It’s a magical time of year to get outside and enjoy Arapahoe County’s parks, trails and open spaces.

Recently, Open Spaces staff and members of the Open Space and Trails Advisory Board had the opportunity to experience firsthand the diversity and unique landscapes of the eastern plains of Arapahoe County. Part site tour, part treasure hunt, we saw pronghorn and mule deer prancing through their native habitat, and groves of cottonwood trees in all their golden glory. We walked multi-use recreation trails and riparian corridors at Richmil Ranch Open Space, toured Bijou Basin Open Space, met a rancher who tends bison at a nearby property, and much more.

In the coming years, there are plans to expand outdoor recreation and trail opportunities at eastern Arapahoe County Open Space properties as part of the implementation of the 2021 master plan, including Kiowa Creek North Open Space. Some sites have limited public access to support conservation, or for local farming and ranching, helping to sustain the land and supporting local agricultural production.

Plan your trip today, download an Explore Arapahoe County trail map, and enjoy the incredible landscapes right here in your backyard! A few great locations to enjoy fall colors: 17 Mile House Farm Park and Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park in Centennial, Richmil Ranch Open Space near the Town of Deer Trail, and the High Line Canal Trail (there are many trailhead options, including South Quebec Way Trailhead).

For a list of Arapahoe County parks, trails and open spaces, visit https://www.arapahoegov.com/1855/Properties.