High Chaparral Open Space is 54 acres on the eastern side of Colorado Springs, characterized by a prominent ridgeline vegetated with scrub oak, shrubland patches and mixed-grass prairie. Views from the crest of the ridge, the highest point in eastern Colorado Springs, include the Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains to the south, the Black Forest to the north, and an uninterrupted view of Colorado Springs mountain backdrop to the west. High Chaparral Open Space provides wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and a visual buffer to a fast-growing section of the City.
Figure 8 trail system is about 2 miles. Preview the area and see why people love to walk, ride and bird watch at High Chaparral! Parking lot at Stetson Hills also provides great access to Homestead Trail.
Bluestem Prairie Open Space offers 646 acres of prairie grassland and bird watching paradise. Home to over 200 bird species and several mammal species, Bluestem Prairie Open Space has become a refuge for a variety of native wildlife and vegetation. Roughly 9 miles of flowing, dirt single track trail make it an ideal location for beginner mountain bikers. The area has no shade, bring plenty of water if you visit in the summer, we recommend visiting early in the morning or evening.
NOTE: No dogs allowed, due to native wildlife.
History: Located just south of the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, this land once belonged to the Banning-Lewis Ranch. Here ranchers relied primarily on rich soils and thriving grasslands to survive. This land remains home to varied mammals such as the Pronghorn, the Black-tailed prairie dog and birds like the Red-tailed hawk, Burrowing owls and Migratory Shorebirds.
In the fall of 2000, the Trust for Public Land purchased the Big Johnson property from Cygnet Land, LLC and then conveyed the property to the City of Colorado Springs. The City used funds from its Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) sales tax and a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to acquire the property. View BIG JOHNSON OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN.
The namesake “bluestem” highlights the tallgrass species found in northwest portion of the property, while the more predominant shortgrass community in the bowl-shaped valley surrounds the privately-owned Big Johnson Reservoir. The Bluestem Prairie Open Space Management Plan was adopted by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board on March 10, 2016.
Located on the northwest side of Colorado Springs, Blodgett Open Space is a rugged foothills landscape that protects critical wildlife habitat, scenic views, and long term trail connectivity between the city and adjacent public lands. The open space is managed to balance conservation with carefully planned recreation in a challenging and ecologically sensitive environment.
Recreation and Access
Blodgett Open Space offers a steep, backcountry style experience close to the city and is best suited for experienced hikers, trail runners, and mountain users. Trails climb quickly through foothills terrain and are often rocky, narrow, and physically demanding. Elevation gain is significant, and trail conditions can vary widely depending on weather and season.
Trail access is provided through designated trailheads, and users are expected to remain on approved routes. Due to the steep terrain and sensitive resources, Blodgett Open Space is not intended for casual use, and visitors should be prepared for changing conditions and limited amenities.
Landscape and Wildlife
Blodgett Open Space supports a diverse mix of foothills ecosystems, including grasslands, scrub oak, and ponderosa pine forest. The area provides important habitat and movement corridors for mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, and a wide variety of bird species.
The landscape includes steep slopes, drainage corridors, and prominent ridgelines that offer expansive views of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains. These natural features contribute to both the ecological value of the open space and the challenging nature of recreation in the area.
History and Conservation
Blodgett Open Space consists of multiple parcels acquired by the City of Colorado Springs through the Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) program over more than two decades. Together, these acquisitions total 384 acres of protected open space.
The original Blodgett Open Space parcel was purchased in 2001 using TOPS funds and includes 167 acres with a designated trailhead along Woodmen Road. This parcel was master planned in 2003 and later guided by a forest management plan adopted in 2006.
In 2018, the City acquired an additional 64 acres known as the South Blodgett property. This parcel includes previously constructed access roads, designated trails, and areas impacted by user created trails. The property is protected by three conservation easements held by El Paso County, preserving scenic, open space, trail connection, wildlife, and ecological values. An interim use plan was developed in 2019 to allow public access while long term planning continued.
Between 2020 and 2021, the City expanded Blodgett Open Space through the acquisition of 153 additional acres known as the Pikeview frontage property. This land lies south of the original open space and west of the Oak Valley neighborhood. Portions of the property reflect historic disturbance associated with stormwater facilities and adjacent quarry operations, and include areas subject to reclamation requirements. These parcels strengthen regional connectivity while supporting long term restoration and conservation goals.
