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Open Space

Sharptail Ridge Open Space and Trail

Open Space Closure Notice:

Sharptail Ridge Open Space near Roxborough State Park will be temporarily closed beginning Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 24. Regular Open Space hours (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset) will resume Monday, Nov. 25

Hunters who have obtained proper permits from the state may hunt deer and/or elk in the open space during that time. For information on specific dates for bow, muzzleloader and rifle seasons, as well as permit information, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife webpage on big game hunting: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BigGame.aspx

Sharptail Ridge Open Space closes for hunting in the fall, as regulated by Colorado Park and Wildlife.  

Sharptail Ridge trails challenge visitors as they extend from undulating prairie foothills into the hidden, rocky hogback and then climb for miles through Douglas County’s Nelson Ranch and Pike Hill Open Space properties via Swallowtail and Ringtail trails, and joins the Pike National Forest Indian Creek trails in the beautifully wooded front range foothills.  Make this a half-day or full-day hike or horseback ride.

Sharptail Ridge is a regionally significant movement-corridor for wildlife – including elk, deer, wild cats and ground-nesting birds. This open space was acquired in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado with the commitment by Douglas County  to be responsible custodians of the wildlife on this land. As part of this charge, dogs and bicycles are prohibited at all times to ensure wildlife traveling the corridor are not disturbed.

View the Interactive Map.

 

Hours

One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Trail Information

  • Natural surface, moderate based on the length and gently rolling hills
  • Approximately 4.6 miles, where it connects with Douglas County’s Swallowtail Trail and onto Ringtail Trail.  Connections can lead to the Pike National Forest’s Indian Creek Trailhead, the Colorado Trail, and Roxborough State Park trails
  • Hiking and horseback riding.
  • No water.
  • Bicycles and dogs are prohibited at Sharptail Ridge Open Space by County resolution and per the conservation easement held by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
  • Sharptail Ridge map

Amenities

  • Log-cabin style group picnic shelter
  • Restroom (portable)
  • Interpretive signs
  • Benches
  • No water.
  • Unpaved parking lot for cars and 7 horse trailers (15 with overflow
  • Hitch rails

Wildlife

  • Variety of wildlife including elk herds