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Red Mountain Open Space Conditions

photo from Park
Big Hole from Cheyenne Rim trail (photo by Larimer County Ranger)

Current Conditions

For up-to-date information straight from the field:

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Report Last Updated: 5/7/2013
These reports are updated only when conditions change

For Natural Resources events and activities, check out the Events Calendar! 

Dogs are not allowed at Red Mountain Open Space. They are seen as predators by wildlife, and would disrupt the routines of the wildlife. Protection of the wildlife and other sensitive cultural and historical areas is important so that they are around for generations to come.  Camping is not permitted at Red Mountain Open Space.

Weather conditions can change rapidly.  Dress in layers, carry extra clothing, and be prepared for cold and wet weather. 

Trail Conditions - All trails are currently open and well maintained. 
 
If extremely muddy conditions exist, these trails may be closed to protect them from damage.  Such closures will be posted on this site, on open space road signs, at trailheads and a Facebook and Twitter update will be sent out.  Otherwise, please stay on trail and do not go around muddy spots.  If people go around muddy areas, the trail widens and vegetation is trampled.  A widened trail is very difficult and expensive to restore.  Thank you for helping to keep your open spaces beautiful!  

 
Please bring plenty of water.  Water is not available at the trail head. 
 
Red Mountain Open Space trails connect into the City of Fort Collins Soapstone Prairie Natural Area trails, so if you would like to hike, bike, or ride for greater distances there is plenty to enjoy. Please grab a trail map from the kiosk to help navigate the new trails.
 
Wildlife
Coyote, red fox, swift fox, bobcat, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, bear and many other animals reside in this area. 
 
Bird Sightings
Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, golden eagles, prairie and peregrine falcons, great horned owls, several types of swallows, meadow larks, horned larks, and many other birds live in and have been spotted at Red Mountain Open Space.  
 

HuntingLimited hunting by special access hunting permit for deer and elk will occur on weekdays only during the second, third, and fouth combined seasons along with the cow elk season.  Special access hunting permit application period is in February of each year.  Applications can be found under the hunting information link on the Red Mountain Open Space web page.  Drawing for special access hunting permits will be in March.  If you were not successful in the drawing, you may not access Red Mountain Open Space for public hunting.