As we move in to Spring and warm weather, many of us want to get outside and enjoy the wonderful weather and fantastic scenery Colorado provides. Our city’s Regional Parks and Open Spaces provide great outdoor opportunities, and are easy and convenient to visit- and of course, you can’t beat the price point, as all city regional parks and open spaces are free!
Before your visit, it’s worth knowing the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Most of us know the old adage “take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints”- these seven principles expand on this, and help protect natural landscapes and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
- Know Before You Go: Be prepared, and plan ahead. Check the weather, bring appropriate clothing, equipment, and food/water. Look at a map and learn more about the places you plan to visit.
- Choose the right path: stay on designated trails, and refrain from walking on or through plants- once hurt, they may not grow back!
- Trash your trash: Pack it in, pack it out- take all your trash, including food waste, out of the park and put it in the trash
- Leave what you find: Leave all the items you find in nature where you found them so others can enjoy- this includes rocks, bugs, flowers, or anything else you find!
- Be careful with fire: The only fires permitted in city parks or open space are gas grills in designated picnic areas
- Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance, never approach, follow, or feed them- human food is bad for wild animals!
- Be kind to other visitors: make sure your fun is not bothering anyone else!
With that in mind, here are three great easy and child-friendly hikes:
Bluestem Prairie Open Space (6254 Goldfield Drive)
The Big Bluestem Trail is a stroller-friendly out-and-back trail which takes you around a reservoir. Bring binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, owls (including the tiny burrowing owl!) and pronghorn. This is also a great place for kids to look insects. Fido should stay at home when you visit, as dogs are not allowed on this property.
Stratton Open Space
The wildflower path and upper meadow loop make an easy one-mile loop which can be started from either of the parking lots at Stratton Open Space (1789 La Veta Way, 1602 Ridgeway Ave). This is a great place to look for wildflowers in spring and summer, and is great for parents with child carrier backpacks or kids that want to walk! Dogs are welcome on-leash, and in summer months you can take your dog to the South Subrurban Reservoir- once inside the fence, dogs are welcome to run, swim and play off-leash.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space (3550 W. High Street)
The Red Rock Canyon Trail is stroller-friendly will take you past the Bock Pavilion and ponds to a historic quarry where sandstone was harvested from the late 1800s thru the early 1900s, amid stunning sandstone cliffs. You may see rock climbers scaling these cliffs as you hike along, especially in warmer months! Hiking to the quarry and back is roughly 1.5 miles. After your hike, consider a picnic lunch at the provided picnic tables.
Each of these properties is home to many different plants and animals, so you will probably have the chance to meet many of your wild neighbors! At the end of April, the City of Colorado Springs will be participating in the City Nature Challenge, where citizens from across the globe will compete to find and identify wildlife in their city- stay tuned for how YOU can participate!
You should also check out our Macaroni Kid guide, Family Favorite Hikes in Colorado, to find the best trails for family adventures. Click Here.
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