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Red Rock Canyon Open Space: A Natural and Historical Haven

Explore red rock formations, scenic trails, and historical sites in Colorado Springs' stunning open space. Hiking, biking, and climbing await!

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Red Rock Canyon Open Space, located in Colorado Springs, is a 1,474-acre park featuring stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and a rich history dating back to 7000 B.C.. Once a site for quarries and a gold refining mill, it now offers outdoor recreation and scenic views.

A brief summary to Red Rock Canyon Open Space

  • Monday 5 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-11 pm
  • Friday 5 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the trails can be dry and exposed.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
  • Register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center if you plan to do any technical rock climbing.
  • Be aware of wildlife, such as deer, mountain lions and bears, and take necessary precautions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-25, take the Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street turns into Highway 24. After the 31st street light, turn left onto Ridge Road. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is on the south side of the street. The main parking lot is located just past the traffic circle at the entrance. Additional parking is available less than one-quarter mile east of the main lot. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Colorado Springs Airport (COS), take the Line 37 bus to the Academy/Astrozon station. Transfer to the Line 1 bus to the Terminal station. Then, take the Line 3 bus to the Colorado/34th stop. From there, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the open space. The total journey takes around 2 hours and 54 minutes and costs approximately $6.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Colorado Springs Airport (COS), a taxi to Red Rock Canyon Open Space takes about 19 minutes and costs between $55 and $70. Services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Unlock the Best of Red Rock Canyon Open Space

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Discover more about Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a 1,474-acre park in Colorado Springs, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's landscape is characterized by parallel ridges and eroded canyons, showcasing the same sandstone rocks found in the nearby Garden of the Gods. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as 7000 B.C., with various Native American tribes, including the Jicarilla Apache and the Utes, settling here due to the proximity to Fountain Creek and abundant wildlife. In the late 1800s, the area became a source of building materials for surrounding communities, with quarries extracting gypsum, building sand, and sandstone blocks. The Kenmuir Quarry was a major operation, running seven days a week to meet the demand. The Colorado-Philadelphia Company Mill refined ore shipped from the Cripple Creek gold mines, becoming the largest mill of its kind in the U.S. in 1896. In the 20th century, John George Bock purchased the land, with his sons later envisioning a resort community. However, their plans were never fully realized, and in 2003, the City of Colorado Springs acquired the property to create a public open space. Today, visitors can explore over 10 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty and offering views of the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Garden of the Gods. The park also features an off-leash dog area, a bike park, and picnic areas. Technical rock climbing is permitted with a permit obtained from the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. Red Rock Canyon Open Space stands as a testament to the area's natural and industrial past, providing a space for recreation and appreciation of the Colorado landscape.

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