historical timeline

From Past to Present

From the rugged frontier of the Pikes Peak region to a world-renowned destination, The Broadmoor has been part of Colorado's story for generations. Explore our timeline from 1883 to the present.

1883

Seven Falls opens

At the end of a box canyon and touted as the "grandest mile of scenery" with 14,000 foot tall granite cliffs is the majestic Seven Falls. Early visitors rode donkeys to get to South Cheyenne Canyon and got their photos at the base of the falls on Rags or Satan, the resident burros.

1891

Cog Railway Constructed

Zalmon Simmons of the mattress business rode a burro to the summit of Pikes Peak and back. After returning sore and tired, he financed the building of the Cog Railroad for an easier journey to the top. Using the Abt cog system, it was only necessary to have 8.9 miles of rail over a traditional train line with a proposed 27 mile run. The cog steam engine would push a passenger car up to the top of Pikes Peak, and stop along the way for water.

1892

Spencer Penrose arrives in COS

On December 10, 1892, a 27-year-old Spencer Penrose arrived at the Sante Fe station in Colorado Springs with less than $100 in his pocket. The train was loaded with passengers excited about the booming gold mining opportunities in Cripple Creek and Denver. Spencer meets with his high school friend Charles Tutt to assist him with his Cripple Creek endeavors.

1916

Hill Climb Race up Pikes Peak Established

After building the road to the top of Pikes Peak, Spencer Penrose knew that a great automobile race would be the perfect way to announce the building of The Broadmoor Hotel. Top competitors came to fight their way up to the top of Pikes Peak. It is now the second oldest regularly scheduled car race in the United States.

1918

The Broadmoor Opens

At the private opening of the hotel, 400 guests danced from 7:30 pm till midnight to the sounds of the Boxhorn Orchestra. John D. Rockefeller is to be the first celebrity guest, though paint fumes caused him to move to the Antlers to sleep.

The Broadmoor Hotel formally opens its doors to Colorado society with a dinner and dance that draws hundreds.

1918

Donald Ross Golf Course Opens

Spencer Penrose announces that a golf course to be professionally designed by Donald Ross will be part of the new hotel.

The first golf course at The Broadmoor opened on July 4, 1918, when the first important golf match to be held in Colorado Springs was played on the new course. That match was a fundraiser for the Red Cross.

1919

Pauline Chapel Opens

It was WW1 and Julie Penrose's only daughter, Gladys (who had married a Belgium Count), and her only grandaughter, Pauline, were stuck behind enemy lines. To thank God for keeping her family safe, Julie had Pauline Chapel built. It was formally dedicated by Denver Bishop, Henry Tihen, and Monsignor Joseph Bosetti.

1920

Hundred Million Dollar Club Held

To introduce The Broadmoor to his hotel peers, Spencer Penrose invited a group of men from the finest hotels to visit Colorado Springs. This was an all-expenses paid trip via train that included nightly dinner dances, polo tournaments, The Hill Climb auto race, golf, bi-plane races and tours of the city and surrounding areas. The group was named the “Hundred Million Dollar Club” based on their combined net worth. When they returned home from The Broadmoor, they awarded Mr. Penrose with a plaque dubbing him a Bon Vivant of Rare Accomplishments and The Prince of Entertainers.

1924

The Broadmoor Polo Association Incorporated

In 1924, The Broadmoor Polo Association was incorporated and absorbed the Cheyenne Mountain Country Club team that had been organized since 1892. There were four polo fields across from The Broadmoor Hotel and a stable that could hold 400 polo horses. In 1927, a Moorish grandstand was designed and built by the Olmstead Brothers, just east of the hotel on The Broadmoor Polo Field.

A Group Of People Standing Outside A Building

1926

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Opens

Spencer Penrose loved animals and his interest was encouraged by his brother, Charles, who presided over the Philadelphia Zoo. It started with Tessie the elephant that Spencer Penrose called the “Empress of India” and soon his menagerie included more animals than The Broadmoor could accommodate. With the Trans-Mississippi tournament coming to the golf club, they needed to be moved, so he built a zoo on Cheyenne Mountain. The zoo was run by El Pomar, the Penrose's foundation, until 1981 when it became its own non-profit. Today, it is one of the top zoos in the United States.

