New era begins at Blodgett Open Space with opening of seven miles of new trails

A new outdoor adventure awaits at Blodgett Open Space beginning Friday, July 17, as the City of Colorado Springs officially opens seven miles of newly constructed trails that transform the southern portion of the popular open space into one of the region's newest destinations for hiking and mountain biking.

Representing more than a year of construction and the first major implementation of the adopted Blodgett Open Space Master and Management Plan, the project delivers professionally designed, sustainable trails that expand recreation opportunities while protecting wildlife habitat and restoring the landscape for generations to come.

Visitors will discover an entirely new trail experience featuring:

• 2.5 miles of directional downhill bike-only trails.
• Four miles of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers
• One-half mile of regional trail
• A new trailhead with 50 parking spaces
• Four trail bridges
• New trail signage and wayfinding
• Restoration and closure of numerous unauthorized social trails

"The opening of these trails is a major milestone for Blodgett Open Space and for outdoor recreation in Colorado Springs," said Skyler Roarbaugh, director of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. "We've created a trail system that offers exciting new experiences for hikers and mountain bikers while protecting wildlife habitat, restoring damaged areas and ensuring this remarkable landscape can be enjoyed for years to come. This project demonstrates how thoughtful planning can create incredible outdoor experiences while preserving the natural resources that make Blodgett Open Space so special."

Construction will continue later this year in the central and northern portions of the open space, with approximately seven additional miles of new and improved trails expected by the end of 2026.

The southern portion of Blodgett Open Space was acquired through the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program in 2021 as part of the Pikeview Quarry Frontage and Black Canyon Open Space acquisition. The Blodgett Open Space Master and Management Plan was completed in summer 2024. The recently donated Pikeview Quarry property is not part of this project. A separate public planning process will determine the quarry's long-term future.

Blodgett Open Space is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. All three trailhead gates close nightly. Funding for the project was provided through the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program and a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant. The City plans to hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at a later date to celebrate the completion and opening of the new trail system.