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Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Headquarters, Mail Code 1200
1401 Recreation Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80905-1975
Phone: (719) 385-5940
Fax: (719) 385-6599
Contact: Paul Butcher, Director
Email: CityParks@SpringsG. . .
Hours: 8 am - 12 Noon, 1 - 5 pm, Monday through Friday
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City of Colorado Springs / Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services / Trails, Open Space, Parks & Recreational Areas / Open Space / Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Trails, Open Space and Parks Logo
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Red Rock Canyon Open Space |
Getting There:
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.
To view a current trail map of Red Rock Canyon Open Space click here. (.pdf format)
For Master Plan and study maps of Red Rock Canyon Open Space click here.
Master Plan Goals:
Preserve, protect and enhance the natural, visual and cultural values of the property.
Facilitate regional connections to trail and open space systems.
Create a plan that is attainable within a reasonable period of time and budget and is sustainable over time.
Foster a legacy of stewardship through experience and learning.
Provide for recreational use and access compatible with the other goals of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master Plan.
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.
Red Rock Canyon Aerial View | Community Support:
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 www.redrockcanyonopenspace.org
Great Outdoors Colorado
The Palmer Land Trust
The Trails and Open Space Coalition
The Trust for Public Lands
If you are interested in volunteering at Red Rock Canyon please call Kim at 385-6509.
Click on the logo below for more information on trails and open space in the Pikes Peak Region:
Trails & Open Space Coalition
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