A trip to Rock Ledge Ranch at Garden of the Gods Park is a step into the past.
“Rock Ledge Ranch is a timeline of people who lived right here on the Ranch,” says Melissa Keown, lead historical interpreter and caretaker.
The ranch honors its American Indian history alongside that of the settlers who later began living on the 160-acre plot of land situated between Garden of the Gods and Camp Creek.
While this unconventional city park is open year-round, its buildings are only open Wednesdays through Saturdays from June through mid-August and for special events. During those times, docents and junior docents dressed in period-appropriate clothing interpret life in the Pikes Peak region from 1775 through 1910.
The Ranch
Robert and Elsie Chambers built the first permanent home on this land in 1875, and Elsie christened it “Rock Ledge Ranch.” The house now called Rock Ledge House doubled as a boarding house for tourists and tuberculosis patients and tripled as a school.
The Chambers family also constructed a steam-heated greenhouse and a reservoir and dug irrigation ditches to carry water to their crops. After 25 years, Robert and Elsie decided to retire and sold their property to their neighbor, General William J. Palmer, for $17,000. It became part of his Glen Eyrie estate.
After changing hands several more times, the city of Colorado Springs bought it in the 1960s, adding it to the city park system. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
150th Anniversary Celebration
Mark it on the calendar: June 21 from 10 am-5 pm. That’s the sesquicentennial of when this swath of land became “Rock Ledge Ranch.” Expect fanfare:
- Youth and adult visual and literary art contests with prizes
- Live music, crafts and food, including “crackers and milk” for 15 cents—just like in the days of the Chambers’ boarding house
- Wagon rides and a family barn-style dance
“We’ll have snacks and drinks and then we’ll celebrate with a big birthday cake,” Keown says.
Six Distinct Historic Sites
These sprawling grounds are home to six distinct historic sites. Come all year, but don’t miss the summer living history program and special events throughout the year when the buildings are open. Grab snacks at the general store or bring a picnic and blanket.
American Indian Area, 1775-1835: Ute oral tradition says their people have always lived in this area. Other groups also traveled through and considered the land their home.
Galloway Homestead, 1867-1874: Walter Galloway built a small cabin, claimed the homestead in 1874 and quickly sold it to the Chambers.
Chambers Farm and Rock Ledge House, 1874-1900: The Chambers built the Rock Ledge House and planted orchards. By the time they sold the property, it was one of the county’s most productive farms.
Blacksmith Shop: This 19th century working blacksmith shop repairs farm implements and creates other needed items. Hand-forged items also are for sale at the General Store.
General Store: Penny candy, popcorn and cold sodas for sale, alongside a variety of books and other items.
Orchard House, 1907-1910: In 1907, Gen. Palmer’s relatives moved into the newly built house, which included many modern features such as electricity and indoor plumbing.
Getting Involved
Want to get involved at Rock Ledge Ranch?
Applications are always open for adult docents. Applications for junior docents (ages 10-17) are open in March—those selected will volunteer two half-days per week for a five-week summer session. Elizabeth Borders started as a junior docent and now serves as an educator and historical interpreter.
“They love to sweep and wash dishes,” Borders says of the junior docents. “Here it’s fun. … They get to be Laura Ingalls Wilder. It’s a chance to step out of their busy lives and … live simply.”
Prefer modern clothing? Volunteer to be a gardener or seamstress, or to help with special events. Or become a member of the Living History Association—support the ranch and receive free admission to the summer living history program, as well as most special events throughout the year. Annual memberships range from $25 to $60 and include guest passes.
Special Events
With more than a dozen special events each year, it’s easy to find wholesome fun year-round: Sheep Shearing Day, Summer Teas, Family Fourth, Labor Day Vintage Baseball, Fiddles, Vittles & Vino, Annual Powwow, Harvest Festival, Everything but the Oink, Holiday Teas, and a Garden of the Gods Arts Festival.
And… in 2024, Rock Ledge Ranch tried something new: Victorian Valentine’s Day. It was a smashing success, and they plan to add it to the annual schedule.
“We’re continually adding and trying new things here,” says Anna Cross, parks operations administrator.
Website: https://rockledgeranch.com/
Facebook: @RockLedgeRanch
Instagram: @RockLedgeRanchAtGardenOfGods
Address + Phone: 3105 Gateway Road | 719-578-6777
"It’s a chance to step out of their busy lives and … live simply.”