About A Step Back Inn
Established in 1889. Reimagined in 2019.
Cañon City was originally laid out in 1858 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and intended as a commercial center for mining in the SouthPark and upper Arkansas River basin. By the time the properties of A Step Back Inn were built, between 1898 and 1915, Cañon City was an established and bustling railroad, agricultural and mining hub, and served as an important gateway into the mineral riches of the central Rocky Mountains. In the previous two decades, the richness of resources and topography made the town the epicenter of some noteworthy conflicts.
A battle for control of a route through the nearby Royal Gorge between rival railroads Denver & Rio Grande RR and the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe RR (dubbed the Royal Gorge Wars) and the scramble for dinosaur fossils between two competing teams of paleontologists led to the discovery of several important dinosaur species, and the dynamiting of several fossil quarries to prevent rival teams from making other discoveries (dubbed the Bone Wars.)
But by the time the first property in our collection was built in the Old South Cañon neighborhood, court decisions had been confirmed, clearer heads had prevailed, and Denver & Rio Grande RR trains were serving the region while fossils were being prepared at museums in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, where they remain today. The first house, originally built for mine workers, would continue to serve its purpose for over a century.
Today, Cañon City is the largest city in Fremont County, one of the first counties organized in the state of Colorado, and serves as a tourism hub anchored by the spectacular Royal Gorge. The city’s nickname, “the Climate Capital of Colorado,” derives from the combination of the unique geography of the Arkansas River Valley and 5,300-foot elevation protecting the city from the sometimes-harsher weather conditions associated with other areas in the state and generally result in milder-winters.
Purchased by its current owners in 2018, this quaint Victorian cottage was carefully and lovingly restored over a year and a half period. The renovation was done with the appreciation for the historic nature of the home yet the understanding of how we use our homes today, setting the template for how all of our houses would be restored going forward.
Today, all properties in the A Step Back Inn portfolio offers all the comforts of today’s homes while staying true to their heritage and craftsmanship. So whether it’s outdoor recreation, train riding, stargazing, or just relaxing with friends and family, the collections of A Step Back Inn are a warm and luxurious home-base for any adventure.
What is A Step Back Inn
A Step Back Inn was created as a deluxe option for distinctive lodging properties that focuses on homes with historic period identities. We wanted to curate an exceptional experience where guests will feel like they are connected to a community when staying at one of our properties at a much deeper level than they would by choosing a more traditional lodging option such a as a chain hotel.
How many properties are you currently operating?
We currently operate three distinctive homes. Our first property is a charming 1898 Victorian Farmhouse brought online in the late fall of 2019 after undergoing an 18-month renovation. Properties two and three were opened in the spring and early summer of 2024. Our historic neighborhood is located within walking distance of Centennial Park, the extensive Arkansas River Trail system, the railroad depot, and the downtown historic district. We wanted to find the perfect walkable location that would appeal to a wide range of guests.
Are you planning to add more properties?
Yes, we are continuing to renovate and add additional properties that are all either adjacent, or just a few houses away from the first three. While historic in their own rights, they will have a decidedly different era appeal. Our goal is to create small clusters of properties that would allow larger families or groups of friends traveling together to find accommodations nearby to each other so they can still be together, yet also have some private space at the same time. We have had a lot of guest input that tells us this is a much-desired option.
Besides the historic aspect, what else sets your properties apart?
We have taken great care to integrate the latest deluxe amenities, while still preserving historic charms. All of our properties will feature central HVAC, USB outlets for easy smart device charging, smart lighting systems, and well-equipped gourmet kitchens. We also feature high-end hospitality grade bedding as well as all-natural spa-quality bath and body products. All of our properties also feature extensive outdoor areas for taking advantage of the region’s amazing year-round climate. These backyard oasis’ include custom water features, firepit, gas grill, ambient lighting effects and large tables to gather around for outdoor dining.
What type of guests are drawn to your properties?
We have hosted hundreds of guests from around the world, all looking for a unique place to stay that has a more “homey” atmosphere than a typical hotel. Our current three properties vary in size and capacity, from six to twelve, so it’s easy to find a perfect fit for any size of family or group that would otherwise require two or more hotel rooms. This also makes it a much more economical option, with the bonus of having the common spaces for families to gather other than the public lobby of a hotel. We have the typical tourists that are exploring and enjoying the region, but we also have a large number of bookings that are visiting local family or friends, to where the people they are visiting just don’t have the space to accommodate. We also have a lot of groups that are in the area attending events like weddings or reunions, so we are thrilled to be able to offer these types of accommodations as an option for locals to book for their visiting friends and family.
Ready to Stay With Us?
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