merging awareness, creativity, and nature COLWELL CEDARS
In January 2026, the ancient juniper forest of Colwell Cedars was added to the Old Growth Forest Network.
This national organization emphasizes the value of old growth forests. We were added as a private forest of 40 acres, the first private forest to be designated in Colorado. The Network also designates community and public land forests across the country.
The designation means we value the importance of old growth ecosystems.
Our juniper trees—as well as the native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife—make this a very special place. We have managed our land as a nature preserve; much of it looks like it would have hundreds of years ago.
Click https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/private-forests to learn more on the Old Growth Forest Network website.
EXPLORING NATURE AT COLWELL CEDARS
HIKING AT CEDARS
HIKING AT CEDARS
HIKING AT CEDARS
There are 33 trails with a total length of over 4 miles. They range from easy trails of only a few hundred feet to difficult trails 1/5 mile in length. The trails are organized in relation to the five unique topographical features at Cedars: Sage Flat Area, Ruby Springs Drainage, Center Ridge Area, Cabin Creek Drainage, and West Ridge Area.
PLANTS OF CEDARS
HIKING AT CEDARS
HIKING AT CEDARS
Flowers, trees, cacti, shrubs, moss and lichen, and more. Glorious diversity in 40 acres: about 200 that we know of!
Accessible by our trail system.
Admire them, draw them, paint them, photograph them, or commune with them.
Or discover a new one!
WILDLIFE OF CEDARS
NATURE & ART JOURNEYS
NATURE & ART JOURNEYS
In addition to mule deer, rock squirrels, bobcat, chipmunk, and cottontail, we have infrequent sightings of badger, prairie dog, coyote, marmot, mountain lion, packrat, raccoon, weasel-ermine, porcupine, striped skunk and civet.
Plus, 91 species-varieties of birds, insects, arachnids and reptiles, too numerous to count.
NATURE & ART JOURNEYS
NATURE & ART JOURNEYS
NATURE & ART JOURNEYS
When you intuitively feel something is missing in your life, come to Cedars for a personalized Nature and Art Journey and experience natural connections to re-discover creativity and re-awaken your senses.
We will guide you as you explore the natural world abundant at Cedars.
More than cedars!
Nothing sleepy about the Sleeping Cedar Trail. Just a wonderful walk through diverse wild habitats.