120
Acres
2024
Year Acquired
Easy–Mod
Difficulty
Free
Entry
A Community Win
Avenger Open Space is the result of one of the most inspiring community efforts in Woodland Park's recent history. When this 120-acre parcel — a historic mining claim that residents had enjoyed for 30–40 years — went up for sale, the community rallied. The grassroots nonprofit Teller Trail Team, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and city officials worked together to secure a $500,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to purchase the land.
On April 15, 2024, the city closed on the property, and on October 14, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with over 60 attendees officially opened Avenger Open Space to the public — forever. A conservation easement held by Palmer Land Conservancy guarantees the land will remain a sanctuary for wildlife and recreation in perpetuity.
What You'll Find
Avenger Open Space features a mix of pine and aspen forests, open meadows, and grassy knolls with views looking out to Pikes Peak's broad massif and the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo ranges in the distance. The property sits as a narrow strip between national forest, creating a unique corridor for wildlife and hikers alike.
The open space includes existing social trails that have been used by neighbors and visitors for decades, now being formalized as maintained system trails. The terrain is generally easy to moderate, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.
Why It Matters for Homebuyers
The creation of Avenger Open Space is a significant quality-of-life indicator for Woodland Park. A 2023 city parks master plan survey found that 83% of residents said their primary interest from the parks department was more open spaces and trails. The city listened — and Avenger represents the largest land acquisition ever made by the city of Woodland Park.
For homebuyers, proximity to permanently preserved open space is a genuine value-add. Properties near Avenger Open Space benefit from guaranteed views, recreation access, and the assurance that the adjacent land will never be developed.
Getting There
Avenger Open Space is located on the outskirts of Woodland Park. Check with the city's Parks and Recreation Department at (719) 687-5225 for the latest access information, trailhead locations, and any seasonal considerations as the space continues to be developed.