Working to Preserve Open Space and Rural Land; and Create a Network of Trails, Bikeways and Greenways in the Pikes Peak Region
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Candidate AreasReturn to Open Space Index of Topics Many Pikes Peak area communities have open space plans that identify areas with potential for preservation for a variety of reasons. The City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County's candidate areas are listed below. Those areas that have already been preserved are highlighted in green. Others will be added at a later date. Descriptions are from the currently approved master plans. One of the goals of the Colorado Springs Open Space Plan is to conserve representative sections of the City's four natural area types: grasslands, foothills, bluffs/mesas, and streams or riparian areas. For more detail on these areas, go to the Colorado Springs Open Space Master Plan. The candidate areas are arranged by natural area type, and are not prioritized. Being listed as a candidate area does not mean it will be automatically preserved. The TOPS Working Committee is charged to make recommendations about open space conservation areas and investigates these and other areas further to arrive at final evaluations and priorities. Areas not listed as candidate areas may also be considered for preservation. Completed actions or actions are underway are in italics. Grassland Areas Bluestem Prairie Open Space (Airport/Big Johnson) Directly south of the airport is an expansive stand of relatively rare tall-grass prairie. The area consists of rolling grasslands with sweeping views of the Front Range and the surrounding high plains. The area contains significant tall grass prairie and wildlife habitat. Many bird and small mammal species make this their home. It is highly visible from Drennan Road, the main route to the airport, and links directly into the Big Johnson Reservoir, an area which has been identified as a significant conservation resource in El Paso County. The combined resource could serve as an outdoor recreation area and open space buffer between Colorado Springs and Fountain. 650 acres of the area near the reservoir have been preserved as Bluestem Prairie Open Space. Size: 2500 acres. Briargate This area is a transition zone located between Old Ranch and Black Forest Road. It features ponderosa pine and scrub oak feathering into the prairie from the north, and forest grasslands rising to the edge of the Black Forest from the south. It also contains a forming area for two natural drainages which combine as a tributary to Cottonwood Creek. The dominant vegetation is forest grasslands mixed with ponderosa pine forest and riparian vegetation. Portions of the site are significant wildlife habitats. This candidate area is in one of the major undeveloped sections of the 8,700-acre Briargate master plan. It is situated at the northeastern edge of Colorado Springs, bordered by Old Ranch and Black Forest Roads. The area could serve as an open space buffer between the Black Forest to the north and future urban development to the south and west. Size: 120 acres East Fork of Sand Creek The east fork of Sand Creek cuts across the northern portion of Banning Lewis Ranch, an undeveloped 23,000- acre master plan. Significant stands of cottonwoods and willows exist along much of the creek, and tall-grass prairie and forest grasslands cover the surrounding area. Most of the site is significant wildlife habitat and home to antelope, small mammals and birds. Size: Approximately 1500 acres. Lower Jimmy Camp Creek This area follows Jimmy Camp Creek as it meanders through a grassland bowl framed by eroded cliffs and distant bluffs. The lower section of the creek serves as significant wildlife habitat due to its mix of tall-grass prairie and riparian vegetation. A planned trail will follow the creek from the Rock Island Trail south to the city limits. This area also has significant historical and cultural preservation possibilities. Size: Approximately 1200 acres. Jimmy Camp Creek Park Area The central portion of Banning Lewis Ranch contains Jimmy Camp Creek Park, a nearly 700-acre regional park site that is not yet open for public use. While the park site captures many significant natural features, the surrounding area is also environmentally and visually important. The area is highly visible from U.S. Highway 24, a gateway for travelers from eastern Colorado into Colorado Springs. The vegetation is a mix of riparian, mid-grass prairie and extensive ponderosa pine forest. The property is moderately significant wildlife habitat. It also serves as the juncture for the planned extension of the Rock Island Trail and the planned Jimmy Camp Creek Trail. Any additional land conserved as open space would serve to enhance the regional park site. Foothill Areas. This area is currently planned to have a 600-acre reservoir in addition to parks and trails. Size: 3100 acres. Foothills Red Rock Canyon. 