Stratton Open Space
Aliases: Gold Camp Path, Mesa Reservoirs, Upper Mesa Reservoir, Lower Mesa Reservoir
This large open space has a variety of habitats, from foothills scrub, ponderosa, small reservoirs, and riparian. Foothills breeders and all three nuthatches can be found, as well as a good variety of corvids, and sometimes ducks during the winter on the upper reservoir; rock squirrels, coyotes and deer may be seen with some regularity, and the very fortunate might glimpse a black bear or a mountain lion. This is one of the few locations in Colorado with breeding Ovenbirds.
Restrictions: Obey all rules and regulations
County: El Paso
Attractions: Scenic views to the east
Directions: From I-25, take Exit 141, Cimarron Street (US 24), west to 21st Street. Turn left (south), following 21st Street until it becomes Cresta Road. Just after passing Cheyenne Mountain High School, turn right on La Veta Way. A small parking area is at the end of this road.
Alternate Directions: From I-25, take Exit 141, Cimarron Street (Rt. 24), west to 21st Street. Turn left (south), following 21st Street until it becomes Cresta Road. Just after passing Cheyenne Mountain High School, turn left on La Veta Way. A small parking area is at the end of this road.
Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Reservoir, Ponderosa Forest, Mixed-Confer Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Yes
Lodging: Hotel in Colorado Springs
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 62 B3
ROC: 1.05E+03
Latitude: 38.8007
Longitude: -104.85654