Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Get away from the crowds this spring and explore more of Larimer County’s open spaces by taking the loop less traveled. Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is offering three new loop trails. Enjoy more scenery, less crowds, and better trail conditions.

Know BEFORE you go

CoTrex Trail ReportsCheck Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) at https://trails.colorado.gov for the most up-to-date trail conditions, closures, and alerts. Or check under the "Trails & Weather" tab below.
Pearl Fire: Carter Lake -- Recreation Advisory

Carter Lake will be utilized for the Pearl Fire response beginning today (9/17/24) until further notice. Active water scooper planes will impact levels of recreation allowed on the water. Motorized boating is closed; wakeless boating areas (designated with buoys) remain open. Due to forecasted high winds today, limited rescue resources, and visitor safety as top priority, any paddlecraft or hand-launch recreation is not allowed at Carter Lake until further notice. All shoreline activities and camping at Carter Lake remains open.  For recreation closures and advisories in Larimer County, visit COTREX (trails.colorado.gov) or fire and evacuation updates, visit nocoalert.org
Red Mountain Open Space - Closed

RED MOUNTAIN OPEN SPACE is closed for the winter season to provide habitat and clear migration routes for wildlife from December 1, 2021 until March 1, 2022.  

Background

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (HTMOS) was originally acquired by Larimer County in 1982.

2022 User Fee Adjustments - Devil's Backbone

The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved adjustments to 2022 user fees for Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) parks and open spaces on September 14, 2021. The adjusted fees will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022 including a new fee at Devil’s Backbone south trailhead. (Note: Valid LCDNR Annual Permits purchased in 2021 will provide access to Devil's Backbone.)

Now Open!

Sky View Campground is a 6-acre recreational development project near Carter Lake, opening to reserved campers officially for the first time, on May 20, 2022. This exciting project is the first campground catering to large grou

Rotary Park Spike Strip activates July 10

To increase public safety and to ensure one-way traffic flow at the popular Rotary Park day use area (CR23) at Horsetooth Reservoir, a spike strip will be activated  Friday, July 10. The spike strip allows traffic to flow one way in (south entrance) and to exit one way out (north exit) of the day use area. There is NO north entrance. Heed the one-way entrance and one-way exit signs. Serious tire damage can occur if you travel over the strip the wrong way. 
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