Workers install a frame for a concrete wall to be poured for the new information center under construction at Horsetooth Reservoir. Photo by Pamela Johnson, Reporter-Herald.

Construction Crews Busy Enhancing Parks, Open Spaces

Thank you for your patience as we complete these projects! Be sure to check conditions pages before visiting these parks and open spaces.

Horsetooth Reservoir - The new information center and shop facility are really taking shape! Both are scheduled to open this summer. Access is not impacted at this time for visitors to the South Bay area. Learn more »

Devil's Backbone Trailhead - The expanded parking area should be complete by mid-March. For public safety, there is NO TRAIL ACCESS from the trailhead during construction. Wild Loop Trail remains closed. Learn more »

Soderberg Trailhead - Work is scheduled to last until the end of May on a new horse trailer parking lot at this trailhead, which accesses Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Temporary closures may happen on weekdays. Learn more »

Lions Open Space - The parking area is closed until at least April 22. Work is being done to stabilize the riverbank and enhance fish habitat in the Poudre River. The Pleasant Valley Trail and fishing access remain open. Learn more »

If you encounter a muddy trail like this, go through it! Walking on the edges widens the trail and tramples vegetation. Trail erosion can take many years to recover.

Be Prepared Before You Hit the Trail During Mud Season

Warm temperatures mean muddy trails. Don't go around mud! Stay on the trail. Plan ahead and wear waterproof footwear. Use trails in the early morning when the ground is still frozen, or consider walking or riding a paved trail.

Get more tips on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Search #LCTrailTips.

A hiker explores the many ridges and gullies of Red Mountain Open Space near the Colorado-Wyoming border. Photo by Mark Yoder.

Red Mountain, Hermit Park Reopen after Seasonal Closures

Red Mountain Open Space, 25 miles north of Fort Collins, and Hermit Park Open Space, 2 miles southeast of Estes Park, reopened to the public on March 1. Both open spaces close during winter to protect wildlife habitat.

Recipients of the 2016 Small Grants for Community Partnering received their awards during a ceremony in February with Larimer County commissioners and staff.

Grants Support Wildlife, Agriculture, Native Plants & More!

Larimer County proudly gave back more then $20,000 in Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax funds to people making a difference in their communities. In 2016, grant-funded projects include bison research, a walking trail, agricultural literacy, demonstration gardens, wetland health, an observatory and others.

Read about a bluebird project funded through the small grants program »

A raptor perches on a tree at Eagle's Nest Open Space, which has been home to nesting golden eagles for more than a century. Photo by Mark Yoder.

Temporary Closures Protect Nesting Raptors

Human presence can impair the ability of raptors to rear their young. For this reason, until mid-July, fishing access downstream of the bridge at Eagle's Nest Open Space is closed. River access downstream from the parking lot at River Bluffs Open Space is also closed. Thank you for observing these closures!

Join Volunteer Naturalists for a moonlit walk at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space to learn all about one of our local residents: snakes! Photo by Casey Cisneros.

Upcoming Guided Hikes and Programs

Moon Over My Open Space: Rattlesnakes - March 23 (Wed.), 6:45 p.m., Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Night Sky Photography Workshop - April 8 (Fri.), 7 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Night Sky Photography Workshop - April 29 (Fri.), 7:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Registration will open soon for April programs.

Information and registration: www.larimer.org/NRregistration/, or Heather Young at (970) 619-4489 or hyoung@larimer.org.