Red Mountain Open Space

Horseback riders can find winding trails of varied lengths and scenic rock formations in one of Larimer County's most recently opened tracts.

Red Mountain Open Space opened to the public in 2009 through efforts of the Larimer County Mountains to Plains Project. The tract is located about 25 miles north of Fort Collins on County Road 23. While the drive is a bit long, the experience of riding in this area is worth it.

 

The main trail, the Sinking Sun Trail, leaves from the northeast side of the horse trailer parking lot and heads north through the valley. Multiple hills and creek beds keep the trail interesting and challenging for the horses. The exposed rock on the hills comes in striking red and white, and provides beautiful scenery for riders.

Several options await equestrians following the Sinking Sun Trail.

 The Big Hole Wash Trail crosses east-west through the valley. To the east it enters the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, with its miles of trails. To the west is the other side of the open space, which features a creek and many more trails. A couple of short loops head into the hills on the valley's west side.

For a longer ride, the Ruby Wash Trail heads north through a gorgeous, winding canyon of red-layered rocks, and eventually reaching the Salt Lick Trail, which connects to the Sinking Sun Trail.

At the junction of the Ruby Wash and Salt Lick trails, the Cheyenne Rim Trail continues north into Wyoming and over to the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The Cheyenne Rim Trail loops back and connects to the Big Hole Wash Trail.

The trails are wide and easy to ride in the valley areas, providing lots of opportunities for letting a horse out for a run or long trot. The trails provide options for long or short rides. From the parking lot, it's about 4 miles to the Wyoming border, and the trail can be done at any pace.

This area is a beautiful choice for a weekend day ride. No dogs are allowed in the open space -- not even on leashes. Riders should also be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, which are seen out there fairly often.

Red Mountain Open Space is a wildlife preserve, so riders may see deer, elk or other animals. This area also is prone to high winds and quickly changing weather, so visitors should be prepared with layers of warm clothing.

A few trails on the tract are not open to horses, so riders should check maps and any signs in the area to make sure a trail is appropriate.

More information, including complete directions from Fort Collins or Interstate 25, is online at http://www.larimer.org/parks/red_mountain.htm.

 Happy trails!