by Jessica Hughes
With what seems like a continuous stream of high-end condos and apartment homes making their way across the Front Range, Coloradans can breathe in a breath of fresh air with Douglas County’s newest open space. As one of the largest purchases made by Douglas County, Sandstone Ranch Open Space was bought for nearly $19 million dollars. What was once slated for development is now protected land that everyone can enjoy for years to come.
Sandstone Ranch Open Space is located near the town of Larkspur, 53 miles south of Denver, providing a convenient location between Denver and Colorado Springs. In operation since the 1870s, Sandstone Ranch still runs today with a small cattle herd roaming the pastures. Remnants of the working ranch are seen throughout including, several historic buildings that date back to the original owners.
The ranch’s 2,083 acres rests along the slopes of the Rampart Range, opening to hillsides covered in Gambel Oak, expansive green meadows, a forested canyon, and riparian land surrounded by West Plum Creek. Met with the Pike National Forest, the land is home to a variety of wildlife including, deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions. But what takes center stage are the brightly colored rock formations. The ranch’s gigantic outcrops are the same Fountain Formation that gave rise to the Garden of the Gods, the red rocks of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the outcroppings at Roxborough State Park.
The 12-mile trail system is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. In the winter visitors can explore by snowshoeing, fat biking, or cross-country skiing.
The trail system is divided into two sections, with two main loops. At the parking lot, the trail to the left will lead you to the north end of the ranch. Here, visitors can explore the Juniper Valley Loop, the Red Rock Vista, all within a roughly four-mile walk. The Juniper Valley loop drops hikers down into a low-lying valley where juniper forests are abundant. For vista-like views of the red rock formations, take the off-shoot trail to the Red Rock Vista.
The trail to the right at the parking lot leads visitors to the wildlife overlook, the Sandstone Meadow Trail Loop, and the Ranch Overlook. The Sandstone Meadow Trail Loop is 3.7 miles, round trip, with an additional 2.2 miles to the Ranch Overlook. The wildlife overlook is anchored by two massive red rock formations and an information kiosk about how both cattle and wildlife co-exist at the ranch.
Park information
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
• Open to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
• Trails are well-marked with signs.
• 12 miles of designated trails.
• Covered pavilion with picnic tables and benches.
• Benches are located throughout the trails.
• Parking is available.
• Restrooms and trash receptacles available.
• Open seven days a week, one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.
Directions From Denver
From I-25, north or south, take the Larkspur exit 173. Continue to Spruce Mountain Road for nearly one and a half miles. Upon reaching the stop sign in Larkspur, turn right onto Perry Park Avenue. Where Perry Park Avenue dead ends, take a left onto CO-105 E. Sandstone Ranch is approximately one half mile ahead, on the left.