Hiking – Red Mountain Open Space

We will meet at 7:30 a.m.in the Burger King parking lot at 1648 N. College Ave., Ft. Collins to carpool to the Red Mountain Open Space (799 Red Canyon Rd.).  This is SE of the intersection of N. College Ave. and Willox Lane.  The 45-minute drive will be on mostly dirt county roads.

We will explore the beautiful red sandstone canyons, streams, panoramic views, geologic formations, and wildflowers of Red Mountain Open Space north of Fort Collins on this 6.7 mile hike with a cumulative 650' gain.  From the trailhead, we will hike on the upper section of the Bent Rock trail while enjoying the red sandstone geology of this unique formation along the stream.  Then, we will pick up the K-Lynn Cameron trail and ascend this canyon valley with the red cliffs landscape, looping around and down into the lower area where we will see historical buildings.  During this portion of the hike, we will stop for our lunch.  On our return to the trailhead, we will hike back and follow the lower loop of the Bent Rock trail while crossing the creek several times.  The wildflowers and flowing streams are delightful in this beautiful wildlife preserve where the Folsom indigenous peoples lived thousands of years prior.  You will need your essentials, water, lunch, raingear, and sturdy hiking boots.

If the weather deteriorates during this hike, we can shorten the route to 5.3 miles by returning on the upper section of the Bent Rock trail.  Either way, this will be a beautiful hike through a very special landscape!