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Natural Resources

Closure alerts

The Horsetooth Mountain Open Space main trailhead parking lot will be closed for paving on Tuesday, April 23. Visitors can still use the Blue Sky and Soderberg trailheads. 

The main parking lot at the Administrative Offices and Visitor Center at 1800 S. County Rd., Loveland, will be closed for paving Wednesday, April 24 through Friday, April 26. Visitors who need to buy permits or speak to staff can park in the north parking lot near the maintenance facilities. 

LGBTQIA+ Community Hike

Explore the wonders of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and learn what makes it special. Join Larimer County Naturalists on a hike to explore topics of plants, animals, and ecology while connecting with your community.

This program is intended to be a safe and welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies are welcome.

This hike will be moderately difficult, traveling over unpaved trails, uneven surfaces, and may include mud. Registration is required. Program is free, parking permit required.

Participants should bring:
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Insect repellant
Snacks
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Backpack (to carry it all)
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LGBTQIA+ Community Hike

Explore the wonders of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and learn what makes it special. Join Larimer County Naturalists on a hike to explore topics of plants, animals, and ecology while connecting with your community.

This program is intended to be a safe and welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies are welcome.

This hike will be moderately difficult, traveling over unpaved trails, uneven surfaces, and may include mud. Registration is required. Program is free, parking permit required.

Participants should bring:
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Insect repellant
Snacks
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Backpack (to carry it all)
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Tiny Trekkers: Pollinators

Bring your 2-5 year old for a morning filled with nature exploration, stories, and connection with our amazing natural world.

A parent or guardian must accompany the child for this program. Registration is required but program is free. Program runs at Lions Open Space on the third Thursday of the month and the following Saturday at River Bluffs Open Space.

Please call Natural Resources main desk at (970) 619-4564 or 4570 the night before or day of program to cancel or inquire about availability.
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Journaling Around the Campfire

Journaling and drawing from nature requires close and mindful observation - it is not only a way to make art, but it is a way to connect with and pay special attention to the world around us. Join us for a fun and interactive program on how to make your own sketchbook and create a beautiful nature journal. All supplies will be provided.

Meet at the group picnic pavilion near Bobcat Campground at Hermit Park Open Space. Carpooling is recommended as parking is limited. Program is free, but registration and parking pass is required.

Participants should bring:
Headlamp or flashlight
Water
Insect repellant
Clothing appropriate for the weather


Weather dependent.
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Art and Nature

Journaling and drawing from nature requires close and mindful observation - it is not only a way to make art, but it is a way to connect with and pay special attention to the world around us.

Art and Nature is for everybody, and encourages participants to get out of their comfort zones and focus on the process of artmaking and observation in nature, rather than creating “good” art. Participants will spend the evening sketching, scribbling, writing and - most importantly - deeply experiencing the natural world. All skill levels, from beginner artists to expert nature journalers, are invited.

All ages. Art supplies will be provided, but participants may bring their own journals and materials if they so desire.

This program is free, but registration is required.
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Get to Know Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: Ecology

The patchwork of habitats found in the foothills life zone supports a large variety of life in one place: Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Explore what lives here and why! We'll learn about how elevation, precipitation, slope, and more influence the diversity of life present at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

This is the third in a series of hikes at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space centered on getting to know this wonderful place better. Hikes are held on the second Thursday of the month from May-August- check out the calendar to register for future hikes! Topics include ecology, geology, history, and how Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages this property.

This hike will be moderately difficult, traveling over unpaved trails, uneven surfaces, and may include mud. Participants will travel to Horsetooth Falls and back (approximately 3 miles). Registration is required. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space charges a fee of $10 for a day pass.

Participants should bring:
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Insect repellant (optional)
Snacks
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Backpack (to carry it all)
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Get to Know Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: Management

Humans have been managing the resources of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for generations, but what does management look like today, and why is it even necessary? Attend this hike to learn more about how Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages this property and why. How do we deal with weeds, wildlife, and humans? Find out!

This is the fourth and final program in a series of hikes at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space centered on getting to know this wonderful place better. Next month, we'll be starting a new series at Devil's Backbone! Hikes are held on the second Thursday of the month- check out the calendar to register for future hikes! Topics include geology, ecology, history, and how Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages this property.

This hike will be moderately difficult, traveling over unpaved trails, uneven surfaces, and may include mud. Registration is required. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires a parking permit.

Participants should bring:
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Insect repellant (optional)
Snacks
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Backpack (to carry it all)
Share: