Larimer County Natural Resources

05/31/2026

Mark your calendars, Northern Colorado! Join us Saturday, June 13 for 'Connecting Communities - The Poudre River Trail Celebration' at Timnath Community Park. We’re honoring a milestone that is 50 years in the making: approximately 45 continuous miles of paved, multi-use trail from Bellvue (west of Fort Collins) to Greeley - connecting communities, open spaces, and the Poudre River corridor like never before. Residents, families, trail users, and supporters from across the region are all invited!

📅 June 13, 2026
📍 Timnath Community Park (East Side)
🕘 Ceremony at 9 a.m. | Celebration 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

More info and to RSVP on Eventbrite:

This special event celebrates the Poudre River Trail as a paved, multi-use regional trail connecting Bellvue to Greeley

05/30/2026

We are super excited to co-host the C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Horsetooth Reservoir Sat, June 6 to enrich the lives of youth with special needs through fishing. We are still looking for a few more boating volunteers who are interested in participating with their boat on this special day. Sign up through this link: https://castforkids.org/event/horsetoothreservoir/

05/26/2026

River Bluffs Open Space's trailhead will be closed today and tomorrow (May 26-27) for planned asphalt maintenance in the parking lot. We appreciate your cooperation as we complete the improvements.

05/23/2026

Heading to Horsetooth Reservoir or Carter Lake for Memorial Day weekend? While many areas are OPEN for the 3-day weekend (Saturday, Sunday, Monday), asphalt construction is still ongoing throughout both reservoir areas. Some areas will close again after the holiday as work resumes. Here’s the latest:

Horsetooth Reservoir
❌South Bay Lot B (near swim beach) CLOSED to vehicle traffic, OPEN to foot traffic.
✅Bay to Bay Trail OPEN for Memorial Day weekend only. To access the trail, parking is available at Inlet Bay and Blue Sky Trailhead. Foot traffic only as you reach South Bay.
✅Inlet Bay OPEN
✅All east side day use areas OPEN
✅Satanka Bay OPEN

Carter Lake
❌ Quarry Day Use Area
✅Eagle Campground OPEN
✅Big Thompson Day Use Area OPEN
✅North Pines OPEN
✅South Shore and Sundance Trail OPEN

If boating or paddling is in your holiday plans, please wear your PFD! For latest boat ramp hours: check larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating

For latest closures, please check COTREX (trails.colorado.gov) before you go. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we finish the final phases of this significant infrastructure improvement project!
Photo courtesy Brendan Bombaci.

05/22/2026

🎉The long awaited announcement is here! 🎉After five decades of planning and partnership, the gap is finally closed. Larimer County Natural Resources, in partnership with the Town of Timnath, has completed the remaining connection of the Poudre River Trail between south Timnath and north Windsor, bridging the final link in a 50-year vision. Trail users can now travel the entire 45-mile route from Bellvue to Greeley without ever leaving the trail.

🚧PLEASE NOTE: While the concrete trail connection is complete, adjacent fence construction is ongoing, so temporary trail closures may occur to accommodate this work. Trail users are encouraged to watch for signage and exercise caution while traveling through the area.🚧

To navigate the Poudre River Trail, download the free COTREX app (trails.colorado.gov) and search for Poudre River Trail.

For more info about the Community Celebration event on June 13, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-communities-a-poudre-river-trail-celebration-tickets-1987100535192

Full press release: larimer.gov/spotlights/2026/05/22/larimer-county-completes-last-connection-poudre-river-trail-community-celebration-planned-june-13

05/21/2026

Upgraded visitor access and expanded swim area to debut this summer at Carter Lake! As part of the ongoing Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) improvements, visitors will soon enjoy:

✅An expanded swim and no-wake area near Big Thompson Day Use
✅Easier shoreline access along the new quarter-mile Eastside Trail
✅Improved parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and ADA parking access
✅Safer access designed to reduce roadside parking congestion

The former swim area has transitioned to a larger space on the eastern shoreline designed to improve visitor experience, parking, and safety.

While construction is nearing completion, it is NOT complete - so temporary closures are still active throughout Carter Lake. Visitors are encouraged to check COTREX before heading out and be aware that some traditional access points have shifted.

For more info, visit larimer.gov/spotlights/2026/05/19/upgraded-visitor-access-and-expanded-swim-area-debut-summer-carter-lake

05/17/2026

South Bay entrance delays expected beginning May 18 Horsetooth Reservoir. Visitors should expect single-lane traffic closures and delays between W. County Road 38E and the Horsetooth Area Information Center.

Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution around construction crews and equipment in the area.

This work is part of the ongoing Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) improvements designed to enhance long-term visitor access and safety at Horsetooth Reservoir.

05/16/2026

Maintenance work to improve drainage at the Skyline Day Use Area at Horsetooth Reservoir will begin Monday, May 18.

The parking lot and work area will temporarily close during construction, but the area will reopen to the public May 23–25 for Memorial Day weekend access. Work will resume again on May 26.

These improvements are designed to help reduce ongoing drainage issues and improve long-term visitor access to the area.

Please use caution around equipment and follow all posted closure signs during active work.

05/16/2026

As the sun starts to dip and the trails grow quiet, a different side of nature begins to wake up… 🌙🦉🦇

Join Larimer County Natural Resources for Twilight Hikes: Crepuscular Critters at Devil's Backbone Open Space on May 22 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Explore the fascinating world of animals most active at dawn and dusk through hands-on activities and a guided evening hike along the Wild Loop Trail.

This free program is perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages, but registration is required.

Hike details:
• 2.5-mile guided hike on the Wild Loop
• Easy/moderate pace with rocky terrain and mild elevation changes
• Meet at the pavilion by the Morrison Loop trailhead
• Pit toilets and potable water available at the trailhead

Please note: Devil’s Backbone Open Space charges a $10 day-use fee. Want to visit without paying the fee? Check out a Discover Pack from your local library or one of our offices.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4u6KsfG

Come join us to learn more about the natural world! In this guided hike we will have our focus on Crepuscular Critters, animals most active at dawn & dusk! This will involve a couple activities, and a guided hike through Devil's Backbone. When arriving at the property please meet at the benches unde...

05/15/2026

Good news for late-night boaters at Horsetooth Reservoir! Beginning Saturday, May 16, the temporary 7 p.m. off-water restriction will be lifted.

The temporary restriction remains in place at Carter Lake while construction continues. Boaters at Carter Lake must be off the water by 7 p.m. Rangers will be onsite to help clear the lot before gates are locked for the evening.

Normally, spike strips allow boaters to exit after hours. Because those spike strips were temporarily removed due to paving, gates must currently be locked at 7 p.m. to prevent unlawful launching without ANS inspection.

Please also note that paving will begin Monday, May 18 along the South Bay entrance road at Horsetooth Reservoir, resulting in single-lane closures between W. County Road 38E and the Horsetooth Area Information Center. Visitors should expect delays and longer wait times entering South Bay.

Thank you for your patience and continued cooperation! Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution around active construction zones.