Locations
The event locations are:
- Saturday, July 17 - new location! Saylor Park, north of Woodland Park, CO
- Sunday, July 18 - new location! Lake Manitou South, north of Woodland Park, CO
- Monday July 19 (AM) - The Nature Place, Florissant, CO
- Monday July 19 (PM) -Lake Manitou, Woodland Park, CO
- Tuesday July 20 - Lake George, CO
- Wednesday July 21 - Rainbow Falls, Woodland Park, CO
Directions
- Carpooling
- Our permit for the US Forest Service restricts our parking to specific locations so please carpool as much as possible. Our designated carpool location is Woodland Park High School (same location as packet pickup Friday night - see below). Parking fees for the Night-O champs are $5 per car and parking fees for the Sprint at The Nature Place are also $5 per car.
- Saturday, July 17, Saylor Park – First Start 10:00am
- From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west to Woodland Park. In Woodland Park, go to the third traffic light and turn right (north) onto Baldwin Street (just before McDonald's). This is mile zero. You will pass Woodland Park High School on your right (designated carpool parking location). At three miles, bear left. At 4.2 miles, bear left and continue north on FSR300. At 6.8 miles, bear left and continue north on FSR 300. At 12.8 miles, turn right onto FSR 325. You will see the Finish/Registration area after about 200 meters.
Note: 1 km walk to start (estimate 15 mins). Woodland Park is about 30 minutes from Colorado Springs. Saylor Park is at least another 30 minutes from Woodland Park. Allow plenty of drive time.
Parking: Parking is within 1-car length along Forest Service road 325 or as directed by volunteers.
- Sunday, July 18, Manitou Park South – First Start 9:00am
- From Colorado Springs, go west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Then go north on Highway 67 for 5.6 miles, to Forest Service Road 336 (look for the sign for Pike Community Group Campground). Proceed east on Road 336 for 0.4 miles to a sharp hairpin turn to the right, and make a less sharp right turn downhill onto Road 336A, and park along Road 336A, or as directed by signs / volunteers. Finish area is 0.1 miles ahead on the left (north) side.
Note: 200m walk to start.
- Monday, July 19, The Nature Place (Sprint location) – First Start 10:00am
- Drive west from Woodland Park on Highway 24. The next town is Divide. About 8 miles past Divide on Highway 24 you will reach Florissant. Drive through Florissant on Highway 24 then turn left on the gravel road (County Rd. 46) at the top of the hill just west of town. This road is marked with a real estate office (Mountain Properties Real Estate) and a sign for Wagon Tongue Road on the corner. Outside of the office is a sign for “Sanborn Western Camps and The Nature Place.”
Follow this road about 2.5 miles, bearing left at the fork. Follow the signs. Go about 1.7 miles and you will reach a covered wagon. Bear left here, continue up the hill, and they are the first driveway on the right. Please drive carefully on unpaved roads-the gravel can be unpredictable, and children, animals, and semi-trailers may be encountered at any time. If you have problems please call The Nature Center at (719) 748-3475. $5 per car for parking so consider carpooling.
- Monday, July 19, Lake Manitou – First Start 9:30pm
- From Colorado Springs, go west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Then go north on Highway 67 for 7.5 miles to the Manitou Lake Picnic area, turn right, pay the $5 entry fee and park as directed. We encourage you to carpool from the Woodland Park High School or nearby campgrounds where you may be staying.
Note: 15 minute walk to the start (about 900 meters).
- Tuesday, July 20, Lake George – Mass Start 10:30am
- Drive west from Woodland Park past Divide, Florissant to the town of Lake George (19 miles and allow 30 minutes). Watch for O signs and signs for the Lake George Community Park. It’s about 2 blocks north of U.S. Highway 24. Parking is free and ample at the Park. Look for the registration tent and Finish Van near the corral.
Note: Finalize your relay teams by 9:30am. If you didn’t sign up for a team and you still want to compete, you can pay at this point. Be sure to fill out the Relay Team Entry form in the Packet.
- Wednesday, July 21, Rainbow Falls – First Start 9:00am
- From the U.S. Highway 24 and CO State Highway 67 junction in Woodland Park take State Highway 67 North for about 10.5 miles to Rainbow Falls Park Rd. Parking is just East of Rainbow Falls Park Road less than a 0.25 mi from the Highway 67 and Rainbow Falls Park Road junction.
Note: Map hikers will depart after all competitors have started. Our last start will be 11am.
