I went further along the back trail and found some steeper areas with steps and a chain. This part…read moreof the trail is a lot of fun and has tons of rock formations you can run up and scramble. On the back side I have checked out some of the canyon and was shocked to even see there is a canyon there since you would have no idea from the road. This open space is full of things I wouldn't expect to see at the edge of the plains. The hikes, however, are pretty short (maybe 3 miles if you do the longest loop and explore a little) and the one path brings you back along a service road with farms nearby. The mesa top isn't the most exciting, but there are usually a bunch of prairie dogs chirping.

Still one of my favorite trails! Love it on a snowy day because being flat surface there is no…read moredanger of slips and falls. It's all sunny so it's a great winter weather trail to be out in the chill but be warmed by the sun rays. It's great in the spring time due to the abundance of wildflowers. I am not sure why other reviews mention quads and horses. I have never seen either. Not bikes. This is not that type of trail. I see some people walking their puppies sometimes...which off course make for some "land mines" on the edge of the trail, but that seems to be a problem on ALL TRAILS here in CO. People are just selfish and rude. No way around that. But this trail is awesome. Exceptional views and such varied geological interesting terrain.

I had a great hike at Dawson Butte Ranch the past Sunday (Oct 11, 2020) with my friend and highly…read morerecommend this place for a hike with your friends/family/pooch! This is a spacious place that only has a loop (about 5 miles all the way from the start to finish) so you will never get lost there. It's got some shades so despite the name you will be able to rest and catch some breath in a shaded area if you don't want to be in the sun. The trail is moderate and is mainly sandy which I liked; it's not too burdensome for your knees if you have knee problem. We also saw people with horses and donkeys so there should be some horse/donkey riding place where they offer such service (watch out for their droppings on the trail!) It also offers beautiful views of nearby buttes and you will be able to take great pictures there. Can't wait to go back there again!

Many parts of this hike are desolate & near the road. During this stretch no trees so it's HOT!…read moreMany people here with horses don't have to clean up after but if you have your dog you do!

Nice walk along the trail. We chose the Gus's gulch trail green loop after taking a look at the old…read morehomestead. It's a lovely set of buildings which harken back to the old days. Some farm machinery left behind made for interesting viewing. The open space is a network of 4 miles of unpaved trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. We started at the Allen Street trailhead but there's another option to park off Mountain Vista Way. We could see Founders on one side and there are houses on the other. Open spaces and wooded areas with bird houses set up on the trail we were on. We took the easier trail as I wasn't feeling well and just wanted some fresh air. Nice, quick walk.

Great short hike that spits you out on the far side of Hidden Mesa Open Space. There are lots of…read morecool sites and we saw tons of birds, butterflies, rabbits, and one snake. Running by the creek is cooler and shaded at times.

It's a decent park, very quiet, and has some great sledding hills. There's a cul-de-sac style…read moreparking lot on one end and a playground. There are also 2 manual water pumps.

This is a cool walking area with a small creek right in the downtown of Castle Rock. There are a…read moreton of things to do nearby in terms of food and shopping. The park connects to additional paths, has a splash pad, an area for music/seating, and more.

The Christmas craft festival was on and we came down to check it out. Parked in the garage close by…read moreand walked over. He saw the granite slabs across the creek so we walked on the to the other side. How fun! The steps up are taller than my short legs :) but I made it. The stalls were arranged in the park and we wandered down them. So many things to look at. Some talented people and cool food items. Peanuts cooked right in their shells, hot sauces, cookies and meat products. Great stocking stuffer and gift ideas. Jewelry and clothing items, household decor and music. Everyone was so nice and I even got to meet someone I follow on instagram and try her cookies. I enjoy this park and discover new things when I come. This time it was a little library. I love those as I like borrowing a book and bringing one to give.

Spruce Mountain is a popular trail running, hiking and dog walking spot just outside the city…read morelimits of Palmer Lake in Larkspur. The appeal is based on ease of access and trail layout. Miles can be accumulated depending on your fancy. Ever since the reservoir trail banned dogs this has become a super popular destination. That is the downfall, IMO. The parking lot fills up quick and the amount of dog walkers populates the trail. Having said that, it is a perfect spot to spread your wings and get active. The lower loop is less crowded and wide open. The upper boasts of better views, but more people. Get up and get movin!

This piece of county-maintained open space is a beautiful mix of forest and high meadow or pasture…read moretrails. The upper route winds through tall pines with great overlooks. The lower meadow trail opens into peaceful grasslands. Had an unforgettable moment on the high meadow. Spotted a mountain lion 700 or so hundred feet away croached near a melting snow berm. Then, I rounded a bend in the distance and it disappeared behind a thicket. I walked backward for 30 minutes with a snapped-off branch of scrub oak. Wild. Beautiful. Humbling. Colorado at its best.

First time to do the main trail here. Props for having a nice facility with bathrooms. Of course,…read morethey're closed until 4/1, so the one porta potty would have to do. The trails themselves were nice, other than the frequent horse poop that had to be dodged. Also, a little odd that the surface changed frequently, from gravel to dirt, to a reddish sand. And of course, a few areas of mud and ice but not too bad. Points for a few trash cans, along with picnic tables and benches. Not the best hike in the world, but it was fine and relatively easy. And not a ton of views, other than a couple of glimpses of Pikes Peak and a bit of the front range.

This park is so nice and much needed out here in Peyton! Every time I go it's clean and well…read moremaintained, perfect for all ages because of its jungle gym and pond with a dock. The best part would have to be how big it is there are a lot of long trails that go all over the parks acreage and you can even ride your horse!