Directions (From Laramie County Website):

From Fort Collins: Take State Hwy 1/Terry Lake Rd to CR15 (aka the Waverly turn off) - go north (left) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

Hike Description:

Larimer County’s Red Mountain Open Space is a truly unique park in the Front Range. The park is a collection of red rock canyons, rolling grasslands, buttes, rock formations, and creeks. Hiking is generally easy at this park, but the hikes are long. You can also get the unique experience of hiking from Colorado to Wyoming, though it’s at least a 9 mile hike round trip to do so. Even if you stay put in Colorado, the various loop trails are well worth your time and effort. 

The Ruby Wash Loop is the main hike in the park and clocks in at 3.7 miles. From there you can add on additional loops depending on just how far you want to explore.  You can also link up to the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area which is just to the east of Red Mountain. The Ruby Wash Loop gives you a great sampling of the varying landscapes that make this area so special.

From the Trailhead, head north on the Ruby Wash / Sinking Sun Trail which gradually rises up following hills, washes, and rims to a high point and junction with the Big Hole Wash Trail.  Turn left on the Big Hole Wash Trail and descend down to the wash, hence the name, and cross the typically dry creek bed. This trail drops you down to Ruby Wash which provides some of the best views of the hike. The open prairie and surrounding red mountains and buttes is incredibly scenic, especially when the wash has running water. 

Cross the wash a few times and follow the Ruby Wash Trail south.  After about a mile, the trail enters a short but stunningly beautiful red rock canyon. The trail follows the creek through the canyon and along its red cliffs, this is a very cool part of the hike. You may think you stepped into a portal and wound up in Moab for a few minutes.  When you exit the canyon, it’s a quick quarter of a mile back to the trailhead.

It takes a lot of time and effort to get to this trailhead, there are no difficult road conditions but it’s a long drive.  Your reward for your effort is a chance to explore a part of Colorado that is often overlooked. The border area has a lot to offer, more so than you would think when you are driving the windy stretch of I-25 between Fort Collins and Cheyenne, WY. Go check out Red Mountain OS, you won’t be disappointed.