Home › Colorado › Colorado Springs › Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Bluestem Prairie Open Space
4.2 ★★★★☆ 361 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bluestem Prairie Open Space's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This park comprised of 650 acres of prairie land offers hiking, birds & other wildlife.
What runners say about Bluestem Prairie Open Space
“It doesn't offer a lot of shade hence the 4-star rating and I wouldn't suggest coming here on a hot, sunny day because of it, but it's perfect on cloudy days to take scenic walks.”
“We absolutely love it here, we’ve haven’t run into any wildlife thankfully but we’ve seen prairies everywhere and some deer sometimes.”
“It doesn't offer a lot of shade hence the 4-star rating and I wouldn't suggest coming here on a hot, sunny day because of it, but it's perfect on cloudy days to take scenic walks.”
Beautiful! Just try not to get lost. Should have turned around but we were convinced you could walk around the lake. If you can... we definitely didn’t do it right. Came across some animal bones too which was cool. Not a bad place to get lost.
Took 10 years old and 7 years old for biking. As bikers it was their first time to do off road. It took us 2 hours, a couple of falls. but they loved it, they accomplished!! Only the problem was there was no bathroom, not much shade for them to rest. We will go back and try again!!
This is a pretty nice open space to hike around and see some pretty cool wildlife and neat vegetation at. I've seen many different species of birds, prairie dogs, and pronghorns while hiking here. They don't allow you to bring your dogs because of the wildlife in the area.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“It doesn't offer a lot of shade hence the 4-star rating and I wouldn't suggest coming here on a hot, sunny day because of it, but it's perfect on cloudy days to take scenic walks.”
“tons of prairie dogs out there barking at you the whole time which makes the hike pretty funny.”
“The parking lot is fairly small, but I've never had a problem parking there.”
“It doesn't offer a lot of shade hence the 4-star rating and I wouldn't suggest coming here on a hot, sunny day because of it, but it's perfect on cloudy days to take scenic walks.”
“The trail goes about a third of the way around the reservoir, where it connects with Meadowlark Loop.”
“very nice trail that is relatively flat and easy going.”
“Only the problem was there was no bathroom, not much shade for them to rest.”
Plan your run at Bluestem Prairie Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecoloradosprings.gov
- Phone+1 719-385-5940
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Colorado Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cross Creek Regional Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 363 reviews
Public park featuring a playground, picnic tables, walking paths, soccer fields, and BMX racing.
Fountain Creek Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 225 reviews
Family-oriented nature center, hiking trails and ponds showcase area wildlife.
Fountain Creek Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,852 reviews
Green space on 460 acres with a fishing pond, multi-use trails, playing fields & picnic spots.
Hibbard Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 107 reviews
Park with a playground, picnic tables, and a climbing wall, plus space for activities like ball games.
