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Image of a path at the Bluestem Prairie Open Space in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Bluestem Prairie Open Space - Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

Bluestem Prairie Open Space – Colorado Springs

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Situated on the far southeastern edge of Colorado Springs, near the city’s airport, Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers alike. Teeming with wildlife and native plants, this open space is truly an oasis in the surrounding plains.

The Open Space

The Big Johnson Reservoir sits in the middle of Bluestem Prairie and, although technically not part of the open space, is a resource for the abundant wildlife. While the reservoir has been emptied in recent years, there is talk of allowing it to re-fill in the near future.

Image of the area around the Big Johnson Reservoir in the Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Near Big Johnson Reservoir. Photo: Mariana Wagner

The land surrounding the reservoir makes up the Bluestem Prairie Open Space, which mainly consists of a recreational trail loop. Visitors are advised to stay on the trail to avoid impacting the fragile environment.

Hiking and Biking

There are two trails in Bluestem Prairie Open Space, with two points of trail access.

The Big Bluestem Trail is a linear trail that skirts the reservoir and meets up with Meadowlark Loop, a nearly 5-mile trail loop that explores the northern portion of the open space. Meadowlark Loop can also be accessed from the northwestern trail access entrance.

Whichever trail you choose, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks- with few trees and no shelters, hiking through Bluestem can wear out even the most experienced hikers.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the Open Space, making this an absolute haven for birdwatchers throughout the region.

Image of the regional parks team installing bird nest boxes in Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Installation of new bird nest boxes. Photo: Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

The migratory shorebirds attracted by the once-full reservoir may be harder to spot now, but the tiny burrowing owls who make their nests underground are obvious to the keen-eyed visitor. Red-tailed hawks swoop overhead, and mountain plovers make their presence known.

Aside from the avian residents, herds of pronghorn often bound through the Open Space, leaving clouds of dust in their wake. Among the most vocal of the Open Space’s inhabitants are the prairie dogs, whose mounds can be seen dotting the entire landscape.

Image of a biker at the Bluestem Prairie Open Space in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Biking at Bluestem. Photo: Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

Next time you’re in Colorado Springs and looking to explore the great outdoors, make sure to stop by the Bluestem Prairie Open Space. With plenty of space for hiking, biking, and bird watching, you are sure to have an adventurous afternoon.

Details

Address: 6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

Phone: 719-385-5940

Season: Year-Round

Pets: Not Allowed ( due to the abundance of native wildlife)

Map: coloradosprings.gov/map…

Website: coloradosprings.gov…

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