Eagle's Nest Open Space
Eagle's Nest Open Space, near Livermore, provides breathtaking views of the Laramie Foothills. Along the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River you will discover the mountain mahogany foothills interspersed with rabbitbrush and ponderosa pine, which provide a diverse habitat for fauna such as deer, elk, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, and small mammals. Eagle's Nest Rock is a local landmark, as well as home to nesting golden eagles. In fact, eagles have nested here for over a hundred years! This open space has been preserved for the protection of the wildlife and your enjoyment.
There are approximately five miles of trails open to hiking and equestrian recreation that allow you to roam through the most scenic parts of this 827 acre property. The trails are located to avoid intrusions on sensitive wildlife habitat and a golden eagle nesting area. The area downstream of the North Fork of the Poudre River bridge is closed to fishing or any public access from February 1 to July 15, while the golden eagles are nesting nearby. In order to protect the resources on the open space please stay on the designated trails, respect seasonal closures, and observe Leave No Trace practices. Please be prepared with plenty of drinking water, as water is not available at the trailhead.
One item of note - Eagle's Nest Open Space provides pasture for a working ranch. This means that you will be sharing your trail with cattle! Roaming among these herds makes it seem as though you have been transported back in time to the old west. That was a time when everyone knew their neighbors, and there was always a "Howdy" to any stranger on the trail.
We have all helped purchase Eagle's Nest Open Space. Get intimately involved with your land by learning more about its wildlife, plant life, history, geology, and ranching tradition through the books listed under Reading Recommendations (below).
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
- Day use only. Closed sunset to sunrise. (The "dusk-to-dawn" gate at the trailhead opens and closes automatically - please time your hike/ride accordingly.
- No bicycles or motorized vehicles.
- Pets must be kept on leash at all times.
- Please pack out all trash and dog refuse.
- Stay on designated trails to avoid resource damage, wildlife conflicts, and private property trespass.
- Rock climbing, camping, fires, firearms, and fireworks prohibited.
- Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Livermore. Take Red Feather Lakes Road (C.R. 74E) west for about 1/3 mile. The entrance is on the south side of the road. Follow the road about one mile to the trailhead parking.
- 4.8 miles of trails ~ easy to moderate
(Oh - Tee) Trail ~ 1.8 miles
(3-Bar) Trail ~ 3 miles
- Hiking, horseback riding
Resource experts developed the management plan for the Eagle's Nest Open Space with the help of extensive public input. The detailed plan emphasizes the protection of the diverse habitat at this open space
| Type of Acquisition |
#Acres |
Property
Value |
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations |
Date
Acquired |
Public
Access |
| Fee Simple |
755 |
$ 2,000,000 |
Larimer Co. - $ 1,711,000
GOCO* - $ 200,000
Legacy Land Trust - $ 89,000 |
2001 |
Yes |
| Conservation Easement |
72 |
|
Larimer Co - $ 0
Landowner - $ 54,500 |
2002 |
No |
*Great Outdoors Colorado
The best way to feel that complete connection to a piece of land is learn all you can about it. The following is a reading list selected to cover a variety of topics associated with Eagle's Nest Open Space and the surrounding areas. Check this list periodically for new additions. These books can be found in local libraries, bookstores, and the Internet.
History
- History of Larimer County / Ansel Watrous: a good basis for area history
- Cavalry & Coaches: The Story of Camp and Fort Collins / John S. Gray: a detailed, interesting look at the U.S. Army and the Sioux and Cheyenne Indian wars in this area, including some incidents near Livermore
- Among These Hills: A History of Livermore Colorado / Livermore Women's Club: focuses on the characters and history that formed the Livermore area with references to Eagle's Nest
- Memoirs of an Old Timer / Wesley Swan: chronicles the pioneers of Livermore and vicinity
- Those Crazy Pioneers: With Life and Times of Lady Moon & Vignettes of History / Lafi Miller: great stories and characters of this area
Geology
- Prairie Peak and Plateau: A Guide to the Geology of Colorado / John and Halka Chronic: tells you how those vistas were created and what you are looking at
Wildlife
- Mammals of the Central Rockies / Jan L. Wassink: gives you a good idea of what you might see out there
- Animal Tracks (Peterson Field Guides) / Olaus J. Murie: whether in summer dust, fall or spring mud, or winter snow, this book tells you what has gone down the trail before you
- Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking / Tom Brown Jr. and Brandt Morgan: not only gives you a guide to animal tracks, but also has some fun methods for tracking and observing
- Rocky Mountain Wildlife / David Dahms: a good guide book for the kids
- Animal Tracks of the Rockies / Ian Sheldon: a very good pocket guide; has a section on how a set of tracks look when the animal is moving
Birds
- Western Birds (Peterson Field Guides) / Roger Tory Peterson: the classic bird field guide most often used
- All the Birds of North America (American Bird Conservancy's Field Guide) / J. Griggs: also very good, a little easier to use, and gives you a little different perspective in the bird illustrations
Wildflowers and Plants
- Guide to Colorado Wildflowers: Plains and Foothills / G.K. Guennel: a very complete and easy to use reference for identifying wildflowers
- Manual of the Grasses of the United States / Agnes Chase: if you are serious about knowing the grasses that grow on Eagle's Nest
