The small town of Divide, sitting on the northern slope of Pikes Peak, is a census-designated place of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area with a 215-acre vicinity.
The Highway 24 post office town is unincorporated and governed by Teller County.
The town was given the name Divide because of the water that runs and divides the north, south, east, and west areas of the town.
The town’s motto is “Center of the Known Universe” and had a recorded resident population of 127 in the 2010 census.
The area was formerly known for its ranching and farming industry, with potatoes and the Pikes Peak Lettuce as its main crops.
The farming industry dwindled, but the lumber and freight services continued to thrive.
The town’s Midland Depot, built in 1904, also boomed at the height of the railroad days and served as a stop for mining camps on the south at Victor and Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs to the east.
This outback town and its nearby areas are hosts to many gorgeous state parks, picturesque trails, magnificent rivers and falls, and acres of lush forests.
So if you’re an active and adventurous traveler, you need to know the best things to do in Divide, Colorado.
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The Gold Belt Tour is a 131-mile drive stretch that was historically the supply route of the largest gold camps in the Front Range.
It was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2000 and can easily be accessed going west from Colorado Springs or Pueblo.
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You’ll cover a route from Florissant to Florence, pass through Cripple Creek, the Victor and Cañon City areas, and you’ll encounter natural and man-made landmarks, mining ruins, and relics along the way.
The thrilling drive loop can get narrow in some areas, and you can also opt to pass through Shelf Road, where you’ll get to an area that hangs about 200 feet on the valley floor.
You can also get to the Royal Gorge Bridge, where you’ll see s steep, narrow canyon that’s 1,250 feet deep.
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Located just south of Divide en route to Cripple Creek by Highway 67, Mueller State Park is one of Colorado’s spectacular state parks.
The 5,000-acre area is filled with miles of green forest and offers various hiking trails for any level and ability.
It’s the perfect spot for great outdoor activities all year round.
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The park has a 36-mile bike trail and patches of ponds and streams during the summer, and miles of snowmobile, snowshoe, and ski trails during the winter season.
Enjoy camping at several mountain campsites like Turkey Meadow, the Prospector Ridge, Conifer Ridge, the Pisgah Point area, the Revenuer’s Ridge, and the Peak View Campgrounds.
Other activities you can enjoy here are horseback riding, fishing, geocaching, and hunting.
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A mountain pass located west of Colorado Springs, the Ute Pass lies on Highway 24 and runs on Pike Peaks’ north side.
It was used originally as a buffalo trail where these animals were transferred to the grassy meadows of South Park during the summer season.
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During the 1860s, it became a wagon road providing transport to mining camps in the Leadville area.
You’ll get to see various wildlife in Ute Pass like wild turkeys, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deers, and most notably, black bears during summer.
Hike through this historic trail and view the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges.
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The Crags and Crags Trail Head is situated 7 miles from Divide on Road 62.
It has become a popular summer hiking location often traveled despite the difficult dirt road leading to it.
The primitive campground is often used as a base camp for ascending hikers nearby Pikes Peak.
It also heads the trail towards Crags Trail #664 and the Devil’s Playground Trail, both of which are busy during the peak season.
The area is a pack-in and a pack-out area, with 17 campsites available and the Four Mile Creek running adjacent to the campgrounds, so you can have time for fishing.
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Located on Twin Rocks Road, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is one of few sanctuaries in the US with a certification from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The center takes part with its Species Survival Program providing shelters for Mexican grey wolves and swift foxes.
It all started when Darlene Kobobel rescued a wolf-dog named Chinook back in 1993 from being euthanized.
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Concerned about the conditions and state of wolf dogs, she founded what later became the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center aiming to educate the public about saving these wolf dogs.
Their 2-hour Full Moon Tour starts with a complimentary beverage and hike to Chinook’s Nature Trail, get to hear about the center’s history, have a “Howl at the Moon,” and listen to the wolves.