1926

Cheyenne Mountain Lodge Opens

Construction begins on Cheyenne Mountain Road to the summit. The cost for construction was $350,000. The 7-mile long Cheyenne Mountain Highway, named the Wonder Road, was a feat of engineering skill. The 7-mile length is encompassed within a 1 ¼ sq. mile area and rises over 3,000 feet. It was featured in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as the most crooked highway up the steepest mountain.

The original Cheyenne Mountain Lodge, built by Spencer Penrose, was located at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain. When it opened it featured a restaurant, dance floor, curio shop and 4 rooms for rent. It was closed in 1961 and later demolished. Today, this is the site of our all-inclusive Cloud Camp.

A Building With A Hill In The Background

1929

Indoor Riding Arena Built

The new Broadmoor indoor riding arena was built with a grand opening on July 30 to accommodate all equestrian activities, year round. It was built on the west side of Cheyenne Lake to complement the many polo activities and the 75 miles of riding trails behind the hotel.

A Large Group Of Cars Are Parked In A Parking Lot

1935

Cadillac Partnership Begins

The Broadmoor begins a decades-long tradition of Cadillac partnership. From their fleet of touring cars to the engine for the Mountaineer, Cadillac has been a long-time partner of the hotel, even today.

A Vintage Photo Of A Large Body Of Water

1937

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun Dedicated

At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Will Rogers Shrine would become the final resting spot for both Spencer and Julie Penrose. Built from Cheyenne Mountain granite, it stands over 100 feet high and is constructed without wood or nails. Dedicated to Will Rogers after his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935, this also contains a chapel. The chapel is accessible through a separate entrance on the lower level decorated by Julie Penrose with 15th and 16th century religious relics. One of the most iconic features of the Shrine is the chimes that play every hour with a music program at 10am, noon and 5pm.

1937

El Pomar Incorporated

In 1937, Spencer & Julie Penrose created a foundation to manage their wealth, their properties & their charities. Named after their home, El Pomar, it ran The Broadmoor Hotel and any other properties under their ownership, long after the Penroses death. Spencer died in 1939 and Julie in 1956. When the tax laws changed, El Pomar sold The Broadmoor and continued to support nonprofits and government entities in the areas of arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services in Colorado.

1938

Ice Palace Opens

The Broadmoor Ice Palace opened on January 1, 1938. Originally the building was The Broadmoor Riding Academy’s indoor arena, but after Spencer Penrose saw Hollywood star Sonja Henie skate, he returned home and in 24 days and with $20,000 he converted the riding arena into an ice skating rink. This allowed him to offer both ice skating and ice shows at The Broadmoor. In addition, the rink became the home of hockey, speed skating and curling. The Ice Palace eventually expanded their ice and became The Broadmoor World Arena and hosted a record 5 World Figure Skating championships along with International Hockey competitions.

A Man And A Girl Standing Next To A Train

1938

Zoo Cog Opens

June 11, 1938, marked the opening of Spencer Penrose’s miniature cog train. This was built to replicate the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and worked with the same technology, having an engine that pushed the car and a center cog rail. This train took guests and children from The Broadmoor to The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The early engineers included Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen, along with his daughter Candice.

1938

Will Roger Stadium Opens

Spencer Penrose built a rodeo arena west of The Broadmoor behind Cheyenne Lake to host the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. It was originally called the Will Rogers Stadium. A year after Spencer's death the stadium was renamed to the Spencer Penrose Stadium and hosted football, rodeos, equestrian events and even dog shows. It was moved in 1976 to its current location to make room for a new hotel expansion, and later it was renamed the Norris Penrose Event Center.

1939

The Tavern Opens

Spencer Penrose had always wanted a traditional grill and steak house on property. Opening in the spring of 1939, space from the telegraph office, the Indian Grill, and the children’s dining room were reconfigured to create The Tavern. The outdoor Tavern Lanai allowed for open air seating during warm weather and this space was eventually enclosed to become the garden room.

