Happy Trails: Getting to know lesser-appreciated side of Blodgett Open Space
SOUTH BLODGETT LOOP
The Colorado Springs parks department has a vision for Blodgett Open Space — a new master plan for development over the next 15 to 20 years.
That includes a trail system expanding south of the long-beloved entrance on the city’s northwest side. The city has steadily acquired land to grow the open space. Soon, hikers and mountain bikers could find more trails to explore on that land.
For a taste of what’s to come, check out the South Blodgett trailhead that came online a few years ago. On this visit, we found the parking lot here empty, compared with the fast-filling trailhead north on Woodmen Road. It would seem people are still discovering this newer tract.
We opted for a quick stroll along the South Blodgett loop, starting on the trail running north of the parking lot, paralleling the entry road. At the marked split, we went left for the wide path uphill (we recommend this loop direction for mountain bikers to catch the downhill singletrack on the back end).
It is a steep start granting views of what’s to come on the hilly terrain to the south, below the under-reclamation Pikeview Quarry. Blodgett Peak commands the view, looming here against this striking swath of Rampart Range.
An overlook spur is reached after a half-mile uphill. South Blodgett Loop continues at the turn — the trail network is well-marked — and descends into singletrack. The trail flows through hills partially burned by the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire.
t’s a land-and-sky feel on upper parts of grassy knolls, looking out to the city and Black Forest on the horizon. The trail drops to a gully and continues back to the parking lot.
Trip log: ~2 miles round trip (loop), ~400 feet of elevation gain
Getting there: South Blodgett trailhead is about a mile south of the main parking lot at 3786 W. Woodmen Road. East/south on Woodmen Road, see turn at Blodgett Ranch Trail to parking lot.
FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. November-April; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October. Nonmotorized, multi-use trail. Dogs on leash. Icy in winter; bring traction
SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE
