Rimrock Open Space
Rimrock Open Space is an important component of Larimer County's Front Range Mountain Backdrop and continues the protection of significant aesthetic and ecological values. The unmarred view of imposing red rock cliffs rising against a mottled background of mountain mahogany shrubland is a striking western landscape that is rapidly disappearing as residential development creeps into the Larimer County foothills. From incursions by native peoples, to settlement by homesteaders, to the influence of quarries and an encroaching community, this area has seen a great deal of change over time. The Larimer County Open Lands Program purchased the 746 acre Rimrock Open Space in partnership with the City of Fort Collins.
Currently access to Rimrock Open Space is accomplished through the Coyote Ridge Natural Area off County Road 19, midway between Fort Collins and Loveland. Here hikers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and equestrians may traverse a seven mile round-trip trail and enjoy a spectacular viewshed of dramatic red rock cliffs and hogback valleys. In the summer of 2006, the Rimrock Open Space trail system became part of the Blue Sky Trail extending from the Devil's Backbone trailhead to Horsetooth Reservoir.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
- Day use only. Access is not permitted 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- No pets are allowed.
- Stay on the trail to avoid and not disturb wildlife, including rattlesnakes.
- Firearms, fires, fireworks, hunting and trapping are prohibited.
- Access from County Road 19 (Taft Hill in Fort Collins, or Wilson in Loveland) south of the Larimer County Landfill at the Coyote Ridge Natural Area trailhead parking lot.
- 7-mile trail, round trip, over several hogbacks ~ easy to moderate with two difficult sections
- Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding ~ no dogs allowed
This foothills open space features a 4 mile trail for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use which connects to Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Future use of this open space will include an additional 5 miles of trail that will be a section of the regional trail system from Lory State Park to the Devil's Backbone Open Space. The complete Rimrock Management Plan [pdf] can be found online.
Rimrock Open Space will have a significant role as a middle section of a 14-mile regional trail system. In the future it may be accessed from Devil's Backbone Open Space, Coyote Ridge Natural Area as well as its own trailhead near CR 38 E.
| Type of Acquisition |
#Acres |
Property
Value |
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations |
Date
Acquired |
Public
Access |
|---|
| Fee Simple |
35 |
$ 400,000 |
Larimer Co - $ 400,000 |
2003 |
Yes |
| Conservation Easement |
180.6 |
$ 361,260 |
Larimer Co - $ 361,260 |
2001 |
No |
| Fee Simple |
207 |
$ 1,035,100 |
Larimer Co - $ 935,100
Fort Collins - $ 100,000 |
2000 |
Yes |
Fee Simple
Conservation Easement |
230
93.3 |
$ 575,000 |
Larimer Co - $ 565,880 |
1998 |
Yes |