780 acres of this has been preserved and is currently undergoing a public process on how the property will be developed. This area is a geologic extension of the Garden of the Gods to the south. Due to its foothills location, it prominent rock formations, and seasonal variations in its vegetative cover, it has high scenic value. The majority of this area lies outside of the city, between Section 16 and Manitou Springs. It is very visible to motorists on U.S. Highway 24, the main route between Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak, Teller County, and the western slope. Part of the site was once used as a landfill, but has since been re-vegetated with the same mountain shrub that covers the rest of the property. Cheyenne Mountain State Park (J.L Ranch) J.L. Ranch is an undeveloped master plan of over 1,600 acres on the extreme southwestern edge of Colorado Springs. This area exhibits a rich mosaic of upland grassland, scrub oak, and ponderosa pine sweeping up to the base of granite cliffs at the south end of Cheyenne Mountain. The property borders NORAD and Fort Carson. Highway 115 forms the eastern edge of the site, making it a highly visible gateway to motorists traveling from Canon City. J.L. Ranch has the highest natural feature rating of any vacant land in the city, due to its visibility, important wildlife habitat, and sensitive riparian and foothills vegetation. A proposed county regional park would border the southeast part of the property, and a planned county trail would connect from the south. Colorado State Parks and the City of Colorado Springs TOPS Program has partnered to preserve much of this property as Cheyenne Mountain State Park, scheduled to open in the 2004 timeframe. Mountain Shadows-Peregrine Mountain Shadows and Peregrine are two partially developed master planned areas on the city‚s west side. This candidate area stretches along the foothills on the city‚s northwest edge bordering Pike National Forest. This area is highly visible from most of the northwest side, as well as from I-25. The vegetation covering both properties is a combination of scrub oak, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, which is particularly appealing to a variety of wildlife including black bears and mule deer. Close to half of the nearly 1,000 acres in the Peregrine master plan is designated as private open space that is not open to the general public. The City has recently preserved 165 acres adjacent to Blodgett Peak as open space. Myron Stratton The undeveloped Myron Stratton property encompasses nearly 400 acres master planned under the name Broadmoor Skyway. The southwestern portion of the site is contiguous to North Cheyenne Canyon. A planned trail through Myron Stratton would connect Bear Creek Park and North Cheyenne Canyon. Several trails actually exist already and are maintained by a local volunteer trails group. The property is highly visible from Cresta Road and surrounding neighborhoods. The vegetation is mixed mountain scrub, scrub oak and ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. The Colorado Division of Wildlife lists the entire site as wildlife habitat that is highly sensitive to development. 308 acres of this property were preserved through the TOPS Program, the first acquisition under the program. Riparian Areas Cottonwood Creek Cottonwood Creek stretches across the north central section of the city, joining with Monument Creek just south of Woodmen Road. The Multi-use Trails Plan calls for a trail along the creek that would connect with the Skyline Trail, Sand Creek Trail and Pikes Peak Greenway. Much of the creek flows through fairly dense development, but stretches of cottonwoods, willows and other riparian vegetation remain in many sections, particularly those toward the eastern city limits. It presents an opportunity for a major extension to the city‚s future greenway system. K. Northgate The Northgate master plan area is cross cut by three riparian features: Smith Creek, Monument Branch, and Black Squirrel Creek. Each of these form important wildlife habitats and corridors. The La Foret Trail, a planned joint City-County venture, will extend from the Air Force Academy portion of the New Santa Fe Trail to the Black Forest in the east. The trail will border Black Squirrel Creek and other tributaries of Monument Creek. The area contains important wildlife habitat for pronghorn antelope and other species, as well as a mix of grasslands. Kettle Creek A portion of Kettle Creek carves a tree-lined gorge through the Northgate and Briargate areas, east of the Air Force Academy. This area is mostly undeveloped, and its unusual mix of tall-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forest and riparian vegetation is largely intact. The partially completed Skyline Trail is slated to run along this portion of Kettle Creek, connecting with the county‚s section of the La Foret Trail. Pikes Peak Greenway The Pikes Peak Greenway is a linear park along Monument and Fountain Creeks that will