Visit Natural Areas

Two people strolling along an accessible trail at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.

Fort Collins Natural Areas are full of ways to explore, relax and connect with nature. Below you’ll find helpful information about popular activities, along with the rules that help protect people, wildlife and the environment.

What Can I Do in a Natural Area?

hikers on dirt trail on sunny day

Accessible Trails and Facilities

Mobility Friendly and Accessible Experiences- NA-MobilityAccess-v3.pdf(PDF, 359KB)  This document is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Fort Collins Natural Areas offers accessible trails and features. To find them, use the Natural Areas Directory and filter by “Accessible.”

Need assistance or accommodations? Call 970-416-2815. 

Fort Collins Natural Areas Accessible Trail and Facility Assessment(PDF, 369KB) 

You can also explore trail accessibility through our trail accessibility map from 2014(PDF, 10MB).

Boating

You can boat in natural areas that allow fishing. Check the Natural Areas Directory to see which sites allow boating.  

You can use non-motorized boats, boats with an electric trolling motor, canoes, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks. Please note that all Colorado State and U.S. Coast Guard rules apply.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed at most natural areas, but not all. When allowed, dogs must be leashed, and owners should clean up after them. Pickup bags are available at most trailheads. Rangers frequently patrol and strictly enforce the leash law. 

 Why leash your dog?

  • For public safety: Unleashed dogs can bite, fight or cause accidents. 
  • To protect wildlife and plants: Off-leash dogs disturb animals and trample sensitive areas. 
  • To protect your dog: Wildlife like mountain lions, rattlesnakes or prairie dog fleas pose a danger. 

Where dogs are not allowed:

Dogs (even in vehicles) are not allowed at these sensitive natural areas: Bobcat Ridge, Cottonwood Hollow, Coyote Ridge, Fossil Creek Reservoir, Running Deer, or Soapstone Prairie.

 

Use the Natural Areas Directory to check which sites allow dogs. 

Important: Service animals are allowed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals are not service animals under the ADA. 

Use the B.A.R.K Principles:  

  • Bag your pet's waste.
  • Always use a leash.
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Know where you can go.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in 16 Natural Areas, which can be found in the Natural Areas Directory.

  • A Colorado fishing license is required for any angler over 15 years old.  
  • Ice fishing is not permitted. 
  • Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, motorized and non-motorized boats, and belly boats ARE allowed on ponds open to fishing. Know what safety equipment and licensing is required for your vessel.  
  • Many anglers prefer to catch and release and it is required in some sections of Gateway Natural Area. Learn more about catch and release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
  • Pack it in, pack it out. Please dispose of discarded fishing line in the special recycling containers. Abandoned line causes many wildlife deaths.  

If you have questions about fishing regulations, contact a ranger at 970-416-2147.

Hiking

Most visitors come to natural areas to walk, run, hike and enjoy nature. Remember:

  • Stay on the trail — even when it’s muddy, walk through, not around, to protect the habitat.
  • Hikers yield to horseback riders. Bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders.
  • Don’t approach wildlife. If they change behavior, you’re too close.

Hunting

Hunting is only allowed at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area during a special pronghorn hunt in December. The hunt is in cooperation with Larimer County's Red Mountain Open Space.

Access across natural areas for hunting on adjacent public lands only applies to spring season turkey hunting access at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area when the Bar D road/FS Rd 153 is closed. A special use permit is required for access.

For all hunting seasons at Gateway Natural Area, a special use permit is required for access.  

Open carry of weapons (guns, bows, slingshots, etc.) are not allowed in natural areas.

Exception: You may carry a firearm if you have a valid concealed carry permit — it must remain concealed at all times. A hunting license is not a valid permit.  

Ice Skating

Ice-skating is permitted only where signs allow access. Ice is never safe and is not monitored. Enter at your own risk.

 

Photography and Artwork

Photography and making artwork are welcome!

Stay on trail unless you're in an off-trail-permitted area. Use the Natural Areas Directory to find off-trail areas. No collecting or gathering is allowed.

Riding Your Bike

Check the Natural Areas Directory to see where bikes are allowed. The Foothills Trail, Coyote Ridge and Bobcat Ridge are the most popular destinations for mountain bikers.  

