Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Colorado Springs, Colorado - Municipal Parks and Plazas on Waymarking.com

Red Rocks Canyon Open Space is located between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs on the south side of US 24. The terrain of this park is similar to the Garden of the Gods. There are lots of red rock outcroppings; not as dramatic as the Garden, but there are no roads and few tourists which heightens the experience.

Rather than being pristine conservation land, the park contains a number of reclaimed former industrial sites, including quarries, gravel pits, a gold refining mill, and a 53-acre landfill. The land parcels were purchased piecemeal by John George Bock in the 1920s and 1930s, and acquired by the city of Colorado Springs in 2003 for use as a recreational site. Today the most visible scars from past exploitation of the land are the remains of the Kenmuir Quarry, which produced Lyons sandstone in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the Gypsum canyon landfill, which operated from 1970-1986 and remains off-limits to park visitors.

The park contains many miles of trails of varying difficulty that wind through and around the rock formations, and is popular with hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers. The park trails connect to the Intemann trail to Manitou Springs and the Section 16 conservation area to the south. Technical rock climbing is allowed with a permit.

The trails run from the north parking lots to the south. The north to south trails are about 1.5 miles long. There are east-west connectors, on several trails at or near the halfway point. Red Rocks Open Space is a favorite with all ages and abilities.

Name: Red Rocks Canyon Open Space Street Location: 3550 W High Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Local Municipality: City of Colorado Springs State/Province, etc.: Colorado Country: USA Web Site: [Web Link] Date Established: 2003 Picnic Facilities: Pavillion Recreational Facilities: Biking Hiking Jogging Rock Climbing Monuments/Statues: One (see gallery) Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): none Fountains: none Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: multiple ponds and lakes Special Events: rock climbing competitions, biking and runner competitions Traditional Geocaches: Lots! Memorial/Commemoration: Not listed

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