eventually run the length of the City, a distance of about 14 miles. The Greenway is over three quarters finished, and recent grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and the El Pomar Foundation will help secure completion in the near future. The Greenway will connect with the county‚s New Santa Fe and Fountain Creek Trails, forming a continuous link from the Douglas County line to Pueblo County. Nearly every east-west trail in the city connects or will connect with the Greenway. The entire corridor is significant wildlife habitat, formed in part by the cottonwood and willow stands that line the creek. It represents the spine of a future greenway system. Spring Creek Spring Creek is a partially developed master planned area of about 475 acres. It forms an oasis of mature riparian vegetation situated on the south side of U.S. Highway 24, just east of the Pikes Peak Greenway. The location is highly visible and is one of the few extensive vacant parcels in south central Colorado Springs. Open space conserved in this area could serve as an enhancement to the Pikes Peak Greenway and provide visual relief from the intensely developed surroundings. Sand Creek Sand Creek crosses much of the east side of Colorado Springs, running from Black Forest into Fountain Creek north of Fort Carson. A planned fourteen mile trail will run along the length of the creek in the City, connecting with the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Rock Island Trail. Sand Creek flows through a variety of areas, some of which are densely developed, and others that contain virtually undisturbed forest grasslands. The Sand Creek Trail could provide a valuable greenway resource in an area with few existing open space areas. Bluffs and Mesa Areas Hill Master Plan East of the Garden of the Gods is a stretch of undeveloped land that forms a semi-circle around the Hill master plan. At one end is Blair Bridge Open Space, and at the other is Mesa Valley Open Space. The area is visually distinct, as well as moderately important wildlife habitat. Its value is primarily in its high visual significance and it connections to existing open space on the mesa. Austin Bluffs Open Space. (Houck Estate) The Houck Estate is a master planned area of over 700 acres near the center of Colorado Springs. Two existing open space areas border the property; Pulpit Rock to the northwest and Austin Bluffs to the south. Near-by residents have long used the Houck Estate as open space, and several informal trails exist. The property is characterized by visually striking geologic formations, mesas and valleys, and is highly visible from surrounding areas as well as from the Interstate. The ponderosa pines and shrubs that cover much of the site are generally attractive to wildlife, but, due to the isolated location habitation is limited. Development is underway. 73 acres were preserved as open space through the TOPS Program. It has been combined with Pulpit Rock Park and Austin Bluffs Park to create Austing Bluffs Open Space, an area of over 500 acres. Rockrimmon East of Ute Valley Park is an undeveloped area characterized by visually prominent rock outcroppings. Portions of the site are covered with a mixture of forest, shrub land and riparian vegetation. The Multi-use Trails Plan calls for the Ute Valley trail to run through the property, connecting Ute Valley Park and the Pikes Peak Greenway. This area has high visual value and represents an opportunity to extend open space in the bluffs/mesas natural area westward from Ute Valley Park. Future Candidate Areas The candidate areas identified in the plan are not exhaustive or exclusive. As the open space system begins to take shape, and as more environmental information becomes available, additional areas may be identified through a periodic review process for the plan. In the future, the advisory body that is eventually charged by City Council to make recommendations regarding the conservation of open space may add areas that meet the criteria of the evaluation and selection process used in the plan. Seventeen areas are identified in El Paso County as potential high priority lands for conservation. In most cases, a broadly-defined area is identified that encompasses a landscape unit or defined habitat type without regard to individual ownership boundaries. Any acquisition would be accomplished through agreements with the landowners on a willing seller basis. Paint Mines The Paint Mines are a colorful badland landscape located southeast of Calhan that occupies several hundred acres. The area was formed through erosive action along the bluffs that extend from the Holcomb Hills northeastward to the Big Sandy Creek drainage. Only in the Paint Mines vicinity, however, has the erosive action created a badlands with incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clays and jasper. Riparian vegetation has become established along the lower reaches of some of the gullies and the result is an unusual and distinct