richmil ranch open space

Richmil Ranch is an Arapahoe County Open Space just north of Deer Trail, Colorado. Depending on where you are in the Denver metro area, it is 30-60 minutes from home. Those of us in the city don't often get a chance to visit and appreciate the prairie lands to the east of Denver. This Open Space park gives us the opportunity to walk in the prairie. We happened to visit in the autumn. The fall colors of the trees and prairie grasses were glowing. I would imagine it would be beautiful to be here anytime there is a clear sky and it's not too hot or cold. There are trails that allow you to choose a short hike or a longer hike. Along with seeing the prairie grasses and wildflowers, you will come across a small pond next to a windmill. This site is alongside I-70 and you will see and hear the traffic, but there is something romantic about being next to this pond in the farmlands, but watching national travelers and truckers going by on this important freeway. If you take the longer trail, you will walk around a piece of agricultural land that is an irrigated circle. This is one of those large irrigated spaces you see from the airplanes. The trail is nice and well-maintained. There is a slight slope, but most people will have no trouble walking this mostly-flat trail. There are porta-potties at the parking area and some good signage. This is a perfect spot for a 2-3 hour getaway with the family or a date. There isn't much in Deer Trail, so I'd bring water and a picnic. We stopped in Strasburg on I-70 for lunch and drove back to the south Denver suburbs by way of the county roads. It was a long and lovely drive through the agricultural areas - we even saw an antelope and lots of incredible birds. Take advantage of this great new open space!