Parks & Recreation

Loveland is nestled in a lush valley at the entrance to the Big Thompson Canyon and is known as the "Gateway to the Rockies." Dotted in and around the city and surrounding areas are an abundance of scenic lakes, parks, trails and recreational areas. Loveland's lakes, rivers and streams provide for swimming, water skiing, rafting, boating, fishing and other water sports. Loveland's mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, hunting, horseback riding.

Loveland boasts of 27 public parks that cover more than 700 acres of developed and undeveloped land. Three public golf courses offer scenic vistas, beautifully maintained greens and plenty of hills and interesting water hazards.
www.ci.loveland.co.us/golf/golfmain.htm.

Tennis courts, horseshoe and racquetball courts, volleyball, baseball and softball athletic fields, covered picnic areas with barbecue grills and playgrounds are found throughout the community. 970.962.2727.
www.ci.loveland.co.us/parksrec/Prmain.htm

The Hatfield Chilson Recreation Center, located at 700 E. Fourth St., features a swimming pool with water slide, racquetball courts, basketball courts two hot tubs, a steam room, and a full fitness center. 970.962.2503.
www.ci.loveland.co.us/parksrec/Chilsonmain.htm

There are 13 and a half miles of paved trail beginning at Boyd Lake State Park winding through Loveland on a picturesque trail ending at the Big Thompson River along Wilson Avenue. The trail is used for biking, walking, running, skating, and rollerblading. Funded by Loveland¥s share of proceeds from the Colorado State Lottery, the trail provides protection of natural resources, education and improves quality of life and health. When completed, the project will provide 20 miles of off-street trails.
www.ci.loveland.co.us/parksrec

Loveland is fortunate to have the Larimer County Parks & Open Space right in our backyard. Protected and cared for by staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, Loveland's county park space includes the Devil's Backbone, Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir, and Ramsay-Shockey Open Space . Just to our north is Horsetooth Mountain Park, great for hiking, biking, horseback, and backcountry camping. Horsetooth Reservoir offers boating, camping and fishing. For more information or permit information visit: www.larimer.org/parks

Devil's Backbone is a geological landmark on the western edge of Loveland just off Highway 34. Added to the county's open space in the fall of 1999, the Devil's Backbone offers a 3.5-mile loop trail for hiking and running. Featuring towering rock formations, it is an ideal location to view wildlife. An interpretive brochure that corresponds with numbered stops along the trail educates visitors about the native flora, abundant fauna, impressive geology, and rich and colorful history.

Carter Lake, located in the foothills in southwest Loveland, three miles long and 180 feet deep at the deepest point. Boating, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming and fishing are water sports available at Carter Lake. Boat mooring, gasoline and boat rentals are offered at the Carter Lake Marina (970.667.1062). Open year round, hiking trails and horse trails are abundant on the 1,000 acres surrounding the 1,100-acre reservoir. Electrical, non-electrical and tent camping is on a first come- first served basis.

Flatiron Reservoir is located northwest of Carter Lake and is surrounded by 200 acres of public lands. Sitting at just over a mile high, it's 47 acres of water is popular for fishing. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout several times in the spring and fall. Non-electrical and tent camping for a period of 14 days in any 30-day period is the maximum. Open year-round, there is no boating on the reservoir.

Also open year-round, Pinewood Reservoir is just beyond Flatiron and sits at 6,580 feet elevation. More than 300 acres of open land surrounds this popular trout fishing and camping area. Wakeless boating is allowed for fishing Rainbow Trout, Browns, Snake River Cutthroat, and occasionally, Lake Trout.

Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, across from Pinewood Reservoir, was purchased in 1997 to protect important wildlife habitat and to provide a buffer to Pinewood Reservoir. A four-mile trail allows hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy the surrounding valley.

Several smaller lakes sit within the city's boundaries. Boedecker Reservoir (2 miles west on First Street to County Road 21 then a half mile south) is a wakeless boating area. Sailboats and camping are prohibited, however, fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting for waterfowl and doves are popular activities at Boedecker. Lon Hagler Lake is also a wakeless boating area. Camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, an archery range and a nature trail are available with an annual or daily use permit.

For bird watching in Larimer County click here. Bird Watching

Boyd Lake State Park is located in Loveland just north of Highway 34. This state park is a water sports haven for northern Colorado, attracting visitors who enjoy boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, wind surfing, bicycling, walking, hunting and wildlife viewing. The park also features campsites accommodating tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes, picnic areas, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and playground area, two paved launch ramps, and a six-lane ramp.

Ice fishing, sledding, ice skating, and show shoeing are favorite winter sports in the area.