You Can Sleep In A Real Fairytale Castle In Colorado (Yes, Really)

I never thought I would spend the night inside a real castle without booking a flight to Europe, but that assumption changed the moment I discovered Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs.

Built in 1871 and tucked against dramatic red rock cliffs, this stone fortress feels worlds away from everyday life even though it sits quietly at 3820 N 30th St. From the moment you arrive, the setting pulls you in with winding paths, towering walls, and a sense that time has slowed down.

In Colorado, landscapes already feel larger than life, and this place leans fully into that magic by pairing natural beauty with old world charm. Overnight stays turn the experience into something immersive rather than just scenic.

You fall asleep in rooms once occupied by generals and notable guests, then wake to sunlight filtering through tall windows and the promise of a leisurely breakfast in a grand dining hall.

Outside, it is not unusual to spot bighorn sheep grazing calmly near the grounds, adding to the feeling that you have stepped into a living storybook.

Glen Eyrie shows that you do not need stamps in your passport to feel transported. With a reservation and a sense of curiosity, Colorado offers a royal escape that feels both surprising and deeply memorable.

A Castle Built by a Frontier General

General William Jackson Palmer founded Colorado Springs with a sweeping vision for what the region could become, and he believed his family home should reflect that same sense of ambition and permanence. He selected a dramatic site where towering red sandstone formations formed a natural amphitheater, offering both beauty and seclusion.

Construction on Glen Eyrie Castle began in 1871, and Palmer named it after a Scottish glen whose rugged landscape reminded him of the surrounding terrain. What started as a relatively modest residence gradually expanded over decades into a 67 room English Tudor estate filled with towers, stone archways, and carefully planned details.

Palmer went to great lengths to achieve authenticity, importing skilled craftsmen along with materials that reflected traditional European design. Their work resulted in intricate stonework, hand carved wood details, and architectural features that continue to feel solid and intentional rather than ornamental.

Walking through the entrance today feels like stepping across centuries in a single moment, as original fireplaces, leaded glass windows, and heavy wooden doors still anchor the space in Palmer’s era. The castle manages to feel both imposing and personal, offering insight into the founder’s taste, values, and desire to leave a lasting mark on the landscape he helped shape.

Rooms That Transport You Back in Time

Staying overnight at Glen Eyrie Castle means choosing from rooms spread throughout the property, each decorated to reflect the building’s Victorian heritage rather than modern hotel trends. Every space feels intentional, with period appropriate furnishings, patterned wallpapers, and antique accents that emphasize history over convenience.

The General’s Room stands out as a favorite, featuring rich wood furniture, classic textiles, and thoughtful historical details that make guests feel less like tourists and more like honored visitors from another era. You will not find televisions mounted on the walls or mini fridges tucked into corners, as the castle clearly prioritizes atmosphere and immersion.

Even the spotty Wi Fi becomes part of the charm, quietly encouraging you to slow down, unplug, and pay attention to hand carved woodwork, old fireplaces, and the weight of the doors as they close. Room temperatures vary, with upper floors often staying cooler while some lower level rooms can feel warm during summer months.

Rather than detracting from the stay, this variation reinforces the authenticity of sleeping in a historic castle built long before modern climate control existed. The experience feels personal, slightly imperfect, and deeply memorable.

Breakfast Fit for Royalty

Every overnight stay at Glen Eyrie Castle includes a complimentary breakfast served in the castle’s historic dining spaces, and it easily surpasses the typical hotel continental experience. Instead of a sparse lineup of pastries and coffee, the spread features hot proteins, fresh baked goods, and enough variety to satisfy both light eaters and guests preparing for a full day of activity.

The food feels thoughtfully prepared rather than purely functional, giving the morning a sense of occasion that matches the setting. Staff members set up the buffet with care and maintain a friendly, relaxed presence that makes guests feel genuinely welcomed instead of hurried through their meal.

During breakfast, it is common to see families and couples lingering at their tables, enjoying second cups of coffee while discussing hiking plans across the 800 acre estate or debating whether to reserve the afternoon tea service. The atmosphere encourages slowing down and savoring the moment.

Eating breakfast surrounded by stone walls, arched windows, and period architecture feels far more memorable than sitting in front of a television in a modern hotel lobby. Looking out the windows and occasionally spotting deer or other wildlife wandering past only adds to the sense that the day is beginning somewhere truly special.

Wildlife Encounters on Castle Grounds

Wildlife is not a background detail at Glen Eyrie Castle but an everyday presence that feels woven into the experience. Bighorn sheep treat the property like their personal kingdom, often appearing on rocky outcrops or grazing near trails with an air of complete ownership.

Seeing them perched against the red sandstone formations feels almost staged, though their calm confidence makes it clear this is simply home. Wild turkeys wander across the lawns without hesitation, moving through the grounds as if guests are the ones passing through.

As evening settles in, attentive listeners may even hear a great horned owl calling after sunset, its echo carrying softly across the property. The 800 acres surrounding the castle form a protected habitat that allows animals to move freely, creating constant opportunities for surprising and memorable sightings.

One guest shared that they counted more than a dozen bighorn rams during a single afternoon walk, their curved horns sharply outlined against the rocks. Bringing binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens is a smart choice, since wildlife rarely poses on cue.

The animals seem comfortable with respectful observers who keep their distance, offering moments that feel both intimate and natural.

Eight Trails Through Red Rock Country

Eight different hiking trails branch out from the grounds of Glen Eyrie Castle, offering a range of options that suit everything from casual walkers to guests looking for a moderate workout with rewarding scenery. Some paths feel more like relaxed nature strolls, while others gain elevation quickly and deliver sweeping views over Colorado Springs that make the effort worthwhile.

Canyon Rock Trail consistently earns top recommendations from regular visitors, climbing roughly a mile through dramatic red rock formations that create a sense of isolation rarely found so close to the city. Despite the popularity of the property, the trails remain surprisingly uncrowded even during peak seasons, and it is common to hike an entire route while encountering only one or two other people.

This quiet adds to the feeling of exploration and makes wildlife sightings more likely. Along certain routes, modern additions such as steel reinforced wooden benches provide convenient rest stops, even if they contrast slightly with the rugged surroundings.

Trail maps available at the carriage house are helpful for first time visitors and give a clear overview of distances and difficulty. Still, some paths have ended unexpectedly for hikers who were not paying close attention, so staying alert, wearing proper footwear, and carrying water is a smart approach when venturing deeper into the property.

Tea Service in a Proper Castle Setting

Afternoon tea at Glen Eyrie Castle has become a cherished Colorado Springs tradition, attracting mothers and daughters, birthday groups, and anyone looking for a refined experience set inside a real castle. The service unfolds over multiple courses that include neatly arranged finger sandwiches, warm fresh baked scones, and delicate desserts presented on proper china, while attentive staff quietly refill teapots and keep the pace relaxed.

Younger guests often arrive dressed as princesses, and the staff leans into the magic by treating them like royalty, creating moments families fondly recall years later in reviews. Portions may appear modest at first, but they accumulate steadily across the courses, leaving most guests comfortably full without feeling weighed down.

The setting adds to the appeal, with historic rooms and castle details turning tea into an event rather than a meal. Reservations are in high demand and tend to fill quickly, especially during holidays when seasonal decorations transform the castle, so booking well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment or confusion that has caught more than a few eager visitors off guard.