landscape that also provides wildlife habitat. In addition, the area is believed to have been an important source of material used by Native Americans to make paint, which is the origin of the area's name. Protection of this area would preserve important natural and cultural resources and would provide a good opportunity for interpreting an interesting part of El Paso County's heritage. Bijou Basin The Bijou Basin is a distinctive landscape that contains many of the features that characterize El Paso County's natural and cultural heritage. The basin itself is a well-watered grassland nestled in an enclosed valley surrounded by pine ridges and interesting landforms such as Fremont Fort. In many places the pines feather into the grassland or extend into the basin along the drainages, creating an interesting mosaic of vegetation. The historic Bijou Springs Ranch is also located in the lower portion of the Basin along a branch of Bijou Creek. The historic ranch buildings and irrigated meadows speak to the county's early settlement and heritage as a ranching economy. While some subdivision activity has begun on the west side of the valley at the fringe of the forest, the east side of the valley is untouched by development. The boundary of the Bijou Basin area shown on Map I is drawn to include the ridges and valley that comprise the basin. In addition to its outstanding scenic values, the basin includes important wildlife habitat as defined by CDOW and conservation sites delineated by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The heritage program sites are noted for containing significant examples of ponderosa pine woodland and a rich understory that includes big bluestem. Peregrine falcon have also been sited within the basin. Nearly all of the area shown on Map I is privately owned. Table Rock This area is located near the county line and includes the uplands between East Cherry and West Kiowa Creeks. Portions of these uplands include important wildlife habitat values and much of the area is a relatively intact example of the Black Forest landscape. Table Rock, a historic landmark, is located at the western edge of the area. Although there is some residential development along the flanks of Table Rock, it still stands out as a significant feature in the landscape. The Black Forest in the upland portion of the area has a generally dense tree cover with occasional open meadows. Development in these uplands is minimal with the exception of one or two large ranches. Examples of tall grass prairie have also been identified in the northwest portion of the area. Although most of the upland area in this unit does not contain the convergence of two or more important resource values, it was included as a high priority area for conservation due to its importance as an example of a regionally significant landscape. Spruce Hill The Spruce Hill conservation area represents a combination of important wildlife habitat and features noted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The unit contains some remnant ponderosa pine stands that merge with a wet meadow near the base of the hill. Seeps and wetlands are present in the meadow, adding interest to the landscape and enriching its habitat values. A working ranch is also located on the flank of Spruce Hill. Spruce Hill is near State Highway 83, a heavily traveled road, and is also adjacent to on-going residential development. It is likely that the area will continue to experience strong development pressure. Ben Lomond, Mountain and Elephant Rock These regionally significant landmarks are located near Palmer Lake along State Highway 105. Elephant Rock is an isolated cluster of cap rock that extends off Ben Lomond Mountain, standing above the surrounding pines like a castle ruin. The overall landscape is very scenic. The higher portions of Ben Lomond Mountain are a series of cliff faces that have shed huge blocks of rock lying along the lower slopes. Ponderosa pine and scrub oak blend into an extensive and gently sloping meadow that meets the base of the mountain and emphasizes its abrupt rise. Protection of this area would preserve two notable landmarks and a critical backdrop to the popular Palmer Lake recreation area. The area is also traversed by the New Santa Fe Trail and it represents one of the more scenic settings along the trail. However, the meadows and flanks of the mountain face imminent development that may preclude the exploration of protection options unless discussions begin immediately. As a natural area, development of facilities would be minimal and access controlled to protect sensitive areas and steep slopes. Future trail connections could also be made that would link the area to existing Forest Service Trails up nearby canyons to the west. The result could be a trail through land managed by the Forest Service, El Paso County and other jurisdictions. Forest Lakes This area is located west of 1-25 between Monument and the Air Force Academy. It represents