Directions: From Denver or Castle Rock, take I-25 south for approximately 6 miles to Exit 176 (Tomah Road).  Turn left over the bridge crossing I-25 and turn left (north) on the I-25 Frontage Road.   When you see the sign for "Open Space" turn right (east) into the park.

Columbine Open Space is a small natural area wedged between the train tracks and I-25.  If you can get past the coal trains and the highway traffic, you might enjoy the otherwise very pleasant trail.  There are two loop trails, one leaves the parking lot and heads south, one north.  Doing both loops is abound 2 1/2 miles.  The north trail has a small pond and some views of Pike's Peak in the far distance.  The south trail is longer and has nice views of the surrounding buttes and Devil's Head and the Rampart Range to the west.  There is an old historic red barn that is interesting to explore.  While this trail is close to Castle Rock, considering the many nearby hiking options, Columbine OS is often overlooked...it's nice, but not as nice as Spruce Mountain OS or Greenland OS...