The Mountain Park Environmental Center Restores the Spirit of the WPA

Built by the WPA in 1939, the Horseshoe Lodge has been renovated as an earth-friendly eco-lodge. Book one of the nature-themed rooms, then go out and explore the 17,000 acres of San Isabel National Forest or the Pueblo Mountain Park.

• Rooms: Swedish Mountain Room, Wyoming Room, Hummingbird Room, Canyon Echoes Room, Maggie’s Mountain Meadow, Celestial Seasons, Hideaway, Trail Lovers, Woods Room, Julia’s Room, Sunflower Room, Butterfly Bath
• Rates: Starting from $85 a night

• Walk: 6 miles of trails wind through the Pueblo Mountain park, presenting high overlooks and southwest flora and fauna. The Mountain Park Environmental Center even offers guided, interpretive walks for history buffs and nature lovers. 

  A range of easy to difficult trails intersect San Isabel National Forest. Explore a section of the 500 mile Colorado Trail, or enjoy a short trip up one of the parks popular peaks, such as St. Charles Peak or Roundtop Mountain 

• Bike: Lake Pubelo State Park, right on the edge of the city of Pueblo, offers a number of single track biking trails. Or, road bike along Pueblo Mountain Park’s Scenic Highway for nonstop views. 

• Paddle: Pueblo’s Whitewater Park is an urban kayaking course, complete with drop-offs and the world’s longest publicly created mural. For more scenery, explore the other parks of the Arkansas River.

• Other Activities: In winter, all trails are open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers. The Mountain Park Environmental Center holds unique activities such as Yoga sessions, drum circles, mazes, and low-ropes courses.

For more information on the Horseshoe Lodge and the Mountain Park Environmental Center, visit their website. And tell us all about your adventure here.