A new option has joined Woodland Park’s busy Mexican food scene. Tacos El Amigo #4 has officially opened in the shopping center anchored by Safeway, taking over the space previously occupied by Serrano’s, which has since relocated to Florissant.
Tacos El Amigo is not new to the area. The restaurant already operates three other locations, two in Colorado Springs and one in Fountain, all of which have built strong followings and consistently high ratings. The Woodland Park location marks the brand’s first expansion into Teller County.
The restaurant describes itself as a casual spot focused on comfort food and quick bites, with a menu centered around tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. One of the standout offerings is their birria tacos, which have become a highlight at their other locations and are already drawing attention from local diners.
With several established Mexican restaurants already serving the Woodland Park community, competition is strong, but Tacos El Amigo enters the scene with a proven track record and an existing customer base familiar with the brand. Its location near Safeway places it in a high-traffic area, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors.
As the restaurant settles in, it adds another option for residents looking for casual, fast Mexican fare and continues the trend of new dining spots filling long-standing restaurant spaces in Woodland Park.
Local hockey fans will have something to look forward to in January. The Brave Warriors Hockey Foundation is hosting its Winter Classic on Saturday, January 10, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Meadow Wood Sports Complex in Woodland Park. The event is free to watch, and the community is invited to bundle up and enjoy an evening of outdoor hockey under the Colorado sky.
The Winter Classic brings together teams made up of first responders, veterans, and members of the military. The Brave Warriors Hockey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, uses hockey as a way to build community, support mental and emotional wellbeing, and create a space where those who serve can unwind, connect, and challenge themselves.
Spectators can expect a full lineup of games throughout the afternoon and evening. The event expects to drawa a friendly crowd, from die-hard hockey fans to families who simply want to enjoy the day outdoors.
It is also a chance for the community to show support. Donations are welcome and help the Brave Warriors program continue offering opportunities for veterans and first responders to play, train, and find camaraderie on and off the ice.
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park invites families to celebrate Kids Free Day on December 30th, a perfect end-of-year adventure for young dinosaur lovers. On this special day, two children (ages 12 and under) will receive FREE admission with one paid regular adult admission. Guests can enjoy hands-on activity tables, fun demonstrations, and a full day of interactive learning.
The RMDRC is a 12,000-square-foot world-class fossil museum showcasing dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and other fossils from North America’s Late Cretaceous Period. Nestled in the shadow of Pikes Peak—just 30 minutes west of Colorado Springs—the museum offers guided tours included with admission, led by knowledgeable staff who help bring ancient worlds to life through dramatic displays, vivid graphics, and realistic life-restoration sculptures.
Visitors can also view the museum’s fossil preparation lab in action and browse the expansive gift shop filled with prehistoric treasures.
Ticket Prices: • Adults: $13.00 • Seniors (65+): $12.00 Two kids free with one paid adult. Last admission is sold 30 minutes before closing.
The Woodland Park Farmers Market is inviting the community to celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market, held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 East Midland Ave, on Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This beloved local tradition offers something for everyone, featuring live music, food trucks, and a wide array of local vendors. Shoppers can browse Colorado-grown winter produce, including mushrooms, greens, eggs, and meats, alongside specialty foods like jams, jellies, spices, teas, and chocolates. Baked goods, pickled products, granola, and freshly brewed coffee will also be on hand to fill the air with delicious aromas.
Beyond the food, visitors can explore handmade crafts such as etched glass, ornaments, pottery, wood and paper crafts, crochet items, jewelry, soaps, candles, and printed fabrics. Holiday shoppers will also find Colorado-themed shirts, antique kitchenware, fresh wreaths, greenery, dog treats, and health and wellness products.
With its mix of local artistry, festive spirit, and homegrown goods, the Woodland Park Farmers Market Holiday Market is a perfect place to find unique gifts and support local makers while soaking in the charm of the holiday season.
A new locally owned business, Peak Ship & Print, has opened its doors at 800 US-24, Suite B, across from Eagle Fire Lodge and next to H&R Block. The shop offers residents and small businesses in Woodland Park a convenient place for shipping, printing, and other business needs.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FedEx pickups take place daily at 5 p.m. on weekdays.
