Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area
Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area in Fountain, CO is a quiet oasis tucked along the banks of Fountain Creek, offering one of the region’s best spots for birdwatching and nature observation. This wetland habitat, shaped by cattails, marsh grasses, and open water, provides an essential refuge for migratory birds and local wildlife while giving visitors a peaceful place to connect with nature.
Trails and Recreation
Visitors can enjoy a short network of natural-surface paths that weave through cattail stands and around marshy ponds. These trails are flat and easy, making them perfect for a leisurely walk, wildlife photography, or a quiet moment in nature. The area also links with the broader Fountain Creek Regional Trail system, offering opportunities for longer walks or bike rides.
Wildlife & Scenery
As its name suggests, the marsh is alive with wildlife. More than 200 bird species have been spotted here, including red-winged blackbirds, herons, egrets, ducks, and seasonal sandhill cranes. Turtles, frogs, and beavers also make their home in the wetlands, while deer and foxes are often seen at the edges. The cattail stands create striking reflections in the ponds, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Located within Fountain Creek Regional Park next to the marsh, the Fountain Creek Nature Center serves as the gateway to the area. The center features interactive exhibits on wetlands ecology, wildlife displays, and panoramic windows overlooking the marsh. It also hosts year-round educational programs, guided hikes, and children’s activities that connect people of all ages to the importance of wetlands and riparian ecosystems.
History
Cattail Marsh was conserved as part of the broader effort to protect Fountain Creek’s riparian corridor and preserve valuable wetlands in southern El Paso County. These wetlands are not only scenic but also play a critical ecological role, filtering water and supporting biodiversity in an otherwise urbanizing landscape.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain, CO 80817 (adjacent to Fountain Creek Regional Park)
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Parking: Available at the Fountain Creek Nature Center and nearby trailheads
Know Before You Go: Dogs must remain leashed to protect wildlife. Trails can be muddy in spring and after heavy rain—wear appropriate footwear and bring binoculars for the best birding experience.
Heritage Open Space
Heritage Open Space, nestled within Fountain, Colorado, offers a peaceful natural refuge close to town that highlights the region’s prairie and riparian ecosystems. This 53 acre open space serves as both a recreational outlet and a conservation buffer, preserving local habitat while inviting residents to explore nature. Natural surface trails connect Heritage Park to Hibbard Park.
Trails and Recreation
The open area features soft-surface trails that weave through native grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees. These trails are ideal for walking, hiking, or birding excursions. While the terrain is gentle, the views across the Fountain Valley are expansive and refreshing.
Wildlife and Habitat
Heritage Open Space supports a variety of wildlife adapted to eastern Colorado’s landscapes—songbirds, pollinators, small mammals, and occasionally raptors overflying the open fields. Native grasses and shrubs offer forage and cover, making the space ecologically valuable for nearby wildlife corridors.
Conservation & Community Importance
Managed as part of Fountain’s open space system, Heritage Open Space helps protect sensitive riparian and prairie habitats while providing passive recreation opportunities close to home. It contributes to Fountain’s overarching green infrastructure goals—linking neighborhoods, improving natural corridors, and fostering community well-being.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Within the city boundaries of Fountain, CO
Parking: On-street or nearby open-space lot(s) depending on trailhead access
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Tips: Trails are unpaved—wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Keep dogs leashed to protect sensitive habitats and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Adams Open Space
Adams Open Space, located in Fountain, Colorado, is a hidden gem for locals seeking a quiet place to connect with nature close to town. This riparian corridor and grassland preserve offers walking trails, wildlife viewing, and open vistas that highlight the beauty of the Fountain Valley. Jimmy Camp Creek flows through the open space providing peaceful sounds of running water.
Trails and Recreation
Visitors can enjoy soft-surface trails that wind through cottonwood groves and open meadows. The pathways are ideal for walking, jogging, or simply taking a relaxing stroll near the creek. In the fall, golden leaves line the creekside, while spring and summer bring a lush burst of greenery and birdsong.
Wildlife and Habitat
Adams Open Space is home to a variety of birds, small mammals, and pollinators that thrive in its mix of riparian and grassland habitats. The cottonwood canopy provides important shade and nesting areas, while the open fields attract hawks, meadowlarks, and butterflies. For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s an easy-access spot to enjoy Fountain’s natural diversity.
Conservation and Community
As one of Fountain’s dedicated open spaces, Adams helps protect critical riparian habitat while providing the community with a place to explore and recharge. It reflects the city’s commitment to balancing recreation with conservation, ensuring that residents have green spaces that enhance quality of life while safeguarding natural resources.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Along Fountain Creek, within the city of Fountain, CO.
Parking: Limited on-street and trailhead parking is available.
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Tips: Trails are unpaved; bring sturdy shoes and water. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, located at the entrance to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, is a living history museum that brings the story of the Pikes Peak region to life. Managed by the City of Colorado Springs, the ranch preserves over 200 years of local history, with costumed interpreters, historic structures, and seasonal events that connect visitors to Colorado’s cultural heritage.
History and Interpretation
The site spans four eras of history, each represented by authentic buildings and demonstrations:
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1775 Ute Encampment – Explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ute people.
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1860s Homestead Cabin – Step inside a frontier homestead and experience pioneer life.
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1880s Chambers Farm & Rock Ledge House – Learn about farming, ranching, and daily life in the late 19th century.
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1907 Edwardian Country Estate (Orchard House) – Tour an elegant estate that reflects Colorado Springs’ early resort era.