The guided Full Moon Feeding Tour, which lasts for an hour and a half will have you meet the animals at the center, watch them during feeding time, learn more about hunting and the life of wolves, and have the traditional group howl.
There is also a gift shop open after the tour for some merchandise.
The Catamount Ranch was formerly a YMCA camp that was closed to the public for many years.
Teller County planned to purchase the land for open space, and after several years of negotiations, the Catamount Ranch Open Space was finally opened in 2006.
The attraction has been called a “little pocket of paradise” with vast areas of Ponderosa, aspen, limber pine, fir, and spruce lining the trails.
The area has been teeming with various wildlife like black bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, and porcupines.
You can hike either of the two marked trails, which are the Elder-Fenn and Vayhinger routes.
The location offers short to medium hike trails with stunning nature views, especially during summer, and is the best way to get to the North Slope Recreation Area and Ring the Peak Trail.
The attraction is open year-round and is also a favorite place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter.
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Pike National Forest is more than a million-acre of the scenic landscape of pine trees, trekking trails, and reservoirs.
It is easily accessible from the Colorado Springs district and offers plenty of activities you can enjoy, like fishing, camping and boating, and cross-country skiing.
Some of the popular attractions you can find in different areas of this vast forest like the Devil’s Head Lookout.
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The Devil’s Head Lookout offers a 2.8-mile stretch of easy to moderate hike and ends at the U.S. Forest Service lookout tower, offering a 360-degree spectacular view of mountainous forests.
You can take two trails leading to the top of Pikes Peak – the Barr Trail and Crags Trail.
Both are long and challenging hikes, so it’s recommended for more experienced hikers.
You can take in a breathtaking picturesque view of pine forests, set up a tent on one of the campgrounds or have a picnic by the lakeside, or catch a glimpse of a magnificent sunset at Pikes Peak.
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A fossil museum located at Woodland Park, the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center exhibits fossil organisms like dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and fish of the late Cretaceous period in North America.
Get guided live tours and learn about the history and paleontology of different specimens and fossil species.
See fossil fuels on display with amazing graphics and sculptures that bring back the prehistoric animals and environment to life.
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Visit the working fossil laboratory specimens unraveled from their rock matrix and undergo the restoration process.
Kids can have a meaningful experience at the children’s area, where they can brush off fossil pieces at the dig box, read books, let their creative imagination run by making their own dinosaurs, and watch a fun and informative movie about prehistoric life and the how the staff works on the field.
You can have an hour-long fun family time here, and don’t forget to drop by the Prehistoric Paradise, the largest dinosaur gift shop, for great merchandise.
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The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a national monument in Teller County that aims to preserve and study the geological history in the area.
The sedimentary geologic formation in Florissant is said to be 34 million years old, construed as a lake environment.
Outcroppings in the area are famous for the abundant and remarkably preserved fossil plants and insects on the mudstones and shales.
You can have a great 2-4 hours learning experience, starting at the visitor center, where you’ll get to meet a ranger, have a briefing on the tour, and plan your visit.
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Get hands-on with the fossil exhibits, learn more about the science, see the exclusively featured insect and leaf fossils, or go to the bookstore for some great books and let kids enjoy the large kids’ section.
They also have a Fossil Learning Lab during summer where park rangers demonstrate how they find insect and leaf fossils, get visitors to try hand lenses, and search from shale pieces to find their own fossils.
Take a tour of the outdoor exhibits like the Ponderosa Loop and the Petrified Forest Loop, or stroll the Geologic Trail.
The Monument also has a 14-mile nature trail you can try, and you may even drop by the 1878 Hornbek Homestead, which has a story of its own.
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Sitting at more than 9,000 feet in elevation within the North Slope Recreation above Cascade Town, North Catamount Reservoir is a location that features more of the great Colorado outdoor experience.
It is the largest of the three reservoirs in the area, including South Catamount and Crystal Creek.
