Broadmoor Hotel Grounds | Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor Hotel Grounds in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are a vast, meticulously designed expanse that merges formal European-style landscaping with the wild elegance of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Encompassing approximately 5,000 acres at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, the estate serves not only as the setting for the five-star Broadmoor Hotel but also as an immersive destination of manicured gardens, wooded trails, tranquil lakes, and exclusive wilderness retreats.

1. Historical Design and Landscape Architecture

The landscape design dates back to the hotel’s opening in 1918, originally orchestrated by the Olmsted Brothers, the successor firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York’s Central Park. Their vision for the Broadmoor’s grounds was to integrate the natural alpine setting with refined garden aesthetics, blending structured layouts with regional topography.

Key design philosophies include:

Emphasis on native flora and organic forms that follow the land’s natural contours.

Carefully framed views of Cheyenne Mountain, Cheyenne Lake, and later-added structures like the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Integration of Mediterranean Revival architecture with formal gardens, wide promenades, and terraced lawns.

2. Cheyenne Lake and Central Gardens

At the heart of the property lies Cheyenne Lake, a man-made, spring-fed lake encircled by walking paths, weeping willows, swans, and gardens. The east shore is flanked by the original hotel building and its iconic curved façade, while the west shore is home to newer wings and luxury villas.

Surrounding the lake are:

Flowering beds and boxwood hedges set in formal arrangements.

Pedestrian bridges, iron lampposts, terra-cotta urns, and water fountains crafted in early 20th-century decorative styles.

Swans and ducks frequently glide across the water, contributing to the serene ambiance.

The Sunken Garden near the hotel entrance is a focal point of horticultural beauty. It's terraced with retaining walls and steps, and seasonally planted with:

Pansies, lobelia, daisies, verbenas, phlox, and geraniums.

Artistic arrangements that shift color themes throughout the year.

Bronze fountains, lantern-lit walkways, and ornamental sculptures enhancing the symmetry.

3. Broadmoor Golf Courses and Recreational Lawns

The grounds feature three world-renowned golf courses:

East Course: A Donald Ross-designed course built in 1918, known for its broad fairways and classic bunkering.

West Course: A composite of holes from the original layout and additions by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in the 1960s.

Mountain Course (now decommissioned): Formerly offered breathtaking views and rugged terrain until a rockslide forced closure in 2015.

The courses are surrounded by:

Tree-lined fairways, naturalistic bunkers, and flower-bordered cart paths.

Strategic views of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain, integrating sport and scenery.

Complementary amenities like a clubhouse, pro shop, and patio dining areas overlooking the greens.

The hotel also maintains expansive open lawns used for croquet, yoga, lawn games, and seasonal events. These grassy spaces are dotted with benches, pathways, and shade trees-ideal for casual strolling or quiet reflection.

4. Trails, Forests, and Wilderness Areas

The resort extends into the surrounding pine forest and mountain ridgelines, with a network of hiking, biking, and horseback trails that lead into North Cheyenne Cañon Park and adjacent lands. These trails are:

Often unpaved and shaded, passing through stands of ponderosa pine, aspen, and juniper.

Used for guided nature walks, birdwatching, or trail rides from the Broadmoor’s stables.

Linked to the resort’s three wilderness properties:

Cloud Camp atop Cheyenne Mountain (accessible by shuttle or mule).

The Ranch at Emerald Valley, nestled in a high alpine meadow.

Fly Fishing Camp along the Tarryall River, a rustic escape.

Each retreat offers lodging, gourmet dining, and curated outdoor activities, though they are separate from the hotel’s core campus.

5. Notable Architectural Elements on the Grounds

The property includes several architecturally significant features:

Pauline Memorial Chapel: A small, stone chapel built in 1919 in memory of Spencer Penrose’s wife, with Gothic-inspired stained glass, wood beams, and serene gardens. It’s a favored spot for private ceremonies and quiet moments.

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun: Located higher on Cheyenne Mountain, this 5-story stone tower serves as a memorial to Will Rogers and a mausoleum for Spencer Penrose. It includes:

A steep scenic road winding up from the main hotel grounds.

Colorful murals, ironwork, and panoramic balconies.

Breathtaking views across Colorado Springs and the plains beyond.

6. Other Outdoor Features

Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Surrounded by mountain views and landscaped hedges.

Pools: An infinity-edge outdoor pool, a heated indoor lap pool, and whirlpool spas offer recreation with garden backdrops.

Sculpture Installations: Throughout the grounds are bronze sculptures and artistic features depicting wildlife, classical figures, and Western themes.

7. Seasonal and Decorative Highlights

In spring and summer, the hotel’s gardens explode with thousands of tulips, roses, lilies, and annuals, planted in rotation.

In autumn, the aspen trees surrounding the hotel and along the mountainside turn golden, creating a dramatic backdrop.

In winter, the grounds are decorated with holiday lights, garlands, and themed displays that accentuate the lake, gardens, and hotel entrance.

Summary

The Broadmoor Hotel Grounds offer a layered, sensory-rich environment where:

Refined garden design meets natural Colorado terrain.

Outdoor recreation complements architectural beauty.

The Olmsted legacy lives on through careful stewardship of landscape traditions.

Visitors experience both the elegance of a European estate and the raw beauty of the American West.

This setting enhances the Broadmoor’s identity not just as a luxury resort, but as a living example of 20th-century American landscape artistry embedded in one of the nation's most scenic regions.