Rules to follow:

  • Stay on the trail.
  • Yield to others — dismount until people pass.
  • E-bikes (Class I & II) are only allowed on paved trails.
  • E-bikes are not allowed on unpaved natural areas trails.
  • ADA mobility devices are allowed on all trails.
  • For more information visit https://fortcollins.gov/EMobility

Riding Your Horse

Check the Natural Areas Directory to see which natural areas have horse trailer parking and allow horses.  

Equestrians are required to stay on or within 10 feet of designated trails. Avoid paved or fine-gravel trails. 

Where to Go 

  • Coyote Ridge Natural Area: 7-mile round-trip with great views and trailer parking. Connects to Larimer County's Blue Sky Trail, which runs between Devils Backbone Open Space on the south to Horsetooth Mountain Park and Lory State Park to the north going through the Rimrock Open Space. 

  • Pineridge Natural Area: 4-mile loop with trailer parking available. Riders can access the Spring Creek Trail System to the east and connect to the Foothills Trail System through Maxwell Natural Area to the north. 

  • Bobcat Ridge Natural Area: 4-mile Valley Loop or the DR trail for horses and hikers only. Note: Bobcat Ridge often reaches capacity; have an alternate destination ready if the parking lot is full. 

Sharing the Trail: Equestrian Guidelines 

Equestrians have the right-of-way on trails, but sharing the space safely is everyone’s responsibility. Here’s how riders can help ensure a safe and respectful experience for all:

  • Keep your horse under control at all times.
  • Avoid riding in a way that could harm people, wildlife or the environment.
  • Pair inexperienced horses with seasoned horses and riders.
  • Make sure your horse is comfortable around hikers, bikers and other trail users.
  • Research the trail ahead of time and know what to expect.
  • Don’t assume others know trail etiquette — make eye contact and communicate clearly.
  • Be polite, patient and prepared to adjust plans if the parking lot is full.

Snowshoeing and Skiing

If there’s enough snow, visitors may cross-country ski or snowshoe on hiking trails. Natural area trails aren’t groomed, and motorized use is prohibited. Regulations for on-trail/off-trail use apply. Skiers/snowshoers must stay within 10 feet of plowed trails. 

Sites at higher elevations such as Bobcat Ridge may hold snow longer than lower elevation areas. Sledding is not allowed.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Paddle boards are non-motorized boats; they are allowed in natural area waterways that allow boats. All Colorado State and U.S. Coast Guard rules apply, including the requirement to have a life vest and whistle.

 

What Is Not Allowed In a Natural Area?

Reservoir and hills on foggy day

Natural areas are smoke-free and alcohol-free spaces. Camping, swimming and the use of drones or any radio-controlled aircraft are also prohibited in natural areas.

Natural Areas Drone Policy 2017

City of Fort Collins, CO October 2017 Natural Area Department Internal & Public Drone Use Policies

After careful review of existing open space agency UAS policies in Colorado, The City of Fort Collins Natural Area Department will use the following criteria as a basis for internal and public use of UAS:

 

  1. Recreational use is strictly prohibited under City of Fort Collins Municipal Code Section 23-193(a)(6).
  2.  Activity must comply with all FAA, state or local regulations. This includes an operator who is certified by the FAA (Part 107) to operate the drone and ensure all protocols and regulations are followed.
  3.  Internal UAS operation must be consistent with the implementation of the department’s conservation, education, and recreation mission. Internal uses must reasonably demonstrate that the probability of wildlife disturbance or other resource impact is negligible or easily mitigated. Similarly, UAS operation should not significantly impact the health, safety, welfare, or experience of natural area visitors.
  4.  UAS missions shall have a well-defined conservation purpose that may not otherwise be achieved by conventional methods. Typical internal UAS missions may be used for resource inventory, wildlife surveys, vegetation monitoring, cultural assessments, wildland fire assessments, baseline surveys or inventories, original research, conservation easement (CE) monitoring and other purposes. For (internal) baseline surveys or conservation easement monitoring activities, the department must acquire landowner permission prior to the utilization of drones for these purposes.
  5.  Use of UAS on City lands will only be allowed for activities that contribute to the understanding or management of these properties or resources and in situations in which UAS provide improved or more cost-effective alternatives for gathering remotely sensed data, or to provide for greater public safety.
  6.  UAS may be used for creating educational films, nature photography, or other purpose as part of carrying out the department’s education mission.
  7.  The Natural Areas Department acknowledges the use of UAS for emergency operations and public safety is exempt from local regulation. Law enforcement, fire protection and similar emergency service agencies may utilize drones without restriction for the purposes including but not limited to search and rescue, law enforcement, fire management, natural disaster assessment, or similar emergency incidents.
  8.  Local emergency service agencies are permitted with a Natural Areas special use permit to practice or simulate emergency missions on natural areas for the purpose of improving familiarity with the natural area system. A complete listing of the City of Fort Collins’ Municipal Code may be found here.