A Black And White Photo Of A Car Parked On A Snowy Road

1959

Ski Broadmoor Opens

The grand opening of Ski Broadmoor was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend in 1959. This was delayed due to a lack of snow, “foreshadowing the next 32 years of operation plagued by dry, too warm conditions at the low elevation base.” The Grand Opening was moved to New Years Eve 1959 with a 10-inch base on the hill and 20-inch snowpack at the base. It closed permanently in 1991, but was a favorite of locals and taught thousands of youth how to ski.

1959

Men's U.S. Amateur Golf Championship Held

In September 1959, The 59th Amateur Championship was held at The Broadmoor. A 19-year-old Jack Nicklaus defeated the defending champion and two-time winner Charlie Coe in a thrilling 36-hole battle. Nicklaus became the first player to win both the NCAA title and the amateur in the same year. This was the start of Jack Nicklaus elite career, and he was later nicknamed the Golden Bear, due to his burly physique and blonde hair.

1960

Forbes 5-Star Award Received

Founded in 1958 as the Mobile Travel Guide, the group created the first Five-Star rating in 1960 to encourage road travel. Rebranded in 2009 as Forbes Travel, the inspection process is rigorous and independent and focuses on both service and facilities. There is only one property worldwide that has held the 5-star designation since the beginning of the award, and that is The Broadmoor.

1967

West Golf Course Opens

In 1967, the second 18-hole golf course debuted at The Broadmoor. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and held its first major championship when it hosted the 67th Men’s U.S. Amateur that same year.

1976

AAA Five-Diamond Award Received

It is announced that The Broadmoor earns the AAA Five-Diamond Award for the first time.

A Person Sitting At A Table With A Trophy

1982

Women's U.S. Amateur Golf Championship Held

The USGA Women’s Amateur Championship was held at The Broadmoor South golf course. Juli Inkster captured her third straight USGA title by defeating Cathy Hanlon in the 36-hole final on August 31, 1982. Juli was the first female golfer since 1934 to win three straight amateur championships.

1985

First White Lights Holiday Event

In 1985 the first White Lights celebration was held at The Broadmoor to welcome the holiday season complete with twinkling lights, Santa Claus, ice sculptures, and a small gingerbread display. Over the years the decorations and lights were multiplied throughout the property and the gingerbread display became a life-size confectionary creation.

1995

Women's U.S. Open Held

1995 was a breakout year for 25-year-old Annika Sorenstam. She won her first LPGA title at the U.S. Women’s Open tournament held at The Broadmoor. The Swedish and American golfer is regarded as one of the best female golfers in history. In the tournament she overcame a five-stroke deficit in the final round to win by one stroke. This was the first victory of her ten major titles over her career.

A Dog Running On A Field With People Watching

2008

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

The Broadmoor East Golf course hosted its first USGA Senior Open Tournament in 2008 and a highlight was the bear on the course during play. This was the first of the USGA Senior tournaments to be held at The Broadmoor.

Philip Anschutz, Christy Gaylord Everest Et Al. Posing For A Photo In Front Of A Building

2011

Purchased by the Anschutz Family

Anschutz Corporation of Denver purchases all businesses of Oklahoma Publishing, including The Broadmoor. Mr. Philip Anschutz becomes only the third owner in the resort’s history.

2011

Womens U.S. Open Held

The 66th US Women’s open was held on July 7-11 on the Broadmoor East course. It was a tournament of weather delays and on the final day So Yeon Ryu of South Korea defeated Hee Kyung Seo in a three-hole aggregate playoff. This was an exciting playoff which Ryu won by three strokes, with birdies on the last two holes. This was the first US Women’s Open to use the three-hole aggregate playoff format since the change in 2007 from the former 18-hole playoff.

