Eagle's Nest Open Space

A resident coyote

Current Conditions

Report Last Updated: 5/5/2008
These reports are updated only when conditions change

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources will be conducting Eagle Watch programs through June. Rangers will lead round-trip hikes through the beautiful spring flowers and vast panoramas of Eagle’s Nest Open Space to the viewing location. With the aid of a telescope you can see the adults and chicks on their cliff-face nest hundreds of feet above the North Fork of the Poudre River. In May the fuzzy heads of the chicks appear as the adults bring them food from their hunting forays along the ridges and valleys. Through June you’ll witness the chicks growing larger and changing to dark plumage. The real fun is watching the young ones learn to stretch their wings and practice flight to leave their high-altitude home.

You can sign up for these programs by contacting Charles Gindler, Park Manager, by phone (970-498-5606) or by email (cgindler@larimer.org). When the weather conditions are right you will be called or emailed with a date and time to meet at the Eagle’s Nest Open Space trail head for a hike to the viewing site. For more events and activities check out the Events Calendar!

Weather

Snow one day, and hot and sunny the next. Well, that’s spring time in Colorado. It has been an exceptionally dry spring, but a little warm sun has started painting Eagle’s Nest green. Leaves are coming out on the cottonwoods. There can be some wonderful days here with very moderate temperatures. If you intend to go out on the trails be prepared with warm clothing, water, a snack, and sunscreen. Remember, the weather can change rapidly and you need to be prepared. It is a great time to visit without the summer heat and you are more likely to have the trails to yourself.

Wildlife

The mule deer are more evident as they browse on the new brush shoots. Small critters are out foraging more often, and coyotes and other predators can occasionally be seen hunting them.

It is warm enough now for rattlesnakes to be out and about. Just give them some space.

Raptor/Bird Sightings

Golden eagles have been nesting at Eagle’s Nest Rock (where else?) at Eagle’s Nest Open Space for over 120 years. Once again this year the eagles have set up their nursery, but in a new location at an old nest site.

Wildflowers

A few of the early spring flowers are peeking through the grass. If the dry weather continues we may not get the usual carpet of wildflowers we normally have.

Trail Conditions

Right now the trail conditions are very good. If we get any heavy spring rains we advise not using the trails because of the damage it may cause. If you would like a trail condition update please call 970-498-5606.

Parts of both trail loops incorporate old ranch roads. Other portions of these ranch roads are not part of the trail system. Watch for the trail directional markers with the "3-Bar" and “OT” trail symbols on them, and please don’t go on the roads with “NO PUBLIC ACCESS” signs. Horse users, please consider postponing your ride at Eagle’s Nest Open Space if the trails get muddy after rains or wet snows to avoid trail damage.

Fishing

Fishing on the North Fork of the Poudre River is closed downstream from the bridge until July to prevent disturbing the nearby eagle nesting area. Fishing is permitted year round on approximately 900 feet upstream from the bridge to the property line. The river flow is low for this time of the year and the fishing is poor. Please take it easy on the new fences along the river built to keep cattle out of the riparian areas. Also, there is private property up and down river of Eagle’s Nest Open Space. Please honor the “NO TRESPASSING” signs. Remember, a valid fishing license is required, and we recommend using only artificial lures and "catch and release".

Hunting

Hunting will be allowed on Eagle's Nest Open Space in 2008 during the regular deer and elk archery and muzzle-loading rifle seasons, starting in August. Access to U.S. Forest Service land west of Eagle's Nest Open Space will be allowed during the regular 2008 archery, muzzle-loading rifle, and rifle seasons. Access and hunting is permitted only Monday through Thursday from 1 1/2 hours prior to 1 hour after daylight hours. Access is by foot or horse only. Hunters are required to sign in and out, and to park in designated "hunter parking only" spaces. Vehicles cannot be left in the trailhead parking lot overnight. Hunters are required to have unloaded rifles while crossing Eagle’s Nest Open Space to the Forest Service land, and must stay on designated trails. A valid hunting license is required. U.S. Forest Service land is intermingled with private property. Please become familiar with Forest Service boundaries, take a good map, respect private property, and don't trespass.