Reduced adoption fees and plenty of loving pets looking for a second chance
The kennels are full, the tails are wagging, and the folks at Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) are hoping this summer is the start of a whole lot of new beginnings.
Starting this week and running through July 19, TCRAS is participating in the #EmptyTheShelters adoption event in partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation. That means drastically reduced adoption fees for all animals one year and older, giving families the chance to welcome home a new best friend at a fraction of the usual cost.
TCRAS, located in Divide, serves the Pikes Peak region as a limited-admission, no-kill shelter, helping over 900 animals a year who are lost, abandoned, or in need of a second chance. Every dog and cat that enters the shelter receives the time, medical care, and training needed to find a forever home. And until that home comes along, the team at TCRAS is committed to caring for each animal like one of their own.
Right now, the shelter is full of wonderful dogs and cats waiting to start their next chapter. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged family member, now is the time.
You can browse adoptable pets at www.tcrascolorado.org and schedule a visit by calling 719-686-7707.
Every adoption makes room for another animal in need. Help TCRAS spread a little more hope—and maybe bring home your new best friend while you’re at it.
Support local makers, meet artists, and enjoy a day of creative fun in Woodland Park
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday in Woodland Park, make your way to the outdoor plaza at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center for their annual Arts & Craft Fest. It all happens on Saturday, July 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park.
This family-friendly market brings together local makers, artists, and nature lovers for a day filled with shopping, learning, and good mountain air. Whether you’re after handmade soap, fine art, or a refreshing mocktail, you’ll find it here.
This year’s lineup of exhibitors includes:
Fountain Creek Nature Center – Interactive wildlife display with pelts, skulls, and antlers
Jantzen Peake – Local artist with bold and creative work
Katharina Mace – Illustrator with a colorful, distinctive style
Peg Lawson – Fresh Start Handmade Soaps
John Patterson – Artist and author sharing stories and artwork
Crafted Beardsman – Beard care goods and handcrafted mocktails
Peak Art – Fine art, paintings, graphic T-shirts, and handmade jewelry
The RMDRC Arts & Craft Fest is a great way to spend the day with friends and family, support local creatives, and explore something new. Come for the art, stay for the dinosaurs.
Free community concert in Woodland Park with drinks, food, and classic hits
Clear your calendar for Wednesday, July 9, because Harriette and The Harmony are bringing the party to The Midland Pavilion at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park. This free community concert is open to the public and promises a night full of music, dancing, and good vibes in the mountain air.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the concert starting at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Come early, grab a drink from Woodies Bar, and get in line at the Firehouse on the Run Food Truck, both up and running when doors open.
Thanks to the support of Pikes Peak Credit Union, this event is completely free to attend.
Harriette and The Harmony is a high-energy Colorado rock cover band led by powerhouse vocalist Harriette Saide. Their setlist is packed with danceable hits from legendary artists like Boston, U2, Prince, Heart, The Bangles, and more. Whether you’re into classic rock or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, this is a show that delivers.
Bring your lawn chair, bring your friends, and come enjoy live music under the evening sky.
Two full days of small-town patriotism, fireworks, and fun for the whole family
Cripple Creek is pulling out all the stops for a star-spangled celebration. On July 4th and 5th, head down Highway 67 for the town’s Independence Weekend Celebration, a family-friendly event packed with food, live music, games, classic cars, and one of the best fireworks shows in all of Colorado.
This year marks the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and Cripple Creek is inviting everyone to help ring in the occasion. Quite literally. One of the celebration’s key traditions includes “Ring the Bell for Freedom,” a chance for kids and adults alike to give the bell a ring and reflect on what freedom means.
Thursday, July 4:
The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with food trucks, vendors, and activities across town, including stops at the Heritage Center, City Park, and the American Legion on Bennett Avenue.
Highlights include:
Live music
Classic cars and military vehicles
Cripple Creek’s famous donkeys
Victorian personalities walking the streets
Games and prizes for kids
O.U.T. West Art Show
Root beer floats, food, and a beer tent
Vendors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stick around after dark for the main event — an epic fireworks display lighting up the skies over Cripple Creek, sponsored by the City and launched by the pros at Zambelli Fireworks. The Heritage Center will stay open until 10 p.m. for the best view in town.
Friday, July 5:
The fun rolls into Friday with more music, food, and activities along the 300 and 400 blocks of East Bennett Avenue.
Don’t miss:
Live performances
First responder demos
More kids’ games and prizes
A street dance from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. to close out the weekend
Whether you come for the cars, the dancing, the food, or the fireworks, Cripple Creek’s Independence Weekend Celebration delivers a classic, high-country Fourth of July experience with a hometown feel.
So grab your flags, load up the family, and head for the hills. This is what summer in Teller County is all about.
Big breakfast, big fundraiser, all for a great cause
Mark your calendars and bring your appetite. The Florissant Fire Rescue is flipping pancakes for a purpose on Friday, July 26 from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Station #51, located at 2606 US Highway 24 in Florissant.
This annual event is more than just a great breakfast. It’s the department’s largest fundraiser of the year, and every plate helps support the hardworking volunteers who keep the Florissant community safe.
This year, proceeds will go toward purchasing a much-needed all-terrain UTV to help crews reach wildland fires more quickly, along with other essential gear. With the region’s rugged terrain and growing fire risk, these upgrades will make a real difference when minutes count.
