8016 Ute Pass Ave, Cascade, CO 80809

From the late 19th through the early 20th centuries, this comfortable Victorian functioned as the Ute Pass region's Ranger Station. Today it is rejuvenated and furnished to reflect its past as a gathering place for locals and visitors eager to hunt and fish among the legendary forested slopes surrounding Pikes Peak. Your stay at the Ranger Station will open the door to an earlier time when folks came up Ute Pass to relax among the mountain spruce and ponderosa, away from the heat of the "lowlands" and bustle of city life. The Station's spacious kitchen welcomes you back to a real connection with great-grandma, sitting at the table over coffee or tea, chatting and keeping hands busy helping with dinner chores. The dining table invites the family to eat the old-fashioned way: together, enjoying meals with the honest hunger that fresh mountain air and exercise bring on. Food never tasted so good, nor sleep so deep and sweet, as in the embrace of this generous old house. In the livingroom, the fireplace still works, reminding you that summer is only one of Colorado's mountain moods. Cascade's central location provides easy access both up and down Ute Pass for some of Colorado's most famous attractions and destinations: Manitou Springs' Barr Trail begins its 7500ft climb to the summit of Pikes Peak. Garden of the Gods on Manitou's northeast side, and Red Rocks Canyon Park on the southeast side, both provide opportunities for less strenuous hikes, runs, biking and horse-back riding. Manitou is also the home depot for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds, Miramont Castle, Navajo Gallery & Gifts, scores of quaint shops, art galleries, an old-time arcade, miniature golf and many restaurants. Within convenient driving are the USAF Academy, US Olympic Center and Focus on the Family. Going west on Hwy 24 to Woodland Park, you can do all your shopping, visit the Dinosaur Museum and continue on to hike the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Fully furnished. Owner pays for trash, electricity, heat, water, internet and DirecTV Vacation rental season starts 31 May. Must have a minimum credit score of 640.