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Red Mountain Open Space

photo of park area

Red Mountain Open Space is now open!

Deep crimson and tan rocks, rolling grasslands, and sandy washes await you at Red Mountain Open Space, an approximately 15,000-acre open space located in northeastern Colorado, just 25 miles north of Fort Collins, Colorado. This area is a part of a much larger vision - the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project - which protects over 55,000 acres of land in this ecologically and culturally diverse landscape.

Red Mountain Open Space's significant natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreation values make it an ideal area for conservation. It encompasses the margin between the foothills and plains life zones. The biodiversity of this area is extremely high - with some intact plant communities as globally rare as gold. Keep a close eye out for wildlife as many species from both the plains and mountains live in the high quality habitat this area provides.

Not only does this area provide high quality natural resources and recreation, but it also has a rich history of human culture dating back twice the age of the Egyptian pyramids. Some of the first humans in North America resided in this area over 12,000 years ago and humans have lived and worked this land since. Out of respect for these cultures collection of any artifact is strictly prohibited. It is up to each of us to help preserve the ecological and cultural integrity of this area.

The trailhead for Red Mountain Open Space is on County Road 23, about an hour north of Fort Collins. From the trailhead hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can take off on over 8 miles of multi use trails. The Bent Rock Trail is a hiking only loop. Red Mountain Open Space is rugged and quite remote. Please plan your visit accordingly and expect quick changes in the weather as well as high winds.

If you arrive at the Open Space and find the parking lot full, the area is at capacity - parking is not allowed along the roadway or outside of the designated trailhead parking spaces. Please consider one of our other open spaces for your recreation that day and come back to Red Mountain Open Space another time.

General Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
  • You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules of this Open Space.
  • A Larimer County Department of Natural Resources' regulations brochure is available in the box below and upon request.
  • Share the trail - foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are welcome on designated trails.
  • Prevent trail conflict - Bikers yield to Hikers and Horses; Hikers yield to Horses.
  • Please leave your dog at home. This is a dog free open space.
  • Please pack out all trash.
  • Stay on designated trails at all times. Staying on trails prevents resource damage, erosion and wildlife conflict.
  • Do not camp or build fires of any kind.
  • No Hunting - except by special permit.
  • Please do not remove rocks, plants or cultural artifacts.
  • No public access December through February. Area closed seasonally due to sensitive wintering range for large mammals and low recreational opportunities.
  • Day use only - the open space trails and trailhead are closed from sunset to sunrise.
  • Special use permits required for any group use and special activities.

Directions

Trails

Management Plan

Future Vision

Tips and Information