(All photographs by Michael Myers except where indicated in the captions)

Probably the wisest thing my mother ever told me is this: At some point in your life you have to decide to focus on what you do have rather than what you don’t. And while this past year forced many of us to focus not only on what we don’t have, but we may lose in the near future, one thing is certain: We in El Paso County have lots of incredible open space and, thanks to TOPS and the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC), it may be our greatest treasure and our most enduring legacy. Red Rock Canyon and the Paint Mines are, perhaps, two of the best examples of TOPS open space purchases that have made our community an infinitely more valuable place to live.

On a windy day this past November, we were invited to check out the newest open space purchased with our 1 cent/$10 sales tax: Corral Bluffs.

Hidden among the low-rising bluffs east of town, Corral Bluffs is not yet open to the public. However, there are guided tours available once a month and the next one will be on February 6. (More info HERE). Space is limited, so have a look at our slide show with guided narration by Phyllis Cahill and Lee Milner then sign up as soon as you can.