While a future recreation destination on Colorado’s Front Range remains gated, sneak peeks are on the calendar.

In continuing its “Discover Lost Canyon Series,” Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation has scheduled guided hikes and events through August at the open space on the town’s southeast edge.

Acquired last year in partnership with Douglas County, Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space is the town of Castle Rock’s largest open space — 681 acres of canyons, creek-fed forests and mesa-top grasslands bordering the similar Castlewood Canyon State Park.

A master plan has been in the works since last fall. While the plan awaits finalizing, Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation is leading what it calls “exclusive, small-group previews” on Saturdays ahead.

First is a full moon hike set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Sunrise yoga is scheduled for the next Saturday, followed by a day hike Aug. 23. Next on the schedule posted at getoutdoorscastlerock.org: a stargazing event for Sept. 20.

The stargazing tickets are $30, while the others are $85. Some social media commentors have criticized the cost.

The nonprofit foundation responded to one such comment earlier this summer: “These are special sneak-peek events to raise funds for projects at Lost Canyon. We invite you to check it out!”

Potential projects were outlined in a draft master plan released in the spring. Three trailheads were envisioned — portals to a trail system that could span about 15 miles. At the time, officials presented a plan for hiking only.

Read a presentation at an open house: “Prohibiting dogs and bikes aligns with the conservation easement’s goal of habitat preservation, reduces resource damage, prevents user conflicts and maintains the area’s ecological integrity.”

A project webpage lists “careful considerations” for Lost Canyon, including access through a neighborhood. “Increased traffic near residential areas” is listed as a “top concern” from surveys, along with “the need to protect wildlife and natural habitats and fears of overuse leading to site degradation.”

The webpage adds: “Conversely, respondents supported the phased opening with controlled access and valued the property’s unique natural beauty.”

Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation’s website indicates Lost Canyon could open sometime in 2026, “pending final approvals and development milestones.”

Once ready for review, the master plan will need approvals from Douglas Land Conservancy, Castle Rock’s Parks and Recreation Commission and the Town Council.