Colorado Springs families looking for an outdoor destination before school starts have a new option — and it's one of the most significant public trail additions this city has seen in years. Blodgett Open Space completed the first major phase of its trail expansion in July 2026, opening seven miles of new managed trails to the public. It's free, it's close, and most people don't know it's open yet.

What's New at Blodgett

The July 2026 opening is the first phase of a larger project. By the end of 2026, Blodgett Open Space is expected to have more than 14 miles of managed trails in total. The current seven miles include a variety of trail types designed to serve different users: traditional hiking trails, multi-use paths built to handle strollers and younger bikers alongside walkers, and dedicated mountain-bike routes for more technical riders.

The trail network was developed and is managed by the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS). All surfaces are designed to hold up over time — a meaningful upgrade from the informal, unmanaged paths that previously developed around the area.

The Parking Problem Is Solved

One of the persistent frustrations with Blodgett in recent years was parking. The open space attracted more visitors than the road infrastructure was built for, leading to informal roadside parking and the kind of crowding that makes a family outing feel more stressful than relaxing.

That problem has been addressed. The PRCS built a new 50-stall parking lot at the Quarry Trailhead, which serves as the primary access point for the new trail system. The lot is organized, it's properly situated, and it dramatically improves the experience of arriving at the open space — especially with kids and gear in tow.

Cleaning Up the Old Informal Trails

Along with the new parking and new trail surfaces, the city also decommissioned the informal social trails that had developed over time throughout Blodgett. These paths weren't built to any standard, weren't marked, and in some cases created safety hazards or contributed to erosion. The new system replaces them with properly designed routes that are clearly marked and maintained.

The result is an open space that's genuinely safer and more navigable — which matters when you're out there with kids.

Quick Reference: Blodgett Open Space 2026

Detail	Info
New Trails Open (Phase 1)	7 miles (July 2026)
Total Trails by End of 2026	14+ miles
Trail Types	Hiking, multi-use, mountain bike
New Parking	50-stall lot at Quarry Trailhead
Cost	Free
Managed by	City of Colorado Springs PRCS

A Good Late-Summer Family Hike

With D11 school starting August 12, there are exactly a few weekends left for families to enjoy some unhurried outdoor time. Blodgett's new trail system is one of the better reasons to get out before the school-year schedule kicks in. The multi-use paths are accessible for younger kids on bikes, the hiking trails offer more challenge for older kids and adults, and the mountain-bike routes give serious riders something to work with.

It's one of those open-space expansions that genuinely improves what Colorado Springs has to offer — and it's worth checking out before everyone else figures out it's there.

What's Next

The second phase of Blodgett's trail expansion is expected to bring the total to more than 14 miles by the end of 2026. For current trail maps and updates, check the City of Colorado Springs PRCS page at coloradosprings.gov/BlodgettOpenSpace.