Aiken Canyon Preserve Hike

Note, this hike has limited space and is posted on multiple forums so you must contact the trip leader, Jim, directly by phone or e-mail to register.

Aiken Canyon Preserve is a 1621-acre state natural area about 12 miles south of Colorado Springs which is managed by the Nature Conservancy under a long-term lease.

It is a mixture foothills, shrubland and woodland habitats. It is named after Charles Aiken, a 19th- century ornithologist who first surveyed the region in the 1870s, identifying more than 75 bird species, and it continues to be an area particularly rich in wildlife and bird life. We will learn about the history of the area and how it serves as a valuable wildlife corridor.

This hike will be a moderate 5-1/2 mile hike with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Participants should bring lunch, plenty of water, clothing suitable for the weather conditions, including rain gear, and footwear suitable for hiking on a rough trail. Participants may carpool or caravan from Colorado Springs (carpool meeting time 9:30 a.m.) or meet at the trailhead, at participants’ option.

For details or to sign up, contact Jim Lockhart at 719-385-0045 or jlock@datawest.net.