It was once a primary water source for areas in Colorado Springs, but the dam reservoir was closed in 1990 when water treatment in the area had been established.
It was opened in 1992 as a recreational site and is now being managed by the city of Colorado Springs, the Colorado Division Of Wildlife, and the National Forest Service.
Enjoy bike rides on the 10-mile gravel logging roads and the single-track trails available around the area.
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Catch a variety of bird species like waterfowl, turkey vultures, and colorful hummingbirds, and you’ll also be greeted by charming peewees and jays.
Have some fun boating time at the river, but make sure that you only use non-motorized and electric boats on the reservoir, with flotation devices as a requirement in the area.
If you’re heading to fish for some trout, a Colorado fishing license is required.
Anglers are also limited only to artificial lures and flies, and you can only have a maximum of 4 fish per person daily.
You can also use the fishing dock on the east side of the reservoir, but take note that swimming is not allowed in the area.
Hike along the Mackinaw Trail or get a higher view of the area and explore the trails at the Ridge, Catamount, Mule Deer, and Blue River, or go for a relaxing picnic at the tables.
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The South Catamount Reservoir lies between the North Catamount Reservoir and the Crystal Creek Reservoir and is the smallest of the three reservoirs.
Like its north counterpart, the site was opened in 1992 and is managed by the National Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Have a relaxing trek at the foot trails or bike through the 10-mile gravel road and single-track trails or catch some view of different birds and wildlife in the area or have lunch over the picnic sites with tables and bathrooms available for use.
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Boats with electric motors, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats can be used in the area but be sure to wear flotation devices as required by the management.
If you’ll go fishing, the reservoir allows the use of baits, flies, and lures, but there’s a limit to the amount of trout you’re allowed to bag.
The reservoir is meant for day tours, so camping is prohibited, and activities like swimming, wading, windsurfing, horseback riding, and hunting are not allowed.
Putney Gulch Trail is an out-and-back trail that spans 7.6 miles near Divide.
The trail was constructed by Friends of the Peak to connect the Ring to the Peak trail system.
The Putney Gulch Trail connects and provides easier access between the Crags and the Horsethief Park area.
It would take an average of 2 hours to complete this moderately challenging trail, and the area has become a favorite spot for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
You can best enjoy the trail when you visit from April through September, and you’ll get to see blankets of beautiful wildflowers.
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The Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is located below the Eleven Mile Reservoir dam near Lake George on South Park’s southeast portion and is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation.
The attraction is open year-round, but you can expect that services are less during the winter months.
The dirt road crossing the canyon was the old Colorado Midland Railroad bed before constructing the dam and reservoir.
You’ll see the forested and rocky features of the canyon, and as the waters of the river are released, it crashes the large boulders that line the canyon floors, just a scenic picture of unexpected paradise.
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Go for campground camping at the Cove, Riverside, Spillway, and Springer Gulch Campgrounds.
Have a day hike at the Hard Rock Trail, which can be accessed either at the Riverside Campground or Blue Mountain Campground, or you can take another Canyon hiking trail, the Overlook Trail, located at Spillway Campground.
The recreation area also offers rock climbing activities, picnic areas at Eleven Mile, Idlewild, Messenger Gulch, and O’Brien Gulch, and fly fishing areas.
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The Santa’s Workshop, located on US Route 24 in Cascade, is an amusement park that lets you enjoy Christmas all year round.
It was opened in 1956; this holiday-themed attraction was modeled after Santa’s Workshop, located in Wilmington, New York.
The North Pole Village is all too charming with lines of toy shops, candy shops, and Christmas decors.
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Get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus any time of the year and be greeted by the staff in fancy Christmas outfits.
Santa’s Workshop also offers 28 amusement kiddie rides suited for kids from 2 to 12 years old.
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For family-fun rides, try the roller coaster or Ferris Wheel and the Giant Slide.
Take some family pictures on the North Pole, made with permanent ice, right at the center of the park.
