Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

The Trails, Open Space and Park Working Committee Wednesday approved spending $325,000 for the development of the South Slope of Pikes Peak. 

The money, which comes from the city’s TOPS sales tax, will be used to match $400,000 in state grants for trails and fishing opportunities. 

An hour from the city on Old Stage Road, the South Slope contains some of the city’s oldest reservoirs. It has been closed to recreation for more than a century. Bowing to pressure from outdoors enthusiasts, City Council last year approved a plan for the gradual opening of the area, but only limited trail work has been done by volunteers. 

Photo gallery of the South Slope

The cost for trails, picnic facilities, restrooms and a boat launch is $1.2 million. Wednesday’s vote, which must be affirmed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, allows officials to request bids and prepare for construction next summer, said Working Committee chairman Ian Kalmanowitz. It is unclear when the area will open to the public.

In September, the committee balked at spending TOPS money, opting to ask property owner Colorado Springs Utilities to help fund recreation. But members were satisfied Wednesday when told Utilities has already spent $510,000 on planning and will spend another $80,000 on road construction, Kalmanowitz said.