While shipping is a major focus, Peak Ship & Print also provides printing services that range from small-scale projects like flyers and stickers to larger jobs such as banners and vinyl signage. The shop produces custom t-shirts, tote bags, and other printed garments, giving customers a local option for personalized items.
Other available services include faxing, shredding, copying, and virtual mailboxes. According to the owners, the goal is to offer a place where residents and businesses can handle a variety of printing and mailing tasks in one stop.
Woodland Park has a new spot for style seekers and vintage lovers alike. Timeless Niche, located at 110 W. Midland Ave, Suite 3, has officially opened its doors, offering a curated selection of pre-loved and secondhand vintage clothing for both men and women.
The boutique specializes in handpicked pieces that blend classic charm and modern wearability, with racks filled with denim, tops, jackets, accessories, and statement finds from across the decades. For those looking to refresh their own closets, Timeless Niche also accepts trades, making it a sustainable option for fashion-forward shoppers.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shop sits conveniently between 110 Reserve and Mountain Home Decor in downtown Woodland Park.
Whether you’re trading in your own treasures or hunting for your next vintage favorite, this new boutique adds a fresh spark of creativity and character to Woodland Park’s growing downtown community.
WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (October 4, 2025) — After a decade of operation, Snap Fitness in Woodland Park has suddenly and permanently closed its doors. The closure took effect on September 30, catching many members by surprise, as no official notice appears to have been sent prior to the shutdown.
As of this week, the gym’s entrance at 1131 E US Highway 24 is locked, and only two signs taped to the door confirm the news. One simply reads, “SORRY WE ARE CLOSED.” The other, a formal notice titled “Snap Fitness Woodland Park – Club Closing Announcement,” provides the full details of the closure.
“After 10 wonderful years of serving your health and fitness needs, we regret to inform you that Snap Fitness in Woodland Park will be closing its doors. Our final day of operation will be September 30, 2025. We are deeply grateful to you – our members – for allowing us to be part of your fitness journey. You have truly been the best part of our time in the gym industry.”
The notice continues by addressing membership logistics:
“For month-to-month and contract members, all memberships will automatically end on 9/30/2025. For prepaid and personal training agreements, prorated refunds will be issued for the remaining portion of your membership dues.”
Members with questions are encouraged to reach out by phone at (719) 686-6494 or via email at woodlandpark@snapfitness.com
Every fall, the mountains of Teller County, just west of Colorado Springs, transform into a patchwork of golden aspens framed by rugged peaks and deep evergreen forests. From September 25 through October 7, the colors are expected to reach their peak, painting the hillsides in brilliant shades of yellow and gold. For those looking to soak in the sights, Teller County offers one of the most scenic drives close to Colorado Springs, with plenty of small-town charm, hearty food, and hidden gems along the way.
Starting in Colorado Springs, here’s a full-day itinerary that pairs breathtaking foliage with memorable stops, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned leaf peepers alike.
Woodland Park – A Mountain Town Welcome After winding your way up Ute Pass on Highway 24, your first stop is Woodland Park, known as “The City Above the Clouds.” The air is a little crisper here, and the mountain views begin to open up. Before continuing deeper into the forest, stop at Café Leo, a cozy local favorite. A warm latte or chai makes the perfect start, and their baked goods — especially the house-made pastry that tastes like an elevated version of a childhood “pop tart” — are worth the indulgence. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs, stock up on road snacks, and settle into mountain time.
Divide & Mueller State Park – Aspen Gold at Its Best From Woodland Park, head west to Divide, where Highway 67 splits south toward Cripple Creek. This stretch of road is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Golden aspen groves blanket the rolling hillsides, and the higher elevation means the colors often come early and stay vibrant.
Just a few miles down the road lies Mueller State Park, one of Teller County’s crown jewels. With more than 5,000 acres and 55 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the colors. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, the park has scenic pull-offs where you can capture sweeping photos of gold against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. For a quick, rewarding stroll, try the Outlook Ridge Trail, which leads to panoramic views perfect for fall photos.
Mueller State Park
Cripple Creek – History and a Hearty Meal Continue south to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town where Victorian architecture meets the buzz of modern casinos. The drive itself is spectacular, with bursts of aspen lining the hillsides and occasional wildlife sightings.
