Nestled in the heart of Black Forest and surrounded by 400+ acres of majestic Ponderosa Pines, you'll find the perfect rustic getaway for a group retreat or conference.

Open year-round, located just North of Colorado Springs and minutes from I-25, La Foret boasts an oasis of inspiring scenery in a peaceful, private setting. Imagine waking up to a stunning view of Pikes Peak and the rugged Rocky Mountains!

With meeting, dining, and sleeping facilities for groups large or small, La Foret is proud to host a variety of events and groups from corporate, educational, and spiritual to family gatherings, weddings, receptions and team building retreats.

Comfortable, well-equipped, rustic conference spaces are available to accommodate any need. All of the buildings are located around the perimeter of a huge, open grassed meadow, perfect for games, concerts, and other outdoor group activies. Recreational facitilies include a heated outdoor swimming pool (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), softball field, tennis and basket ball courts, a horseshoe pit and an 18 hole Frisbee Disc Golf Course.

The grounds also boast 3 fire circles and a walking labyrinth, perfect for incorporating into your program, or offered as additional recreational opportunities. Other on-site amenities include wireless internet available in certain areas, a small camp store open by appointment, picnic grounds, state of the art audio/visual equipment, and a variety of sports equipment.

La Foret is the proud home of a challenging ropes course and orientierring course, both designed with elements to encourage team building.

La Foret was orginally the summer estate of Mrs. Alice Bemis Taylor. Mrs. Taylor and her husband Frederick Morgan Pike Taylor are considered to be one of Colorado Springs’ most important founding families. Their family had a rich history of philanthropy. Mrs. Taylor’s father, Judson Moss Bemis was a trustee of Colorado College and her mother helped start the Colorado Day Nursery for underpriveleged children; together the family made many contributions to Colorado College. Alice Bemis Taylor was the first woman to serve as a trustee of Colorado College and was known as “Lady Bountiful” for her generous donations to the institution. Mrs. Taylor held great interest for art and architecture. She was one of three benefactresses of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, perhaps her greatest contribution to the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor began construction of their summer estate, which she called La Foret, on what was then 500 acres in the Black Forest. Ponderosa Lodge, the main residence, was constructed in 1928 by J.J.B. Benedict, a prominent Denver architect. Mrs. Taylor resided there during the summers and often hosted artist-in-residence programs. The Taylor Memorial Chapel was built in 1929 as a memorial to her husband, who unfortunately passed away before ever visiting the property. The Chapel was designed by renowned architect John Gaw Meem, who also designed the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center along with many other chapels and buildings throughout the southwest.