Kane Ranch Open Space
Photo by Bob Falcone

Kane Ranch Open Space has generations-worth of rich ranching history. Once a part of a 5,000-acre ranch established in the 1940s by a woman named Wanden Matthews La Farge. For more information about the project and some fascinating tidbits about the local area history of the area check out the history tab below.

The open space, located 4 miles east of Fountain on Squirrel Creek Road was acquired by El Paso County in 2003. It offers expansive views of native grasslands, pockets of cottonwood trees, and unique vies of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. The open space features the Lariat Loop Trail, a 3.5 mile long double-track natural surface trail, suitable for hiking, running, bicycling, and especially equestrian since the trail allows for riding side by side. Additional trails are planned for the property and will provide future recreational opportunities with the open space.

Please NOTE: This area is inhabited by rattlesnakes, please stay on the trail, and keep dogs on leash!

  • Location: 12791 Squirrel Creek Road, Colorado Springs 80928
  • Park Hours:
    Dawn to Dusk
  • Driving Directions:
  • From Interstate 25 (North or South Bound): Take Exit 128 and head northeast, then north on Santa Fe Avenue for 0.75 miles. Turn right (east) onto Ohio Street and continue eastward for 1.45 miles. Turn left (north) and travel 0.40 mile on Rea Road which makes a hard right, turning into Kane Road. Turn left (north) on Link Road and head north for 0.50 mile. Turn right (east) on Squirrel Creek Road and drive for 4.05 miles to the entrance of Kane Ranch Open Space on the right (south) side of the road.
    From South Powers Boulevard: At the intersection of South Powers Boulevard and Fountain Mesa Road, head south on Fountain Mesa Road for 0.80 mile to C & S Road. Turn left (east) on C & S Road and travel for 1.25 miles to Link Road. Turn right (south) on Link Road and travel 1 mile to Squirrel Creek Road. Turn left (east) on Squirrel Creek Road and drive for 4.05 miles to the entrance of Kane Ranch Open Space on the right (south) side of the road.
  • El Paso County Parks:
    (719) 520-7529
  • Park Weather: NOAA

Kane Ranch Open Space has generations-worth of rich ranching history. The 440-acre parcel that is now Kane Ranch Open Space was once part of a 5,000-acre ranch established in the 1940s by a woman named Wanden Matthews La Farge. Born Wanden Matthews, she came from a privileged background in New York and was extremely well-educated and well-traveled. Wanden’s first husband, Oliver La Farge, was a noted American writer and anthropologist best known for his research and writing on Native American culture. Wanden and Oliver had a son, Oliver Albee “Peter” La Farge, and a daughter, Povy La Farge. The family relocated to Santa Fe in 1933 where Oliver toured and studied Native American sites across the Southwest, often accompanied by the family. Wanden and Oliver’s struggling marriage ended in divorce in 1935, with Wanden and the children resettling in Fountain, Colorado. Wanden originally purchased a house in town, but soon purchased the 5,000 acres east of town that would become Kane Ranch. She hired Alexander “Andy” Kane, a local rancher, as the foreman, and the two eventually were married. Thereafter, she was known as Wanden Kane, and the ranch became known as Kane Ranch. In addition to ranching, Wanden Kane served two terms as mayor of Fountain starting in 1942. She was Colorado’s first female mayor.

Wanden Matthews Kane
Wanden Matthews Kane
Andy Kane Broadmoor Rodeo
Andy Kane at the Broadmoor Rodeo
  • Cycling / Mountain Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Restrooms

Make a donation specifically to Kane Ranch Open Space through the “Trust for County Parks.”

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