 

To learn more, read the full regulations in Fort Collins Municipal Code.

Safety in Natural Areas

Black and white photo of mountain lion at night

Safety is an important component of any day spent outside. You are responsible for your own safety. Outdoor activities include the potential for serious injury, death and property loss. Please choose activities that match your abilities. 

Be prepared: Always check weather conditions and carry proper gear for the environment.

Be mindful of your surroundings: Respect wildlife, the environment and other visitors. 

What to Bring

Use this list as a guide to help you pack for a day outdoors. You can find a map of all the natural areas here(PDF, 8MB) and at trailhead kiosks. 

  • Map and Compass, a GPS System or Your Phone: Not all natural areas have good reception, see information below about call boxes. 
  • Layered Clothing and Rain Gear: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. 
  • Water: Pack more than you think you will need and drink before you feel thirsty. 
  • Trail Food 
  • First Aid Kit: include a space blanket if you have one. 
  • Repair Kit: This may include duct tape, multi-tool, etc.
  • Flashlight or Headlamp
  • Sun and Bug Protection 

Call Boxes

In remote areas (Bobcat Ridge, Soapstone Prairie, and Gateway natural areas), there are emergency call boxes.

Heat and Cold Injuries

To prevent heat injuries:

  • Wear light clothing, use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Rest in the shade, pace yourself and avoid intense activity during peak heat.
  • Replace salt and minerals lost through sweating (sports drinks help). 

To prevent cold injuries:

  • Dress in layers using wool or synthetic fabrics (avoid cotton).
  • Wear a hat, gloves and insulated boots.
  • In freezing temperatures, be cautious of hypothermia and frostbite.

Lightning

Avoid lightning by monitoring the weather and skipping afternoon outings when storms are likely.  

30-30 Rule: After seeing lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If it is less than 30 seconds, seek safety. If you can hear thunder, lightning is within striking range. Wait at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed before hiking. 

Abide by this safety slogan: "If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it." 

What to do in a lightning storm:

  • Seek shelter immediately: If you see lightning or hear thunder, take cover in a vehicle or a building with a roof, walls and plumbing. Avoid picnic shelters and restrooms.
  • Stay away from water, high ground and metal objects.
  • If caught outside: Spread out, keep distance from others and crouch down (feet together, hands over ears).
  • After a storm: Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before resuming activities.
  • If struck by lightning: Move to safety, call 911 and administer CPR if trained. Lightning victims do not retain an electrical charge.

River Safety

The Poudre River flows in May and June are high, fast and very cold.

  • Wear a life vest, helmet, shoes and whistle.
  • Know water conditions: In May and June water is high so wait to recreate unless you are an expert with the appropriate equipment. Typically, late July is when we start to see safer conditions. Avoid logs and debris. Your risk-taking endangers the lives of rescuers.
  • Stay sober: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and increase risk.
  • Be courteous: Share the river with other boaters and anglers, and always clean up your trash.

In case of emergency, call 911. 

Wildlife Safety: Rattlesnakes And Mountain Lions

Rattlesnakes  

Rattlesnakes live in many of our natural areas. They're part of the ecosystem, and they prefer to avoid people. 

Safety Tips: 

  • Stay on the center of the trail.
  • If you see a snake, back away slowly.
  • Don’t reach into places you can’t see, like under rocks or logs.
  • Wear tall boots if going off-trail.

