Most wildlife that share our Open Space would prefer to avoid human contact. Occasionally our paths cross. Let's get to know a bit more about our neighbor the prairie rattlesnake. What should we do or not do when you meet them on the trail? How can we best enjoy our beautiful areas while keeping safe and honoring our natural resources?

Challenge Level: This hike will be fun social hike, easy/moderate (slow pace, trails are rocky with some elevation change). There is little shade and uneven surfaces. Accessible pit toilets and potable water are available at the trailhead.

Larimer County Natural Resources is proud to announce $24,711 in grants supporting seven community and neighborhood projects that educate and connect people to the land. The 2026 awards support a wide range of organizations across Larimer County through the Small Grants for Community Partnering program.

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Department

Jennifer Almstead

Small Grants Program Coordinator
Fund Development and Projects Specialist

(970) 619-4569

[email protected]

General Park Rules

Permits & Parking

  • Valid parking permit required
  • Park only in designated areas; no off-road driving
  • Accessible parking requires a valid disability placard
  • No fake, copied, or forged permits
Permits: Full details (official wording)
Enjoy an early morning with members of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) for an up-close look at a TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes will be available for viewing stars, galaxies, planets and more! Bring the whole group to connect with the wonders of the night sky.

This open house-style program is located at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (entrance on County Road 38E). Telescopes will be set up in the paved parking lot. Program is free but a parking pass is required. Registration is encouraged.

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) has launched the third year of its randomized lottery for available boat slips at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake.

Boat owners hoping to rent a slip at Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth Reservoir or Carter Lake Marina at Carter Lake Reservoir can enter the lottery, running between Monday, January 5 through Friday, March 6, 2026.

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Department
Trail construction completion estimated by late spring 2026
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Department
Winter Closure

Hermit Park Open Space is closed for the winter season beginning December 21, 2025. The open space will re-open weather permitting March 1, 2026.

Enjoy an evening with members of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) for an up-close look at the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes will be available for viewing stars, galaxies, planets and more! Bring the whole group to connect with the wonders of the night sky.

This open house-style program is located at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (entrance on County Road 38E). Telescopes will be set up in the paved parking lot. Program is free but a parking pass is required. Registration is encouraged.
Enjoy an evening with members of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) for an up-close look at the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes will be available for viewing stars, galaxies, planets and more! Bring the whole group to connect with the wonders of the night sky.

This open house-style program is located at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (entrance on County Road 38E). Telescopes will be set up in the paved parking lot. Program is free but a parking pass is required. Registration is encouraged.