City: Colorado Springs, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (303) 866-3454 or (303) 444-29

Description: The 1,621-acre Aiken Canyon Natural Area includes the largest intact foothills ecosystem on the Front Range. In 1991, the Nature Conservancy signed a 99-year conservation lease, giving it exclusive right to manage the state-owned land. The area contains one woodland and two foothills shrub-land plant communities of special interest. Aiken Canyon also contains an unusual diversity and concentration of wildlife. Mountain lions, black bears, wild turkeys, elk, mule deer, and an abundance of migratory birds live in or visit in the area. You might also spot Colorado nuthatches (three species), Cooper’s hawks, golden eagles, hairy and downy woodpeckers, northern harriers, prairie falcons, and sharp-shinned hawks. In summer, the prairie grasses and wildflowers lure countless butterflies. The ponderosa pines and Douglas firs along the streams and on the rugged canyon walls have not been logged, unlike most of the Front Range. In this life zone between the plains and mountains, dramatic red spires and rocky outcrops collide with rich green flora. Named after ornithologist Charles Aiken, this is a great destination for birders; more than 100 species have been seen. Aiken, a US surveyor, taxidermist, and collector, first surveyed this region in the 1870s. The preserve is open year-round, dawn to dusk, on Sat, Sun, and Mon only. The wildlife gets a respite from visitors the remainder of the week. Some school programs are scheduled. The innovative straw-bale construction Field Station and Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. those days, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the rest of the year, it’s open on Sun only. Hike the well-maintained, 4-mile-loop trail that begins at the entrance. An additional ¾-mile trail branches off from the loop and makes its way through the canyon. Interpretive signs highlight important features along the trail. Dress for the occasion. You will encounter rocky areas with low brush and cactus, and maybe even a rattlesnake or two, so wear sturdy leather boots. Leave Fido at home—pets are not allowed, even on a leash. Camping is not permitted here. To get here, take CO 115 south from Colorado Springs, about 16 miles from downtown. Look for Turkey Canyon Ranch Road (located 0.1 mile south of milepost 32) and turn right (west) and drive 200 yards to the preserve parking area.