Additional dedicated open space parcels include the 5 acre Peregrine Open Space near the North Blodgett Trailhead and the nearly 10 acre Oak Valley Ranch Open Space along the North Douglas Creek corridor. Together, these lands provide important ecological connections, protect drainageways, and support future trail and habitat planning.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Northwest Colorado Springs, near Woodmen Road and Centennial Boulevard Parking: Limited parking at designated trailheads Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk Fees: No entry fee
Tips:
Be prepared for steep terrain and limited amenities
Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive resources
Carry adequate water and plan for changing weather
Blodgett Open Space reflects a long term community investment in conserving Colorado Springs’ foothills landscapes. Through thoughtful acquisition, conservation easements, and ongoing management planning, the open space protects critical natural resources while allowing for carefully managed recreation close to the city.
Austin Bluffs Open Space – Colorado Springs, CO
Austin Bluffs Open Space is a rugged and scenic natural area on the northeast side of Colorado Springs, known for its dramatic rock formations, sweeping city views, and strong sense of wildness within an urban setting. Rising above surrounding neighborhoods, this open space offers a quieter, more contemplative outdoor experience while playing an important role in habitat protection and community access to nature.
One of the most recognizable landmarks within Austin Bluffs Open Space is Pulpit Rock, a striking volcanic rock formation that has become a local icon and viewpoint.
Trails and Recreation
Austin Bluffs Open Space features a network of informal and designated trails that wind through grasslands, rocky outcrops, and rolling terrain. These trails are popular for hiking, trail running, and short neighborhood outings, offering expansive views of Colorado Springs and the Front Range.
A primary destination within the open space is Pulpit Rock, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views after a steady climb. The terrain varies from gradual paths to steeper, rocky sections near the rock formations, making it accessible to a range of users while still feeling adventurous. Because of the sensitive landscape, visitors are encouraged to stay on established trails to reduce erosion and protect habitat.
Geology and Landscape
Austin Bluffs Open Space is defined by its unique volcanic geology, with rock formations like Pulpit Rock standing out dramatically against the surrounding grasslands. These features offer insight into the region’s geologic past while creating natural landmarks that shape the character of the open space.
The elevated bluffs provide sweeping views across the city, Garden of the Gods, and toward Pikes Peak, making the area especially popular at sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife and Habitat
The open space supports native plant communities and provides important habitat for urban wildlife. Visitors may encounter mule deer, foxes, rabbits, hawks, and a variety of songbirds. Native grasses and seasonal wildflowers contribute to both ecological health and scenic beauty.
As development continues around the area, Austin Bluffs Open Space serves as a critical refuge for wildlife and a reminder of the importance of conserving natural landscapes within city limits.
Stewardship and Conservation
Austin Bluffs Open Space is managed with an emphasis on balancing recreation and conservation. Stewardship efforts focus on trail management, erosion control, habitat protection, and community education. Public involvement and responsible use are essential to maintaining the health and accessibility of the area.
Ongoing planning and community engagement help guide how Austin Bluffs is protected and enjoyed today and into the future.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Northeast Colorado Springs, near Austin Bluffs Parkway and surrounding neighborhoods Access: Multiple neighborhood access points lead into the open space Parking: Limited roadside and neighborhood parking near trail access points Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk More Information: https://coloradosprings.gov/austinbluffsopenspace
Tips:
Stay on designated trails, especially near Pulpit Rock
Bring water and sun protection—shade is limited
Pack out all trash and respect wildlife
Expect uneven and rocky terrain in some areas
Austin Bluffs Open Space, anchored by the iconic Pulpit Rock, offers a rare blend of wild landscape, scenic views, and everyday access to nature—making it an essential part of Colorado Springs’ open space system.
Templeton Gap Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Templeton Gap Trail is an important east west multi use trail in central Colorado Springs that follows the Templeton Gap Floodway. The trail provides a key connection between neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, and several major trail corridors, making it a popular route for both recreation and transportation.
Trail Experience
Templeton Gap Trail is approximately 4 miles long and runs primarily east to west alongside the Templeton Gap Floodway. The trail begins near Mark Dabling Boulevard at the Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex and continues west to Palmer Park, with a northern fork extending toward Union Meadows Open Space near Austin Bluffs Boulevard and Union Boulevard.
The trail surface is primarily concrete, with some sections of asphalt and gravel. Elevation changes are generally mild, though users should expect a few moderate hills along the route.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Templeton Gap Trail includes several street crossings, including a major crossing at North Nevada Avenue. A short discontinuity exists near North Hancock Avenue by Portal Park. The trail runs on both sides of the floodway; however, to pass under Union Boulevard near Hancock Avenue, it is recommended to remain on the south side of the floodway for a more continuous route.
