This week on Nature's Neighborhood, Susan Davies of the Trails and Open Space Coalition has places for you to explore on opposite ends of El Paso County. Both have space for ample social distancing with a few other perks as well.
Fox Run Regional Park
With four miles of system trails, Fox Run Regional Park makes it easy to get out and spread out. You'll find plenty of parking with lots off Roller Coaster Road and Stella Drive. There are also small lots in the interior driving loop. The park is full of recreation opportunities for two and four-legged visitors, including two dog parks for different breeds, giving small dogs their very own space.
Humans can set up their own games on several large fields. On any given day, you'll see folks lounging in hammocks or a pick-up dodgeball game. There are playgrounds, picnic pavilions, two ponds where you can probably see koi fish and turtles. You will also find numerous benches for a shady break where you can take in the beautiful woodlands and views of Pikes Peak.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers more than 27 miles of well-marked trails that are great for hiking, biking and trail running. One recommended route is the Talon Trail which connects to South Talon and loops back on North Talon. For a more strenuous route, connect to the Dixon Trail all the way up to the top of Cheyenne Mountain. It's more than 17 miles round trip and it's rated difficult to extreme, but you'll be rewarded with a great view. Be sure to take plenty of water. Dogs are only allowed on some of the trails because of abundant wildlife in the area, so be sure to check out the park map ahead of time. There's also a daily fee to enter the state park by car.
Check your local parks and recreation departments to see what places are open in your neighborhood.
You want to know what is really going on in Southern Colorado these days. We have got just the thing for people like you: the KRCC Weekly Digest. Sign up here and we will see you in your email inbox soon!
KRCC has moved, and our new home, the Southern Colorado Public Media Center, also houses the Colorado College Journalism Institute, and Rocky Mountain PBS’s Regional Innovation Center. See more photos and learn about the new space.
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.
Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the Southern Colorado stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.