Driving on 30th Street in Colorado Springs, the view to the west demands attention: the red rock sanctuary of Garden of the Gods in the forefront of Pikes Peak. It’s easy to miss an intrigue on the opposite side of the street.

Surely you’ve passed it — that short, cobblestone bridge nestled between grassy knolls. A stone marker notes the surrounding 37 acres were donated for the public to enjoy, just as the land of Garden of the Gods was. Between the knolls is Blair Bridge, “circa 1880,” according to the stone marker.

It’s an idyllic sight recalling John Blair. He was the man in charge of laying out Colorado Springs’ early parks, cemeteries and roads, as well as city founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer’s castle and estate tucked in the canyon across the street today, Glen Eyrie.

Blair Bridge was built on the old road to reservoirs and Blair’s cabin. Much has been built above now — the homes and golf course surrounding Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. But these 37 acres remain as they were in the city’s early days. And the path running through provides a peaceful stroll or bike ride with some of the best views around.

From the pull-off parking lot at the bridge, a concrete path runs north about a half-mile to an unceremonious meeting with Garden of the Gods Road. The path runs south another half-mile or so, turning to dirt on the way up to a high, spectacular overlook.

Near the pull-off parking lot, the path runs under 30th Street and joins the paved Foothills Trail that runs along the front of Garden of the Gods. At the dam for stormwater retention, Dakota Trail veers west and over a ridge into the park — another option to extend the trip.

Trip log: Trail through Blair Bridge Open Space 2.2 miles point to point round trip, 177 feet elevation gain

Getting there: From Interstate 25, exit for Garden of the Gods Road and drive west toward the park. Turn left for 30th Street. Pulloff for Blair Bridge is directly across from the Navigators entrance.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE