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 scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park trails.

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.

This quiet, 47-acre reservoir is surrounded by 200 acres of public lands. It's a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and family camping. Swimming and boating are not allowed here, but nearby Carter Lake offers both!

Eagle's Nest Open Space's 755 acres offer river access for anglers and almost 5 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. The local landmark Eagle's Nest Rock has been home to nesting golden eagles for over a hundred years!

Along the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River, this open space has breathtaking views of the Laramie Foothills. Mountain mahogany foothills interspersed with rabbitbrush and ponderosa pine provide diverse habitat for deer, elk, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, and small mammals.