Red Mountain Open Space

Red Mountain Open Space Opening Set for Saturday, June 27

Due to several days of inclement weather, Larimer County has delayed opening the trailhead at Red Mountain Open Space until Saturday, June 27. Trails at Red Mountain will be open before then, but must be accessed through the adjacent Soapstone Prairie Natural Area until 6/27/09.

Red Mountain currently offers 8 miles of trails, open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Trails connect to another 35+ miles of trail on the adjacent Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Additional trails at RMOS will open in 2010.

To get to Soapstone, travel north from Fort Collins, take Highway 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 (Waverly turnoff) north, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit, especially on gravel roads to prevent dust.

Larimer County dedicated Red Mountain Open Space on June 7, as planned. County officials joined the City of Fort Collins' dedication at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space.

Things to do in June at Red Mountain Open Space:

  • "Red Mountain's Little Ponies" June 27 - 8:00 a.m. Equestrian Trail Ride - BYOH
  • "Intermediate SLR Photography Clinic" with professional photographer Charlie Johnson - to be rescheduled

Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Time Capsule

The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and Larimer County's Department of Natural Resources are accepting submissions for a time capsule that will be opened on the tenth anniversary of Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain Open Space's opening, June, 2019. Will these amazing places be the same in ten years? The answer is up to all of us. Everyone is invited to be part of history by contributing their first impressions, hopes and dreams for Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain Open Space in art or writing. Celebration flags will be available for visitors to decorate on opening weekend, June 27, while supplies last.

Time Capsule Submission Requirements

  • Size: Must be flat, no thicker than a sheet of paper, and no larger than 1 foot square. Photographs of three dimensional submissions welcome.
  • Materials: Please ensure submissions will last 10 years and don't damage other capsule contents. Time capsule contributions must use all archival materials including paper, ink, glue etc. Digital submissions are encouraged.
  • Use: Submitting material to the time capsule constitutes your permission for the Fort Collins Natural Areas program and Larimer County Natural Resources to use it in any form deemed appropriate for educational, informational and promotional purposes. Photo/artist credits will be given when practicable.
  • Deadline: June 30, 2009 at 5 pm

How to Submit

Only one contribution per person. All submissions must include your name, and email or phone number.

  • Email: krollins@larimer.org
  • Mail: Time Capsule c/o Kerri Rollins, Bison Visitor Center, 1800 SCR 31 Loveland CO, 80537
  • Drop off: Larimer County Natural Resources, 1800 SCR 31, Loveland CO, 80537, during regular business hours, Monday - Friday 8-4:30

Contact Kerri Rollins, Fund Development and Outreach Specialist, krollins@larimer.org or (970) 679-4561 with questions.

Directions to Red Mountain Open Space

  • From Fort Collins: Take State Hwy 1/Terry Lake Rd to CR15 (aka the Waverly turn off) - go north (left) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.
  • From I-25: Take the Owl Canyon Road exit and head west. Owl Canyon Road is also CR70. Go north (right) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

Know BEFORE you go! - important things to know about Red Mountain Open Space before you head up....

  • Dogs are not permitted.
  • Bring your own drinking water, and plenty of it! There is no potable water at Red Mountain.
  • Dress in layers. Weather in the Fort Collins area is not indicative of weather at Red Mountain.
  • Wear good, sturdy shoes - while beautiful, Red Mountain does have cacti and rattle snakes.
  • Communicate! Trails at Red Mountain offer a remote, backcountry experience. If you opt to hike alone, let someone know which trails you will be on and when you expect to be back. If you forget, you can always leave a note in your car at the trailhead.