Trust for Public Land, CPW, Colorado Springs Partner to Expand Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Protecting Nearly 500 Acres for Nature and Community Recreation
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Trust for Public Land (TPL Trust for Public Land (TPL), partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the City of Colorado Springs, announced the successful protection of 485 acres of land that will permanently expand Cheyenne Mountain State Park, safeguarding critical wildlife habitat and ensuring expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for the rapidly growing community of Colorado Springs. ), partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the City of Colorado Springs, announced the successful protection of 485 acres of land that will permanently expand Cheyenne Mountain State Park, safeguarding critical wildlife habitat and ensuring expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for the rapidly growing community of Colorado Springs.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado, Colorado Springs has experienced rapid development that is placing increasing pressure on parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby natural spaces like Cheyenne Mountain State Park—located just minutes from downtown—have become more important than ever for residents seeking access to nature. The park is among the state’s most popular and accessible outdoor destinations, offering camping, more than 28 miles of trails, and sweeping mountain scenery close to home.
When almost 500 acres adjacent to the park were at risk of development, Trust for Public Land worked with public partners and community stakeholders to protect the land and secure its future as part of the park. TPL helped facilitate purchase of 357 acres by CPW, and the City purchased the remaining 128 acres. The two acquisitions increased the park’s total size to about 3,184 acres.
Thanks to this collaborative effort, the expansion will preserve the park’s natural character and ensure it continues to serve a growing population for generations to come. The project also marks Trust for Public Land’s 5,000th conservation and public access project nationwide.
“This expansion ensures that one of Colorado Springs’ most treasured outdoor spaces will remain protected and accessible as the region continues to grow,” said Jim Petterson, Vice President of the Mountain West Region for the Trust for Public Land. “By conserving this land now, we’re protecting wildlife habitat, expanding recreation opportunities, and preserving the mountain landscapes that define this community. This project shows what’s possible when strong partners come together to protect the landscapes we all love.”
The project also creates space for a proposed state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation center to be managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“As Park Manager, I’ve had the privilege of watching this amazing place inspire people every day,” said Jason Hagan, Park Manager for Cheyenne Mountain State Park. “Securing this new land for the park is deeply meaningful, not just for our team, but for everyone who loves Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It reflects years of hard work and a shared belief in protecting something bigger than ourselves.”
The newly protected land lies within a vital ecological corridor connecting Cheyenne Mountain State Park with Fishers Canyon Open Space and the Pike National Forest. Safeguarding this landscape protects wildlife movement, preserves iconic mountain views, and strengthens a cherished network of public open space that has supported recreation and conservation across the region for decades.
In a region where growth often outpaces conservation, the expansion supports outdoor access, wildlife habitat, and quality of life for residents across Colorado Springs and the nearby Fort Carson community.
This project will incorporate several new miles of the City’s Chamberlin Trail, connecting Blodgett Open Space to Cheyenne Mtn. State Park with a route in the foothills. Master planned for 32 miles of trail, of which 21 miles are already in use, over ten new miles of natural surface trail is now possible that will wind through this beautiful landscape.
“This acquisition reflects years of partnership and shared commitment to protecting the landscapes that make Colorado Springs special,” said Lonna Thelen, Parks Design and Development Manager and TOPS Manager for the City of Colorado Springs. “We’re grateful to Trust for Public Land, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the many partners who helped make this possible. By securing this land now, we’re conserving important natural resources, expanding sustainable public access, and advancing key trail connections like the planned Chamberlain Trail that strengthen our regional network.”
Building on a decades-long partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the City of Colorado Springs, the agencies will co-manage the newly protected parkland and explore opportunities for additional trail connections near this major metropolitan area.
The property also lies adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station and Fort Carson- helping to protect against future development and encroachment into military operations.
Together, these efforts advance science-based stewardship, expand access to the outdoors, and secure lasting protection for one of Colorado’s treasured mountain landscapes.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
