Corral Bluffs
Located east of Colorado Springs, Corral Bluffs is a nationally significant landscape known for its fossil resources, sweeping plains, and dramatic views of the Front Range. The area is managed for conservation and scientific research and is not open to the general public, helping protect sensitive paleontological and natural resources.
Recreation and Access
Corral Bluffs is closed to unsupervised public access. Entry is only permitted during special guided hikes and educational programs, which are offered periodically in partnership with land managers and conservation organizations. These guided experiences provide a rare opportunity to explore the landscape, learn about its geology and fossils, and understand why long term protection is critical.
Because access is limited, visitors should not attempt to enter Corral Bluffs outside of permitted programs. Doing so can damage sensitive resources and may result in enforcement action.
Landscape and Scientific Significance
Corral Bluffs is internationally recognized for its fossil beds, which have contributed to scientific understanding of life following the mass extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs. The area contains layered rock formations, prairie ecosystems, and wide open vistas that illustrate millions of years of natural history.
In addition to its paleontological value, Corral Bluffs provides important habitat for grassland species and plays a role in regional conservation efforts aimed at protecting open landscapes east of Colorado Springs.
History and Conservation
Protection of Corral Bluffs has been driven by decades of collaboration among scientists, conservation organizations, and public agencies. The area has become a model for balancing research, conservation, and carefully managed public education.
Guided access programs allow the public to engage with this extraordinary landscape while ensuring fossils and fragile ecosystems remain intact for future study and stewardship.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Eastern El Paso County, east of Colorado Springs
Access: Not open to the public; guided hikes only
Parking: Provided only for permitted guided programs
Fees: Vary by program
Tips:
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Watch for announcements about guided hikes and educational events
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Never collect fossils or remove natural materials
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Respect closures and posted boundaries at all times
Corral Bluffs is a reminder that some of the most important places are protected by limiting access. Through guided experiences and continued conservation, this remarkable landscape is preserved for science, education, and future generations.
