Clear Spring Ranch is a 930-acre open space in southern El Paso County, Colorado, just south of Fountain. Once part of a working ranch, the land is now protected and managed to safeguard Fountain Creek and provide outdoor recreation for the public. Visitors can explore open prairie, shaded cottonwood groves, and riparian habitat that make this site one of the best places for birdwatching in Colorado Springs, with regular sightings of hawks, herons, and migratory waterfowl.
The park features picnic areas, restrooms, and direct access to the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, a major connector in the regional trail system. Several multi-use trails within Clear Spring Ranch are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, offering opportunities for both short outings and longer connections.
What makes Clear Spring Ranch unique is its quiet, wide-open landscape. Unlike busier foothill parks, this El Paso County open space offers a peaceful escape where visitors are more likely to encounter wildlife than crowds. Whether you are seeking a new hiking or biking route, a family-friendly picnic spot, or a chance to enjoy Colorado’s grassland and creek ecosystems, Clear Spring Ranch provides a hidden gem experience.