By Carolyn Coene
July 9, 2026
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A 347-acre stretch of Colorado's Front Range has been permanently preserved, protecting wildlife, open space, and future recreation opportunities through a partnership between The Conservation Fund and Jefferson County Parks & Open Space. Located along Colorado's Front Range near the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area, the conservation effort prevents future development.
“Protecting this stunning landscape adjacent to Red Rocks Amphitheater is a big win for Coloradans and visitors to our state,” said Justin Spring, vice president and Colorado state director at The Conservation Fund. “The landscape protects sensitive habitat and important species while also guaranteeing that future generations can continue to experience the remarkable outdoor beauty of Colorado’s Front Range.”
Jefferson County oversees about 60,000 acres of open space that attract roughly 10 million visitors each year. With the continued increase in population and increasing demand for outdoor recreation, protecting Braun Ranch helps expand access to hiking and other recreational opportunities while maintaining open land.
“Conserving Braun Ranch enables a vital link for our Jefferson County Parks and Open Space system,” said Aaron Roth, director of Jefferson County Parks & Open Space. “The views stretching toward Mt. Blue Sky embody the inspiration that can be found from our doorstep in the Front Range, and we are proud to work alongside Denver Mountain Parks to ensure this iconic landscape around Red Rocks Amphitheatre remains protected for everyone.”
The ranch sits between Red Rocks and Matthews/Winters Park and is surrounded by other protected open spaces. It also borders several high-priority conservation areas recognized for their biodiversity by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
The property serves as an important wildlife corridor for species including elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. It also provides habitat for several rare species identified in Colorado's State Wildlife Action Plan, including the Hops Azure butterfly, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Mottled Duskywing butterfly, and Fiddleleaf Twinpod.
In addition to preserving wildlife habitat and scenic views, protecting Braun Ranch strengthens connections to existing trail systems near Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Conserving the land also supports forest and watershed management efforts that can improve climate resilience and reduce the risk of wildfire in Colorado's foothills.
Funding for the project was provided in part by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), which uses a share of Colorado Lottery proceeds to support parks, trails, wildlife habitat, rivers, and open space conservation throughout the state.
“Hundreds of acres protected forever right in Denver’s backyard is an incredible win that speaks to Colorado’s unique commitment to the outdoors,” said Jackie Miller, executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado. “Like the beloved destinations that surround it, Braun Ranch supports wildlife, expands access to recreation and nature for millions, and preserves that sense of awe that defines the Red Rocks landscape we Coloradans know and love. GOCO is so proud to support this work.”
The preservation of Braun Ranch represents a significant investment in Colorado's natural resources, ensuring the land remains protected for wildlife, recreation, and future generations while supporting the region's long-term environmental health.