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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids heat & best wildlife viewing
Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Best Time
Avoids heat & best wildlife viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast prairie with stunning mountain views, teeming with prairie dogs and native grasses. A free escape for hikers and bikers.
"Underrated spot for observing wildlife and enjoying majestic mountain views, especially at sunset."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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!

Majestic Mountain Views
Western edge of the open space
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Front Range, including Pikes Peak, especially stunning at sunset.

Native Grasslands
Across the 900+ acres
Explore the beauty of native grasses like Big Bluestem, a crucial carbon sink.

Wildlife Watching
Various areas
Spot pronghorn, diverse bird species, and other grassland inhabitants in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Prairie Ecosystem
Snake Safety is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience for birds and pronghorn.
🚴♀️ Great for Biking
Enjoy fast, fun trails on a gravel or mountain bike.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience for birds and pronghorn.
🚴♀️ Great for Biking
Enjoy fast, fun trails on a gravel or mountain bike.
🐍 Be Snake Aware
Rattlesnakes are common. Stay on trails and watch where you step.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The parking areas are generally suitable for most vehicles, including RVs. However, always be mindful of space and other visitors.
No, Bluestem Prairie Open Space is free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The open space is typically open from dawn to dusk, offering ample time to explore its natural beauty.
No tickets are required. Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a free public park, allowing easy access for all visitors.
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.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Stay on trails and be aware of potential wildlife encounters, like rattlesnakes.
Yes, Bluestem Prairie Open Space is generally open year-round, though weather conditions, especially during winter, might affect accessibility or trail conditions.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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!
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.
Information regarding restrooms is not widely available, so it's advisable to plan accordingly and use facilities before your visit.
Absolutely! The open landscapes, wildlife, and mountain views provide excellent opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
📸 📸 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.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscape and wildlife photography.
Prairie dog photography is a major draw, capturing their social interactions. Pronghorn and bird photography are also popular.
The lack of shade can be a challenge for midday photography. Also, be mindful of rattlesnakes when setting up shots close to the ground.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Bikers
Many bikers appreciate the opportunity to cover good distances and enjoy the scenic beauty of the grasslands and mountain views. 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.
🐾 Dog Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Prairie Trails
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. 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.
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. Understanding this context adds another layer to the appreciation of this unique open space.
Wildlife Encounters at Bluestem
Beyond the prairie dogs, keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope, often seen grazing in the distance. The open skies and grasslands also attract a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. While generally safe, it's crucial to remember that this is a wild environment. Visitors have reported encounters with rattlesnakes, particularly during warmer months. Always stay on marked trails, wear appropriate footwear, and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
Photography Opportunities
Wildlife photography is a major draw, with prairie dogs offering endless opportunities for capturing their unique behaviors. A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots of these charismatic rodents and any distant pronghorn. For landscape enthusiasts, a wide-angle lens will help capture the vastness of the prairie and the grandeur of the mountains.
Be prepared for the harsh midday sun due to the lack of shade, which can make shooting challenging. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit