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Bluestem Prairie Open Space is located to the southeast of Colorado Springs in Fountain, just south of the Colorado Springs Airport. This 650-acre open space was once part of Banning Lewis Ranch where ranchers relied on rich soils and thriving grasslands to survive.
Surrounding the Big Johnson Reservoir, the land is home to over 200 bird species and 80 mammal species. It is a refuge to many native wildlife and vegetation. While on the property you may see pronghorn, black-tailed prairie dogs and mountain plovers, as well as the red-tailed hawk, burrowing owls and migratory shorebirds. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring.
From Colorado Springs, take I-25 south to Exit 138. Turn east onto Lake Avenue, which will turn into South Circle Drive. Turn south onto Hancock Road, which will become Hancock Expressway. Turn east on Drennan Road. From Drennan Road, turn south onto Grinnell Street, east on Fontaine Blvd. and finally back north onto Goldfield. The trailhead is on the east side of Goldfield.
There is a trailhead partially funded by the Trails and Open Space Coalition and a 2.1-mile trail. No bikes or dogs are allowed in order to provide refuge for migratory birds.
Due to the existence of nesting birds, please stay on the trail.
Event Calendar
Click here to view Bluestem Prairie Open Space calendar.
Acres/Trails
650 Acres, 1 trail
Group(s) Maintaining property
Curently there are no groups maintaining Bluestem Prairie Open Space. If you have interest in starting a group, contact TOSC or the Parks Department for assistance.
Immediate Needs
A Friends group to maintain and preserve the property
Upcoming Projects
None
Link to Friends Group
None
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