Once you arrive, fuel up with lunch at The District Kitchen & Saloon, a modern spot with a hearty menu. Their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich” has earned a loyal following for good reason — it’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying after a mountain drive. After lunch, stroll the downtown streets where old brick buildings and historic markers tell the story of Colorado’s gold rush era. If you’re feeling adventurous, step into one of the casinos and test your luck before heading back out to the open road.
“Best In The West Hot Chicken” Sandwich, The District Saloon
Victor – A Step Back in Time Just a short drive from Cripple Creek lies Victor, a quieter, less touristy mining town that feels frozen in time. Along the way, you’ll pass Rita the Troll, a quirky roadside sculpture that’s become a local landmark — the perfect photo-op for your road trip scrapbook.
In town, pop into Gold Camp Bakery Café & Deli, where the scent of fresh bread and pastries fills the air. For those seeking something stronger, the 1899 Mining Claim and Saloon serves craft beers and cocktails in a setting that channels the rugged spirit of the mining era. If you’re lucky enough to find the Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works open, don’t miss it. This old-fashioned shop sells hand-pressed postcards, hand-made brooms, and unique keepsakes that make for truly memorable souvenirs.
Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works
The Perfect Ending in Green Mountain Falls (We Know, It’s Not In Teller County) As the day winds down, make your way back toward Colorado Springs. Before you descend fully into the Front Range, stop in Green Mountain Falls, a small mountain village that feels tucked away from the world. Here, Cantina Verde serves some of the best Mexican fare in the region. Their queso and house margaritas are the ideal way to toast a successful day of leaf peeping before heading back to the city.
September 6–7, 2025 | Woodland Park & Cripple Creek
For more than three decades, Cruise Above the Clouds has celebrated the beauty, power, and history of the automobile. From the clatter of early brass-era cars to the rumble of Detroit muscle to today’s sleek modern machines, this beloved tradition brings car enthusiasts and families together for one unforgettable weekend. Alongside vintage and custom cars, the show will also feature motorcycles, tractors, trucks, buses, and more.
Event Schedule
Saturday, September 6 — Woodland Park 📍 Memorial Park
Parking opens: 7:00 AM
Show starts: 9:00 AM
Ballots due: 12:00 PM
Trophies awarded: 2:00 PM
Show ends: 3:00 PM followed by a scenic cruise to Cripple Creek
Sunday, September 7 — Cripple Creek 📍 Bennett Avenue (closed to traffic for the event, with overnight security provided)
Cars will be parked on Bennett Avenue through-out the day
Highlights
Over 300 custom and collector cars, motorcycles, tractors, buses, and trucks on display
Silent Auction in Woodland Park with great prizes including a handmade quilt and a Rex Tires gift certificate
Live music, local vendors, and plenty of food options both days
Registration at the show: $35/day or $60 for both days
More Than a Car Show
Since 1991, Cruise Above the Clouds has had one goal, to preserve, educate, and share the joy of automotive history while giving back to the community. Each year, proceeds from the show benefit local nonprofits throughout Teller County and beyond.
Whether you’re entering your own ride, helping with judging, or just walking the rows of gleaming chrome, you don’t need to be a gearhead to join the fun. This event is about community, history, and a shared love for the open road.
Weather Outlook
Saturday: Increasing clouds, high near 69, with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday: Mostly sunny early, high near 67, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. 🌂 Tip: Bring sunscreen, a chair, and maybe a rain jacket — the show goes on, rain or shine!
Join us for a weekend of horsepower, history, and hometown pride at the 33rd Annual Cruise Above the Clouds. All proceeds support local nonprofits, so you can feel good knowing your good time is also helping our community.
Today is the final day to explore the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show, happening right here in Woodland Park at the Saddle Club lot between Safeway and Walmart. This annual event, held every 3rd weekend in August, brings together more than 40 dealers featuring minerals from around the world, stunning crystals, and one-of-a-kind custom jewelry.
The show is a family favorite with free activities for kids, including gold panning and digging up rocks, making it a great way to introduce little explorers to geology in a fun and hands-on way. Adults can browse the wide variety of gems and jewelry while enjoying delicious options from local food vendors.
Whether you are a collector, jewelry lover, or simply looking for a fun Sunday activity, the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience it before it’s gone for another year.
thetellertimes.com 