Boating Access Hours
Every vessel entering Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake must be inspected for ANS. That requires specific hours of operation for boating.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Do your part to support your parks and open spaces!
Revenue generated from entrance permit sales goes directly back into your parks and open spaces to cover operations, maintenance, and personnel expenses.
Entrance permits are required at Carter Lake, Flatiron, Pinewood and Horsetooth Reservoirs, Blue Sky Trailhead, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (including Soderberg Trailhead), Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Hermit Park Open Space, and Devil's Backbone Open Space.
After the devastating flood of 1976, Larimer County acquired several parcels in the Big Thompson canyon. Four of those parcels became County Parks and include public river access for fishing, picnicking, and general outdoor enjoyment of such a stunning canyon.
The Big Thompson Canyon is home to a wide array of flora and fauna including native trout, healthy Ponderosa Pine forests, pristine sage shrub lands, and spectacular wildlife. Bring the family, a fishing rod, and a picnic lunch and enjoy everything these parks have to offer.
River Bluffs Open Space is a small but spectacular open space that provides something for all, human and wildlife alike. The Poudre River is its signature feature and provides one half mile of pools and riffles for ducks, other waterfowl, wading birds, and curious anglers. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks and great horned owls also call River Bluffs home.
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 annual closure to the public on December 1st for winter weather changes and wildlife needs. The property reopens annually on March 1st.
The 177-acre Ramsay-Shockey Open Space has a four-mile natural surface trail. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy extraordinary vistas of the surrounding valley in a peaceful ponderosa-pine-forest and open-meadow setting. A ¼-mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk starts at Pinewood Reservoir's Blue Mountain Trailhead.
Three hundred and twenty-seven acres of public lands encircle this idyllic 100-acre reservoir. Kayaking, camping and fishing make it the ideal place for a little fun in the mountains without driving too far.
Six and one-half miles of water beckon visitors to come out and play! Surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, this reservoir has it all: fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing.
The 1,362 acres of Hermit Park Open Space nestle into the hills at 7,880-8,964 feet elevation. Ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows characterize this beautiful property and its abundant habitat for an impressive variety of mountain wildlife. Features include cabins, RV and tent camping, group campground, reservable group pavilion, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