Lodging
- Group Camping – Sunday, July 18th 2pm - Wednesday, July 21st Noon
- At the last minute we were able to reserve Pike Community Campground for group camping. The cost will be split between those who stay with us. We’ll set up a solar shower enclosure area, so bring your solar shower.
- Directions
- From Colorado Springs, go west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Drive north on Highway 67 for 5.6 miles, to Forest Service Road 336 (look for the sign for Pike Community Group Campground).
- The Nature Place
- The Nature Place, is a stunning lodge in the high country west of Pikes Peak. The Nature Place is located 35 miles west of Colorado Springs or 20 miles west and south of Woodland Park, Colorado. The campus abuts Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, an expanse of geologic wonder with petrified Sequoia trees.
Rocky Mountain O Fest has had to change locations for the courses for Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18 to sites north of Woodland Park. The Nature Center is still a suitable location for you to stay during O Fest. The site of Monday am, July 19 Sprint Course will be on the campus of The Nature Place. Monday night's Night O start will be north of Woodland Park at Manitou Lake. The start for Tuesday, July 20 will be 10 miles west of The Nature Center at Lake George. The start for Wednesday, July 21 will be 30 miles east and north of the Nature Place, at Rainbow Falls, north of Woodland Park.
- Accommodations
- The Nature Place has studio apartments with large windows and private decks with views. A few rooms may still be available for O Fest.
- Double occupancy $145 per person per night includes 3 meals per day and use of facilities.
- Single occupancy is $195 per person per day includes 3 meals per day and use of facilities.
- Children, ages 5-15 are $105 per person per day, including 3 meals and use of facilities.
Limited number of rooms. Reserve now by email to office@thenatureplace.net or by phoning 719-748-3475.
- Camping at TNP
- A limited number of tent sites are available for $35/day at The Nature Place. Campers may purchase meals from The Nature Place with advance reservations.
- RV camping
- A limited number of spots are available for $35/day at The Nature Place. No hookups are available. RV parkers can purchase meals from The Nature Place with advance reservations.
- Meals
- Campers and non guests may purchase meals with advance reservation at The Nature Place. Breakfast is $9.50, lunch (make a sack lunch during breakfast) for $10.50 and dinner is $20. Meals are included in lodging, but not in camping or RV fees. Home cooked meals are served buffet style with terrific views. The variety of food meets most low fat and vegetarian diets, and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice. TNP does not have a liquor license.
- Taxes
- All lodging, camping and meal prices are plus 3.9% state tax.
- Pets
- No pets are allowed at The Nature Place. Wildlife is proximate.
- Cell Service
- Cell service is patchy, depending on providers.
- Facilities
- The sportsplex has indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, exercise and weight room and a multi-use game court. Also outdoor tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, outdoor amphitheater and campfire pit, miles of marked hiking and mountain biking trails. All are included in lodging. Fee for tent and RV campers and non guests. Washer and dryer on site for guest use.
- Day visitors
- Parking is $5 per day per vehicle for non guests, including O Fest.
- Directions
- From Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 West (exit 141) toward Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak.
Stay on Highway 24 through Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, and Divide. About 8 miles past Divide on Highway 24 you will reach Florissant. Drive through Florissant on Highway 24 then turn left on the gravel road (County Rd. 46) at the top of the hill just west of town. This road is marked with a real estate office (Mountain Properties Real Estate) and a sign for Wagon Tongue Road on the corner. Outside of the office is a sign for “Sanborn Western Camps and The Nature Place.” Follow this road about 2.5 miles, bearing left at the fork. Follow the signs. Go about 1.7 miles and you will reach a covered wagon. Bear left here, continue up the hill, and we are the first driveway on the right. Please drive carefully on unpaved roads-the gravel can be unpredictable, and children, animals, and semi-trailers may be encountered at any time. If you have problems please call The Nature Center at (719) 748-3475. And, for those of you with GPS, TNP is located at: N38 54.14 W105 19.48
- Airport
- The closest airport is the Colorado Springs Airport, located 52 miles east of The Nature Place. Denver International Airport is 2 ½ hours from The Nature Place. Best to fly into Colorado Springs.
- Towns
- Closest town to The Nature Place? Florissant is located 10 minutes from our facilities and has a few convenience stores and gas stations. The closest town of size is Woodland Park, which is a 30-minute drive north and east on Highway 24.
