At Sandstone Ranch near Larkspur, three trail loops trade meadow for red rock and forest

Off Perry Park Road near Larkspur, Douglas County runs a former cattle ranch as open space, and the nicest thing about it is how the walking changes as you climb. The county lists about 12 miles of non-motorized trail in the eastern part of the property, built as three connecting loops you can take short or stitch together for a longer outing.

Start on the Gambel Oak Loop, the shortest at under a mile, then step up to the Juniper Valley Loop of roughly three miles. The longest, the Sandstone Meadow loop at close to four miles, rolls through wide hay meadows before the ground rises into red rock outcrops and ponderosa pine. From the higher stretches you can pick out Pikes Peak to the south.

What makes the place feel larger is the back fence. Sandstone Ranch shares about 3.5 miles of boundary with Pike National Forest, so the views and the wildlife keep going past the edge. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders all share the trails.

A few plain notes before you load up. There is no entry fee, and the gate is open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The land is mostly open with little shade, so bring water and start early on hot days.

For current hours, the trail map, and which facilities are on site, check the Douglas County Sandstone Ranch open space page before you go.