Lincoln Mountain Open Space

For Colorado residents seeking an accessible yet invigorating escape into the natural beauty of the Front Range, Lincoln Mountain Open Space is a hidden gem in Douglas County. Unlike a traditional campground with overnight facilities, Lincoln Mountain Open Space is a dedicated natural area designed for day-use recreational activities. It offers a fantastic opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in scenic landscapes, get active, and enjoy the stunning vistas that define our state. This open space provides a vital connection to nature right on the doorstep of communities like Franktown and Castle Rock, making it an ideal spot for a quick morning hike, an afternoon bike ride, or a peaceful horseback excursion. It’s a place where the grandeur of the Rockies meets the serenity of rolling grasslands and forested slopes, creating a diverse and engaging environment for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Lincoln Mountain Open Space is located within Douglas County, with its general address listed as Colorado 80118, USA. More specifically, the primary access point and trailhead are typically found at 7333 Jones Road, Franktown, CO. This puts it approximately 0.6 miles west of South State Highway 83 on Jones Road. Its location is strategically positioned between the growing communities of Castle Rock to the southwest and Franktown to the east, making it highly convenient for residents across Douglas County and the wider Denver metro area. For those driving from Denver, you would typically head south on I-25, take Exit 181 for Founders Pkwy/Plum Creek Pkwy towards Castle Rock, then navigate local roads that connect to Franktown and Jones Road. While public transportation does not directly serve this open space, its accessibility by personal vehicle is excellent, with a large parking area designed to accommodate numerous users, including those with horse trailers. The easy access ensures that locals can quickly transition from urban life to a refreshing natural environment, making it a perfect spot for regular outdoor excursions.

As an "Open Space" rather than a dedicated campground, Lincoln Mountain Open Space provides services centered around day-use outdoor recreation. These amenities and services are managed by Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources:

• Parking Area: A spacious parking lot is available at the trailhead, designed to accommodate vehicles and horse trailers.
• Multi-Use Trails: The primary service is access to a network of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Informational Signage: Trail maps and information about the open space, rules, and local ecology are typically available at the trailhead.
• Restroom Facilities: Basic restroom facilities (often vault toilets) are usually provided near the trailhead, although specifics can vary. Visitors should always be prepared for a rustic experience.
• Picnic Area: A short side trail from the Palmer Divide Ranch Trail leads to the Willow Tree Picnic Area, which offers creekside access for a shaded lunch spot.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times, ensuring safety for all users and wildlife.
• Year-Round Access: The open space is generally accessible year-round, from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Lincoln Mountain Open Space boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado:

• Diverse Trail System: The open space features two main keyhole loop trails: the Lincoln Mountain Trail (4.2 miles round trip) and the Palmer Divide Ranch Trail (4.5 miles round trip), which can be combined for an 8.3-mile outing.
• Stunning Views: From the flat top of Lincoln Mountain, hikers are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the distant Front Range, including Pikes Peak to the south and the valleys and ranch lands to the north.
• Varied Terrain: Trails traverse a mix of landscapes, including forested slopes with scrub oak, rocky cliff-sides, rolling prairie, and riparian areas along West Cherry Creek.
• Multi-Sport Accessibility: Catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, the trails offer options for various fitness levels, from relatively easy stretches to more aerobically taxing climbs.
• Wildlife Habitat: The diverse ecology, particularly the riparian areas, provides inviting habitat for local wildlife, offering opportunities for observation.
• Well-Maintained Paths: While some reviews mention past issues with trail maintenance or marking, Douglas County Open Space strives to provide generally well-graded and easily navigable paths, often with rock cairns marking the way.
• Close to Urban Centers: Its strategic location provides a quick and convenient natural escape for residents of nearby Douglas County communities and the wider Denver metropolitan area.
• Solitude and Serenity: Despite its accessibility, the open space offers moments of quiet solitude, allowing visitors to disconnect and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.

For more detailed information about Lincoln Mountain Open Space, including trail conditions, rules, and any specific alerts, the best resource is the official Douglas County website, specifically the section dedicated to their Open Space and Natural Resources. As this is a day-use open space and not a typical campground, there isn't a direct reservation system for "sites."

Address:
The primary trailhead and access point is located at:
7333 Jones Road, Franktown, CO

The general address provided is Colorado 80118, USA, which refers to the broader area.

Phone Number:
For general inquiries about Douglas County Open Space properties and their regulations, you can contact the Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources:

(303) 660-7495

It is always recommended to check the official Douglas County Open Space website (www.douglas.co.us/open-space-natural-resources/) before your visit for the most current information regarding trail closures, weather-related impacts, or any temporary restrictions that may be in place. Trail maps are often available online or at the trailhead kiosk.

Lincoln Mountain Open Space is an invaluable asset for Coloradans, offering an accessible and diverse outdoor experience right on their doorstep. For locals in Douglas County and the wider Front Range, it provides an immediate escape from urban environments into a beautiful natural setting, perfect for regular exercise and rejuvenation. Whether you're a hiker seeking panoramic views of Pikes Peak, a mountain biker looking for some varied singletrack, or an equestrian desiring wide trails for a relaxing ride, this open space caters to a range of activities. Its convenient location, coupled with well-maintained trails and ample parking, makes it incredibly easy to integrate outdoor activity into daily life without requiring extensive travel or complex planning. Lincoln Mountain Open Space exemplifies the Colorado spirit of outdoor living, providing a vital green space for physical activity, connection with nature, and appreciation of the stunning landscapes that define our state, making it a truly suitable and cherished resource for the local community.

Lincoln Mountain Open Space

Colorado 80118, USA