The Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands (Friends of LCPOL) are people just like you, who love the special parks and open spaces of Larimer County; and whose mission is to care for and promote awareness of Larimer County parks and open lands financially, educationally, and as active partners and volunteers with the Natural Resources Department.
As a member of the Friends of Larimer County, your gift supports. . .
Protecting critical wildlife habitat Engaging more than a million visitors yearly
Improving quality of life through recreation
Preserving agricultural heritage through conservation easementsProtecting more than 55,000 acres
Take a tour today of what Larimer County Parks and Open Spaces offer!
Big Thompson Parks
Big Thompson Parks
After the 1976 flood Larimer County acquired several properties in the Big Thompson canyon. Four became County Parks, and provide access to fishing, picnicking, and outdoor experiences within a stunning canyon setting.
Carter Lake
Carter Lake
Three miles long and almost a mile wide Carter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by 1,000 acres of public land, with an elevation of 5,760 feet above sea level.
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Encompassing 3,007 acres, the Devil’s Backbone is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County.
Featuring towering formations and grasslands the backbone is home to hawks and eagles, bears and mountain lions, elk and deer, and offers visitors 17.25 miles of trails to explore.
Eagle’s Nest Open Space
Eagle’s Nest Open Space
Although just 755 acres Eagle’s Nest offers expansive views of the Larimer Foothills, access to the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River, and almost five miles of trail.
Visitors can see the namesake landmark, Eagle’s Nest, home to Golden Eagles for more than 100 years, as well mountain mahogany, rabbitbrush and ponderosa pine, which serve as habitat for deer, elk, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, and small mammals.
Flatiron Reservoir
Flatiron Reservoir
Located 5,470 feet above sea level, Flatiron Reservoir is forty-seven acres in size, and surrounded by 200 acres of public lands.
Hermit Park Open Space
Hermit Park Open Space
Nestled in the mountains near Estes Park, CO. Hermit Park Open Space encompasses 1,362 acres and features ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows, which attract moose, elk, deer, bear, and other denizens of the forest.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
The Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, known for the iconic Horsetooth Rock, takes in 2,711 acres, and ranges in elevation from 5,430 feet above sea level to 7,255 feet. Within the boundaries there are twenty-nine miles of trails, with connections to Lory State Park and the Blue Sky Trail.
Lions Open Space
Lions Open Space
The westernmost portion of the Poudre River Trail as well as a starting point for the Pleasant Valley Trail, the Lions Open Space follows the Poudre River until it ends at Watson Lake in Bellvue, CO.
Pinewood Reservoir
Pinewood Reservoir
Three hundred and twenty-seven acres encircle the 100-acre reservoir at 6,580 feet above sea level, where visitors can kayak, camp, and fish.
Ramsay-Shockey Open Space
Ramsay-Shockey Open Space
Featuring a four-mile natural surface trail the 177-acre property includes a ponderosa pine forest and open meadow setting. Acquired in 1997 to protect wildlife habitat, Ramsay-Shockey also provides a buffer for nearby Pinewood Reservoir.
Red Mountain Open Space
Red Mountain Open Space
Encompassing 15,780 acres in northeastern Colorado, the Red Mountain Open Space offers more than fifteen miles of multi-use trails that provides access to a larger effort: the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project, which protects over 55,000 acres of ecologically and culturally diverse landscape.
River Bluffs Open Space
River Bluffs Open Space
The feature signature of this intimate open space is the Poudre River, home to waterfowl, hawks, and great-horned owls, as well as a favorite of anglers. For the ambitious and curious, the opportunity exists to explore 21 miles of trail, which travel through wildlife areas and parks.
Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands P.O. Box 2715 Loveland CO. 80539-2715