Can’t Make It in Person?
Supporters can also bid in the online silent auction at 32auctions.com, featuring a variety of donated items from local businesses and community members.
Whether you show up hungry or just want to support the folks who show up when it matters most, this is a great chance to give back and connect with your local fire crew.
Tucked along the western slope of Pikes Peak, Teller County is a mountain region full of small-town charm, rich history, and beautiful high-country scenery. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, this guide will give you a quick look at the towns that make up Teller County and a few of the must-see spots along the way.
A view of from Florissant, Colorado
Woodland Park
Known as “The City Above the Clouds,” Woodland Park is the largest town in Teller County. It’s home to shops, restaurants, breweries, and one of the best views of Pikes Peak anywhere in Colorado. It’s a great basecamp for exploring the region.
Cripple Creek
This historic mining town is famous for its preserved gold rush architecture, mountain casinos, and rich Wild West history. You can ride the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, tour real mines, or visit during one of the town’s many festivals.
Victor
Just down the road from Cripple Creek, Victor offers a quieter, more rustic experience. It’s a living ghost town with incredible views, historic buildings, and easy access to hiking trails and remnants of Colorado’s gold mining past.
Florissant
A small, scenic town known for wide-open skies and natural beauty. Florissant is home to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, where visitors can explore prehistoric petrified redwoods and see some of the most diverse and well-preserved insect and plant fossils in the world.
Divide
This mountain community sits at the crossroads of Highway 24 and Highway 67. Divide is quiet and peaceful, with beautiful views and quick access to outdoor spots like Mueller State Park and Horsethief Falls.
Must-See Highlights
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument One of Colorado’s most unique natural landmarks. Walk among massive petrified stumps and explore scenic hiking trails while learning about the area’s prehistoric past.
A View From Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park This expansive state park just south of Divide offers over 5,000 acres of forests, meadows, and mountain trails. It’s a great place for hiking, wildlife watching, camping, and snowshoeing in the winter.
A view of Pikes Peak and Cascade
Pikes Peak Highway (Nearby) While technically just outside Teller County, the drive up Pikes Peak is a must if you’re in the area. The summit sits at 14,115 feet and offers views you won’t forget.
Teller County is the kind of place where each small town has a story, and every road leads to a view worth stopping for. Whether you’re after history, hiking, or just some quiet time in the mountains, there’s something here for everyone.
Fresh air, good views, and trails built for dad-level adventurethroughout Teller County.
Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you’re looking to swap neckties for trail miles, you’re in the right place. Teller County is packed with hiking spots that offer everything from calm pond loops to elevation-gaining leg-burners. All within an easy drive from the backyard barbecue.
Whether you’re planning a full-day trek with your old man or just looking for a low-key morning stroll before firing up the grill, here are five local hikes that’ll make this Father’s Day one to remember.
Location: Hwy 67, 7 miles north of Woodland Park Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy
If dad’s more into laid-back walks than steep climbs, this loop around Manitou Lake is an ideal pick. It’s a flat, scenic trail with big mountain views, the occasional osprey overhead, and plenty of spots to stop for a snack or sandwich. Small bridges with informational plaques surround the lake. Bring a folding chair, binoculars, and a thermos of coffee. You might just stay a while, especially if dad wants to cast a fishing line. Note: There is an $11 day use fee per vehicle.
Location: Near Divide, off CO-67 and FS Road 383 Distance: ~5 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate
This one’s a Teller County classic. The Crags Trail winds through shady forest and opens up to massive granite spires and sweeping views of the western slope of Pikes Peak. It’s the kind of trail where you catch your breath not just from the altitude, but from the views.
Location: Cripple Creek, Off Hwy 67 Distance: ~7–8 miles round trip Difficulty: Intermediate
This two-for-one hike starts with a gentle climb to Horsethief Falls and continues to Pancake Rocks. These are named for their wild, flat rock formations that look like a stack of flapjacks. Expect a decent workout and plenty of brag-worthy views. Bonus points if you actually bring pancakes for the top.
Location: Mueller State Park Distance: ~3.3 miles Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful option tucked into Mueller State Park, this loop offers dense forest, wide meadows, and, if you’re lucky, some surprise wildlife sightings. Elk, turkey, and even the occasional bear wander this area, so keep your camera (and your trail snacks) ready.
Location: Mueller State Park Distance: 3.7 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Outlook Ridge is a solid pick if you’re looking to pair sweeping views with the chance to explore a few hidden gems along the way. The main trail connects with three short spurs—Raven Ridge, Red Tail Overlook, and Lone Eagle—each leading to huge granite outcrops that overlook Rock and Brook Ponds far below. You can see for miles to the south and west, making this a top-notch spot to stop, breathe, and take it all in.
There’s drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables at the trailhead parking lot during summer months. No pets are allowed in Mueller, so leave the pup at home for this one. And fair warning, the return trip is uphill, but it’s worth every step.
After the Hike
Cap off the day with a cold one from a local favorite like BierWerks in Woodland Park or Paradox in Divide. Or swing through historic Victor and let dad talk your ear off about mining history. Either way, you’ve earned it.
Here’s to hitting the trail, making memories, and giving dad the gift of a day well spent.
The Teller Times 