Dena Woods

Dena Woods is the owner and driving force behind Bear Ridge Construction, a premier custom home building firm based in Westcliffe, Colorado. Dedicated to creating high-performance mountain homes throughout Custer County and the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley, Dena brings a hands-on, community-centered approach to residential construction. Under her leadership, Bear Ridge Construction has earned a reputation for combining rustic mountain elegance with rigorous engineering, ensuring every custom residence stands firm against Colorado’s demanding high-altitude climate.



As a business owner in a close-knit mountain community, Dena recognizes that building a custom home is not merely a financial investment; it is the realization of a lifelong personal vision. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparent communication, uncompromising integrity, and a client-first collaborative process. Whether working with long-time local residents or families relocating to Westcliffe to embrace the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, Dena ensures that each client experiences an organized, stress-free path from architectural blueprint to completed home.

Rooted in Mountain Craftsmanship and Local Values

Bear Ridge Construction is proudly locally owned, family-operated, and veteran-owned. With more than 50 years of combined team experience in the building trades, Dena and her crew understand the regional topography, soil profiles, and weather extremes unique to Southern Colorado. Building at high elevation requires specialized knowledge that off-the-shelf builders often overlook, from engineering foundations capable of handling frost depths to designing roof structures engineered for heavy snow loads and high alpine wind shear.

Dena has positioned Bear Ridge Construction as a builder that prioritizes safety and resilience. Wildfire mitigation is a core component of every build, incorporating defensible space planning, fire-resistant exterior materials, and smart site orientation. By pairing time-tested building science with refined architectural finishes, Dena ensures that each structure blends harmoniously into the rugged Colorado scenery while providing maximum comfort and longevity.

Comprehensive Leadership from Pre-Construction to Final Walkthrough

Navigating the complexities of mountain construction can feel daunting for property owners. Dena’s meticulous management style removes that friction by overseeing every phase of the building lifecycle. During the initial pre-construction phase, she works closely with clients on land evaluations, site planning, custom floor plan design, and utility planning, ensuring full regulatory compliance with local Custer County building codes and permitting requirements.

Throughout the active building phase, Dena maintains open lines of communication, providing clients with regular milestone updates, budget reviews, and detailed schedules. Her focus on quality control means that every trade specialist—from foundation pourers and framing carpenters to electricians and master finish artisans—adheres to Bear Ridge Construction’s exacting standards. Post-construction, Dena personally guides clients through a detailed final walkthrough to confirm that every element, from custom woodwork to exterior flashing, meets the homeowner’s expectations.

Service, Community, and Giving Back

For Dena, operating Bear Ridge Construction is inseparable from serving the community. Deeply appreciative of military and public safety personnel, she has established dedicated discounts for military veterans and first responders as a core company policy. Supporting the people who protect and serve both national and local communities reflects the core values upon which Bear Ridge Construction was established.

Beyond individual projects, Dena is invested in preserving the distinct rural character and natural beauty of Westcliffe and Custer County. By utilizing sustainable practices, partnering with trusted local subcontractors, and supporting regional suppliers, she actively strengthens the local economy while helping neighbors build homes that will be cherished for generations.

Let’s Build Your Dream Mountain Home

Whether you have already secured your acreage in Custer County or are just beginning to envision your custom mountain retreat, Dena Woods and the Bear Ridge Construction team are ready to bring your ideas to life. From initial site feasibility and design consultations to permit handling and turnkey construction, you will receive seasoned guidance at every step.

Take the first step toward building your legacy home in Westcliffe, Colorado. Contact Dena Woods today to schedule your free custom home consultation.