If you see a rattlesnake, stay calm, and give it space. Rattlesnakes and other snakes are important and valuable wildlife in natural ecosystems. Snakes don’t want to bite unless they feel threatened.

If You’re Bitten:

  • Stay calm, and move slowly.
  • Call 911 if you can.
  • Don’t run — it spreads the venom faster.
  • If alone with no phone, walk calmly to the nearest emergency phone.

Mountain Lions 

Mountain lions live in some Fort Collins natural areas. Rangers will post signs if there have been recent sightings. 

Where You Might See One:

  • Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area
  • Coyote Ridge Natural Area
  • Pineridge Natural Area
  • Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
  • Maxwell Natural Area
  • Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
  • Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

If you see a mountain lion, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-472-4300. For more information, read Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Living with Wildlife in Mountain Lion Country 

 

Public Transportation to Natural Areas

City of Fort Collins Transfort bus driving down the road.

Natural Areas marked with an asterisk *recommend biking from the bus stop to the Natural Area due to the lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, or other safety considerations.

Safety: Always cross streets at marked crosswalks when available, and look both ways before crossing. Please do not cross in front of a bus; wait until the bus has pulled away from the stop before crossing the street. If a route doesn't have a crosswalk, cross carefully and only when it's clear. When biking, stay in marked bike lanes where they exist, wear safety gear such as helmets, and make sure your bike has lights if riding in the dark. Walkers and bikers should both stay alert for general traffic at all times, including vehicles, other bikers, and fellow trail users.

Poudre River Area

Before you go: Check for closures and trail status updates on the COTREX app or at trails.colorado.gov.

Arapaho Bend Natural Area

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 500 feet 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 16 to the Harmony Transfer Center. Arapaho Bend Natural Area borders the Harmony Transfer Center on its north and west sides. 

 

Accessible: Bike recommended; walkable in about 16 minutes  Distance: 0.7 miles 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 14 to the bus stop at Highway 14 (Mulberry) & Timberline. Bike 0.7 miles (about a 16 minute walk) southwest along S. Timberline Rd, then continue west to enter Cattail Chorus Natural Area from the Poudre River Trail. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.1 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 81 to the bus stop called Linden & Bridge (at Linden St bridge over the Poudre River). Cross Linden Street at the crosswalk and walk 0.1 miles (about 3 minutes) northwest along Linden St, then enter Gustav Swanson Natural Area from the Gustav Swanson Trailhead. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 446 feet

Route: Take Transfort's Route 5 to the bus stop at Lemay & Poudre River Dr. Walk 446 feet (about 1 minute) south along S. Lemay Ave, then enter Springer Natural Area from the Poudre River Trail. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 351 feet 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 5 to the bus stop at Lemay & Mulberry. Walk 351 feet (about 1 minute) north along S Lemay Ave, then enter Springer Natural Area from the Poudre River Trail. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.4 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 5 to the bus stop at Lemay & Mulberry. Walk 0.4 miles (about 8 minutes) north on the Poudre River Trail, using the paved underpass under E. Mulberry St, to reach Homestead Natural Area. 

 

Accessible: Bike Recommended; walkable in about 9 minutes  Distance: 0.4 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 14 to the bus stop at Highway 14 & Timberline. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then Bike 0.4 miles (about an 9 minute walk) southwest along S. Timberline Rd. Enter Kingfisher Point Natural Area from the Poudre River Trail. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.1 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 8 to the bus stop at College & Alpine. Walk 0.1 miles (about 3 minutes) north along N College Ave, then enter River's Edge Natural Area from Woodlawn Dr. 

Also accessible via or Route 81 to the bus stop on College & Vine. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then walk 0.1 miles (about 3 minutes) south along N College Ave, then enter River's Edge Natural Area from Woodlawn Dr. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.2 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 8 to the bus stop at College & Vine. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then walk 0.2 miles (about 6 minutes) north along N College Ave. Enter Salyer Natural Area from Woodlawn Dr. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.3 miles 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 14 to the bus stop at Highway 14 & Timberline. Walk 0.3 miles south (about 6 minutes) southwest along S Timberline Rd to reach the Riverbend Ponds Cairnes Trailhead from Cairnes Dr. 

This list is not exhaustive. Visit ridetransfort.com/routes for bus schedules and the most up to date information.

