Finding Quiet Miles at Sandstone Ranch Open Space
There’s something special about starting a hike in a place that greets you with open sky and rolling prairie as far as you can see. Sandstone Ranch Open Space feels like a reminder that adventure doesn’t always have to be dramatic. Big strenuous hikes that end with a dramatic view. That sometimes it can just be simple hike with barely any elevations gain, that is grounding, and exactly what you need that day. An easy walk through nature.
About a week ago to this post, I went to Sandstone Ranch Open Space to take an easy 1.7 mile hike (of course that turned into a 3 mile hike). The trail welcomed me with soft morning light stretching across the meadows. The air felt warm and calm. The trail was gentle. And for the first time in a long time, I found myself not rushing, not pushing, just moving. One easy step at a time. And it truly felt amazing. I have been recovering from both a surgery and a stress reaction injury, and finally feeling well enough to get out and move was something my body (and dogs) needed.
Sandstone Ranch Open Space is the kind of place where you can let your mind breathe. The wide trail makes it beginner‑friendly, the elevation is manageable, and the landscape is the kind that slowly unfolds rather than demands constant attention. It’s perfect for anyone returning from injury, starting a fitness journey, or simply wanting to reconnect with nature in a low‑pressure way.
The stillness out here reminded me why movement matters so much. Not for mileage. Not for pace. But for presence. Being able to take in the silance and beauty without expectation. Walking at Sandstone Ranch made me feel like I was reclaiming my own sense of rhythm. A slow, steady, joyful rhythm that carried me through each grounding mile. This hike made me realize how much I missed hiking, missed nature, and missed sharing it with the world. The feeling that I leave with after a hike is something my body and mind missed immensely.
If you’re looking for a place where the world feels soft again, this is it. Let the prairie remind you that healing takes time. That you’re allowed to enjoy every step of the journey.
