Cascade Colorado

Cascade Colorado is a scenic mountain community that lies only 10 miles west of Colorado Springs along Hwy 24 (Ute Pass) in the foothills of Pikes Peak.

Named for the many waterfalls in the area, Cascade is surrounded by forests. Its main water feature is Fountain Creek, which flows from the slopes of Pikes Peak through town.

You can actually dine right alongside Fountain Creek if you visit the popular Wines of Colorado. This is one of the first restaurants we ate at in the Pikes Peak area, and they serve a mean buffalo burger.

They also have a separate wine-tasting area where you can select from countless Colorado wines or buy unique gifts for wine lovers. This is a fun stop after visiting Pikes Peak.

Cascade Colorado is also the gateway to the Pikes Peak Highway. If you’re planning on driving up to the summit of Pikes Peak, you’ll need to drive through town.

I’ve also driven up just the first section of the mountain highway to visit the beautiful reservoirs for fishing at the North Slope Recreation Area.

Crystal Lake, North Catamount, and South Catamount are all home to rainbow, cutthroat and lake trout.

Rumor has it, Big Foot has been located in this area. See the Big Foot Crossing sign if you think I’m kidding. Cascade Colorado If you’re thinking of stopping off for a scenic picnic, make sure to visit these reservoirs. They are simply gorgeous, with their views of Pikes Peak. Just watch out for Sasquatch. ;)

Because of the beautiful location, Cascade Colorado is home to several Bed and Breakfasts. The Inn at Cascade is one of the more unique B&Bs, with its adobe building and mix of Native American and Spanish décor.

If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, make sure to visit The North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop, which is open year-round.

It’s actually an amusement park with a Santa Claus theme, and is home to the highest ferris wheel in the country (in elevation, that is).

The Pikes Peak Library District also has a library up in Cascade. The Ute Pass branch is a cozy little place with a fireplace if you’re looking to read the daily paper or find a free Wi-Fi connection.

If you enjoy hiking, trails to waterfalls include the Heizer Trail in Cascade Community Park and the Catamount Trail in Green Mountain Falls just west of Cascade.

Other nearby attractions include: Cave of the Winds, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and Garden of the Gods.