one of the last remaining undeveloped foothills woodland landscape types located outside of the Air Force Academy. Most of Forest Lakes is highly visible from 1-25 and it contains important wildlife habitat along Beaver Creek and the other drainages and water bodies in the area. Preble's Meadow jumping mouse, a species recommended for federal listing, is known to occur in the area. Fox Run Grassland This area is adjacent to Fox Run Park and lies near the head of Smith Creek. It contains a relatively large segment of black forest with a fringe of scrub oak that transitions into a grassland landscape on its western edge. The area is another example of a relatively undisturbed Black Forest landscape; a landscape that is becoming increasingly rare within El Paso County and other areas along the Front Range. The addition of this area to Fox Run Park would increase opportunities for hiking and nature interpretation and would result in protection of a more significant segment of the Black Forest landscape. Black Squirrel This area is bisected by State Highway 83 and includes the headwaters of Black Squirrel Creek. Despite its proximity to Colorado Springs and Monument, much of this area is undeveloped and presents a good example of the Foothills Transitional Landscape Type. Portions of the area offer a commanding view of the Monument Creek Valley and the mountains beyond. Protection of this area would not only contribute to the scenic value of the area, it would also help sustain known populations of Preble's meadow jumping mouse, springs and wetlands along the creeks. Black Squirrel Creek could also be considered for a sensitively-sited trail corridor linking regional parks and open space in the Black Forest with the new Santa Fe Trail. Black Forest This area is an upland with relatively little topographic relief and dense stands of ponderosa pine. When viewed from the roads, this unit appears to have a fairly uniform and somewhat monotonous tree cover. Examination of aerial photos, however, reveals a series of meadows within the interior of the unit and several small drainages with ponds. The headwaters of West Kiowa Creek are located along the northeast edge of the unit. The area is largely intact and is also a natural heritage site with a known occurrence of birdfoot violet (Viola pedatifida) an attractive wildflower that is considered to be rare within Colorado. As shown on Map 1, this unit is linked with the Table Rock unit and together they represent a major portion of the remnant Black Forest landscape in El Paso County. Manitou Springs The area around Manitou Springs was identified in the Mountain Backdrop Study as an area of Critical Preservation. Much of this area is highly visible from U.S. Highway 24 and portions of Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. All of the unit is within the Mountain Front landscape type, a dramatic landscape that marks the abrupt transition from the plains to the mountains. The area has also been identified as important wildlife habitat by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Protection of this area would preserve scenic values as well as provide future connections to Section 16 (proposed regional park addition) and Bear Creek Regional Park. Corral Bluffs This distinctive landform extends along the eastern fringes of the urbanizing area of Colorado Springs. In places, the bluffs drop nearly 400 feet, marking an abrupt transition from the elevated plains on the east to the Fountain Creek drainage basin. Erosion along this front has exposed an interesting set of rock strata and created a series of gullies where more favorable moisture conditions support the establishment of isolated juniper, ponderosa pine and other woody species. The bluffs are generally more prominent north of State Highway 94 and taper off to the south. The natural area identified on Map I encompasses an approximately I mile wide swath of land that includes the limestone outcrops for which the area is named, as well as some of the prairie at the base and along the top of the cliffs. It also includes important wildlife habitat. Protection of this area would maintain the visual quality of this important landmark and could also provide an opportunity for a regional trail alignment along the base of the bluffs that would link Fountain Creek with the Jimmy Camp Creek Park proposed by Colorado Springs. The bluffs also have important cultural resource values, including their use by early Native Americans as a buffalo jump. Cattlemen gave the bluffs their name back in the days of open range -- the steep cliffs served as a barrier where cattle could be corralled with relatively little fence construction. South Fountain Creek Floodplain/ Uplands This area is located south of Fountain and extends to the County line. The Fountain Creek floodplain contains mature riparian vegetation and provides very important wildlife habitat. Some of the floodplain and upland areas support agricultural use, which could be protected with conservation easements or other means. The unit also contains an interesting landform known as The buttes, which are a series of teepee-like formations in the prairie -- low, cone-shaped mounds that appear to rise inexplicably from the grass. In actuality, the mounds were formed from an erosion resistant layer of limestone that is rich in marine fossils. The upland portion of the unit contains a good example of a grassland community, including candelabria cactus and abundant little blue stem. