Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Past and Present

Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Past and Present

July 8, 2015 by Jennifer Peterson

In light of the recent historic rains that walloped portions of Colorado Springs during the month of May and the news that we’d be leading volunteer efforts to help restore damages in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, we thought it would be prudent to discuss the unique history of this wonderful city treasure.  

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is situated on 789 acres near the western edge of Colorado Springs. Archaeological evidence suggests Red Rock Canyon was first settled around 7000 B.C. by various American Indian tribes including the Jicarilla Apache and the Utes. The canyon’s proximity to nearby Fountain Creek and the presence of diverse wildlife made this area an ideal settlement location. Stone artifacts, chipped stone debris, and tools have been found in the central portion of the park. 

During the late 1800’s, gypsum, building sand, and Lyons sandstone were mined from the upper and central portions of the park. These building materials were eventually used in the settlements of Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Fountain, and other nearby communities. The sandstone ridge running through the middle of the park was the site of the Kenmuir Quarry, which was owned and operated by the Greenlee family of Denver. At one time, this massive quarry operation ran seven days a week and supported offices, a boarding house, cottages, livestock, shops, and other buildings. The Kenmuir Quarry closed in the early 1900’s as concrete and steel began to replace sandstone as the preferred building material.

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The Colorado-Philadelphia Reduction Company mill was located on the eastern edge of the property. The mill refined ore shipped in by train from the gold mines in Cripple Creek. In 1896, the mill became the largest mill of its kind in the United States, but was forced to close in the early 1900’s due to competition from the newer and more modern Golden Cycle Mill.

In the early 1900’s, the property officially became known as Red Rock Canyon and ownership soon after changed to John George Bock. Bock initially acquired land near the entrance to the canyon and operated the Roundup Stables, which provided scenic horseback rides through various nearby canyons. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, Bock purchased adjacent parcels from his neighbors and began trying to repair the extensive damages to the landscape caused by a half-century of occupation and exploitation. Bock also constructed extensive water diversions, dams, and other structures in an effort to control runoff and erosion through the property. 

Bock’s younger sons, John and Richard, took over the property in the late 1900’s. Their vision was to develop the property into a resort community with a convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers, and a golf course. In the end, they were only able to build a few residences and outbuildings, two-dozen mobile home sites, a 53-acre landfill, and two gravel quarries. In 2003, the City of Colorado Springs purchased the property to be used as public open space, and named it Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Today, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is heavily used and loved by the public thanks to the extensive trail system, climbing opportunities, wildlife, and unique topography. The open space is dominated by a series of parallel ridges or hogbacks that run north to south throughout the property. The hogbacks are a result of bedded sedimentary rock strata that were upturned during the formation of the Rocky Mountains. The sandstone rocks that comprise the hogbacks are a continuation of the Fountain Formation that also makes up the sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods a few miles to the north. Elevations throughout the property range from a low point of 6,130 feet in the northeast corner to a high point of 6,740 feet in the southeast part of the park. South and west of the property, the land rises steeply, culminating at the summit of Pikes Peak, approximately 9 miles away.

There are five prominent canyons within the park. The heart and namesake of the property, Red Rock Canyon, is home to several cultural features including large quarries cut into the sandstone ridge, caves, and remnants of the original Bock residence. Unique biological and geological features characterize the other four canyons, Wild Horse, Gypsum, Greenlee, and Sand Canyons.

In May 2015, an earthen retention pond constructed by Bock in Sand Canyon collapsed. Massive amounts of mud and water rushed downstream causing extensive damage to adjacent trails, parking areas, and drainages. Some parts of Colorado Springs saw nearly 12 inches of rain during the month making it the wettest on record since November 1894. As a result of the damage and associated safety concerns, the City of Colorado Springs closed Red Rocks Open Space for more than six weeks. 

Soon after the rain subsided, the City of Colorado Springs began assessing the damage and making a plan to repair and reopen the park. Heavy machinery was used to repair areas of the park that posed immediate risks to life and safety. The park was finally reopened on July 3, 2015, but work remains to repair and restore trails, climbing areas, and drainages. The Rocky Mountain Field Institute, in partnership with the Friends of Red Rock Canyon and the City of Colorado Springs, will be leading 20 volunteer workdays in the park as well as 1-week of youth corps. Work will focus on stabilizing Round Up Trail Creek, repairing the Quarry Pass Trail, stabilizing the Sand Canyon Pond breach site, and repairing access to popular climbing areas. Please consider lending a hand in this important work by signing up for one of our volunteer days. Visit our volunteer calendar for more information on how to give back and get dirty!

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           Photos courtesy of the Friends of Red Rock Canyon