2014

Cloud Camp Opens

3,000 feet above the resort atop Cheyenne Mountain, Cloud Camp opens on the site of Spencer Penrose’s original 1927 Cheyenne Lodge. The Main Lodge features a panoramic dining area, two stone fireplaces and an expansive timber wrap-around deck, and seven guestrooms, including a Honeymoon Suite. Eleven cabins offer single room accommodations, ones with lofts and also two bedrooms. A Fire Tower Suite 300 feet above the Main Lodge boasts 360 degree views.

2014

The Ranch at Emerald Valley Opens

This all-inclusive retreat is located approximately eight miles from the main campus along Old Stage Road and borders the edge of the Pike National Forest. Ten beautifully restored cabins feature gas fireplaces and private decks. The Main Lodge is for dining and relaxing. It features a historic Western bar, stone fireplace and a deck that overlooks the lakes. Activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, archery and other daily activities.

2015

Seven Falls & Restaurant 1858 Open

Mr. Philip Anschutz and The Broadmoor agree to purchase the Seven Falls scenic attraction from the Hill family. A total renovation was completed and the addition of Restaurant 1858. Complimentary shuttle service is offered for guests from The Broadmoor to the falls.

2015

Fly Fishing Camp Opens

Located just 75 minutes into the mountains west of the resort, the all-inclusive Fly Fishing Camp features seven rustic yet well-appointed cabins originally built in the 1920s, an expansive new and beautifully appointed bath house, a Fish House overlooking the Tarryall River, and a main lodge where guests relax and dine. Five miles of private waters offer guests of all levels some of the best fly fishing in Colorado guided by The Broadmoor’s best professional anglers.

2016

The Broadmoor - Sea Island Company is Formed

The Broadmoor - Sea Island Company forms to head combined ownership of The Broadmoor and Sea Island Resorts.

A Group Of People Gathered Around A Pond In A Park

2018

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

The world's best competed for one of golf's greatest titles at The Broadmoor Golf Club. The 39th U.S. Senior Open was the eighth USGA Championship contested at The Broadmoor.

A Group Of People Pose For A Photo Next To A Red Train

2021

Cog Railway Reopens

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopens in May after a three-year, $100 million rebuild. On June 30, hundreds of media members, city and state officials, and other supporters made the trek by rail up the 14,115-foot mountain to take part in a grand reopening celebration.

2025

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

The 45th U.S. Senior Open was held at The Broadmoor with Padraig Harrington winning the tournament. The upcoming 2031 & 2037 Senior tournaments are also scheduled to play at The Broadmoor Golf Course.

2025

The Penrose Room Reopens

The Penrose Room reopens. In collaboration with New York-based Tihany Design, the reimagined space reflects the life, legacy, and travels of resort founders Spencer and Julie Penrose. The adventurous menu draws from around the globe while adding contemporary tableside touches that honor old-world traditions.

From Past to Present

Seven Falls opens

Cog Railway Constructed

Spencer Penrose arrives in COS

Hill Climb Race up Pikes Peak Established

The Broadmoor Opens

Donald Ross Golf Course Opens

Pauline Chapel Opens

Hundred Million Dollar Club Held

The Broadmoor Polo Association Incorporated

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Opens

Cheyenne Mountain Lodge Opens

Indoor Riding Arena Built

Cadillac Partnership Begins

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun Dedicated

El Pomar Incorporated

Ice Palace Opens

Zoo Cog Opens

Will Roger Stadium Opens

The Tavern Opens

Ski Broadmoor Opens

Men's U.S. Amateur Golf Championship Held

Forbes 5-Star Award Received

West Golf Course Opens

AAA Five-Diamond Award Received

Women's U.S. Amateur Golf Championship Held

First White Lights Holiday Event

Women's U.S. Open Held

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

Purchased by the Anschutz Family

Womens U.S. Open Held

Cloud Camp Opens

The Ranch at Emerald Valley Opens

Seven Falls & Restaurant 1858 Open

Fly Fishing Camp Opens

The Broadmoor - Sea Island Company is Formed

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

Cog Railway Reopens

Men's U.S. Senior Open Held

The Penrose Room Reopens

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