From Fort Collins, follow U.S. Highway 287 to Livermore and turn left onto Red Feather Lakes Road. The road to the open space is less than a quarter-mile from Highway 287. A big wooden sign welcomes you to the tract at the start of a dirt road. Follow the road for about a mile to the parking lot and trailhead.
Make sure your truck has four-wheel drive. The road is steep and curvy, and four-wheel drive is recommended to keep road damage minimal.
The trail cuts across the mountainside, providing gorgeous vistas of the valley around Livermore as well as views of the mountains looking toward Red Feather.
The narrow trail can be challenging for horses new to trail riding. There are some rocky spots, so horseshoes are recommended. The trail eventually winds down the mountain and into the valley. Several gates will be encountered along the way, so be prepared to open and close them.
The trail eventually meets a stream, spanned by a large bridge. This area is a great picnic spot, complete with hitching posts. The bridge is closed from Feb. 1 to July 15 to protect golden eagle nesting. At other times of the year, crossing the bridge will lead to miles of trail that can connect to national forest land.
The gorgeous valley is a great place to take your horses out for a bit of a run or conditioning trot.
Because this open-space tract is not widely used or known, there are many chances to see a variety of wildlife. Deer are common in the scrub brush. Eagles and red-tailed hawks often are seen in the sky. Rattlesnakes are frequently encountered during the summer, so keep an eye out for them and keep dogs close or leashed.
This trail is great for shorter rides. The bridge is a 30-minute ride from the trailhead. The loop after the bridge takes about an hour. While short, the trail provides some challenges. Steep hills, rocks, and sharp turns make it interesting for both horse and rider.
This is a fun ride for any size group.
Happy Trails!
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