Sinton Trail Improvements
We are happy to report that the repair effort along Douglas Creek and the Sinton Trail is complete! The asphalt trail that was undercut in the Holland Park neighborhood has been repaired and is now reopen for use. This very popular, high-value urban trail corridor received a ~600 foot asphalt to concrete upgrade. And thanks to our City Stormwater group the new section is well-protected against future flood damage. Our Parks department is looking at a future project to transition the old asphalt to the east of the repaired area to concrete, but there are significant drainage and soil issues that will have to be addressed to ensure the trail is sustainable.PARK AND TRAIL News
Rock Island Trail UpdateThe Rock Island Trail now has an improved and far safer crossing of Paseo Road! We’ve all had to endure the detour over the past couple of months while multiple City departments worked together to replace critical stormwater infrastructure under the Paseo Road bridge. The crossing portion of the project was funded by the City’s Bike Program and it is now better defined and includes a pedestrian island/refuge, making it safer and far more comfortable to connect east and west along this well used urban trail at the junction of Constitution Avenue and Paseo Road.
TOSC recently hosted a Legacy Loop tour for City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum less than 24 hours after it had been opened and you can see how much she and the other riders appreciate the upgrade.
Catamount Trail Update
A portion of the Catamount Trail remains closed due to an ongoing property dispute (blue dot segment from Catamount Falls to Garden of Eden). Most of the trails and landmarks in the area are still accessible, including: Catamount Falls, Catamount Reservoir, Thomas Trail and the Garden of Eden. To access the Garden of Eden and Catamount Reservoir, visitors should hike up the Mount Dewey Trail; connect to the Bratton Trail; then connect to the upper portion of the Catamount Trail which is open to the public.
Updates will be posted by the Town of Green Mountain Falls.
Construction has begun in North Cheyenne Canon Park on the Daniels Pass Trail System. Between now and late fall of 2021, 6.5 miles of new natural surface single-track trail will be built. This project will develop the Daniels Pass Trail, Bruin Inn Trail, Sweetwater Canyon Trail and create a new trail that will provide a hiking-only connection to the existing Mount Muscoco Trail from the Daniel’s Pass area. As construction progresses, public closures in the Daniels Pass area will occur until the project is complete.
REMINDER Manitou Incline Closed
Aug. 21-22, 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Manitou Incline will be closed for the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent, Aug. 21 and 22. The races are hugely popular, hosting runners from across the country, and even without the spillover from the Incline, the Barr Trail is packed during the events. Please plan alternative hikes for this weekend!
Union Meadows Open Space
In between Austin Bluffs Open Space and Palmer Park, Union Meadows Open Space is a gem hiding in plain sight. This TOPS property is located just east of Union Blvd. between Ranch Drive and Austin Bluffs Parkway. Despite being one of the smaller open spaces in the region, this park has a wonderful one-mile out-and-back trail that provides unforgettable views of Pikes Peak and sandstone hoodoos that help users forget that they are in the middle of the city. Union Meadows Open Space is a perfect 30 minute escape into nature. TOPS saved this from urban development, preserving it as open space.
TOSC
Trail Volunteers NeededSat. Aug 28, 8:00 – 11:00 AM
TOSC is partnering with Friends of Monument Preserve, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates and the APEX Team to tackle trail improvements ahead of the APEX Race in September. The group will meet at the main trailhead, at the corner of Mt. Herman Road and Nursery Road at 8am. After sign in and orientation, volunteers will head up Mt. Herman Road to FS 715. Crews will focus on repairing erosion, improving the trail for long term sustainability, and trimming back scrub oak. Please bring work gloves, sunscreen, water and snacks.
To register for this workday, please email aaron@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Two Shoes Trek Challenge
Sat. Sept 4 – 11, 2021
Race in the forest! The 2nd annual Two Shoes Trek Challenge will be a live race through the twisting trails of Fox Run Regional Park. On September 11th , runners will have the choice between 5k/10k/15k routes that will loop through the towering ponderosas of this amazing El Paso County Park property. Participants in this race will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a custom designed BOCO Gear race hat. All proceeds will benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Pikes Peak Road Runners.
