Cascade-Chipita Park

Cascade-Chipita Park, Colorado

Cascade-Chipita Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in El Paso County, Colorado, situated along U.S. Route 24 in the foothills west of Colorado Springs. Nestled in the Ute Pass area of the southern Rocky Mountains, it serves as a scenic residential and tourist gateway to Pikes Peak.

Key facts

• County: El Paso County, Colorado

• Population: Around 1,000 (residents, 2020 Census)

• Elevation: Approximately 7,400 feet (2,260 m)

• Area: ~10 square miles (26 km²)

• ZIP Code: 80809 (Cascade)

Geography and setting

Cascade-Chipita Park lies along Fountain Creek and the steep slopes of Ute Pass, combining two adjacent communities—Cascade and Chipita Park—often treated as a single locality. The area’s alpine climate and dense forests of ponderosa pine make it attractive for outdoor recreation, cabin retreats, and mountain living within commuting distance of Colorado Springs.

History

Settlement began in the late 1800s as the Colorado Midland Railway opened travel routes through Ute Pass. Cascade developed as a resort stop for travelers heading to Pikes Peak, with historic lodges and summer cottages that remain today. Chipita Park, named for the wife of the Ute leader Ouray, originated as a residential enclave with early homesteads and mountain estates.

Economy and tourism

Tourism anchors the local economy. The community serves as the base for the Pikes Peak Highway, a scenic toll road ascending to the mountain’s 14,115-foot summit. Small inns, vacation rentals, and trail access points—such as the North Pole Santa’s Workshop theme park—draw visitors year-round.

Community and services

Cascade-Chipita Park is part of the Manitou Springs School District 14 and relies on county governance for infrastructure and emergency services. The area retains a rural mountain character with a close-knit population, balancing heritage preservation with limited new development.