The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department announced on Apr. 13 that registration is now open for the 2026 guided tour season at Corral Bluffs Open Space and Jimmy Camp Creek. These free tours offer limited public access to areas typically closed in order to protect sensitive natural and scientific resources.
The tours are important because they allow participants to visit significant sites while ensuring their preservation. Corral Bluffs is recognized as one of North America’s most significant fossil locations, with discoveries that have advanced scientists’ understanding of life after the extinction of the dinosaurs. At Jimmy Camp Creek, visitors can explore native prairie landscapes and cultural resources that reflect the region’s ecological and historical character.
Access to both areas is only available through guided hikes led by trained staff and volunteers. Group sizes are restricted, and advance registration is required in order to minimize impact on these fragile environments. “These are places people can’t normally visit, and that’s intentional,” said Scott Abbott, Regional Parks Trails and Open Space Manager. “They contain resources that are incredibly important to our understanding of natural history and to the region’s ecological health. Guided tours allow people to experience these landscapes in a meaningful way while ensuring they are protected for future generations.”
The tour season will run from May through October 2026. Hikes at Corral Bluffs take place on the first Saturday of each month with additional Friday hikes scheduled throughout the season; Jimmy Camp Creek hikes occur on the last Saturday each month. All tours begin at 8 a.m. and end at noon.
While participation is free, space is limited due to high demand, so early registration is recommended. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and minimal amenities on site; details about hike difficulty, meeting locations, and what items to bring will be provided during registration.
More information about available dates or reservations can be found by visiting ColoradoSprings.gov/CorralBluffs.