TOSC Member Celebration
Tue. Sept 14, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
TOSC Members and Partners are invited to join us as we celebrate all we have accomplished this year and honor some outstanding individuals. Invitations will be arriving in the mail soon!
Questions? contact beth@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Community
August LIQUID LECTURE@ Bristol Brewing
Thur. Aug 19, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Following Fountain Creek across time is a rich source of history and culture. The patterns of use and abuse show us how much we have necessarily changed: from when pollution was buffalo dung to adding large-scale delivery systems, and from development to restoring wetlands. Fountain Creek’s historical significance is crucial to local quality of life and environmental planning. Attendees will receive $1 dollar off beers to enjoy during the program!
Email creekweeksoco@gmail.com to register and please indicate in person or virtual.
Early Bird Hike & Bike at Garden of the Gods
Wed. Aug 25, 5:00 – 8:00 AM
The Early Bird Hike & Bike at Garden of the Gods is an opportunity for recreationalists to enjoy the park and its roadways without motor vehicles! All normal park rules will be enforced, and all visitors are asked to follow public health guidelines, including practicing physical distancing and wearing a face covering when a minimum of 6 feet can’t be maintained. For safety and per normal park rules, skateboarding is not allowed. Parking is available at the dirt overflow lot near the main entrance on 30th Street and at the Trading Post. Accessible parking spaces are available at the Trading Post.
Watershed Art ShowEntries due Wed. Aug 25
As a lead-up to the Creek Week Cleanup and Arts Month, Carter Payne will be hosting an art exhibition telling the story of watershed health. Media of any sort may be entered, ideas for submission include wildlife or nature photography, trash art, or the people-watershed connection. Pieces must come ready to hang on the wall. Awards for top 3 displays! All requests for entries must be emailed to creekweeksoco@gmail.com by August 25th.
Learn more at www.fountain-crk.org.
Stratton Open Space BioBlitz
Aug 27 – 29, 8:00 – 2:00 PM
The City of Colorado Springs Regional Parks division is hosting a BioBlitz at Stratton Open Space. 3-day event for scientists, naturalists, and community volunteers to work together to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity. Participants will recording all the flora, fauna, and fungi they can find via the iNaturalist app. Collected data is analyzed and used for land management planning and trend monitoring. Guided hikes will be offered Aug 28th and 29th.
Honeybee Celebration Day @ Bear Creek
Sat. August 28, 10:00 – 1:00 PM
Bees and other pollinators are responsible for many wonderful things in our lives. Come to the the Nature Center to see bees in action at the observation hive! Learn about their impact on our environment and why they are so important. Several activities and crafts for all to enjoy. $1 donation per person suggested.
For more information or to preregister,
call Bear Creek Nature Center, 719-520-6387 or
Pikes Peak Bigfoot Hike & Hunt
Sat, Sept 18, 10:00 – 3:00 PM
Hunt for Bigfoot along part of the Ring the Peak trail, more specifically Mt Esther/Crow gulch Trail. This is a laidback hike, prizes for the first 3 participants to find Bigfoot. All hike-and-hunt registrations will receive a grab bag of goodies from Manitou Springs / West side merchants. 100% of registration fees goes directly to BARR CAMP INC. 501C nonprofit. Post-hunt festivities 6:00-8:00 PM at Lulu’s Downstairs enjoy good music, food/drink, fun and more prizes!
Ride or Volunteer for Pikes Peak APEX September 23-26
The Apex is a four-day mountain bike race, with stages held at USAFA, Mt Herman, Palmer Park and up in North Cheyenne Canon. The Apex aims to create a world-class event that drives economic impact to the area in order to improve the trails and open spaces in the Pikes Peak region for the lasting enjoyment of its residents and visitors. There are a bunch of shifts available, for volunteers who can spare a few hours or commit for a full day – or two. ALL our volunteers will get some thank-you swag!