Welcome to this picturesque spot where plains meet mountains and wild turkeys run among the oaks, seeking the last acorn of the season. The park’s namesake mountain and its hidden assets (the North American Aerospace Defense Command) rise above, and sprawling Colorado Springs streets stretch below Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
The 1,680 acres, once ranchland, became a park in 2002 but officially opened a few weeks ago. Before the land was acquired in 2000, the area had been platted for upward of 3,000 homes. Many entities provided funding for the park, including the city of Colorado Springs, GOCO, Colorado Lottery and private donors. It’s still a work in progress, but Lyle Laverty, Colorado State Parks Director, doesn’t hesitate to designate it as one of the “premier parks in the country.”
What makes this state park special?
Although once used for grazing, the land is relatively pristine, according to Laverty. It’s one of the last big, remaining stretches of open space in this part of the state. Wildlife, including wild turkeys, elk, bear, cougar and coyote, golden eagles and hawks are abundant. Some Mexican spotted owls and roadrunners also have been seen. Because the park is so close to Colorado Springs, it will be plugged into city utilities, including water, electricity and sewer. Laverty says he doesn’t know of any other park with such amenities.
What’s open now?
Eighteen miles of biking/hiking trails wind through the northern acres of the park. By early next year, 2 miles will be added to the map, including trails accessible to disabled visitors. The longest trail is 3.5 miles long, but because many loop and interconnect, it’s possible to design a route to suit your desires. Medicine Wheel, a mountain biking club, built about 1.5 miles of technical, single-track trail, with additional mileage to come. Along the multi-use paths are 41 day-use picnic sites with tables, grills and views.
What’s planned in the future?
Only 80 acres of the park will be developed. The rest, according to Laverty, will be left as wild and untouched as it was found. Much of the park serves as a migration corridor for wildlife.
A visitor center and gift shop is nearly complete. The stone and wood interior harken to the mountain lodges of early parks, with giant beams and a huge fireplace. This one also has an outdoor patio, where you can enjoy the view and sip a Starbucks. Yes, the park is planning to include a coffee shop in the center.
There will be 51 hook-up and 10 walk-in camping sites, including shower and laundry facilities, a playground and a small retail store. Many of the overnight camping sites will be open this spring on a reservation basis. Officials believe sites will be booked far in advance, especially for nights such as July 4, when every fireworks show for miles will be visible.
A special picnic area will accommodate groups up to 200 with large grills and a covered pavilion.
Several cabins will be built along with an event center that will include a catering kitchen. The park hopes to attract banquets, meetings and weddings. One of the cabins will be designated as a “honeymoon suite.”
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The park is open for day use, but road-paving projects may close access. Check the website. Neither pets or horses are allowed on trails. Take Interstate 25 south to Exit 135 (Academy Boulevard). Go west to Colo. 115, then south for a half-mile. The park is across from the Main Gate to Fort Carson. Visit parks.state.co.us.
