New Charity Cycle Race! Kids On Bikes!

Starts at 7:00 AM

While everyone else is stuffing themselves this Holiday, come out and get dirty with Pikes Peak Velo Racing! Cyclocross categories for all skill levels: beginner to professional, plus a free kids race on a special course! Also, there will be a "Citizens Category" specifically reserved for anyone brand new to the sport of Cyclocross. If you have a knobby tire bike but have never raced Cyclocross... now's your chance!

This year, we have a brand-new venue at the historic Rock Ledge Ranch. This is the first time there has ever been a bike race on this property so come be a part of history! The course is awesome with lots of double track, single track through Garden of the Gods Park, and super-fun (and hard) run-ups. There's even a BBQ lunch and Pizza dinner for anyone who makes a donation (any amount) to Kids on Bikes. Click on the race flyer and course map below for more information and don't forget to mark your calendar!

Race day registration only and opens at 7:15am. See the below link for directions and important parking information (park in the parking area described in the directions). Please DO NOT park on Chambers drive or in the neighborhood to the South of Rock Ledge.  

Also, please note that riding isn't permitted on this course outside the race period to preserve the ecosystem and historic nature of the ranch. Please respect this to help ensure future events.

2011 SuperCross Race Flyer

2011 Course Map

Help Decorate The Ranch

Starts 9:00 AM

Volunteers are needed to help decorate the Ranch inside and out for all of the Holiday events.

Wear work clothes.

All volunteers are asked to call the Ranch at 719-578-6777 to sign up for decorating.

December 7th, 8th, 10th & 11th
11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required. Prices are $20 per non-member and $17 for members.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1st, contact the Ranch at 719-578-6777.

December 17th
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season.

Each evening features jingle-bell wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours to the 1860s homestead cabin, blacksmithing demonstrations, a barn dance, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House.

St. Nicholas will be in the Carriage House to visit with children and adults and a photographer will be on hand to capture the moment. Purchase those extra special gifts at the Heritage Shop. Hot cider and other goodies will be available at several locations around the Ranch. Admission price includes all activities and tours. Volunteer assistance provided by the Living History Association.

Listed below are events that have already passed. Hope you didn't miss these gems. Stay tuned for next year's calendar as some of these events repeat annually.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission

"Go green" at Rock Ledge Ranch and celebrate the environment in one of the most pastoral settings in the city.

All homes and living history areas will be open.

Special activities include the planting of at least two new Toba Hawthorn Trees at the Toba Grove by the American Mothers' Chapel and placement of a Meditation Bench between two of the existing trees.

The admission hut will be open for membership sign up and to supply water for those assisting in planting. If you plan on assisting, bring a sack lunch and a shovel.

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: $150 ($135 for LHA members)

Join Jeff Cahill, a local sign artist, as he teaches you how to hand-paint signs. All materials are included in the price with the exception of lunch and snacks.

A $50 non-refundable deposit must be made to save your spot. The remaining tuition must be paid in full by March 15th.

Download the syllabus, go to the brush lettering workshop website or call the office at 719-578-6777 for details.

Give your mother an extraordinary experience!

Don't just give her flowers. Avoid the crowded restaurants. This year we offer a new way to show your mother appreciation through a unique Victorian tea experience at Rock Ledge Ranch.

Homespun Fun at the Ranch

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In the 1880s, El Paso County boasted the largest population of sheep in the state.

Commemorate the area's once thriving sheep industry as we use traditional hand shears and modern equipment to relieve the Ranch's small herd of Merino sheep of their fleece.

The Pikes Peak Weavers Guild will demonstrate weaving, carding, skirting, spinning and wool dying throughout the day. Join us in the barn for this wild 'n wooly event.

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 8th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience. These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop. Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 8th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience.

These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop.

Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

Celebrate the Red White & Blue - Independence Day!

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Visitors have an opportunity to walk through the reenactment of a revolutionary war camp, hear General William Jackson Palmer read the Declaration of Independence, talk to Katherine Lee Bates as she discusses her inspiration for “America the Beautiful” or visit a Civil War encampment and a Buffalo Soldier bivouac.

Carnival games are available in the barn with prizes! (Tickets available for a nominal fee.)

Buy a hot dog, taste homemade ice cream and enjoy it on the Orchard House lawn to hear patriotic music performed by the Fountain Creek Brass Band!

A Southern Colorado Bluegrass and Culinary Arts Festival

$30 Preregistration, $40 after

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Foot-stomping bluegrass music, cooking demonstrations, living history activities, and, of course, the delectable food and wine tastings, have quickly made this event a regional favorite. Sample food from more than two dozen of Colorado Springs’ finest restaurants. Where else can you sip a vintage wine, listen to bluegrass melodies and enjoy a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak? Bring chairs or a blanket for seating at the concert. The festival will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit Rock Ledge Ranch.

For more information on the bands, the day’s schedule, and to purchase tickets online, visit the festival web site: www.fiddlesvittlesandvino.com. Tickets are limited, so purchase early.

Absolutely no passes or coupons accepted for this event

Ticket holders have unrestricted access to bluegrass performances and food and beverage samplings.

Note: due to the nature of this event, the site will be closed to all except ticket holders for the duration of the Festival.

Click here to see a past year's flier, showing the list of performers and chefs.

Theatreworks Shakespeare Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch

Tuesdays through Saturdays, August 4th - September 2nd, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tickets are $10-$30.

Join Sir John Falstaff and his merry band of misfits in the Festival Tent for some Shakespearean merriment on the grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch. This special summer production marks the return of Theatreworks' "Shakespeare in the Park" and features minstrels, plenty of food, and loads of good cheer.