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program noted that mountain plovers may also inhabit the area. The mountain plover is a federal candidate species for listing as endangered or threatened, a state species of concern and rated G2 by the Natural Heritage Program, which indicates it is endangered throughout its range. 5-17 Big Johnson Reservoir Big Johnson Reservoir is located between Fountain and Colorado Springs and is owned and managed by the Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company. Portions of the area were previously leased to a private club. The irrigation company is interested in leasing use of the area to a public agency or private organization. This relatively large reservoir is an unusual resource in El Paso County and it could provide an important water-based recreational opportunity. The area could be developed for passive recreation, and include walking trails, wildlife observation areas and non-motorized boating. The lands surrounding the reservoir also support habitat for a variety of grassland species, including pronghorn antelope. Part of the area has been preserved as Bluestem Prairie Open Space. Monument Branch This small unit is located just east of 1-25 and centers on Monument Branch, a small drainage with a known population of Preble's meadow jumping mouse. The Monument Branch unit is essentially surrounded by development. Its protection would provide relief from the near continuous development along the east side of I-25 and preserve an important wildlife habitat corridor. SH 115/Mountain Front Portions of this area were previously discussed as a potential regional park. Nearly all the land west of SH 115 and south of the City of Colorado Springs is highly scenic and characterized by steep slopes with numerous rock outcrops and an interesting mix of vegetation. Rock, Little Fountain and Turkey Creeks drain the steep uplands and flow through narrow canyons, adding diversity to the area. All of the area is classified by CDOW as important wildlife habitat and the area also contains several CNHP sites. One of the CNHP sites has a known occurrence of the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis), a federally-listed species. Little Fountain Creek This area includes the lower reaches of Little Fountain Creek, just west of the Colorado Springs State Wildlife Area. The area is mapped as important wildlife habitat by CDOW and contains riparian vegetation and wetlands associated with Little Fountain Creek as well as upland grasslands. This area is essentially undeveloped and is currently used as grazing land. The wildlife values that are present combined with its proximity to an existing state wildlife area make this area a candidate for a joint project involving the county, CDOW and possibly others. Cheyenne Mountain The Cheyenne Mountain unit is adjacent to the City of Colorado Springs North Cheyenne Canyon Park. This unit contains important wildlife habitat and several CNHP sites. The area is crossed by the Cripple Creek Road and encompasses most of the west slope of Cheyenne Mountain. The open space goal in Teller County is preserve and protect significant open areas in recognition of their important functions of providing development buffers between communities, preserving the quality of life and economic interests of the County, while enhancing opportunities for enjoyment of the natural environment. Catamount Ranch Teller County has already preserved 1320 acres of the Catamount Ranch on the north slope of Pikes Peak. This 'mini-wilderness' provides an important buffer to exisitng public land managed by the City of Colorado Springs and U.S. Forest Service. It effectively preserves habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including many bird species. Important deer and elk calving grounds are present. Candidate Areas Priorities have been established in Teller County: Priority I - North Face of Pikes Peak (includes ranches, ridgelines, Catamount, wildlife habitat and migration, drainage courses.) - Buffers around towns (Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant) - Mining District (Cripple Creek/ Victor region) - East and West Gateways in the County (Highway 24) Priority II - Teller Route 1 view Corridor - Fossil Beds and Mueller State Park (area adjacent to) Priority III - Scenic Road Corridors to South (Phantom Canyon, shelf Road and High Park Road) - Gateways to South and Southwest - Gold Camp Road - Highway 81 View Corridor |