Spruce Mountain Open Space in Douglas County Colorado is a wonderful area north of Colorado Springs. It’s a wonderful trail system and has lots of areas to explore. It’s located about 15 miles north of the Air Force Academy and easy to access. Hiking, biking, running, and horses are welcome on these trails and there’s the butte and meadow to hike in the area.
Useful Links
Pros
- Easy access
- Wide-open trail and space
- Lots of trekking options
Cons
- Moderate hiking at points
- Can be busy at times
- Watch out for storms
All About the Park
The park is exactly what the name says: it’s a wide-open space! Spruce Mountain is a butte just to the east of the front range and has miles of trails around it. This area is dominated by the butte but you can also hike around the perimeter of the butte and get several miles in many directions. I enjoyed the main trail that goes on the top of the butte and there were some awesome views and trails.
Things to Do Around Spruce Mountain Open Space
Spruce Mountain is the main area for hiking in the area. Outside of the park area is private land so tread carefully when you’re away from the main butte area. There is only the hiking at the park and not much else. There is a small kiosk area with trail information and portable toilets.
Around the Area
The closest town to Spruce Mountain is Palmer Lake about 5 miles south. These are small towns and will have some amenities like gas stations, grocery, and food in town but they may be smaller joints. Monument Colorado is the nearest large town that will have larger options.
Area Hospital
The nearest hospital appears to be in North Colorado Springs. It’s located here. You can read more about their services here. As always, check the area for your specific requirements for hospitals. When in doubt, try to call 911.
Area Veterinarians
There are several daytime options in Larkspur Colorado. The nearest animal emergency service is Animal ER Care located here. Read more about their vet services here.
Spruce Mountain Park Ratings
Bathrooms
There are only portable toilets at the trailhead.
Camp Sites
There is no camping permitted in the park.
Activities
There aren’t other activities allowed in the space besides hiking but the hiking is great!
Location
Great location along the front range near many of the popular places of the front range like Castle Rock, Air Force Academy, or Colorado Springs.
Visible Cell Service
I did have service for most of my hike.
Conclusion
Spruce Mountain Open Space is really a wonderful spot. I never knew this place was here when I lived here for 4 years and I’m sad I missed out on this fun area. This place has much to offer like miles, terrain, and maintained trails. Yes, it may be a narrowly tailored park with few other options, but if hiking or running is your forte then you’ll love it here!
The main trail at Spruce Mountain Open Space is approximately 5 miles and is a loop.