Stratton Open Space is a 318-acre park that offers diverse ecosystems, miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Located in Southwest Colorado Springs in Colorado, the park offers two reservoirs and connects to the Pike National Forest.
An open space is an outdoor public place that is often used for a park or a recreational space.
I recently visited and hiked at this park when I was in Colorado Springs.
It was the first time I had been there so I was really looking forward to seeing what this place had to offer.
It was a beautiful Colorado day, though a little on the warm side, when I explored unique open space.
I drove to one of the trailheads and studied the map on the kiosk in front of me to get my bearings.
There were many trails to choose from. I decided on the Meadows trail.
This trail, mostly uphill, was suppose to afford beautiful views of Colorado Springs, not to mention a variety of wildflowers and cactus.
So I took off for an afternoon of adventure.
One thing about open spaces, there’s not always a lot of shade. I had brought my sun hat so I was good.
My climb began and was an easy ascent was not too steep.
The sprawling landscape was dotted with Ponderosa pine trees and scrub oaks.
There was an abundance of cactus growing along the trail.
Shades of green was the dominant color and with boulders thrown in here and there, I knew I had entered a different world.
I found a certain solace in my solitary wanderings. This was the perfect place to do this in.
The cactus plants were everywhere and were in full bloom.
What the place lacked in shade, it made up for it with fantastic views. I could see Colorado Springs from many different viewpoints.
It was incredibly beautiful.
I continued my climb upward and onward, and I was beginning to feel a little bit of the heat. I was happy that I had my water with me.
My goal for this hike was to get to the very top of this trail and take some photos of the views. I eventually made it to the top and was overwhelmed with the beauty that lay before me. I could see Pike’s Peak in the distance.
That’s a view I never get tired of seeing.
The mountain towers over everything in the area.
When my hike to the top was finished. I made my way back down to the parking lot.
It had been a good day.
The park hours are 5 am until 9 pm. Admission is free.
To get to this place: There are two different trailheads by which one can access these trails, Stratton Open Space at 1504 Ridgeway, Colorado Springs, and Stratton Open Space East trail.
A quote for your week: “Walking is also an ambulation of mind”. – Gretel Ehrlich – American Travel Author, Poet, Essayist.
Until the next trail.
Susan Anderson is a resident of Owen County who enjoys hiking and backpacking and writes a weekly column about her experiences. Readers can reach her via email at saanders@hotmail.com or on Instagram @farsideoftheedge.
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Stratton Open Space brings fantastic views
Reporting by Susan Anderson, For the Evening World / Evening World
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Anderson, For the Evening World | USA TODAY Network
