Share the news! On April 5, Castlewood Canyon State Park will officially open ournew trail into the East Canyon Preservation Area.

Friends of Castlewood Canyon State Park, Colorado State Trails Program, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Denver Region and National Public Lands Day provided the funds to construct a trail into this seldom seen environment. This area of the Park, which is now open to the public, has previously been accessible only on Naturalist-guided hikes.

Park regulations support the intent to preserve the natural beauty and wildness of the East Canyon Preservation Area. The following rules will protect the East Canyon Preservation Area:

- Hikers must always stay on the trail,

- No pets are allowed, and

- Horseback riding and rock climbing are not permitted.

The East Canyon Preservation Area will safeguard a portion of the prairie grassland and its inhabitants for many years to come. At the same time, visitors to the canyon can enjoy this area as it has existed for thousands of years.

The four-mile trail takes the hiker along the rim of the canyon carved by Cherry Creek, down across the creek and up a narrow side canyon. As you walk along the eastern loop

of the new trail, you will be able to look across the prairie grasslands that appears to extend to the Rampart Range, Devil's Head and Pikes Peak. It is not difficult to imagine the landscape of 150 years ago. If you try hard enough, you can see cowboys workin' the herd or homesteaders staking out their claims.

The ribbon cutting event is planned for 12:00noon at the new trail head adjacent to the Bridge Canyon Overlook Parking Lot. Refreshments will be served.