Here are trails, boating plans for future Chimney Hollow Open Space
Larimer County’s newest major recreation area is still in the planning stages, but here is a sneak peek at what to expect once Chimney Hollow Open Space and reservoir open.
The Larimer County Natural Areas Department has led the open space’s planning process, drafting a preliminary plan as to what recreation might look like from public input.
The public has through Nov. 15 to comment on the draft plan.
Where is Chimney Hollow Open Space located?
About 5 miles southwest of Loveland and just west of Carter Lake.
How big is Chimney Hollow Open Space and how does it compare to Horsetooth and Carter Lake?
Chimney Hollow Open Space includes 1,847 acres of open space and 760 acres of Chimney Hollow Reservoir, which is currently being built.
When completed, the 90,000-acre-foot reservoir will supply 30,000 acre-feet of water to 12 irrigation companies and municipalities.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is 2,711 acres of land and Horsetooth Reservoir is 1,900 surface acres.
Carter Lakes is 1,100 surface acres and is surrounded by 1,000 acres of public land.
When is Chimney Hollow Open Space expected to open?
Here is a timeline, according to Larimer County Natural Resources:
- End of 2024: Recreation planning and completion of the reservoir’s dam
- 2025-26: Construction of trails, parking lots, restrooms, etc. and fill the reservoir
- 2027: Opening of the open space and reservoir to recreation
What will recreation look like at Chimney Hollow Opens Space?
Recreation at the site will be divided into different management zones.
These include:
- Developed zone: Major visitor facilities, including parking lots, trailheads, restrooms, outdoor classrooms, etc.
- Access zone: Service roads or other access points (non-trails) for entry by the general public and for maintenance purposes
- Frontcountry zone: Predominantly natural, but where most trails as well as trail signs, benches, picnic areas, observation platforms and service roads will be
- Backcountry zone: Unpaved trails, signs, benches, primitive campsites and observation platforms
Here are likely recreation opportunities to be available at Chimney Hollow Open Space, reservoir
The draft plan includes these land and water recreation opportunities:
- Information kiosks, water fountains, restrooms and picnic tables
- Approximately 260 parking spaces among three lots, including for boat trailers and with access to the reservoir and trail system
- 50-space trailhead parking area that includes two to four horse trailer spaces with trail connection to the Sundance Trail at Carter Lake and connection to the trail system at Chimney Hollow Open Space
- Ten to 12 miles of primarily multi-use trails, including a shoreline trail along the west side of Chimney Hollow Reservoir
- Wakeless boating, concrete boat ramp, floating dock, fishing access and swimming areas
Will it cost to recreate at Chimney Hollow Reservoir?
Yes.
An entrance fee will be in place similar to other sites managed by Larimer County Natural Resources Department, such as Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake.
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