Reservable group pavilions through larimercamping.com are currently available on a seasonal basis at Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Reservoir Sunrise Day Use area, Flatiron Reservoir, Lions Open Space, and Carter Lake South Shore.

The South Bay Group Pavilion at Horsetooth is NOT RESERVABLE in advance. It is for day-use only on a first come, first served basis. 

Hunting on Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources and City of Fort Collins Natural Areas. The Special Access Hunting Permit Application is available online annually in February, with the drawing in the first week of March.

Larimer County has seasonal and full time rangers. Full time rangers have attended a law enforcement academy, are P.O.S.T. certified in the State of Colorado, and are deputized by the Larimer County Sheriff's Department. Seasonal rangers are usually limited commissioned rangers who enforce Department of Natural Resource Regulations within Larimer County.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Learn more about Ranger Excellence School 

L. Brough, Senior Ranger, Horsetooth District

Growing up on the outskirts of Fort Collins, I had the opportunity to spend countless hours recreating in the Larimer County parks that I find myself patrolling today. It feels great to know that I am doing my part to protect and manage the same properties that got me hooked on the outdoors for others to enjoy. I started my dream job as a Park Ranger in 2011 as a seasonal boat ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles in our park system and am currently the Senior Ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir.

The Park Ranger: From the Wild West to Colorado's Suburban Frontier

By Jordan Fisher Smith

Mission Statement: To ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience by providing the highest degree of protection for the visiting public, our ranger staff, and our natural resources.

We are able to accomplish this goal by having highly trained, professional rangers who are skilled in a variety of disciplines which reflect the diverse needs of the people we serve. Our rangers perform many functions that may include being firefighters, emergency medical technicians, wildlife biologists, interpretive guides, teachers, and law enforcement officers.

The Small Grants for Community Partnering Program has awarded grants to communities throughout Larimer County using a portion of the Help Preserve Open Spaces sales tax for outdoor neighborhood and community-based projects. 

The program was created by Larimer County's Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) to provide the community with direct access to open spaces sales tax dollars to support outdoor community projects and to nurture community partnerships for lasting impacts across the region.