Allenspark, Colorado
A small mountain community surrounded by forests, peaks, wildlife and Rocky Mountain scenery.
A Mountain Community with a Character All Its Own
Allenspark combines historic mountain-community character with dramatic Front Range scenery, forested roads, cabins, wildlife and access to some of Colorado’s most memorable high-country landscapes.
A Colorful Tribute to Allenspark
The artwork brings together mountain scenery, forests, wildflowers, wildlife and the rustic character of the Allenspark area.
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Allenspark, Colorado Souvenir Mug
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Bring home a colorful piece of Allenspark, Colorado.
Shop the Allenspark Mug →A Mountain Meadow with Gold-Rush Roots
Allenspark takes its name from Alonzo Nelson Allen, who came west during the Colorado Gold Rush and built a cabin in the area in 1864 while prospecting and running cattle. The present village developed later on land associated with George Mack’s homestead. The Allens Park Land and Townsite Company acquired the property in 1896, filed a village plat on May 23, and began selling building lots. A post office also opened that year.
Allenspark is a “park” in the old geographic sense: a high mountain meadow surrounded by forest and peaks. Early residents farmed, ranched, logged and prospected, but the beauty and cool mountain air soon proved more dependable than gold. By the late 1890s and early 1900s, tourism was becoming central to the community.
From Mining Dreams to a Mountain Retreat
A renewed burst of mining activity arrived in the early 1900s, including the Clara Belle Mine, but it was short-lived. Tourism endured. From about 1900 to 1920, summer residents bought lots and built cabins, helping establish the rustic mountain character that still defines Allenspark.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Allenspark also developed a surprising skiing tradition. Local slopes and ski jumps hosted competitions, while trout fishing, hiking and mountain vacations drew visitors. Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, and the scenic Peak to Peak route strengthened Allenspark’s role as a gateway to outdoor recreation.
Historic structures preserve this early mountain-community story. Bunce School, built in 1888, served both students and community gatherings. Allenspark Community Church traces to a log church built in 1924, while the iconic Chapel on the Rock at Camp Saint Malo was built in the 1930s against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meeker.
What Allenspark Is Known For
Allenspark is classic Colorado mountain-country. Its identity combines Longs Peak and Mount Meeker views, rustic cabins and lodges, Rocky Mountain National Park access, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Chapel on the Rock, wildlife, wildflowers, hiking, fishing and a long tradition as a summer mountain retreat.
Symbols That Tell the Story
Longs Peak & Mount Meeker
The towering peaks east of Rocky Mountain National Park create the dramatic skyline most closely associated with the Allenspark area.
Chapel on the Rock
Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel, perched on a granite outcrop at Camp Saint Malo, is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.
Rustic Cabins & Lodges
Log buildings and summer cabins recall the period when visitors began coming to Allenspark for cool mountain air and scenery.
Mountain Recreation
Hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, skiing and exploring nearby Wild Basin have long been part of the Allenspark experience.
Wildlife & Wildflowers
Forests and mountain meadows support elk, moose, deer and abundant seasonal wildflowers.
Historic Skiing
Allenspark hosted ski jumps and competitions in the 1920s and 1930s, adding an unexpected chapter to its recreation history.
Unique Small Businesses in Allenspark
Allenspark’s locally owned lodges, cafés, galleries and mountain shops are part of what makes this small Peak to Peak community worth slowing down for.
Tree Huggers Trading Company
A locally owned mountain shop supporting Allenspark and Colorado makers, with art, gifts, vintage finds, gear, snacks and coffee.
Meadow Mountain Cafe
A tiny, rustic Allenspark breakfast-and-lunch café known for generous breakfasts and classic mountain-town character.
Eagle Plume's
A historic family-run Native American art trading post and gallery along the Peak to Peak Highway.
Tahosa Coffee House
A welcoming coffeehouse on the Camp Saint Malo grounds near Chapel on the Rock, serving espresso, coffee, tea and light bites.
Allenspark Lodge Bed & Breakfast
A polished-rustic historic log lodge near Rocky Mountain National Park offering mountain hospitality and a traditional lodge experience.
Meeker Park Lodge
A historic log lodge and cabin property that also serves travelers with a grocery and gift shop, public showers and laundry.
The Old Gallery
A nonprofit community and arts center in a renovated historic log building, with local art, a gift shop, events and visitor information.
Wild Basin Lodge
A locally rooted mountain wedding and event venue surrounded by the natural scenery of the Wild Basin area.
A Few Places to Know
Chapel on the Rock
The landmark Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel stands dramatically on a granite formation with Mount Meeker rising behind it.
Wild Basin — Rocky Mountain National Park
The quieter southeastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park offers trails, waterfalls, forests and access to spectacular high-country scenery.
National Park Information →Peak to Peak Scenic & Historic Byway
Colorado Highway 7 carries travelers through the Allenspark area amid mountain views, forests and brilliant fall color.
Visitor Information →Bunce School
Built in 1888, this historic log schoolhouse recalls the earliest settlement era and once served as a center of community life.
Allenspark Visitor Information →History researched from Visit Allenspark, National Park Service records, Colorado tourism resources and historic-preservation documentation. MKT Colorado summarizes local history for visitors and residents; historical details may be updated as additional local sources become available.
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