Around Town

Before you go: Check for closures and trail status updates on the COTREX app or at trails.colorado.gov.

Ross Natural Area 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 440 feet 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 6 to the bus stop at Drake & Dunbar. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then walk 440 feet (about 2 minutes) northwest and onto Spring Creek Trail to reach Ross Natural Area.   

 

Accessible: Walkable  Distance: 0.2 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 7 or Route 19 to the bus stop at Shields & Stuart. Walk 0.2 miles (about 5 minutes) west along W Stuart St, then turn south to enter Fischer Natural Area. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.1 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 8 to the bus stop at Blue Spruce & Bristlecone. Turn into the Neighbor to Neighbor parking lot and walk 0.1 miles (about 2 minutes) east to reach Goose Hollow Natural Area. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 13 feet 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 9 to the bus stop at Vine & Irish. The stop is located at the entrance to Kestrel Fields Natural Area. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.3 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 18 or Route 2 to the bus stop at Prospect & Stover. Head east along E Prospect Rd and turn onto Ukiah Ln., Walk 0.3 miles (about 5 minutes) south long Ukiah Ln, then enter Mallard's Nest Natural Area from the Spring Creek Trail. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 20 feet 

Route: Take Transfort's Route 2 to the bus stop on Prospect & Taft Hill. Cross at the crosswalk if needed. The stop is located at the border of Red Fox Meadows Natural Area along W Prospect Rd and S Taft Hill Rd. 

Also accessible via Route 6 to the bus stop at Taft Hill & Prospect. Cross at the crosswalk if needed. The stop is located at the border of Red Fox Meadows Natural Area along W Prospect Rd and S Taft Hill Rd. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.3 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 81 to the bus stop at Willox & Blue Spruce. Walk 0.3 miles (about 8 minutes) east along E Willox Ln until you reach Redwing Marsh Natural Area.  

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.4 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 6 to the bus stop at Drake & Taft Hill. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then walk 0.4 miles (about 10 minutes), heading west along W. Drake Rd, turning south onto S. Taft Hill Rd, then west onto the Spring Creek Trail, to enter Tanglewood Natural Area. 

 

Accessible: Walkable Distance: 0.3 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 18 to the bus stop at Prospect & Riverside. Cross at the crosswalk if needed, then walk 0.3 miles (about 7 minutes) south along Riverside Ave, then east onto the Spring Creek Trail to enter The Coterie. 

This list is not exhaustive. Visit ridetransfort.com/routes for bus schedules and the most up to date information.

Redtail Grove Natural Area

Before you go: Check for closures and trail status updates on the COTREX app or at trails.colorado.gov.

Redtail Grove Natural Area 

Accessible: Bike recommended; walkable in about 9 minutes Distance: 0.5 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's MAX to the South Transit Center. Bike 0.5 miles (about a 9 minute walk) south down the Mason Trail to enter Redtail Grove Natural Area. 

This list is not exhaustive. Visit ridetransfort.com/routes for bus schedules and the most up to date information.

Foothills Area

Before you go: Check for closures and trail status updates on the COTREX app or at trails.colorado.gov.

*Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area 

Accessible: Bike Distance: 0.8 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 19 to the bus stop at Shields & Harmony. Cross the crosswalk if needed. Bike 0.8 miles south along S. Shields St in the bike lane. Turn west onto Fossil Creek Trail to access Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area. 

 

*Reservoir Ridge Natural Area 

Accessible: Bike Distance: 0.8 miles  

Route: Take Transfort's Route 9 to the bus stop at Overland & Vine. Bike 0.8 miles north along N Overland Trail in the bike lane, then turn west to access Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. 

This list is not exhaustive. Visit ridetransfort.com/routes for bus schedules and the most up to date information.

More From Fort Collins Natural Areas

 

Contact Us

Email

naturalareas@fortcollins.gov

Phone

970-416-2815

Ranger On-Duty Line

970-416-2147

Headquarters Office Hours

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Saturday-Sunday | Closed 

Natural Areas Hours

Natural Areas are open daily, either 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. or from dawn to dusk.

Headquarters Address 

1745 Hoffman Mill Road

Fort Collins, CO 80524

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 580

Fort Collins, CO 80522

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