Totaling approximately 600 acres, Austin Bluffs Open Space encompasses an interconnected group of parks and open spaces in the center of Colorado Springs. Austin Bluffs Open Space Master and Management Plan was completed to balance the desired recreational uses of the open space with the preservation of natural resources.

The Plan Goals, Existing Conditions Report and public input helped shape the Master Plan.  Preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources were key master plan goals. A Public Input Survey identified the natural and cultural resources as major reasons users enjoyed visiting the Open Space. Trail location opportunities were revealed by understanding existing trails and use patterns and identifying areas for protection and preservation. The key concept in the ABOS Plan was to create a sustainable and manageable trail system for current and future users.  Additionally, the plan called to formalize, improve and expand the existing trailheads and provide appropriate access to and from neighborhoods and UCCS campus.

The Austin Bluffs Open Space Master and Management Plan was adopted by the City of Colorado Springs June, 2020.  $220,000 was allocated in 2022 to begin construction on 4-miles of new trails, improvements to current trails and closures to rogue trails.