Connections
Templeton Gap Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway at Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex. From this location, users can also access Sinton Trail to continue west. On the eastern end, the trail links to Austin Bluffs Trail near North Union Boulevard, providing access toward the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus. Additional connections include Greencrest Trail into Palmer Park and easy access to Union Meadows Open Space.
Cottonwood Creek Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Cottonwood Creek Trail is a major east west urban trail in northern Colorado Springs and a key connector within the city’s trail system. Following Cottonwood Creek, the trail links neighborhoods, parks, and regional trail corridors while providing a smooth and accessible route for everyday recreation and transportation.
Location: Northern Colorado Springs, following Cottonwood Creek from Powers Boulevard to the Pikes Peak Greenway near I 25
Trail Experience
Cottonwood Creek Trail is just over 6 miles long and features a smooth concrete surface throughout. The trail runs east to west along Cottonwood Creek, beginning near Frank Castello Park at Powers Boulevard and continuing west to connect with the Pikes Peak Greenway and Front Range Trail near I 25.
The trail is generally flat with gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for walkers, runners, cyclists, families, and users of mobility devices. The corridor offers a mix of riparian habitat, open space, and neighborhood views, with long straight segments that are well suited for longer outings or commuting. Benches, trail access points, and nearby amenities allow users to easily tailor trips to their preferred distance and pace.
A dirt trail alternative runs between Union Boulevard and Rangewood Drive, providing a more natural surface option and forming a pleasant 3 mile loop with convenient parking at Cottonwood Creek Community Park.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Cottonwood Creek Trail includes one major street crossing at Union Boulevard. Trail users should use the marked crosswalk at Woodland Hills Drive when crossing Union Boulevard. The trail passes alongside Frank Castello Park and includes a spur connection to Dublin Park; however, accessing Dublin Park requires crossing Dublin Boulevard, which currently does not have a designated pedestrian crossing.
Connections
Cottonwood Creek Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway and Front Range Trail just south of the Woodmen Road and Rockrimmon Boulevard area. Multiple neighborhood access points provide easy connections to Cottonwood Creek Community Park, nearby residential areas, and the YMCA. The trail also links to Woodmen Trail and other local trail segments, strengthening north south and east west connectivity across northern Colorado Springs.
Skyline Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Skyline Trail is a neighborhood focused urban trail in northern Colorado Springs that provides an important north south connection through the Briargate area. Often referred to locally as the Powerline Trail due to its alignment with overhead powerlines, Skyline Trail is well used by nearby residents for walking, running, and biking.
Skyline Trail is approximately 2 miles long and features a mix of wide concrete and dirt trail surfaces. South of Research Parkway, the trail is smooth concrete, while the segment north of Research Parkway transitions to a dirt surface. Rolling terrain creates noticeable elevation gain and loss, giving the trail a moderate difficulty rating.
The trail includes several distinctive switchbacks near Mirage Drive that offer views across the surrounding neighborhoods and open spaces. Despite its urban setting, the corridor provides a sense of separation from nearby roads and is popular for short neighborhood outings as well as longer connected trips.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Skyline Trail includes several street crossings and users should proceed with caution at all crosswalks. Major crossings occur at Briargate Boulevard and Research Parkway. When crossing Research Parkway, users should use the signalized intersection at Chapel Hills Drive for improved safety. Trail signage varies by segment, and awareness is recommended when navigating transitions between surfaces.
Connections
Skyline Trail transitions into Woodmen Trail at Briargate Boulevard, allowing users to continue east west through northern Colorado Springs. A spur trail provides access to Rampart Community Park, which includes a disc golf course, sports courts and fields, and a dog park. The trail passes near High Plains Elementary School and offers views of Reflection Pond, which can be accessed via sidewalks on Parliament Drive.
Sidewalk connections along Briargate Parkway allow access to John Venezia Community Park and the Briargate Trail. Multiple neighborhood access points along the route make Skyline Trail easy to reach from surrounding residential areas.
Skyline Trail plays an important role in connecting neighborhoods, parks, and trails across northern Colorado Springs while offering a moderately challenging route with varied terrain and strong local use.
Sinton Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Sinton Trail is a scenic urban trail in central Colorado Springs that follows Douglas Creek and an adjacent drainage canal. The trail offers a peaceful corridor through an otherwise developed area, connecting major trail systems while providing opportunities to experience wildlife, seasonal color, and quiet open space close to the city.
Location: Central Colorado Springs, between Garden of the Gods Road and Mark Dabling Boulevard
Trail Experience
Sinton Trail is approximately 3 miles long and runs northwest to southeast between Garden of the Gods Road and Mark Dabling Boulevard, just north of the Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex. The trail surface is primarily asphalt, with short sections of concrete and gravel. Elevation changes are gradual, with a gentle uphill grade when traveling west.
