People will soon get a first look at an open space described as a “crown jewel” in northern Colorado.

That’s how Larimer County’s Department of Natural Resources has described Canyon Edge Open Space, so named for the 1,547 acres at the edge of the Big Thompson Canyon. The historically private ranch was referred to as Heaven’s Door upon the county’s $9 million purchase in 2022, with funding also from Great Outdoors Colorado and the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland.

It was a purchase eyed for the better part of two decades, Meegan Flenniken, the county’s land conservation, planning and resource program manager, previously told The Gazette. “It’s just a really iconic property,” Flenniken said.

Now the public is about to finally check it out — though on a limited basis.

Larimer County recently opened free registration for up to 20 people at three tours this fall. The first is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26, followed by 10 a.m. Oct. 12 and Nov. 9.

The hiking tours are expected to last 1 1/2 hours along a preexisting ranch road. A guide will speak on various aspects of the land and the steps officials are taking to open it up to the broader public.

The county has reportedly been busy analyzing, removing old ranch structures and restoring habitat. Officials will eventually look to craft a management plan informing such developments as parking, trails and restrooms.

Canyon Edge Open Space might not fully open until 2030, according to a county webpage.

For those who miss the three tours this fall, more opportunities are expected next year and beyond.

That webpage describes Canyon Edge as “awe-inspiring,” with “dramatic hogbacks and canyons, ponderosa pine woodlands and mahogany and mixed shrublands near the foot of the Big Thompson Canyon.” The property “provides important winter range and travel corridors for wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep,” the webpage adds.

For registration and more information on the tours, go to tinyurl.com/24cb6bwx