Through living history, demonstrations, and interpretive programming, Rock Ledge Ranch offers a unique chance to experience the challenges and triumphs of the region’s past.
Programs and Events
Rock Ledge Ranch is host to popular annual events including the Fourth of July Celebration, First People’s Day, Harvest Festival, and the Holiday Evening. These programs highlight historic traditions, cultural exchange, and community celebrations. Educational tours, field trips, and volunteer opportunities are also offered year-round.
Scenery and Location
Nestled against the dramatic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, the ranch blends history with stunning natural beauty. Visitors can stroll the grounds, picnic in designated areas, or combine a ranch visit with a hike in the Garden of the Gods park next door.
Plan Your Visit
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Location: 3105 Gateway Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
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Parking: Free parking is available on-site in a large gravel lot adjacent to the ranch entrance.
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Hours: Seasonal schedule, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day with select off-season events. Grounds are open dusk to dawn.
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Admission: Modest entrance fee; memberships available.
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Accessibility: The site includes walking paths between historic areas; some terrain may be uneven.
With its rich storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and unbeatable setting beside Garden of the Gods, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is one of Colorado Springs’ most unique destinations for history lovers, families, and visitors of all ages.
Shooks Run Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Shooks Run Trail is a central Colorado Springs urban trail that follows Shooks Run Creek through historic neighborhoods, community spaces, and growing arts and garden corridors. The trail provides an easy, accessible route for walking, biking, and everyday recreation while connecting several key trail systems and local destinations.
Location: Central and southeast Colorado Springs, following Shooks Run Creek from Lilac Street to Fountain Boulevard
Trail Experience
Shooks Run Trail is approximately 4 miles long and runs north to south along Shooks Run Creek. The trail begins near Lilac Street and the Rock Island Trail in the north and continues south to Fountain Boulevard and South Shooks Run Park. The paved surface makes for an easy walk or ride, with a slight downhill grade when traveling south.
The trail is well suited for all ages and abilities, with benches and picnic tables placed along the route for rest and gathering. Shooks Run passes through residential areas and community focused spaces, creating a neighborhood oriented experience that blends everyday use with access to nature. Several street crossings occur along the trail, so users should proceed with awareness at intersections. Several parks can be found along or near the trail.
History and Character
One of the defining features of Shooks Run Trail is its connection to Colorado Springs’ early rail history. At the southern end of the trail, users pass through a historic rail underpass built in 1887, a reminder of the city’s industrial and transportation roots. Beyond the underpass, the trail reaches the Concrete Coyote property, owned and stewarded by Concrete Couch, which has become a hub for community creativity and placemaking.
Connections
Shooks Run Trail connects directly to the Rock Island Trail, expanding access to north south travel across the city. Sidewalks and neighborhood streets provide frequent access points along the route, making the trail easy to reach from surrounding homes and businesses.
With limited on street or sidewalk travel, users can connect to the Pikes Peak Greenway, further linking Shooks Run into the broader Front Range trail network. The trail also passes near Pikes Peak Urban Gardens and the Sustain a Center, where the Trails and Open Space Coalition office is located just off the corridor.
Shooks Run Trail plays an important role in connecting neighborhoods, supporting local community spaces, and strengthening the urban trail network in Colorado Springs. It is a trail built for everyday use, local connection, and continued investment in accessible outdoor spaces.
Midland Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
The Midland Trail is a key east west urban corridor in Colorado Springs, following Fountain Creek and the historic Midland rail alignment. The trail provides a smooth, accessible route through the city, connecting downtown destinations, parks, and major trail systems while offering views of the creek and surrounding landscape.
Location: West and central Colorado Springs, paralleling U.S. Highway 24 (Cimarron Street) from America the Beautiful Park to Ridge Road
Trail Experience
The Midland Trail is approximately 8 miles long and runs east west along Fountain Creek. The trail begins near America the Beautiful Park in downtown Colorado Springs and continues west to Ridge Road. The surface is primarily concrete, making it suitable for walking, biking, and other non motorized uses.
The trail features a mild grade, with a gradual downhill slope when traveling east. Several at grade street crossings occur along the route, with pedestrian signals at major crossings including 31st Street and 8th Street. There is a short gap in the trail between 21st Street and 25th Street, where users are directed to use Naegele Road, a lightly traveled roadway.
The corridor blends urban scenery with riparian habitat along Fountain Creek and passes through areas of public art and community investment. An art bench created by Concrete Couch can be found near 17th Street and serves as a unique landmark along the trail.
Connections
Midland Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway, America the Beautiful Park, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. With limited street or sidewalk travel, users can also reach the Foothills Trail, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and the City of Manitou Springs, making the Midland Trail an important link between urban and foothills recreation.
The Midland Trail plays a central role in Colorado Springs’ trail network, providing access to cultural destinations, regional trails, and everyday outdoor recreation along Fountain Creek.
The Crews Gulch Trail is about 2.5 miles long. The trail winds through neighborhoods, along a riparian corridor and through Widefield Park. The trail begins in the west at John Ceresa Memorial Park, travels northeast to Widefield Community Park and ends abruptly at Fontaine Blvd. The trail surface is mostly gravel, with some paved areas. There are several neighborhood street crossings.
Connections: Crews Gulch Trail links into Fountain Creek Regional Trail, near Willow Pond #2. There are several neighborhood connections along the trail, providing easy access to Widefield Community Park and Fountain Creek Park & Nature Center.
Future Plans: Once completed the trail will connect Bluestem Prairie Open Space to Fountain Creek Regional Park.
