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Property: Rimrock Open Space
Priority Area: Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth (map)
Size: 745.9 acres
Rimrock is adjacent to Coyote Ridge
Natural Area and Indian Creek
(the newest addition to the
Devil's Backbone Open Space).
(Photo by Scott Bacon)
Rimrock Open Space protects the foothills
west of Fort Collins and Loveland
from further development.
(Photo credit is unknown)
Description
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). This area is important to protect because of the abundant wildlife found here. On any given day you can spot raptors circling overhead looking for a quick meal. Or, if you are particularly observant you will also be able to see telltale signs left by mule deer, rabbits, coyotes, and other mammals.
Management Summary
| Yes | No | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | * | ||
| Trails Trail Map |
* | Moderate. There are some steep areas as the trail goes over the hogbacks. Four miles of trail (roundtrip) are located on this Open Space. This loop connects to the City of Fort Collins' Coyote Ridge Natural Area trail for a total of 7-miles of trail (roundtrip) from the Coyote Ridge trailhead. | |
|
* | ||
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* | ||
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* | ||
| Restrooms | * | Located 1 mile from the trailhead at The Cabin. | |
| Drinking fountains | * | Located 1 mile from the trailhead at The Cabin. | |
| Dogs allowed | * |
Management Plan
This foothills open space features a 4 mile trail for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use which connects to Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Future use of this open space will include an additional 5 miles of trail that will be a section of the regional trail system from Lory State Park to the Devil's Backbone Open Space. The complete Rimrock Management Plan can be found online.
Future Vision
Rimrock Open Space will have a significant role as a middle section of a 14-mile regional trail system. In the future it may be accessed from Devil's Backbone Open Space, Coyote Ridge Natural Area as well as its own trailhead near CR 38 E.
Property Information
| Type of Acquisition | #Acres | Property Value |
Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations |
Date Acquired |
Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Simple | 35 | $ 400,000 | Larimer Co - $ 400,000 | 2003 | New Trailhead 2005! |
| Conservation Easement | 180.6 | $ 361,260 | Larimer Co - $ 361,260 | 2001 | No |
| Fee Simple | 207 | $ 1,035,100 | Larimer Co - $ 935,100 Fort Collins - $ 100,000 |
2000 | Yes |
| Fee Simple Conservation Easement |
230 93.3 |
$ 575,000 | Larimer Co - $ 565,880 | 1998 | Yes |