The trail is well suited for walking, running, and biking and is accessible to a wide range of users. One of the highlights of the trail is its proximity to water and riparian habitat, which supports birdwatching opportunities, particularly near Sinton Pond Open Space. Waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife are commonly observed in this area.
In autumn, mature cottonwoods and other trees along the corridor provide vibrant fall color, making Sinton Trail especially popular during the changing seasons. The combination of water, vegetation, and separation from traffic creates a calm and immersive trail experience.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Sinton Trail includes two at grade street crossings at North Chestnut Road and Holland Park Boulevard. The trail also passes under Centennial Boulevard via a narrow metal tunnel, which requires users to proceed with caution and be aware of oncoming traffic, particularly cyclists.
Connections
Sinton Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway and Templeton Gap Trail, making it an important link within Colorado Springs’ urban trail network. With minimal use of sidewalks and local streets, users can also reach 30th Street to connect with the Foothills Trail and Garden of the Gods Park.
A short dirt path provides access to Sinton Pond Open Space, a 13 acre natural area that offers a quiet detour and additional wildlife viewing opportunities within a densely developed part of the city.
Sinton Trail serves as both a functional connector and a natural refuge, offering year round recreation, seasonal beauty, and access to some of Colorado Springs’ most popular trail corridors.
Sand Creek Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Sand Creek Trail is an evolving multi segment trail system in Colorado Springs that follows Sand Creek through residential areas, parks, and open spaces. When complete, the trail will serve as an important east west and north south connector, linking neighborhoods to recreation facilities and the city’s larger trail network.
Location: Eastern and southeastern Colorado Springs, following Sand Creek from Woodmen Road to Airport Road
Trail Experience
Sand Creek Trail is currently made up of two primary segments that are not yet connected. Each segment is approximately 4 miles in length and offers a different trail experience depending on location and surface type.
The southern segment runs diagonally through southeast Colorado Springs, beginning near El Pomar Youth Sports Park and extending east toward Wildflower Park. From Wildflower Park, the main trail continues north of Airport Road, while the East Fork Sand Creek spur heads east and ends just before Powers Boulevard. This section is largely concrete and offers a mild, accessible route for walking and biking. Users should expect two major street crossings at Hancock Expressway and Chelton Road.
A short central section of Sand Creek Trail was constructed between Platte Avenue and Galley Road as part of the Patriot Park development, creating a partial link through the corridor.
The northern segment of the trail runs north south alongside Sand Creek between Woodmen Road and Barnes Road. This section features mostly hardpacked natural surface, with a concrete segment between Barnes Road and Stetson Hills Boulevard. The northern portion offers a more natural setting, with open views and access to nearby parks and open space.
Connections
Sand Creek Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway at El Pomar Youth Sports Park, providing access to the larger Front Range trail system. The trail also offers convenient access to the Southeast Family Center YMCA and surrounding neighborhoods.
The northern segment connects to Stetson Park and Stetson Hills Open Space, expanding recreational opportunities and linking users to additional trail and open space experiences.
Sand Creek Trail represents a growing investment in trail connectivity for Colorado Springs. As additional segments are completed, it will continue to strengthen access to parks, neighborhoods, and regional trail corridors across the city.
Rock Island Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
The Rock Island Trail in Colorado Springs follows a historic railroad corridor through the heart of the city, providing an easy, accessible east west route that connects neighborhoods, parks, and major trail systems. Built along the former Rock Island Railroad bed, the trail reflects the city’s transportation history while serving modern recreation and commuting needs.
Location: Central Colorado Springs, running east west alongside Constitution Avenue from Weber Street to Powers Boulevard
Trail Experience
The Colorado Springs segment of the Rock Island Trail is approximately 6 miles long. It runs east west from Weber Street to Powers Boulevard, generally paralleling Constitution Avenue. The trail surface is a mix of concrete and asphalt, creating a smooth and accessible experience for walking, biking, and other non motorized uses.
The trail has a gentle grade, with a gradual uphill slope when traveling east. Several at grade street crossings occur along the route, so users should exercise caution at intersections. The corridor passes through residential areas and urban landscapes, offering a practical and well used route for everyday recreation and transportation.
Connections
Rock Island Trail connects directly to the Shooks Run Trail, creating a continuous north south and east west trail link through the city. With limited street or sidewalk travel, users can also connect to the Pikes Peak Greenway, Homestead Trail, and Palmer Park, making this trail an important part of Colorado Springs’ broader urban trail network.
