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Red Mountain Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 216 Google reviews · Running trail in Wellington, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Red Mountain Open Space's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This preserve with trails was home to early human inhabitants of North America (closed Dec–Feb).
What runners say about Red Mountain Open Space
“The unique rock formations and diverse vegetation make for a stunning backdrop that kept me captivated throughout the entire hike.”
“I was fortunate enough to have partly cloudy skies during my hike, which was a blessing since there is no shade on the trail.”
“The trail is very well-marked, so I never had to worry about getting lost.”
“Quiet and peaceful, like stepping back in time, with relatively few visitors even on the weekend particularly if you go early in the morning.”
“Lots of typographical variation, great casual MTB, and some wonderful easy hikes.”
Forget the well known places with the crowds & permits. Come see something new and wonderful for free away from the cities and the crowds. Best place to come for peace, quiet, & beautiful views. Sorry no pets allowed except for horses. Bike, hike, & ride from sun up to sundown.
(4.4/5) Great hiking day at Ruby Wash and Big Hole Wash trails located in Red Mountain Open Space. Below are pros and cons! Pros: Easy navigation with plenty of signs, maps, markers, and paved paths. There are bathrooms, but no sink. There are pavilions at the start, for those who want to eat and relax.
It is a great place to hike/run/bike without encountering too many other people. The canyon is beautiful. Bring plenty of water, there is none available at the open space. Also, very little shade, so go early in the morning, or evening.
My favorite open space near Fort Collins, by far. Lots of typographical variation, great casual MTB, and some wonderful easy hikes. Two things to consider though: there is no shade, really anywhere; and it can get crowded at peak hours during the weekends.
Trail conditions & character
“The unique rock formations and diverse vegetation make for a stunning backdrop that kept me captivated throughout the entire hike.”
“There's not much trees or other shelters in addition to what's at the trailhead, so pack accordingly.”
“Quiet and peaceful, like stepping back in time, with relatively few visitors even on the weekend particularly if you go early in the morning.”
“I took a church group on the Bent Rock Trail Loop.”
“I was fortunate enough to have partly cloudy skies during my hike, which was a blessing since there is no shade on the trail.”
“Pros: Easy navigation with plenty of signs, maps, markers, and paved paths.”
Plan your run at Red Mountain Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitelarimer.gov
- Phone(970) 619-4570
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Wellington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wellington Community Park
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Lions Park
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Dry Creek Greenway
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Butterfly Woods Natural Area
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Summit Trailhead
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Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
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Foothills area with many miles of panoramic hiking trails amid rock outcroppings & grasslands.