Fishers Canyon Open Space plan approved, over 9 miles of new trail coming to Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Parks Advisory Board has officially approved a highly-anticipated plan for Fishers Canyon Open Space, an over-300 acre area on the southwest side of the city that will feature miles of new trails and protected wildlife habitat.

The approval of the open space marks a significant addition to the city's natural spaces, the city of Colorado Springs said.

Fishers Canyon Open Space will occupy 343 acres just west of the Broadmoor Bluffs and Spires neighborhoods, bordered by Pike National Forest to the west and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south.

The newly-approved plan features a more than 9-mile trail system designed for multiple uses, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It also includes designated areas for rock climbing and bouldering, along with a fully accessible, hiking-only trail loop that meets ADA standards.

A total of 227 acres – roughly 66% of Fishers Canyon Open Space – will be set aside for conservation, with a focus on wildlife and habitat protection, including the protection of raptor nesting sites that were found in the area during the planning process.

The city said the planning process for the open space spanned 20 months and included input from more than 2,600 residents through surveys, community meetings, focus groups, and a public open house.

“We would like to thank the entire community for their involvement in the planning process for Fishers Canyon Open Space,” Director of PRCS Britt Haley said. “This master plan will provide numerous benefits to our community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation while also ensuring the preservation and conservation of its valuable resources and wildlife habitats. We are committed to protecting this unique landscape, allowing future generations to enjoy its beauty and ecological significance.” 

But there is a catch – the city says the new trails and trailhead parking could take between one and four years to complete. So far, the city has invested more than $5 million into the open space.

The open space was acquired in two phases, in November 2021 and March 2022. $2.95 million in funding for the acquisition was drawn from the city's Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax fund, alongside a $1.25 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the city said. 

You can find more information and view the approved master and management plans here.

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