Red Rock Canyon Open Space
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The preservation of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space was made possible through partnership and widespread community support:
- Citizens of Colorado Springs
- City of Colorado Springs TOPS Program
- City of Manitou Springs
- El Paso County
- Friends of Red Rock Canyon
- Great Outdoors Colorado
- The Palmer Land Trust
- The Trails and Open Space Coalition
- The Trust for Public Lands
History:
Activity on Red Rock Canyon dates back to 7000 B.C., during the Archaic Stage. Due to its close proximity to Fountain Creek and its abundant wildlife, this was an ideal location for settlement.
During the late 1800s the property provided many building supplies for Old Colorado City and the surrounding communities. Material taken from the quarries included Gypsum, building sand and sandstone blocks. The Kenmuir Quarry, mined during this time, was open seven days a week due to demand. Declining demand for stone and increased demand for concrete and steel, forced the quarry to close in the early part of the 20th Century.
Opening in 1886, the Colorado-Philadelphia Company Mill used the land to refine the ore shipped by train from the gold mines in Cripple Creek. It was the largest mill of its kind in the United States, until the new Golden Cycle Mill was built in the early part of the 1900s.
John George Bock purchased the property in the 1920s-1930s and later willed it to his two sons. John S. Bock, the eldest son, continued to live there until his death in 2002. The family had grand plans for the property including a resort community with convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers and a golf course. In the end, they were only able to build a few residences and outbuildings, two dozen mobile home sites, a 53-acre landfill, and two gravel quarries. In 2003, the City of Colorado Springs purchased the Red Rock Canyon property to be used as public open space.
Where is Red Rock Canyon Open Space located?
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located along Highway 24.
From I-25 take the Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street will turn into Highway 24. After the 31st light, turn left onto Ridge Road. Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street. The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road.
Master Plan(s)
Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Plan
Red Rock Canyon Management Plan
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master Plan
High definition Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master Plan Map
Easy Download Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master Plan Map
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Currently Open Trails Map
As part of the Master Plan process, various maps have been generated showing different aspects of Red Rock Canyon. Examples include vegetation, geology, trails, and historic influences, among others. As maps are presented during the public meeting process, this page will be updated to reflect those updates.
Because of the file sizes of some of the maps, please be patient while they open or download. Also keep in mind the original size of the maps were produced on 24"x30" pages. When reduced to 8.5"x11" sizes, some of the detail is lost.
- Proposed Master Plan (Adobe Acrobat, 21"x28" original)
- Proposed Master Plan (Adobe Acrobat, 8.5"x11" reduction)
- Geology Study Map (Adobe Acrobat)
- Location Map (Adobe Acrobat)
- Tract Purchases Map (Adobe Acrobat)
- Social Trail & Road Inventory Map (Adobe Acrobat)
- Vegetation Study Map (Adobe Acrobat)
- Habitat Quality Study A (Adobe Acrobat)
- Habitat Quality Study B (Adobe Acrobat)
I want to volunteer at Red Rock Canyon Open Space - visit www.openspacevolunteers.org
