Red Mountain Open Space

25 miles north of Fort Collins

Know BEFORE you go

CoTrex Trail ReportsCheck Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) at https://trails.colorado.gov for the most up-to-date trail conditions, closures, and alerts. Or check under the "Trails & Weather" tab below.

Red Mountain Open Space is open to the public for the spring, summer, and fall months.

The Management Plan for Red Mountain Open Space requires closures to the public December 1 to March 1 because of winter weather changes and the wildlife requirements.

Deep crimson and tan rocks, rolling grasslands, and sandy washes await you at Red Mountain Open Space, a 15,780-acre open space in northeastern Colorado. From the trailhead, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can take off on over 15 miles of multi-use trails. Then, they can access the trails in two adjacent protected areas that are part of a much larger vision — the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project — which protects over 55,000 acres of ecologically and culturally diverse landscape.

Some of the first humans in North America resided here over 12,000 years ago, and people 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.

Red Mountain Open Space has no entrance fee and is open sunrise to sunset, March through November. The trailhead is on County Road 21, just 25 miles north of Fort Collins.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no access to Red Mountain Open Space from Red Mountain Road off North Highway 287, or Harriman Road off Interstate 80.  

View Red Mountain Hunting Information

Brochure Brochure (Spanish) Trail Map Regulations

Features

Biking
Hiking
Horse
Hunting
Nodog
Picnic
Restroom

Map & Directions

From Fort Collins: Take State Hwy 1/Terry Lake Rd to CR15 (aka the Waverly turn off) - go north (left) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

From I-25: Take the Owl Canyon Road exit and head west. Owl Canyon Road is also CR70. Go north (right) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

Trails & Weather

Trails Report

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Weather

Air Quality

Updates every half hour.

Boating

Photos

Click a photo to enlarge.

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Image © Harry Strharsky
Image © Harry Strharsky
Image © Harry Strharsky
Image © Harry Strharsky
Image © Herb Saperstone

Tips & Info

  • There is no water available at the Red Mountain Open Space trailhead for people or livestock.
  • Carefully prepare for recreation at Red Mountain Open Space. The area is remote and rugged. Be aware of weather conditions and watch closely for changes in the weather. High winds and extreme sun are common in this area. Quick moving thunderstorms are also common.
  • Dogs are not allowed at Red Mountain Open Space or Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.

Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger or see a kiosk for a copy of the Regulations.

  • You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules of this open space.
  • Share the trail – foot travel, non-motorized bikes and horses are welcome on designated trails.
  • Groups using the trails at Red Mountain Open Space may not exceed 12 heartbeats without a special events permit from Larimer County Natural Resources. That is no more than 12 people or six horses and riders without a permit. See permitting instructions.
  • 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.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • No hunting – except by special permit.
  • Please do not remove rocks, plants or cultural artifacts.
  • No public access December through February. The area is 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.
  • A special use permit is required for any group use and special activities.

Management Plan

Resource experts developed the management plan for Red Mountain Open Space in collaboration with the management plan for the adjacent Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (City of Fort Collins) that included an extensive public process.

Red Mountain Open Space Management Plan