- Procrastination
- How early should I book my stay? Two-to-three months ahead. Some dates are reserved 2-4 years in advance. Phone 719-748-3475 or email office@thenatureplace.net
- Woodland Park Lodging Options
- The sites for the OFEST meets on July 17-18 are north of Woodland Park in Pike National Forest. This is a change! July 19 am Sprint meet is 20 miles west and south of Woodland Park at The Nature Place. July 19 pm is 7 miles north of Woodland Park at Lake Manitou. July 20 is 20 miles west of Woodland Park at Lake George, and July 21 is 5 miles north of Woodland Park at Rainbow Falls.
Motels, cabins, restaurants and tourist attractions dot the route from Colorado Springs through Woodland Park to Florissant and Lake George. Area information is available from the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce. Motel, cabin, camping and RV options in the Woodland Park-Florissant-Lake George area are listed below.
- Bristlecone Lodge (formerly Town & Country Resort)
- In Woodland Park on Highway 67. 8 cabins plus RV park. Suites with a queen bed + sleeper sofa, kitchenette. Hot tub, wifi. Continental breakfast in lodge. Rates $130-138/night for 1-2 people. RV sites $32-35 night 1-2 people. Camping sites are also available. Weekly rates available. Phone 719-687-9518 or 800-600-0399. www.bristleconebb.com
- Country Lodge
- This motel is in Woodland Park. Amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast. Fridge, microwave in rooms. Two Queen beds $89-95/night. King $112-119/night. Phone 866-687-4466. www.woodlandcountrylodge.com
- Diamond Campground and RV Park
- Just north of Woodland Park on Highway 67. Pet friendly. Tent sites are $20/night for up to four people each. RV sites $29/night. Dump station available. Phone 719-687-9684. www.diamondcampground.com
- Eagle Fire Lodge
- In Woodland Park. 15 cabins and lodge rooms. $109-119/night for 1-2 people. Ph 719-687-5700 www.eaglefire.com
- Pikes Peak Resort
- Luxury lodge and cabins located 14 miles north of Woodland Park off Highway 67, then west. Sauna, hot tub, wifi. Breakfast included, lunch and dinner available. $115-315 per night. Phone 719-687-9777 www.pikespeakresort.com
- Stonehaven Inn B & B
- 7 miles west of Woodland Park in Divide, Colorado. Spectacular views. $125/night/1-2 people including full breakfast. 719-686-0833 www.stonehavenbnb.com
- Woodland Inn B and B
- In Woodland Park. 8 rooms with private baths. Hot tub, common area, gas grill. $109 for 2 people including breakfast. Phone 719-687-3112 www.woodlandinn.com
- Woodland Park Cabins (formerly Elwells Guest Cabins)
- In Woodland Park. Two bedroom cabin with kitchen, fully furnished, $140 per night for 4 people, sleeps 6. One bedroom cabin with loft, kitchen is $110/night/4 people. Phone 719-687-9839 www.woodlandparkcabins.com
- Christhaven Lodge
- Florissant, Colorado. 111 lodge rooms, 4 cabins. Pool, hot tub, wifi. No alcohol. $75/person/night including meals. Phone 719-687-3425 www.christhaven.net
- Campgrounds in the Pike San Isabel National Forest
- These are in ponderosa pine forest areas, at elevations of 8-9,000 feet. They have pit toilets, no showers, and no electricity. The South Meadows, Colorado, Painted Rock and Thunder Ridge Campgrounds are located approximately five to eight miles north of Woodland Park off Highway 67. Meadow Ridge Campground is 5 miles east of Woodland Park above Rampart Reservoir. Blue Mountain Campground is south of Lake George on Road 61. A location map, campground details, and driving directions are presented at ReserveAmerica or go to recreation.gov Campground search and enter Colorado with zip code 80863 and select a campground named above.
- Group camping
- At the last minute we were able to reserve Pike Community Campground for group camping. The cost will be split between those who stay with us. We’ll set up a solar shower enclosure area, so bring your solar shower. You are welcome to join us.
- Campgrounds at Mueller State Park
- With stunning scenery, Mueller State Park is on Highway 67, 17 miles east and south of the Nature Place and 9 miles west and south of Woodland Park. For 2010, the campgrounds are already full for the weekend of July 17, but reservations are available for weekdays. Tent and RV sites are available. Campgrounds have restrooms, coin showers and coin laundry. Pets must be on leash at all times; this is a wildlife area. Tent or RV sites are $20/night. Reservations at coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com ask for Mueller State Park.
Restaurants
17 restaurants are listed on the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce site.
Links
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