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Places We Protect

Aiken Canyon Preserve

Colorado

Rocky hills covered in green trees at Aiken Canyon Preserve in Colorado.
Aiken Canyon Preserve Meadow at Aiken Canyon Preserve in Colorado © J. D. Marston

A place where birds and wildflowers abound.

Things to consider when visiting

Know Before You Go

  • The preserve and its trails are open year-round, dawn to dusk daily. The picnic area and restrooms are currently open, but may be closed seasonally or for cleaning/maintenance.

  • A narrow, 3.3-mile-loop hiking trail begins at the entrance. A short, steep 0.2-mile trail climbs from the high point on the loop trail up to an overlook point. An additional 0.9-mile trail branches off from the loop and makes its way through the canyon. 

    • No pets. Dogs and other pets are prohibited on the preserve to protect sensitive wildlife from disturbance.
    • Foot travel only on preserve trails. No bicycles, horseback riding, or off-road vehicles.
    • Stay on designated hiking trails.  No off-trail access permitted.
    • No alcohol, smoking or, vaping.
    • No hunting, camping or campfires.
    • Taking off or landing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is prohibited on the preserve.
    • Do not feed or disturb wildlife or damage or remove any plants, animals, wood, minerals, or artifacts. Collecting of any kind is prohibited.

    Please report to us any problems you observe (e.g. visitors with pets, camping, etc.) by emailing co_info@tnc.org.

    Use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs) are permitted only in the parking area and trails to the restroom and picnic shelter. OPDMDs must be able to safely negotiate trail features, including turning around, without going off the trail. OPDMDs must not be operated in dangerous or reckless manner. A person may be asked to leave the site if the OPDMD is being operated in an unsafe or disruptive manner. OPDMDs must yield to pedestrians.

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    Plants

    You'll find excellent examples of two globally rare plant communities:

    • Pinyon pine, one-seeded juniper/Scribner needlegrass woodland
    • Gambel oak-mountain mahogany shrubland.

    Several native tallgrass species also occur here.

    Birds

    More than 100 species of birds have been documented. The sharp-eyed birdwatcher may see one or more of the following species:

    • Colorado nuthatches (three species)
    • Cooper's hawks
    • Golden eagles
    • Hairy and downy woodpeckers
    • Northern harriers
    • Prairie falcons
    • Sharp-shinned hawks
    • Western bluebirds
    • Wild turkeys 

    Mammals

    • Black bear
    • Gray fox
    • Mountain lion
    • Mule deer
    • Rocky Mountain elk
    • Spruce squirrels
    • Tuft-eared squirrels