Corral Bluffs: Colorado Springs’ Newest Open Space

There should be a resounding WHOOHOO from Coloradans this week. Colorado Springs city council approved the purchase of this 522 acre parcel just east of the city.

Corral Bluffs has been on a roller coaster ride the past few months, with the speculation that it might have once been well on its way to be a OHV park, it is now destined to be a dedicated Open Space. With its new designation Corral Bluffs has a bright future as a regional park that will serve El Paso counties ever growing population listed below are some of the qualifications that are met by Corral Bluffs while under consideration for Open Space dedication.

1. Wildlife Habitat - Endangered raptors, over 70 species of birds and a wide variety of wildlife make their home at Corral Bluffs.

2. Significant Vegetation - Corral Bluffs contains 3-4 ecosystems and its vegetation is highly native.

3. Water Resources - As the headwaters for Jimmy Camp Creek, Corral Bluffs acts as a basin to collect rainwater.

4. Recreation - Trails, picnic areas and other recreational opportunities could be created at Corral Bluffs.

5. Nature Observation & Environmental Education - With abundant wildflowers and wildlife, Corral Bluffs is perfect for appreciating the unique beauty east of Colorado Springs.

6. Visual Resources - The view from the rim is breathtaking and hiking at the base of the Bluffs is like hiking in Red Rock Canyon.

7. Protection of Cultural Resources - The fossils at Corral Bluffs are extremely significant. Fossils and early Native American artifacts both offer wonderful educational possibilities.

8. Urban Shaping and Buffering - Falcon and Ellicott are two of the three fastest growing areas in El Paso County. Open space is needed to buffer housing and commercial development in the area.

9. Adjacency - Corral Bluffs could connect to the existing Jimmy Camp Creek Park and the regional trail system.

To read more about the area check out the website at Corral Bluffs Alliance and to keep an eye on Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) the organization that orchestrated this and many other purchases check here.