Work is underway to open a highly anticipated outdoor destination between Denver and Colorado Springs. 

Castle Rock’s Town Council recently approved a contract for trail construction in Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space — an approval that also came with a unanimous vote on a master and management plan. The plan had been in the works since last year, following the largest single open space acquisition in the town’s history. 

A short drive from downtown on Castle Rock’s southeast edge, Lost Canyon’s 681 acres are “a stunning blend of grasslands, towering ponderosa pines and dramatic canyon cliffs,” the master plan reads, going on to describe “a landscape rich with history, diverse wildlife and sweeping scenic views that echo the beauty of its neighbor, Castlewood Canyon State Park.” 

Planners have envisioned an experience similar to that state park across a 15-mile trail network exploring Lost Canyon’s lower, creek-fed woods and rugged rock that rises around a panoramic, grassy top. In his presentation to the Town Council, Parks Director Jeff Brauer painted the picture of a nature escape unlike any other in Castle Rock. 

It will be an escape for hikers only — no bikes or dogs allowed. That’s in line with a conservation easement held by Douglas Land Conservancy, Brauer said during his presentation, which followed months of public feedback that reportedly emphasized “low-impact recreation with protections for wildlife and cultural resources.” 

Walking around Lost Canyon, “you see how significant some of those resources are, and I think you’ll be able to tell why we went ahead and made that recommendation,” Brauer told councilmembers, who sounded in support. 

Asked if bikes and dogs could eventually be allowed, Brauer said: “It is something we will stay open to. But we have invested heavily in some other areas where people can take their canine companions and their bikes, and we have some very heavily used areas like that.” 

Like Philip S. Miller Park, which encompasses 320 acres and 11 1/2 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and dog walking. The master plan details data suggesting an average daily traffic count of 1,094 there. At Lost Canyon, the plan foresees visitation more in line with Ridgeline Open Space, where a daily average of 184 hikers and bikers was tallied. 

The comparison was made for Ridgeline’s bigger, more varied trail system. Lost Canyon’s system promises to be even more so. 

Of three trailheads identified, Brauer said the one called Creekside would be the first priority — the first trailhead reached driving into the open space along Lost Canyon Ranch Road. An out-and-back path follows the creek, while stacked loops will tour “a mix of forest and canyon environments,” Brauer said. 

The upper Cattleman’s Trailhead, meanwhile, will feature “dramatic outcroppings and canyon cliffs,” he said. “Just some fantastic trail opportunities in this particular area.” The network recalls Lost Canyon’s Wild West era and prehistoric past, with trail names such as Bootlegger’s and Echoes of Ancestors. 

A third trailhead could be developed later: the High Prairie Trailhead. The upper trails would respect a golden eagle nest as well as the surrounding neighborhood, Brauer said. “We’re screened by vegetation and topography; we worked with the neighborhood to make sure we weren’t visible.” 

Another blueprinted trail connects to Castlewood Canyon State Park, where 466 vehicles a day on average have been counted. With the connector trail, would more of that traffic funnel through the neighborhood to Lost Canyon? a councilmember asked. 

“We’re interested to see which way traffic goes,” Brauer said, referring also to the state park manager. “We do think that is a particularly challenging trail, so we think the use will probably be on the lower end.” 

The Town Council approved $859,965 to contract Timberline TrailCraft for construction that Brauer said would entail technical rock work and creek-crossing bridges. Another $2 million has been set aside for traffic-slowing measures on Lost Canyon Ranch Road — such as speed displays, speed bumps, curb extensions and stop signs — along with road maintenance and signage in the open space. 

The aim is to open Lost Canyon in summer 2026.