Meet the trees of Hermit Park Open Space! Located at the perfect elevation for tree diversity in Colorado, Hermit Park is home to a number of different tree species that we'll explore through stories, movement, pictures, and props (as well as the trees themselves). Learn how each tree is uniquely adapted to survive in Colorado, its relationships to other organisms, and its key identification characteristics.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Fire Restrictions (No Campfires)
Increased fire restrictions are currently in effect for unincorporated Larimer County until 11:59 p.m., July 21, 2026.
- NO contained or uncontained open flames, including any fire, campfire, grill, stove, or smoker using wood, wood byproducts, or charcoal
- NO Smoking in the open, including on trails, parks, and open spaces, and no fireworks and incendiary devices
- Gas or liquid fueled fires, including grills and camping stoves are allowed
For more info, please visit https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2026/05/27/larimer-county-extends-fire-restrictions
New to birding? This is the program for you! We'll walk through how to use binoculars and field guides, learn about bird ID, and discover how birding can contribute to science! Explore the birds of summer at Lions Open Space and learn what they're up to this time of year. Hike 1-ish miles with Larimer County Education and Volunteer Specialist, Ellen Harris, along the Poudre River trail to learn about bird identification, habitat, and more.
After five decades, the Poudre River Trail now connects northern Colorado communities diagonally from Bellvue to Greeley, providing 45 miles of continuous, paved, multi-use trail that runs east and west of I-25 connecting communities and open spaces.
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Streamlined reservoir access and parking, new day use areas, and expanded swim and "no wake" zone to greet visitors this summer
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Changes coming to Carter Lake this summer!
Completion on a multi-year infrastructure improvement project at Carter Lake is nearing. The project is delivering smoother parking and enhancements to visitor safety and access. Visitors are invited to enjoy:
- An expanded no wake, swimming, and shoreline area near Big Thompson Day Use area
- New Eastside Trail to provide access to the water and to designated swim area
- New Day Use Areas with enhanced facilities - including improved ADA and conventional parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and crosswalk
Read for more details
Come join us to learn more about the natural world!
In this guided hike we will have our focus on Crepuscular Critters, animals most active at dawn & dusk! This will involve a couple activities, and a guided hike through Devil's Backbone. When arriving at the property please meet at the benches under the pavilion.
In this guided hike we will have our focus on Crepuscular Critters, animals most active at dawn & dusk! This will involve a couple activities, and a guided hike through Devil's Backbone. When arriving at the property please meet at the benches under the pavilion.
Come join us to learn more about the natural world!
What's in a name? A whole lot if your name is Horsetooth Mountain and your profile is part of Fort Collins' City logo. In this 2-hour guided hike, we'll explore the geology, topography, and ecology of one of our area's most iconic natural landmarks. As we hike through the lower part of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, we'll dig into the science of deep time and the ancient geologic events that shaped the dramatic foothills landscape we see today. We'll also reflect on creation stories passed down through generations by some of the area's earliest residents.
Located on the Larimer-Boulder County line, Larimer County Natural Resources has conserved two land additions totaling 266 acres at Red-tail Ridge Open Space
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