Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Douglas County Open Space is a collection of over 60 open space properties covering a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, foothills, riparian corridors, and ponderosa pine forests in Douglas County, Colorado. The area spans elevations from roughly 5,700 to 7,300 feet, providing visitors with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains foothills and the plains. The open space system was developed and is managed by Douglas County to conserve natural environments, protect wildlife habitats, and offer public recreation. The lands feature numerous interconnected trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with over 80 miles of maintained trail miles. Wildlife viewing is a key attraction with opportunities to see mule deer, elk, black bears, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. Douglas County Open Space also includes prominent landmarks such as the Roxborough State Park interface, Daniels Park known for panoramic vistas and buffalo herds, and the South Platte River corridor. The open spaces play an important role in preserving native plant communities including tallgrass prairie, Gambel oak shrublands, and ponderosa pine ecosystems. Seasonal wildflower blooms add to the visual appeal during spring and summer months. In recent decades, the open space system has expanded through acquisitions and conservation easements to buffer urban growth and provide accessible natural areas for the growing population in the Denver metropolitan region. Visitors are drawn by the combination of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and well-maintained trails offering fitness and recreation, along with opportunities for photography and quiet retreats close to urban centers.
