PPRTA
We are committed to being your eyes, ears and voice on issues regarding trails, parks and open spaces.That means seeking and receiving your feedback.
The Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority has been supported by regional voters twice. PPRTA3 will go before voters next November for an additional 10 years. Over the past decade, PPRTA 2 invested 7 million dollars on trail related projects. What should the priorities be for the next 10 years?
Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. We’ll make sure your answers are given consideration. Thanks!
PARK AND TRAIL News
Sinton Trail Closure & DetourConstruction has begun on the far western section of the Sinton Trail along Garden of the Gods. This project will repair sections of concrete that have been displaced by tree roots and shifting subgrade. Approximately 900 feet of trail (Garden of the Gods up to the western Arrows West Drive) is closed, until the project is completed.
A detour has been provided that will use the signalized crossing at the main entrance of the Citizens Service Center and trail users will access the sidewalk along the north side of Garden of the Gods to cross back at 30th Street, or vice versa. This detour route follows existing concrete sidewalk and path alignments and keeps users from having to travel on Garden of the Gods Road.
This project is funded by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) and expected to be completed in December. We are working with our partners at the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services department to ensure that the trail detour is safe and easy to understand while this popular urban corridor is improved.
Daniel’s PassThe Daniels Pass Trail Network is now open! Nearly 7 miles of trail have been added to the 136-year-old North Cheyenne Canon Park. Accessing the trails will be a challenge until the North Cheyenne Canon Road bridge replacement project is finished and the road reopens next spring. To further complicate access, most of the new trails are on north facing slopes that are susceptible to holding ice and snow during the winter. For the brave restless trail lovers who need to experience these trails right away, the Daniel’s Pass Trail can be accessed with a two mile hike along Gold Camp Road from the Upper Parking Lot (Gold Camp Road/High Drive). The Upper Columbine Trail gives access to new trails (Bruin Trail and the lower trailhead for the Daniels Pass Trail) but will involve long hikes to reach the connector trails. A new extension of the Mount Muscoco Trail (hiking only) provides access to the Sweetwater Canyon Trail. Before setting out on an adventure to the new trails, be sure to look over the new maps of the area and prepare for 10 miles (or more) of strenuous hiking/biking. With any new trail, it takes time for the trails to get worn-in so be prepared for loose sections.
View Trail Map OR Preview the area with Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates’ Relive video.
Get Out Spread OutGet away from the crowds and explore the new Lori Cohen Memorial 5K Trail on the campus of UCCS. This easy/moderate 3.4 mile loop trail with 1,300 of elevation gain is open to the public with free parking available in lot 580 near the intersection of North Nevada Avenue and North Campus Heights. The trailhead is a very short walk up North Campus Heights from the parking lot. The trail snakes through tremendous geologic features, historic cultural sites and provides some of the best panoramic views of the Front Range while hugging the western boundaries of the Austin Bluffs Open Space. In 2022/2023, UCCS plans to add more wayfinding signage along the trail. Click here for more information and trail map.
TOSC made a brand new Get Out Spread Out Relive video for this trail! Watch that video here: https://www.relive.cc/view/vdvmd53eXNq
North Slop Rec Area is CLOSED
Attention Fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, North Slope Recreation Area has closed for the season. Crystal Creek, North Catamount and South Catamount Reservoirs are CLOSED for fishing. It is still possible to hike to these areas, but the parking lot is closed.
For additional information visit coloradosprings.gov/NorthSlope.
TOSC
WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVALThur. Dec 2, 4:30 PM
Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District is partnering with Trails and Open Space Coalition to present films about our precious water resources and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our outdoor spaces. Thank you to the Colorado Health Foundation and Storybook Brewing for supporting this event! Virtual and In-Person Tickets available.
Vote for TOSC as Your Favorite Local Non-Profit
Through its Colorado Springs Giving Campaign, Scheels will be giving away $40,000 to six of our community’s favorite non-profits ($10,000 to the favorite and $6,000 to five runner-up organizations). Please help us by voting for TOSC as your favorite local non-profit! You can find our organization listed in the “Outdoor Recreation” section.
Cerberus Pint
Tue Nov. 30, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
We are delighted to be one of Cerberus Pint Nights Chosen Charities. Come join us and deliciously support TOSC.
Community
Recycling Right LIQUID LECTURE Thur. Nov 18, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Have you ever been confused by all the rules surrounding recycling? What do all those little numbers stand for? Join Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District and guest speaker Heidi Seals, Interpretive Specialist with El Paso County Parks, at Metric Brewing or via zoom to learn about recycling systems and some tips and tricks for recycling right! Attendees will receive $1 off beers to enjoy during the program.
Email creekweeksoco@gmail.com to register and
please indicate in person or virtual attendance.
FRESH AIR FRIDAY
Fri Nov. 26, 8:30 AM
Want to avoid shopping centers today? Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead for Fresh Air Friday! Hike out to the site where the historic Midland Terminal Railroad went through Mueller State Park! On the way back, check out Peak View Pond. Elk Meadow to Murphy’s Cut is a 4-mile hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Cindi. Dress in layers and bring lots of water.
More info at cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller
Chasing SantaSat. Dec 4, 9:00 AM
There is no better way to kick start the Holiday Season than the annual Chasing Santa/Cycling Santa Christmas Unlimited toy drive! Come be a part of the fun and festive 5K run or 15 mile bike ride, and don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the Christmas Unlimited toy drive. Use discount code “TOSC” to get 10% off registration AND LYME will donate a portion of your registration fee to TOSC.
Sign up at www.runningguru.com
CONO Launch and CelebrationTue Dec. 7, 5:45 – 7:30 PM
The Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO) is welcoming the community to an open house celebration with free drinks and appetizers! CONO has been working hard, talking to over 150 neighborhood leaders, community members and local decision-makers. And can’t wait to tell you what they’ve heard and learned. CONO aims to help neighbors have a voice and participate in the growth that is happening in our community. Building trust in the public process and inspiring all of us to participate.
RISE|Southeast Walking GroupSaturdays 9:00 – 10:00 AM @ Memorial Park
Sundays 2:00 – 3:00 PM @ Wildflower Park
While Fall has arrived in the Pikes Peak region (finally!), it is still very important to include regular outdoor activity in your schedule for physical and emotional well-being. One way to do that is to join RISE|Southeast for one of their regularly scheduled weekend walks. We would love for you to join us for a casual walk on Saturdays and/or Sundays! Now is a perfect time to #GetOutSpreadOut and #GetOutGetHealthy, and these activities provide a very welcoming and accessible way to do that. Saturday’s 9:00am walk uses the paved trail around Prospect Lake and Sunday’s 2:00pm walk uses the multiple paved options available at Wildflower Park, including the Sand Creek Trail. The walks are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration and will cover between 1.3 to 3 miles, all depending on how long you’d like to go.
For more information go to www.facebook.com/RISESoutheastCOS