If you are looking for some incredible vistas close to town as you hike, then head to Horsetooth Mountain Park.  Hughey Open Space is adjacent to the southwest border of Horsetooth Mountain Park and includes the southwestern mountainous slopes leading up to Horsetooth Rock. It is managed as part of the Horsetooth Mountain Park, and you will be able to appreciate the scenic views and occasional glimpses of wildlife as you look to the southwest from the trails. 

A mixture of grasslands, riparian, and water habitats makes this open space unique in the semi-desert climate of the Colorado Front Range. Identified as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is a crucial spot for many different species of birds. Regardless of whether a species lives here all year long, or passes through here on its migration, this open space can be a source of relative safety from the rigors of survival.

Eagle's Nest Open Space, near Livermore, is a 'working landscape' and you will easily be able imagine that you have traveled back in time to the old west.  Some of the best traditions from the olden days have been carried forward to the present so don't be afraid to tip your hat to people you meet on the trail!  Mountain mahogany foothills interspersed with rabbitbrush and ponderosa pine, in addition to providing a diverse habitat for fauna such as deer, elk, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, and small mammals, provide an impressive visual backdrop to already incredible views.  

The Devil's Backbone Open Space protects wildlife habitat, a rare plant community and provides for expanded recreational activities.  Its focal point, a unique rock formation featuring The Keyhole, is easily spotted from many locales.  The Devil's Backbone is located off Hidden Valley Drive, approximately 2 miles west of the intersection of Wilson and Eisenhower in Loveland.

If you are looking for some incredible vistas close to town as you hike, then head to Horsetooth Mountain Park. The Culver Open Space is immediately adjacent to the southwestern border of Horsetooth Mountain Park and the southern border of Culver Open Space. It is managed as part of the Horsetooth Mountain Park, and although there are no trails that currently pass through this area, you will appreciate the scenic views and occasional glimpses of wildlife as you look to the southwest from the existing trails.

This addition to Horsetooth Mountain Park can be found just northwest of Inlet Bay at Horsetooth Reservoir, nestled against the eastern slope of Horsetooth Mountain. This is the former home of one of Larimer County's pioneer families. It provides a unique opportunity to illustrate a working ranch landscape from days gone by.

Soderberg Open Space and trailhead may be accessed by following signs to Inlet Bay off of Shoreline Drive.

Nestled against the red cliffs south of Horsetooth Reservoir, this scenic open space includes a combination of fee simple acquisitions and conservation easements.  Rimrock Open Space is open to the public and it is accessed through the City of Fort Collins Coyote Ridge Natural Area south of the Larimer County Landfill on Taft Hill (Ft. Collins) and/or Wilson Ave. (Loveland).

There are 177 acres of ponderosa pine and mixed shrubs on moderately steep slopes with rocky, shallow soils and interesting rock outcrops. The property provides habitat and movement routes for many kinds of wildlife. If you walk quietly and keep a sharp eye out, you will most likely see signs of elk or deer.