With its spectacular views, expansive hay meadows, red rock formations, wildlife habitat, historic ranching operation, and 3.5 miles of common boundary with Pike National Forest, Sandstone Ranch is one of the crown jewels of all the County’s Open Space properties.
This 2,038-acre ranch borders the Pike National Forest and features an extraordinarily diverse landscape including red rock formations and sloping meadows; vast wildlife habitat and corridors, expansive and diverse vegetation and other natural resources; as well as cultural and historic assets, including a historic ranch operation and a number of historic buildings dating back to its original owners in the 1870s.
Hikers, cyclists, and those on horseback can experience spectacular views, expansive hay meadows, red rock formations and wildlife habitat from the 12-mile trail located in the eastern portion of Sandstone Ranch, for non-motorized use only.
Trail Information:
- This property is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, snowshoes, and pets on a leash can use the trail.
- No Motorized Vehicles
- 12 miles of trails
- Benches and picnic tables are placed throughout the trails
Wildlife:
Numerous wildlife call Sandstone Ranch home including elk, bears, mountain lion, and many other species. Please respect the wildlife!
I-25 North or South Directions
Please follow these written directions, digital maps are not yet showing the location of the new trailhead.
(Photo: Trekking with Tots)
Castle Rock Exit
- Exit I-25 at Castle Rock Exit 182
- Turn right (west) on to Wolfensberger
- Continue on Wolfensberger until it dead ends, turn left (south) on Highway 105
- Continue on Highway 105 south approximately 8 miles to the Perry Park Entrance (will be on your right, Red Rock Drive)
- Immediately after the Perry Park entrance, where Highway 105 begins to curve to the left (east), follow 105 to the intersection of Highway 105 and Perry Park Avenue.
- The Sandstone Ranch trailhead is approximately .6 mile from the intersection and is located on the right (west) side of the highway
- Follow the gravel driveway to the parking lot approximately 1/3 mile.
Larkspur Exit
- Exit I-25 at Larkspur Exit 173
- At the stop sign in Larkspur, turn right onto Perry Park Avenue for approximately 3 miles
- At the intersection where Perry Park Avenue dead-ends, turn left onto Highway 105
- The Sandstone Ranch trailhead is approximately .6 mile from the intersection and is located on the right (west) side of the highway
- Follow the gravel driveway to the parking lot approximately 1/3 mile.
The County is in the process of developing the Sandstone Ranch Master Plan. The Master Plan seeks to balance the preservation and protection of the Ranch, with public access.
Featured image: Trekking with Tots.
Author: Mile High Mamas