6:00-7:15 - Picnic on the grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch featuring minstrels, hot dogs and bratwurst courtesy of Margo's Vienna Station with plenty of merriment.

7:30 - Production begins in the Festival Tent

Tickets range between $10-$30 with discounted same day tickets available to all patrons of Rock Ledge Ranch.
Visit www.theatreworkscs.org for more information, or call 719.255.3232.

All proceeds support Theatreworks and Rock Ledge Ranch.

Play description: Shakespeare returns to the festival tent, set in beautiful Rock Ledge Ranch.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
A donation is suggested to benefit Rock Ledge Ranch.

Green living with a Pikes Peak Perspective. Last year's first Pikes Peak EcoFestival was a great success, featuring over 60 eco-conscious exhibits from local businesses, live music, local food and fun for the entire familiy!

The event provided a venue to promote recycling, energy conservation, alternative energy sources, natural health and beauty sessions and VIP parking for bicycles while raising over $2,000 for Rock Ledge Ranch.

Click here to see a previous year's flyer.

Click here to visit the Pikes Peak EcoFestival Website

11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Special Event Ticket Admission

Colorado Springs celebrates its First Annual Chile Chili Festival at the Historic Rock Ledge Ranch on September 3rd, 2011 - Labor Day Weekend. The event will run from 11AM until 4PM.  HOT FOOD, COLD DRINKS, and CHILE CHILI FUN!   Visit with fabulous chile/chili vendors from the Western Region and be entertained by roaming artists and performers.  There will be a Chile-Chili Cook-Off and other delicious and eclectic foods for the entire event (visit www.thatsnatural.info for more information and entry forms).  There will even be a poster contest and paint-out featuring artists from around the region.  Learn about Sustainability and Farm-To-Fork (Know Your Farmer!) projects from around the Western Slope - all while celebrating the Chile Pepper.

Purchase tickets in advance at  http://www.thatsnatural.info or at the gate $5 per Adult, Children under 10 FREE with ticket holding adult, Active Military FREE, RLR Members 50% off.

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Thanks to the AFL and CIO, today was set aside as a day of rest for everyone who works for a living.

The highlight is our annual vintage base ball match between the Camp Creek Cloud Busters (your home team) and the Colorado Territorial All-Stars from Denver. The Cloud Busters is no “farm team,” but needs your support to cheer them on to another victory! The first pitch will be at 1:00 pm.

The rules are different; no one wears a mitt or glove (except the catcher), and “cranks” (that’s you, the spectators) can influence the umpire’s call in your team’s favor!

Picnics are welcome, but don’t miss the opportunity to sip a cold cream soda or root bear available for purchase at the Heritage Shop. Vendors will be here to supply hotdogs, popcorn and ice cream as well. It may be the end of summer, but not the fun!

Huzzah for the National Game!

Noon to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

2nd Annual Garden of the Gods Powwow

10 AM to 5 PM

The rich American Indian heritage of the Pikes Peak region is explored on a daily basis at Rock Ledge Ranch. But on this special day, the Ranch celebrates America’s indigenous nations with an expanded program. Several of the Local Native American Non-Profit Organizations are planning for the 1st Annual Garden of the Gods Powwow. The powwow is planned to take place on American Indian Day, Saturday, September 24, 2011, and will include Traditional and Educational Events, as well as Native American arts & crafts and food vendors. Mark your calendar and come join the festivities. More details to come.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission

In recognition of the bounty of a traditional fall harvest, the Ranch is open free of admission on this day.

The Chambers’ 1880s farm will be filled with activities and fun in the crisp autumn air. Ride a pony or a horse-drawn wagon, listen to old-time music, pick a pumpkin to take home, scramble for candy, kick back on the lawn with a slice of pie, tour the restored 1880s Rock Ledge House and 1907 Estate House.

Fees apply to most activities.

Bid for fine, handcrafted folk art at the silent auction.

Plan to stay through the day as food vendors will be on site.

Note: October 1st is the correct date for this year's event

Click here to see and download the 2010 Harvest Festival flyer.

Colorado History School Program - By Reservation Only

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, Late September through October

The early residents of the Pikes Peak Region and the Central Front Range are brought to life through interactions between students and staff, including American Indian groups, miners, health seekers and farmers.

After a stimulating introduction in the Carriage House, students walk either to the homestead cabin, the farm or the American Indian area on site where costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like here in the pre-railroad era.

Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities throughout the 1-1/2 hour program.

Aimed at grades three and four, our program meets state standards in history and enhances social studies and science curriculum. Teachers are provided a packet of information full instructions and preparation for the site visit as well as suggesting pre- and post-visit activities. Living history is a highly informative and effective way to teach the subject matter.

Home school groups are encouraged to participate. Call 719-578-6777 for additional information and make reservations for your class.

Traditional Hog Processing

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

“Everything but the oink!” - an old saying that sums up the dietary and economic importance of hogs to farmers, ranchers and homesteaders.

To keep the meat from spoiling during the curing process, hogs were processed in the coolest, fall months of the year.  Lard was rendered to use for baking and to make soap and medicinals.

Everyone participated in this annual event, so dress for the weather and join us at the barnyard for this educational demonstration.

In addition to hog processing, you can observe sausage and soap making at the Rock Ledge House and the Galloway Cabin.

Special assistance provided by Zettlemoyer’s Custom Meat Processing.

Until the 2011 flyer is available you can download the 2010 Everything But The Oink flier.