other like the back of their hand and consider each other chosen family instead of neighbors. People here also credit their high quality of life to their community’s natural beauty; your serene setting includes trails that run along creeks, leading to beautiful waterfalls and lakes near Pikes Peak. Green Mountain Falls sits about 10 miles west of Colorado Springs. Like many of that city’s far west communities, this area also attracts many seasonal visitors whom locals welcome with open arms.

Homes start at $200,000, exceed $1 million and range in style from log cabins to Victorian-style homes and modern custom builds. Houses that cost up to $500,000 rarely cover more than 1,000 square feet and often include one bedroom and bathroom. These homes appeal to singles, couples and outdoor enthusiasts who plan lengthy visits. Covered porches are common, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements. Houses that start at $500,000 include three bedrooms and two bathrooms across an increased average square footage of 1,500 square feet. Remember, Green Mountain Falls is a tiny town, so don’t expect to find many larger homes here, and don’t assume you’ll always have next-door neighbors; many properties are owned as family vacation homes and short-term rentals. However, most weekend visitors book their stay at hotels near Lake Park.

Students can attend Ute Pass Elementary, Manitou Springs Middle and Manitou Springs High Schools; all received B’s from Niche. Meanwhile, Great Schools gave Ute Pass a 7/10, Manitou Springs Middle a 6/10 and Manitou Springs High an 8/10. Parents will need to drive students to school. The elementary school is a short, 2-mile drive east along Ute Pass Avenue – the main road. However, the middle and high schools are a 20-minute drive to Manitou Springs. This region’s extremely rural location means that students attend schools with small student bodies, allowing kids to form close bonds with their peers and teachers; about 500 teens attend Manitou Springs High.

Lake Park is where you’ll find the iconic Gazebo Island, located in the center of the lake. Residents can rent it for weddings, birthday parties, and other occasions throughout the year. You’ll also find walking trails, a playground and a permanent Skyspace Art Installation created by James Turrell. This piece is one of 85 worldwide and the first to be installed on the side of a mountain. Down the road, exercise at the outdoor fitness court and cool off in the community pool. If you’re craving adventure, map out a hike along the Catamount or Crystal Trailheads; both lead to natural waterfalls and scenic views. Those trails also run along creeks that feed into reservoirs where people kayak and fish for rainbow trout.

Green Mountain Falls’ downtown area sits next to Lake Park. Here, you’ll find Town Hall, the US Post Office, and Church in the Wildwood – the town’s only church. Multiple local restaurants group together here too. The Pantry has served customers for over 60 years, serves classic American meals and creates a seasonal creekside patio where you can chow down at the weekly Cowboy Breakfast Buffet. Adults often spend their evenings hanging out at Blue Moose Tavern. The bar and grill serves pizza made with moose and elk, pours craft beer and hosts live bands. For an upscale experience, make a reservation at Mucky Duck, and pop into Tie Dye Java Coffee on your way to work.

Souvenir shops are the only stores in town but drive 3 miles west to Woodland Park and find your closest Walmart Supercenter, Natural Grocers and Safeway. You’ll also find additional family recreation, like the Woodland Park Aquatic Center, Sports Complex and Skatepark. Drive 13 miles east into Old

Colorado City and find your closest onramp to Interstate 25, leading to shopping centers lined with big box retailers.

The Bronc Day Festival marks the official beginning of tourist season. Green Mountain Falls’ inaugural celebration was held in 1939 to honor runners staying in town while training for the Vertical Marathon Race. For the past 85 years, locals have put on a parade that features giant handmade floats, farm animals and old-timey attire. The parade ends with appearances by prominent citizens given the titles of Grand Marshal and Princess. The pie class and contest are another beloved Bronc Day Festival tradition. Attend the pie crust class on Friday or put your skills to the test and enter Saturday’s contest. After the competition, slices are sold to benefit next year’s festival. Additional events include the Barn Dance, Pancake Breakfast and Porkbutt BBQ.

A tiny mountain town with a mighty sense of community spirit: people who yearn to unplug from the world plant themselves in Green Mountain Falls.

Written By

Alexandra Sosik

Photography Contributed By

David Sanden