Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) has completed its adaptive management plan for Chimney Hollow Open Space (CHOS). This plan will guide how the open space and reservoir are developed in preparation for a public opening in 2027, as well as how the open space will be managed for nature-based access and ecological values into the future.

Informed by several rounds of public feedback and input from a technical advisory committee, amenities at CHOS will provide high-quality, nature-based experiences while also protecting and enhancing natural resources, both in a fiscally sustainable manner.  

Included in the plan are the following:

• Trails –Construction of 10-12 miles of trails, including a shoreline trail and a connector trail to nearby Carter Lake, as well as loop options and possibly limited use or directional use trails.
• Reservoir access includes a concrete boat ramp and floating dock as well as areas for swimming and wakeless boating.
• Day-use amenities to include parking areas with picnic shelter, toilets, information kiosks providing access to both the open space trails and reservoir.
• New trailhead at the south end of Carter Lake with a trail connection into CHOS.

As part of the plan, LCDNR will monitor and protect ecological conditions of the land which includes largely intact rare and native species and sensitive habitats, including golden eagle nesting areas.

Additionally, the CHOS management plan outlines provisions for no overnight use; wakeless boating only; and restricted areas along the east side of the reservoir and quarry area.

Larimer County began development of the CHOS management plan in early 2024, and throughout the year collected public input through a variety of ways on both an ongoing basis and at key milestones. This input was collected through a technical advisory committee, website, surveys, and public open houses. Feedback was also gathered from the Open Lands Advisory Board, Parks Advisory Board and the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners. Overall, nearly 1,400 respondents interfaced with the plan’s website including 471 survey respondents and nearly 600 comments from community members.

To read the adaptive management plan for CHOS, please visit www.larimer.gov/chimney-hollow-open-space-adaptive-management-plan.

Chimney Hollow background

Acquired by Larimer County in 2004 to protect natural resources and provide future nature-based public access, CHOS is located five miles southwest of Loveland. Chimney Hollow Open Space is 1,847 total acres and is directly adjacent to Chimney Hollow Reservoir, which is 760 surface acres (by comparison, nearby Carter Lake is 1,100 surface acres).

Further details about CHOS can be found via Natural Resources’ website. For more information, please visit www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/chimney-hollow.