Looking for a bit of direction when choosing which path to take at a Douglas County Open Space property?
It’s important that when you visit the Douglas County outdoors you are able to have safe and enjoyable experiences and the implementation of Trail Ratings at Open Space properties aims to ensure you do.
By using the posted Trail Ratings you can be sure to choose a trail that is a comfortable match for your skill level — or find something that can challenge you when you are ready. All trails you visit throughout the County are open for hiking, biking and horseback riding and are rated with all three in mind.
Trails are rated by scoring a variety of characteristics such as maximum elevation and elevation gain or loss, average grade, obstacles, width, slope and stability to determine the difficulty and assign a Trail Rating.
You will find Trail Ratings marked on all routes at Sandstone Ranch, Dawson Butte, Spruce Mountain and Glendale Open Spaces, with signs to be added at remaining properties in the coming months. Trails are rated as easy, moderate, or challenging —look for a sign like the one pictured above at the Open Space trailhead and then watch for markers at the start of each trail.
We know you love to get outdoors and get active, that’s just one reason Douglas County is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest counties in the country. Thank you for practicing good trail etiquette and staying on the marked trails when visiting the Douglas County outdoors.
Adventure awaits! Visit www.dcoutdoors.org to learn more about your favorite Douglas County properties or find new places to explore.