The Colorado Springs Parks Advisory Board has officially approved the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Master and Management Plan for Fishers Canyon Open Space, a 343-acre area located in the southwestern corner of the City, west of the Broadmoor Bluffs and Spires neighborhoods.
The open space, bordered by Pike National Forest to the west, Broadmoor Hotel holdings to the north, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park and the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station to the south, represents a significant addition to the city’s natural spaces.
“We would like to thank the entire community for their involvement in the planning process for Fishers Canyon Open Space,” said Britt Haley, Director of PRCS. “This master plan will provide numerous benefits to our community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation while also ensuring the preservation and conservation of its valuable resources and wildlife habitats. We are committed to protecting this unique landscape, allowing future generations to enjoy its beauty and ecological significance.”
The newly approved plan proposes a new trail system comprising approximately 9-10 miles of enhancements in a "wilderness-like" setting designed for a variety of users, including hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders. Additionally, the plan includes designated zones for bouldering and rock climbing, as well as a fully accessible, hiking-only trail loop complete with ADA-compliant trailhead parking.
Community engagement was a cornerstone of the 20-month planning process, with more than 2,600 community residents participating through multiple avenues including four surveys, two community meetings, five neighborhood site tours, youth engagement focus groups, and an open house showcasing the draft plan. PRCS is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and incorporated into the management of this exceptional open space.
One of the key highlights of the plan is its connection to the Chamberlain Trail. This envisioned 26-mile master-planned trail aims to connect multiple open spaces along the City’s western edge including Blodgett Open Space, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Bear Creek Regional Park, Stratton Open Space, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and Fishers Canyon Open Space.
The Master and Management Plan places a strong emphasis on conservation, designating 227 acres—or 66% of the open space—specifically for wildlife and habitat protection. During the planning process, comprehensive studies highlighted the presence of raptor nesting sites, indicating that certain site closures or management actions may be required in the future to protect these vital habitats.
Fishers Canyon Open Space was acquired in two phases, in November 2021 and March 2022, through a collaborative effort with PRCS partners at The Conservation Fund. Funding for the acquisition was drawn from the TOPS sales tax, amounting to $2.95 million, alongside a $1.25 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
For more information and to view the Master and Management Plan, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/FishersCanyon.