Douglas Creek Open Space

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Goose Gossage Park Gossage Youth Sports Complex

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Douglas Creek Open Space is a 5,400-acre protected area in the state of Colorado.

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Summary

It is located in the northwestern part of the state, near the town of Rangely. The open space is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

One of the main reasons to visit Douglas Creek Open Space is for the stunning scenery. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including cottonwood and box elder trees, elk, deer, and a variety of bird species. There are also several points of interest within the open space, including a historic sheepherder's cabin, a natural rock arch, and a series of petroglyphs left by the Ute Indians.

Visitors to Douglas Creek Open Space can also enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. There are several developed campsites within the open space, as well as numerous backcountry camping opportunities.

The best time of year to visit Douglas Creek Open Space depends on your preferences. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing, while fall is the best time to see the changing colors of the trees. Winter offers the opportunity for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Douglas Creek Open Space is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of Colorado.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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