About the project
In compliance with the 2013 Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master plan, and with funding from the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will be working in Red Rock Canyon Open Space to address sustainability issues on several popular trails. This work is being done to address damage to existing trail, re-route unsustainable trail which cannot be improved within existing trail corridor, and improve safety and user experience while maintaining the overall character of the trails.
Many popular and heavily utilized trail features have been identified, and park staff have worked to preserve these features where it is possible while creating sustainable trails. Some features may not be preserved due to the unsustainable nature of the trail they are located on. In these cases, other features and recreational opportunities have been identified and incorporated to maintain the existing character of the trail.
Project included:
Complete - Area 1 - Sand Canyon Trail
Re-routing the Westernmost portion near Bevers Pl to avoid unsustainable grade which are causing erosion and safety issues.
Complete - Area 2 - Chamberlain Trail
Conversion of old roadbed to trail and re-aligning the trail to move it out of valley floor, avoiding stormwater and erosion issues. In addition to a more sustainable trail, these improvements will improve overall user experience. Improvements will be made to the intersection of Codell and Hogback Valley Chamberlain Trails, improving safety and wayfinding, and add variety to both trails to enhance user experience.
The realigned Hogback Valley Chamberlain and Scenic Overlook trails are now open.
The new Hogback Valley trail crosses the old trail alignment in multiple places. Users are encouraged to slow down and exercise caution at these intersections.
Living up to its name, the Scenic Overlook Trail provides incredible views of the red sandstone canyons that make this park so popular. Crews will continue to work on revegetation and decommissioning the old trail alignment.
Complete - Area 3 - Overlook Trail
The trail will be removed from the historic landfill to address environmental and safety issues in compliance with state requirements. The trail will be re-routed to the South, exploring scenery which lives up to the trail’s name.
Complete - Area 4 - Palmer Trail, Parallel Trail, Waterfall Trail and Intemann Trail
Palmer Redrock Loop & Parallel Trail: Improvements will be made to address drainage issues. Several deeply incised or otherwise unsustainable segments will be re-aligned to create resilient, sustainable trails. Trail elements including technical features will be included in newly aligned trail sections to enhance the user experience and maintain the existing character of the trail.
Waterfall & Intemann Trails: Waterfall trail will be re-aligned to be more sustainable, maintaining existing connectivity as well as access to intermittent waterfall. Adjustments to the Intemann Trail will be made in the immediate vicinity to accommodate this new alignment.
Complete - Area 5 - Roundup Trail/ Red Rock Canyon Trail
Roundup, Red Rock Canyon and Red Rock Rim trails Update
The Roundup, Red Rock Canyon and Red Rock Rim trails are now open! Park staff has been hard at work removing features such as roads, dams and canals to restore a more naturalized and sustainable landscape by re-establishing natural terrain features and native plant life. Work will continue in the area in the coming months. Visitors can expect to see heavy equipment in the area as additional landscaping and revegetation takes place. Occasional short-term closures are possible in the coming weeks.
Reclamation of an incompatible land disturbance created prior to the open space acquisition to reestablish the open space values and aesthetic quality. The area will be regraded for a more naturalized form and function with drainage and trail realignments. Trail will be improved to enhance user experience and user safety, mitigate stormwater runoff and erosion, and create more sustainability and resiliency.
Background: Before becoming a city Open Space, this landscape was heavily modified: Ponds, dams, berms and canals were all constructed in this valley. In 2015 heavy rains caused a dam in Sand Canyon to fail, and threatened another dam here. Extensive damage from flooding forced the closure of the open space for several months. The pond was filled in to prevent the collection and storage of water, to prevent future flood damage, and for public safety.
Purpose: The city’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department is now working to restore this site to a more naturalized state by re-establishing natural terrain features and native plant life. Improvements will be made to trails in the immediate area to create more sustainable trails, and a more consistent trail experience.
Complete - Area 6 - Mesa Trail
Realignment of the Northernmost segment to create sustainable grade, improve water flow to mitigate erosion issues, and improve user experience- including access to the off-leash dog park and downhill free ride area.
Project Contacts
David Deitemeyer, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services David.deitemeyer@coloradosprings.gov