On April 5 th, the new East Canyon Preservation Trail opened to excited hikers. After a few words by Dean Winstanley, Director of Colorado State Parks, Ron Claussen, President of Castlewood Canyon State Park and Jen Marten, Park Manager of Castlewood Canyon State Park; attendees shared a very large brownie...something to give them energy as they hiked the four-mile trail.

This event was eleven years in the making. Friends of Castlewood Canyon State Park (Friends) formed a private-public partnership with State Parks Division, Douglas County and Greater Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to purchase 397 acres immediately adjacent to the park boundary.

After wildlife and cultural studies a route into this area was developed. Friends along with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Denver Region, National Public Lands Day and Colorado State Trails Program provided the funds to construct a trail. Other volunteer groups put the finishing touches just prior to the April 5 th event.

The sun was out and so were wildflowers and birds. Hikers experienced the canyon along the new trail, listened to Cherry Creek bubbling along, the sounds of the winds in the ponderosa pines, the scamper of chipmunks and vistas unmarred by humans.

To keep this area as unmarred as possible the following regulations apply:

- Hikers must always stay on the trail,

- No pets are allowed, and

- Horseback riding and rock climbing are not permitted.

If you have the time to leisurely observe a unique and pristine environment you should consider this trail in your hiking future.