Interest picks up for guided hikes at rare lands near Colorado Springs

Despite the heat that lays thick on the unshaded prairie and rock east of Colorado Springs, and despite the gate that keeps the 700-plus acres closed to the general public, people continue to seek Corral Bluffs Open Space.

"The first hike of June, I actually had to spread out over two weekends, because I ended up with 50 people," said Paula Watkins, who coordinates regular guided tours with nonprofit Corral Bluffs Alliance.

Volunteers well-versed on the city-owned open space's rugged terrain and internationally acclaimed, prehistoric significance lead tours the first Saturday of every month — depending on weather and interest by hikers who sign up at corralbluffs.org.

With enough interest — at least four or six people, Watkins said — volunteers will lead hikes any day of the week.

"Some weeks we'll have four (hikes) in one week and some weeks none," Watkins said. "It really varies on the temperatures, the weather and how interested people are."

Interest picks up with reported discoveries, such as one Denver Museum of Nature and Science reported ahead of the summer.

In the land famed for illustrating the rise of mammals some 65 million years ago after the dinosaurs' extinction, fossils yielded another previously unknown animal: a chinchilla-sized creature named Militocodon lydae. The name was in honor of a local volunteer and retired teacher, Sharon Milito, and Colorado Springs philanthropist Lyda Hill.

They have been among advocates who have rallied around Corral Bluffs over the years, going back to the city's acquisition in 2008. In a vicinity long-eyed for development, the city has steadily added open space in ongoing hopes to connect with Jimmy Camp Creek Park.

The properties have remained gated while research and discoveries continue — closed to all but scientists, rangers and volunteer guides and their guests.

"We have a tremendous amount of repeat customers that want to see Jimmy Camp," Watkins said.

Hikes there are also scheduled upon request, offering a much different experience with running water, trees and green, waving grasses.

Like Corral Bluffs, hikers should be prepared for tours without trails. Depending on the group, Corral Bluffs hikes can last three to five hours.

Long pants are required, along with sturdy boots, two liters of water and snacks. A per-person $5 donation is suggested to help cover Corral Bluffs Alliance's insurance costs.

More information at corralbluffs.org/take-a-hike