Drake Lake Open Space
Drake Lake Open Space in Falcon, Colorado, is a hidden gem in El Paso County’s park system. Centered around a small lake and surrounded by open grasslands, this peaceful spot is perfect for birdwatching, walking, and enjoying nature close to home.
Trails and Recreation
While there is no formal trail system, visitors can walk along the shoreline and explore the surrounding open space. The lake itself attracts a variety of waterfowl, making it a favorite stop for local birders and wildlife photographers. Anglers also use the site, though fishing access is limited.
Wildlife
Drake Lake provides critical habitat for migratory birds and native wildlife. Depending on the season, you may spot ducks, geese, herons, and raptors soaring overhead. The surrounding prairie supports songbirds and small mammals, offering visitors a chance to experience Colorado’s shortgrass ecosystem.
History
Once private ranchland, the lake and surrounding area were preserved through El Paso County’s open space program to protect water resources and create a quiet natural refuge. The site remains relatively undeveloped, highlighting the county’s commitment to conservation alongside recreation.
Plan Your Visit
Located just east of Colorado Springs in Falcon, Drake Lake Open Space is easily accessible to residents of the fast-growing eastern plains. Parking is limited, and amenities are minimal—visitors should come prepared with water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.
With its calm waters, open views, and abundant birdlife, Drake Lake Open Space is an ideal place to slow down, take in nature, and enjoy a quieter side of the Pikes Peak region.
Pineries Open Space is one of the newest and most unique outdoor destinations in El Paso County, offering visitors a glimpse into the resilience of nature after wildfire. Located on Vollmer Road in the heart of the Black Forest, this 1,100-acre open space showcases rolling meadows, ponderosa pine stands, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range.
Trails
The highlight of the park is the Pineries Trail, a 9-mile loop open to hikers, runners, equestrians, and cyclists. The trail weaves through recovering forest, open grasslands, and ridgelines with panoramic views. For those seeking a shorter outing, the Farrar Trail provides a 3-mile route, offering a peaceful introduction to the area’s unique landscapes.
Wildlife
Pineries is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Mule deer and elk are often spotted in the meadows, while red-tailed hawks and great horned owls hunt along the forest edge. The open space also supports foxes, coyotes, and an impressive array of songbirds. Its mix of habitats makes it one of the best places in northern El Paso County for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
History and the Black Forest Fire
The land that is now Pineries Open Space carries the scars—and the story—of the 2013 Black Forest Fire, the one of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history. Portions of the trail still pass through burn scar areas where blackened tree trunks stand as reminders of the fire’s intensity. Today, new growth is visible everywhere: young ponderosa pine seedlings, wildflowers, and thriving grasses signal a powerful story of recovery and resilience.
Why Visit
Pineries Open Space offers an experience unlike any other in the region. Visitors can explore two distinct trails, observe wildlife in a variety of habitats, and witness firsthand the renewal of a forest after fire. Whether you are looking for a full-day adventure on the Pineries Trail or a short, family-friendly walk along Black Squirrel Creek, this open space delivers both beauty and meaning.