You can experience other attractions like the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Scrambler, a chairlift, or see some magic shows and have fun at the arcade.
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Placed south of the town and facing the northwest slopes of Pikes Peak, the Raspberry Mountain Trailhead offers an easy to moderately challenging hiking trail with breathtaking views in all directions.
Aside from the already stunning sight of Pikes Peak, get to enjoy the panoramic sceneries of the Sawatch Range, Sangre De Cristo Mountains, and Catamount Reservoirs.
The out-and-back trail is about 8.4-kilometer which can be finished in around two and a half hours.
This is one of the popular trails that’s perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, especially from March through October.
Hiking toward the Raspberry Mountain summit is a smooth and wide 6-mile loop through the Pike National Forest, mostly shaded by tall Colorado Spruce.
Divide doesn’t have a lot of hotels or inns that are essential during your visit, but checking in at Historic Crescent Ranch Resort will let you hit two birds with one stone.
On top of its cozy and comfy rooms, this resort is also a historical landmark that adds to your experience in Divide.
The history of the resort dates back to 1887, when the saw mill industry was booming in Divide that led to the establishment of Historic Crescent Ranch Resort—acting as a lodge for the saw mill.
It was named after the Crescent Cattle Company, owned by the pioneers Silas and Attie Thompson.
Today, Historic Crescent Ranch Resort consists of several log cabins—renovated inside but still retains its historic exteriors.
Offering you a rustic but comfy stay in Divide, this unique ranch resort can be conveniently found along Highway 24.
There aren’t a lot of restaurants in Divide, but any tourist is in luck thanks to the presence of McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub.
A classic Irish-style pub located just a stone’s throw away from Ute Pass, McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub offers a vintage Irish-American ambiance to go along with excellent pub food and drinks.
It’s easily the most visited eatery in Divide, so you’d be hard-pressed to miss out on both their menu and atmosphere.
Some of their classic favorites here are the fish and chips, Guinness cheese dip, and Reuben sandwich.
If you’re looking for a fun night with friends, their assortment of craft beers and cocktails won’t disappoint as well.
Women’s Trail 735 is another nature trail in Divide that gives you access to beautiful nature and interesting terrains.
What makes this trail great is it’s relatively close to the heart of the township where many of the restaurants and convenience stores are located—found along Road 511
The loop of this trail is a little over three miles, giving you a lot of incentive to explore it and dedicate a whole morning for it.
Women’s Trail 375 is also a great trail for beginners; it’s particularly great if you want to test the outdoors of Divide first before venturing to the more serious attractions like Mueller State Park.
While not as pretty as the more famous tourist hotspots, Women’s Trail 357 is a fantastic place to get sweeping views of the woodlands and rocky terrains in Divide.
Hayden Divide Park is an amazing place to just simply relax in the town.
Located along Haybrook Road near the center of the township, it’s the go-to park of the township that offers a playground and benches.
While simply, Hayden Divide Park is scenic—full of natural beauty such as a field of flowers.
Depending on the season, the aesthetics of this park changes as well, being snow-clad during winter.
If you’re staying at the township and want to have some outdoor relaxation, visit Hayden Divide Park.
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Horsethief Park Trailhead is an enjoyable trek that leads you to a scenic waterfall in the woodlands near Mueller State Park.
It’s a relatively easy trail, making it a popular destination for families and fur parents.
The trailhead has an abundance of natural beauty, ranging from giant rock formations to lush foliage.
There’s also a beautiful stream here that accentuates the charm of this trailhead.
The best time to visit Horsethief Park Trailhead is during the spring, allowing you to see the waterfalls at its best.
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Divide, Colorado, may seem like an ordinary small town, but it has splendid outdoor attractions that you’ll surely enjoy.
Have an awesome adventure at different levels of hike trails spanning natural forests and relaxing water attractions.
Get to visit and discover nature’s wonders at Divide, Colorado.
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