Colorado Parks and Wildlife officially expanded Cheyenne Mountain State Park this week, adding 486 acres to one of the region’s most visited outdoor destinations and unlocking new recreation opportunities at a nearby alpine reservoir.
Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade joined CPW and community partners to announce the expansion, which includes a 357-acre parcel known as the Denman property and a 129-acre tract purchased by the City of Colorado Springs. Together, the additions bring the park to roughly 3,187 acres. The Trust for Public Land supported both acquisitions, and the project marks the organization’s 5,000th land protection project.
“This expansion ensures that one of Colorado Springs’ most treasured outdoor spaces will remain protected and accessible as the region continues to grow.” – Jim Petterson, Vice President of the Mountain West Region for the Trust for Public Land.
The Denman acquisition was funded in part through Colorado Lottery proceeds, which direct 10 percent of revenues to CPW for trail construction, land acquisition, and facility improvements across the state park system. The newly protected land was previously approved for development of 95 single-family homes, making the conservation effort a direct check on encroaching residential growth near the park boundary.
Alongside the expansion announcement, CPW and Colorado Springs Utilities signed an agreement opening Rosemont Reservoir on Pikes Peak to managed outdoor recreation. Plans call for basic campsites and recreational boating for hand-launched, hand-powered watercraft. A groundbreaking ceremony at the site is expected later this summer.
The ceremony also marked the opening of 11 new full-hookup campsites at Cheyenne Mountain, bringing the park total to 62 full-hookup sites along with 10 tent sites and a group tent area.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park opened in 2006 with the acquisition of roughly 1,600 acres. The park’s growth since then has been driven by a long-running partnership between the city and CPW, backed by Colorado Springs voters through the Trails, Open Space and Parks funding program.
