On the edge of Colorado Springs’ west side, nestled behind a cul de sac, is a sudden nature oasis where the neighborhood disappears and the din of Interstate 25 soon fades. The traffic is replaced by bugs buzzing, birds singing and a creek’s trickling melody.

This is Sondermann Park. Regulars know it as a hidden gem.

Sondermann does not boast the marvelous outcrops and mountain vistas of city parks farther west. But regulars know the park as no less marvelous — a quick, quiet retreat for walking the dog, jogging and bird watching.

They know their favorite loops around the 97 acres, while newcomers might be confused by the meandering trail network. We’ll try to describe a short loop here, but don’t worry about closely following; it’s easy to roam and hard to get lost here.

The Catamount Institute is based in the small parking lot; Sondermann is perfect for the nonprofit’s outdoor youth education. From the lot, we crossed the footbridge and turned right for Five Senses Trail, aptly named for the creekside path.

The path exits the woods and briefly enters open grass before turning left. We found the creek spilling over the next footbridge, which crosses to the wide trail, where we turned left. Just ahead, at the marker for Bluestem Trail, we turned right into the grassy, folding landscape.

The narrow trail rises up a knoll to a view of Pikes Peak. At the upper “T,” we went right, uphill, and followed the trail winding left and down into the shallow valley frequented by deer.

The trail stays thin between quaint hills and wavy grass. Before our mile mark, we came to a “Y” and veered left for the marked South Park Loop. At the next “Y,” we veered right, continuing down toward the parking lot.

Trip log: 1 mile round trip (loop), 173 feet elevation gain

Getting there: Located at 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs

FYI: Open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October; 5 a.m.-9 p.m. November-April. Parking lot gate closes at 4:30 p.m.; use street parking just outside the park entrance so your car does not get stuck.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE