Larimer County crews spent 160 hours restoring nearly a mile of illegally built trails after discovering unauthorized biking features at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
FORT COLLINS – Two unauthorized trails built within Horsetooth Mountain Open Space have been dismantled and restored by the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR), highlighting the environmental and financial costs of illegal trail construction on public lands.
According to LCDNR, trails staff discovered a 0.9-mile unauthorized trail that included jumps, rock walls, banked turns, and other constructed features. A second, separate 0.1-mile trail was also found nearby. Both trails were built without authorization and have since been closed and restored.
The restoration effort required approximately 160 staff hours and cost thousands of dollars in labor and materials. Natural Resources officials said staff will continue monitoring the areas to prevent future use or reconstruction…