Bluestem Prairie Open Space - a blue shack in a field
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Bluestem Prairie Open Space

4.2
·345 reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

Vast prairie with stunning mountain views, teeming with prairie dogs and native grasses. A free escape for hikers and bikers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings or late afternoons

Avoids heat & best wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
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Bluestem Prairie Open Space - a blue shack in a field

Bluestem Prairie Open Space

Best Time

Early mornings or late afternoons

Avoids heat & best wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vast prairie with stunning mountain views, teeming with prairie dogs and native grasses. A free escape for hikers and bikers.

4.2
(345 reviews)

"Underrated spot for observing wildlife and enjoying majestic mountain views, especially at sunset."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven. Protect yourself from snakes and enjoy your walk!

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There's very little shade, so stay hydrated, especially on warm days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prairie Dog Town

Prairie Dog Town

Throughout the open space

Watch and listen to hundreds of black-tailed prairie dogs darting in and out of their burrows. Pure entertainment!

Instagram
Majestic Mountain Views

Majestic Mountain Views

Western edge of the open space

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Front Range, including Pikes Peak, especially stunning at sunset.

Reddit
Native Grasslands

Native Grasslands

Across the 900+ acres

Explore the beauty of native grasses like Big Bluestem, a crucial carbon sink.

TikTok
Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watching

Various areas

Spot pronghorn, diverse bird species, and other grassland inhabitants in their natural habitat.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Prairie Ecosystem

Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a vital prairie ecosystem. Protect it by staying on marked trails and respecting wildlife. It's a carbon sponge, so tread lightly! TikTok

Snake Safety is Key

This open space is a known rattlesnake hotspot, especially in hot weather. Be aware of your surroundings, wear sturdy shoes, and never approach wildlife. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings or late afternoons
Why
Avoids heat & best wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Cloudy days
Why
More comfortable for walking
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Beautiful mountain views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The big bluestem is a carbon sponge keeping large amounts of it in the ground and out of the atmosphere. So, why aren’t we protecting our prairies and these carbon sequestering giants? Why are we over developing the land and converting them to carbon releasing monocrops and apartment complexes? This is a big problem for the health of the planet and population. When will our health be more importan...
@repprovisions
18.4K likes • 209.6K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven. Protect yourself from snakes and enjoy your walk! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There's very little shade, so stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Reddit

The grass in your yard is likely Eurasian but it’s time you got to know Americas Native Grasses… and that’s just a few of our bluestem species. #nativehabitatproject #onxhunt #nativegrasses #nwsg #bluestem #prairie #grasslands
@nativeplanttok
6.1K likes • 443.9K views
Riding Bluestem Prairie Open Space on my gravel bike. Did 8.5 miles and it felt great. It was my first time at Bluestem. It would be a fun, fast trail on a mountain bike. Today I just wanted to try riding on another surface 🚴🏻‍♀️ I continue to be amazed at how much I love riding this bike. I always thought road bikes and anything with the curly handle bars (which I now know are called drop bars) ...
thephotonomad
22 likes • 488 views

🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience for birds and pronghorn. Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Great for Biking

Enjoy fast, fun trails on a gravel or mountain bike. InstagramReddit

Have you been to Bluestem Prairie Open Space? This 900+ acres of land was acquired with the help of the TOPS tax back in 2000! 🎉 There are mellow, rolling prairie trails that have fantastic views of the front range. You will find tons of wildlife! Including prong horns, black tailed prairie dogs, birds, and so much more! 🦅🦉🦌 It’s a great place to bring first time bike riders wanting to test the...
trailsandopenspace
57 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven. Protect yourself from snakes and enjoy your walk! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There's very little shade, so stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Reddit

🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience for birds and pronghorn. Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Great for Biking

Enjoy fast, fun trails on a gravel or mountain bike. InstagramReddit

🐍 Be Snake Aware

Rattlesnakes are common. Stay on trails and watch where you step. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(345 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Bluestem Prairie Open Space for its stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and free access. It's a great spot for hiking and biking, offering a unique prairie ecosystem experience. However, the lack of shade and the presence of rattlesnakes are noted drawbacks, making it best to visit during cooler hours or on cloudy days.

"Great hiking trail with a majestic view of Pikes Peak and a small privately owned lake. You can't fish or get close up, but it's a gorgeous view and back drop. There are lots of prairie dogs. Be ready to be entertained as they call out to each other and hide as you walk by! The spectacle is quite entertaining. This ecosystem is stunning, where prairie meets desert. Free to enter. Open dawn to dusk."

Melissa F

"Nice flat space. Lots of prairie dogs around. Excellent view looking west. Not too crowded on a late June Friday. Path is not too worn down. This place is an underrated spot for observing takeoffs from the airport."

Nick Sullivan

"Though this place provides great views and easy hiking close to Colorado Springs...consider waiting until after summer/hot weather. This area is a known hotspot for rattlesnakes...and I learned that personally."

