Lagerman Reservoir

Where: N 75th and Pike Road, Longmont, CO 80503
Web: http://www.bouldercounty.org/os/parks/pages/lagermanres.aspx
When: Day use only

Union Reservoir and Boulder Reservoir might be the more well-known manmade bodies of water in the Longmont area, but Lagerman Reservoir, tucked away on the far west side of the city, just might beat them both when it comes to spectacular Front Range vistas. The views here are positively breathtaking -- and that's saying something in a place that specializes in breathtaking views. With a 1.6-mile trail that loops around the reservoir, this is a great spot to take your dog for a walk or a go for a jog. There's also a nicely maintained picnic area, boasting some serious Flatirons panoramas.

Depending on the time of year, keep an eye out for a wide array of birds, from ospreys to great blue herons. The reservoir is also a popular fishing destination, with anglers landing channel catfish, largemouth bass and black crappie, among others species. Wakeless boats are allowed, but no sailboats or sailboards.
Take note! The western end of Lagerman is closed for nesting birds April through August.

Field Notes: Devil's Backbone Open Space, Loveland

Devil's Backbone Open Space, Plaster Mill Rd, Loveland, 20 miles from Longmont 

12 miles of trails which connect to Rimrock Open Space and then Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. About 1.5 miles from the parking lot to the keyhole. This is a really nice easy hike that is only 20 miles from Longmont. Located in Loveland, it is surrounded by communities of homes so it does not feel like you are escaping into nature. Still, the rock formation is stunning and feels quintessentially western. The keyhole - an impressive rock arch - is only about 1.5 miles from the parking lot making it a great destination for kids while the adults will appreciate the view of Longs Peek, Meeker, the Twin Sisters and more.

(As I write this post it is cold and snowy, but these photos were taken only a few weeks ago on a warm and sunny day in January. )

For more local hikes see here and here. 

Stephen Day Park

Where: 1340 Deerwood Dr  Longmont, CO 80504
Web: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/parks/park_list/overview/StephenDayPark.htm

Way over on the east side of town, but worth the trip if you've got kids. Stephen Day Park is a lovely patch of green with whimsical, winding pathways, rolling hills and a fun, spraying water feature, great for those particularly hot summer days. If your kid is a bit of a daredevil, he or she will definitely make a beeline to the BMX/mountain bike area, where there are bumps, dips and dives that will provide hours of dusty (possibly muddy) fun. There's also a smallish concrete skatepark. Wear those helmets, kids!

Sandstone Ranch Visitor Center

Where: 990 State Highway 119
Web: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/parks/park_list/overview/SSR_District_Park.htm
Visitor Center Hours: Tuesdays – May 17-Oct. 25, 2016: 9am-12noon; 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays – May 14-Oct. 22, 2016: 10am-2pm

It's hard to imagine what Longmont was like all the way back in 1860, but you can catch a glimpse of those bygone days at Sandstone Ranch, one of the earliest homesteading sites in the area. The intensely named Morse Coffin came to Colorado during the Gold Rush in the late 1850s, and instead of heading to the mountains like most of those seized with gold fever, stuck it out on the banks of the St. Vrain. And it seems as though he thrived there, establishing a sandstone quarry that supplied stone to cities all over Colorado and beyond. In the early 1880s, Coffin built the Second Empire-style house that still stands -- it's been added to and modified over the years, but retains a definite pioneer flavor.

There's also an ancient barn and walking trails that wrap around the old quarry. We like Sandstone as a biking destination; you can roll right up to it from the St. Vrain Greenway and relax on the lawn in front of the house. The Visitors Center, featuring information on local history and wildlife, is open seasonally (see dates and times above).

McIntosh Lake

Where: South of State Highway 66, north of Hygiene Road, west of North 75th Street and east of Hover Road

Web: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/parks/park_list/overview/mcintosh.htm

At first glance, you might not think there’s much happening on the northwest end of Longmont. But one glimpse of the spectacular, 265-acre McIntosh Lake will set you straight. Boasting one of the greatest views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range in Colorado, the manmade lake attracts cyclists, boaters, fishers, birdwatchers and joggers to its sunny shores. 

A flat trail (half paved, half gravel) wraps itself around the water – it’s a great walk, jog or bike ride. Along the way, you’ll find two playgrounds, a tennis court, wetlands, boat ramps and plenty of photo ops. Keep an eye out for a wide array of wildlife, including blue herons, red foxes, and bald eagles. You might even see that rarest of Colorado sights – a windsurfer.

LoBo Trail

People are serious about bikes in Colorado, and Longmont is no exception. This year, the League of American Bicyclists rated the city at the silver level in terms of bike-friendliness. After a few years of living here, we're finally getting into the cycling scene -- and loving every minute of it. Our current favorite ride follows the LoBo Trail about seven miles to nearby Niwot. Hook up with the trail on Sunset Ave. (just south of Pike Rd.) and follow it out to where it runs parallel with the Diagonal Highway. About a mile in, the trail turns from concrete to crushed gravel, and the ride gets slightly less smooth. But don't worry, you'll have plenty of excuses for breaks -- the magnificent views of the mighty Flatirons pretty much command you to stop and soak in the sights. 

You can ride the LoBo Trail all the way to Boulder  -- a 12-mile adventure we've yet to undertake. Hey, we're just getting into this biking thing, remember? So far, our final destination of choice has been the Winot Coffee Co. (7960 Niwot Road), located in the Cottonwood Plaza. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches and a sunny patio. What more could sweaty cyclists wish for?

Tip: For maps and other two-wheel resources, look no further than www.BicycleLongmont.org.

Longmont Memorial Rose Garden

Where: Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave.

Web: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/parks/park_list/overview/roosevelt.htm

To paraphrase the old George Jones number, It's been a good -- no, a great -- year for the roses. This spring was one of the warmest on record, meaning that we never got one of those nasty, garden-destroying cold snaps in April or May. The result? Roses running riot all over town. The absolute best place to literally stop and smell the roses in Longmont is without a doubt the Longmont Memorial Rose Garden, located on the west side of Roosevelt Park, just a short walk from downtown.

The garden's history stretches back to 1945, when the first roses were planted by the Lions Club as a war memorial. It's well-known today amongst rose aficionados, even garnering coverage in USA Today. Lovingly tended to by community members, you'll find a dazzling array of rose varieties here -- 190 in all -- ranging from classic reds to exotic hybrids.