Nestled atop Cordillera’s scenic ridgeline, The Summit is more than just a collection of elegant mountain homes. For those who live here—and those who visit—The Summit represents a living chapter in Cordillera’s fascinating mountain history. Journey with us as we explore how The Summit came to be, why its perch became coveted, and why its legacy continues to shape Cordillera’s character today.
The Origins: Visionaries and a Mountain Dream
The story of The Summit begins long before the first foundation was poured. While Cordillera as a whole was conceived in the late 1980s as a unique, upscale mountain retreat, The Summit was planned as its crowning jewel—a neighborhood that would celebrate the grandeur of Colorado’s peaks while preserving the wildness that first drew homesteaders to these hills.
Developers, with local historian Bruce Anderson among them, saw unmatched appeal in the open meadows and groves of aspen trees at Cordillera’s highest elevations. Their vision was to craft a community that embraced the alpine setting, offered panoramic views in every direction, and preserved the peacefulness of the natural landscape. By the early 1990s, the plan was approved to establish The Summit as the highest enclave in Cordillera, hosting fewer than 100 exclusive home sites.
How The Summit Got Its Name
Names matter in the mountains. Choosing “The Summit” was as much about physical altitude as it was about aspiration. The entire neighborhood sits at elevations around 8,500 feet—making it the summit not only of Cordillera but also of lifestyle and privacy. The name references both the literal mountain summit and the pinnacle of community living, with access to the most dramatic vistas in the valley.
Milestones in Summit History
Through the decades, The Summit has marked several key moments that helped shape its identity:
- In 1993, the first homesites along Summit Trail and Pritchard Lane were sold, attracting both local Coloradans and out-of-state families.
- In 1996, the Cordillera Summit Athletic Center opened its doors on Fenno Drive, providing Summit residents with a unique mix of wellness, fitness, and gathering spaces—proving, even then, the importance placed on community.
- The early 2000s saw significant efforts by the Cordillera Metro District and local associations to preserve native land and create trails like the Summit Trail and the Chipmunk Trail, offering residents their own private corridor to explore lush forests and wildflower fields.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings
The Summit’s landscape is punctuated not by glitzy resorts, but by understated landmarks that blend into the mountainside. A few stand out:
- Summit Road Overlook — Perched along Summit Road, this informal viewpoint offers breathtaking western sunsets across the Sawatch Range. Locals often bring a thermos of coffee or a picnic here to mark changing seasons.
- The Summit Athletic Center — More than a gym, this alpine lodge-inspired building is where neighbors connect over yoga classes, indoor tennis, or by the fireplace in winter. It's a hub for Summit’s sense of camaraderie.
- Summit Gatehouse — At the neighborhood’s entrance off Bellyache Ridge Road, the stone-clad gatehouse welcomes residents and visitors, providing security and a friendly wave—symbolizing both safety and the tradition of neighborliness.
- Fenno Drive and Summit Trail — These primary arteries wind gracefully through The Summit, connecting homes to both community areas and wild open spaces.
Evolution Across the Decades
While The Summit started as a relatively untouched alpine plateau, each decade has layered its own character onto the community:
- 1990s: Initial infrastructure and careful architectural guidelines attracted those seeking custom homes with ample elbow room. Nature trails and common areas took shape to ensure development never overwhelmed the landscape.
- 2000s: A new wave of residents sought mountain tranquility but with high-end comforts. Several homes won local awards for blending rustic mountain design with sustainable practices, and the trails were expanded to accommodate more hikers and horseback riders.
- 2010s: The Summit matured as a year-round haven. Families and retirees organized regular gatherings at the Athletic Center, from summer barbecues to winter “snowshoe socials.” The neighborhood association ramped up wildlife conservation efforts, several times partnering with local biologists to preserve the fragile alpine habitat.
- 2020s and Beyond: Modernization and legacy blend here—as newer generations bring smart-home technology and eco-conscious design, but maintain the founding priority of protecting open space and forging close neighborhood ties.
Streets, Parks, and Institutions: The Heart of the Community
A winding network of private roads—Fenno Drive, Summit Trail, Pritchard Lane, and Compton Circle—forms the backbone of The Summit. Here, residents greet each other from decks or while out on daily strolls, often pausing along the community’s scenic viewing spots or small, tucked-away parks.
These parks aren’t formally landscaped; rather, they are meadows and quiet knolls left intentionally wild, with stone benches and information plaques sharing tidbits about Cordillera’s flora and fauna. The Athletic Center continues to anchor social life, hosting everything from holiday events to “summit mixers” for newcomers.
What Makes The Summit Special?
Ask any resident, and you’ll hear a similar theme: The Summit is not just isolated luxury, but a place where friendship and respect for nature sit side-by-side. It’s where elk still wander the ridgelines, and every home seems to enjoy its own postcard view.
What endures, beyond all else, is a sense of history and pride—a connection to Cordillera’s earliest vision and a commitment to keeping The Summit as wild, welcoming, and breathtaking as the day its name was chosen.