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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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Colorado
Pikes Peak Region
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park © Jeffrey Beall / CC BY-SA 2.0
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
410 JL Ranch Heights Road
Colorado Springs, Colorado   80926
(lat:38.7292 lon:-104.8329) map location

Phone: 719-576-2016
Formerly the JL Ranch, the 2701 acre park is nestled beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain just south of Colorado Springs. The park offers a stunning transition from Colorados plains to its peaks. The land is in remarkable natural condition and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities abound due to the propertys relatively undisturbed and unfragmented nature.

Opened in October 2006, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers superior facilities and recreational opportunities. The highlight of any visit is the parks trail system, offering over 28 miles of trails. These pathways allow visitors many opportunities to explore the parks natural beauty. Along with trails, the park offers picnicking, wildlife viewing, camping, 9 hole disc golf course, an archery range and visitor center with gift shop and interpretive displays.
History of the Area
The park was established on October 21, 2006. It spans over 2,701 acres of land near Cheyenne Mountain.

The area had been privately owned until it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy and State Parks Board in late-90s.

In early-00s construction began to prepare for public use with trails being built along with a visitor center and campgrounds.

It is home to diverse wildlife including deer, elk and mountain lions as well as various bird species.

Today it offers recreational activities such as hiking, camping & picnicking while also providing educational programs about local ecology.
Passes
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
Cabins
The park has two cabins in the Meadow Campground that are surrounded by scrub oak, have easy access to trails and the disc golf course. Cabin A is decorated with a light-hearted nature theme with an amazing view of Cheyenne Mountain from its picture window. Cabin B has delightful casual decorations and a spectacular view of the city lights below. Both cabins are ADA accessible, providing universally accessible entrances, bathroom and kitchen facilities
Camping
Open for year-round camping, there are four campgrounds consisting of spacious full hook-up and basic tent sites. Reservations can be made on every site in the Summer while Winter season reservations are limited to the loop available.

Our Camper Services building is located in the center of the four campground loops open from April to October it offers coin operated showers, laundry room, and an activity room. It has an adjacent fenced playground area for the kids


Location
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is located near Colorado Springs, Fountain

Picnicking
Distributed along a meandering trail, the parks 41 day-use picnic sites offer great views for family and friends enjoying a day at the park. Several sites are ADA accessible and can be easily accessed from the day use parking lots. A table and grill are provided at each site and they are available year-round on a first-come, firstserve basis.
Bicycling
When considering bicycling options, it's important to proceed with care due to the varying terrain and wildlife encounters. The park offers multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking.

Talon Trail is a popular choice but can be challenging; stay alert for steep sections and switchbacks. Sundance Trail provides a moderate ride, yet caution is advised as conditions may change rapidly with weather or traffic.

Coyote Run presents an easier route, though always watch for other trail users including hikers and equestrians. Remember that Zook Loop is also accessible by bike but requires constant vigilance because of its shared use nature.

Before setting out on any path, ensure your equipment is in good condition and you're prepared for sudden shifts in elevation or obstacles like rocks and roots which are common here. It's wise to check local advisories before visiting since paths could close unexpectedly due to maintenance or environmental concerns such as fire risk.
Trails
The park boasts 21 trails, totaling over 27 miles, traversing different ecosystems and providing a great variety of views and experiences for all users. Trails range from short and easy to long and extreme. The park map provides a nice overview of the trail system. To protect this fragile ecosystem, dogs are allowed on designated trails only. Visitors are encouraged to report interesting wildlife sightings.

The long awaited Dixon Trail system that reaches the top of Cheyenne Mountain is now open While these trails will access phenomenal views, a 1957 plane crash site, and overlooks of Colorado Springs and beyond, the 17 mile roundtrip comes at a steep pun intended cost. Come prepared as there are NO pick up points along the trail and NO opportunities to refill water.

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Area Campgrounds
Fountain Creek RV Park
3023 1/2 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO
719-633-2192
Garden of the Gods Campground
3704 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO
Golden Eagle Ranch RV Park
710 Rock Creek Canyon Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Goldfield RV Campground
411 South 26th Street
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs KOA Holiday
8100 Bandley Drive
Fountain, CO
719-382-7575
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Directions from Denver, Colorado:

- Start on I-25 S towards Colorado Springs.
- Continue for about 70 miles.
- Take exit 138 toward Lake Avenue/Circle Drive.

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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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