Start by registering your passport at
Colorado Parks Passports
and they give you tips to start your journey. The passport
is fun and easy to use!
Simply visit as many of the 42 state parks in Colorado, as you can, and take your passport with you. At each park you visit, have your passport stamped. Each park’s stamp is unique and represents a significant feature of the park.
Your passport can be stamped at a variety of locations, depending
upon the facilities available at each park. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park the Visitor Center is the place to go.
Colorado’s newest state park is nestled in the landscape that inspired the song, “America the Beautiful.” Enter this park and marvel at the mountains above and the Colorado Springs skyline below.
Considered one of the “crown jewels” in Colorado’s extensive state park system, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is the result of strong partnerships and years of thoughtful planning. Acquired in June 2000 through a partnership between the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado State Parks, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Lottery, El Paso County and other local private organizations, the park represents the protection of one of the last significant open spaces along the southern section of the Colorado Front Range.
Formerly the JL Ranch, the park is situated just south of Colorado Springs. The 1,680 acre park lies beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, and border the plains of Colorado in a stunning transition from plains to peaks. The land is in remarkable natural condition diverse wildlife viewing opportunities abound due to the property’s relatively undisturbed unfragmented nature.
Opened in October 2006 as the only state in El Paso County, Cheyenne Mountain offers superior facilities and recreational opportunities. Foremost among the park’s offerings is the system consisting of 20 miles of hiking and trails. These pathways allow visitors ample opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty.
Along with great trails, the park offers a Visitor Center with gift shop and interpretive displays, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and will soon offer camping, group picnicking, as well as full-service cabins and a first-class Event Center.
TRAILS
The highlight of any visit is the park’s 20 miles of trails. Open to hiking and biking, visitors have 16 trails to choose from. Visitors can wander through grasslands fi lled with prairie dogs, or explore the pines and try to catch a glimpse of an elk. Dogs and horses are not permitted on the trails.
PICNICKING
Nestled within scrub oak and along a meandering trail, the park’s 41 day-use picnic sites offer great
views for family and friends enjoying a day at the park. A table and grill are provided at each site and
they are available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife abounds in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Deer, elk, black bear, cougar, as well as coyote, fox, and prairie dogs are just some of the animals that call the park home. A wide variety of birds can also be found, including red-tail hawks, golden eagles, and wild turkey.
NATURE STUDY
The park is an excellent outdoor classroom. Evening programs and nature hikes are available weekly during the spring and summer months and periodically in the fall and winter. Park naturalists enjoy presenting programs or leading groups along the trails, exploring and sharing the wonders of nature. Program announcements are located at the Visitor Center and entrance station as well as posted on the park’s event calendar at www.parks.state.co.us