Larimer County Natural Resources releases cumulative "Rate Your Day" visitor satisfaction results

Visitors report strong outdoor experiences and satisfaction, offer future improvements

As Larimer County celebrates Earth Day today, recent ‘Rate Your Day’ findings serve as a reminder that caring for public lands is a shared effort in Larimer County.

After three years of gathering visitor feedback, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) is sharing the cumulative results of its 'Rate Your Day' visitor survey, highlighting consistently strong outdoor experiences, satisfaction, and key insights that help guide future improvements.

Across three seasons of feedback, 'Rate Your Day' resulted in an overall average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with 83% of respondents reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their visit, and 90% reporting feeling welcome and safe.

The cumulative results represent feedback from more than 2,200 visitors originating from across the United States, with 67% from Colorado — including 32% from Larimer County — and 15% from out of state. The demographics offered a broad perspective and timely pulse on experience and satisfaction across all of Larimer County's open spaces, campgrounds, trails, and reservoir parks.

Survey respondents reflected a wide range of outdoor recreation users, including campers, hikers, boaters, anglers, and day-use visitors.

Conducted annually from 2023 through 2025, each season running June through October, 'Rate Your Day' provided a simple, accessible way for visitors to share feedback. The three-question survey took less than two minutes to complete and was distributed through QR codes, post-visit emails, and on-site engagement.

While facilitating a scientifically valid survey was cost prohibitive, 'Rate Your Day' was designed to be something the department could carry out with existing staff and resources. What made it work was visitors themselves, people who took a moment during or after their visit to share what they experienced. The result is three years of candid, timely feedback that has directly informed how LCDNR manages and improves its public lands.

"Rate Your Day’ has helped us better understand how people experience our natural landscape, and we were delighted to learn that 90% feel welcome and safe when they are with us," said Director Daylan Figgs. "We're encouraged to see consistent positive feedback, and we're committed to using the public's feedback to improve access and stewardship of our shared natural resources."

Key cumulative findings (2023–2025 averages):

• Visitors rated their experience an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars
• 83% reported a satisfied or very satisfied experience
• 90% reported feeling welcome and safe
• 69% provided written comments

2025 findings:

• Visitors rated their experience an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars
• 81% reported a satisfied or very satisfied experience
• 88% reported feeling welcome and safe
• 67% provided written comments

Cumulatively, visitor feedback highlighted several consistent strengths. Respondents frequently praised clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, campgrounds, and trails. Many also noted the impact of friendly and knowledgeable staff, whose presence contributes to positive experiences and a strong sense of stewardship.

The natural beauty of the landscape, including scenic views, wildlife sightings, and well-maintained trails, remained a defining part of a positive visitor experience. Visitors also highlighted the quality and variety of recreation opportunities, from peaceful campgrounds to boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

While overall satisfaction remains high, ‘Rate Your Day’ also identified opportunities for improvement directly from visitors. Common themes included desired infrastructure upgrades and maintenance needs, such as access roads, campsite conditions, and restrooms. Challenges with the camping reservation system and campsite availability during peak seasons were also noted.

Visitors also shared input on fees and cost transparency, along with other challenging aspects of the visitor experience, including noise, shared use of spaces, pet management, and navigation challenges such as parking and payment systems.

Visitor feedback informs ongoing work across Larimer County's reservoir parks and open spaces, with a focus on infrastructure improvements, maintenance, trail systems, and visitor engagement.

To read year-over-year results and to learn more, please visit larimer.gov/naturalresources/RateYourDay. While 'Rate Your Day' is on hiatus in 2026, visitors are always welcome to send feedback to parksoffice@larimer.org.