Heath Gay

What People Like

Majestic mountain views
Abundant prairie dogs
Free admission

What People Dislike

Lack of shade
Rattlesnake presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bluestem Prairie Open Space is located near Colorado Springs. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the entrance. Instagram

Public transportation options are limited for direct access to Bluestem Prairie Open Space. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park. Reddit

For biking, consider routes that connect to local trails or roads leading to the open space. The trails within the park are also popular for cycling. InstagramReddit

The parking areas are generally suitable for most vehicles, including RVs. However, always be mindful of space and other visitors. Instagram

No, Bluestem Prairie Open Space is free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The open space is typically open from dawn to dusk, offering ample time to explore its natural beauty. Reddit

No tickets are required. Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a free public park, allowing easy access for all visitors. Reddit

There is no need to reserve a spot or book a time slot, as it's a free-access park. Visitors can arrive and explore at their leisure. Reddit

The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Stay on trails and be aware of potential wildlife encounters, like rattlesnakes. Instagram

Yes, Bluestem Prairie Open Space is generally open year-round, though weather conditions, especially during winter, might affect accessibility or trail conditions. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trails are generally mellow and rolling, offering a mix of dirt paths suitable for hiking and biking. They are not overly technical, making them accessible for various fitness levels. InstagramReddit

You can expect to see abundant prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for other grassland inhabitants too! Instagram+2

There is very little natural shade available. It's recommended to visit during cooler parts of the day or on cloudy days to avoid overheating. Reddit

Information regarding restrooms is not widely available, so it's advisable to plan accordingly and use facilities before your visit. Reddit

Absolutely! The open landscapes, wildlife, and mountain views provide excellent opportunities for nature and landscape photography. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The western edge offers stunning mountain backdrops, while areas with dense prairie dog colonies are great for wildlife shots. Look for interesting native grasses and open skies. InstagramReddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. Reddit

Prairie dog photography is a major draw, capturing their social interactions. Pronghorn and bird photography are also popular. Instagram+2

The lack of shade can be a challenge for midday photography. Also, be mindful of rattlesnakes when setting up shots close to the ground. InstagramReddit

A telephoto lens is great for wildlife, while a wide-angle lens captures the expansive prairie and mountain vistas. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a fantastic, free outdoor adventure for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the prairie dog colonies, spending hours watching them play. Instagram+1 The relatively flat, easy trails are perfect for little legs to explore, and the open space allows for running around safely (under supervision, of course!). Reddit

Pro-tip: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Visiting in the cooler parts of the day or on a cloudy day will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Reddit While the lack of shade is a downside, the sheer novelty of the prairie ecosystem and the chance to see wildlife like pronghorn can make it a memorable outing. Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists and Bikers

Cyclists will find Bluestem Prairie Open Space to be a delightful destination. The rolling prairie trails are ideal for gravel biking and mountain biking, offering a fast and enjoyable ride. InstagramReddit The terrain is described as fun and not overly technical, making it accessible for riders of varying skill levels. InstagramReddit

Many bikers appreciate the opportunity to cover good distances and enjoy the scenic beauty of the grasslands and mountain views. Reddit It's a great place to get a solid workout while immersing yourself in nature. Just be mindful of other trail users and the potential for uneven surfaces. Instagram

🐾 Dog Walkers

While Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a beautiful place to walk, it's important to note that dogs are generally required to be on a leash in most open spaces to protect wildlife and ensure safety for all visitors. Reddit Always check local regulations for specific rules. The open terrain offers plenty of space for a good walk, but the lack of shade means it's best to visit during cooler times of the day. Reddit Be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including snakes, and keep your dog close. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Prairie Trails

Bluestem Prairie Open Space boasts over 900 acres of rolling prairie trails, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors rave about the suitability for gravel biking and mountain biking, noting the trails are fast and fun without being overly technical. InstagramReddit Hikers will appreciate the gentle ups and downs, offering a good workout amidst scenic beauty. The paths are generally well-maintained, though they can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the lack of shade. This makes early mornings, late afternoons, or cloudy days the most comfortable times for extended exploration. Reddit The open nature of the landscape means you'll have unobstructed views, but also be exposed to the elements. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months. Reddit

For those interested in the ecological significance, the prairie is home to native grasses like Big Bluestem, which plays a vital role in carbon sequestration. TikTok+1 Understanding this context adds another layer to the appreciation of this unique open space.

Wildlife Encounters at Bluestem

Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a haven for grassland wildlife, offering visitors a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. The most prominent residents are the black-tailed prairie dogs, whose bustling colonies are a constant source of entertainment. Instagram+1 You can spend hours watching them communicate, forage, and dart into their burrows. Reddit Their calls and antics are a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

Beyond the prairie dogs, keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope, often seen grazing in the distance. Instagram+1 The open skies and grasslands also attract a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Reddit While generally safe, it's crucial to remember that this is a wild environment. Visitors have reported encounters with rattlesnakes, particularly during warmer months. Instagram Always stay on marked trails, wear appropriate footwear, and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife at Bluestem Prairie Open Space make it a photographer's dream. The panoramic views of the Front Range, including Pikes Peak, are particularly striking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Reddit The open prairie provides a dramatic backdrop for both landscape and wildlife shots. Instagram

Wildlife photography is a major draw, with prairie dogs offering endless opportunities for capturing their unique behaviors. Instagram+2 A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots of these charismatic rodents and any distant pronghorn. Instagram For landscape enthusiasts, a wide-angle lens will help capture the vastness of the prairie and the grandeur of the mountains. Instagram

Be prepared for the harsh midday sun due to the lack of shade, which can make shooting challenging. Reddit Consider bringing a tripod for stability, especially in lower light conditions. Remember to be patient and observant; the best shots often come when you least expect them, but always prioritize safety and respect for the environment. Instagram

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