Trail Closures at Bobcat Ridge and Pineridge natural areas

Golden eagles are attempting to nest at Bobcat Ridge so a portion of the Valley Loop Trail is closed (the northern segment from the Powerline Rd junction to the DR Trail junction). There is no access to the historic cabin during the closure. Detours are posted on-site. The trail will re-open on July 15 or earlier if eagles cease nesting activity. Watch this website for updates.

The Timber Trail at Pineridge is closed due to wet and muddy conditions, the trail will reopen as soon as conditions allow. Thank you for respecting the closure.

What is Special About This Place? Second Saturday Tours

Get to know your natural areas with a guide on a monthly leisurely stroll. Sponsored by Fort Collins Audubon and Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. Free, 8-10 am, no registration required.

• January 10, 2009- Primrose Studio (indoors, Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, Michaud Lane entrance)
• February 7- Prospect Ponds Natural Area(meet at parking lot across from Liberty Commons School)
• March 7- Salyer and McMurray natural areas (meet at Lee Martinez Park, lower parking lot by the tennis courts)
• April 11- Arapho Bend Natural Area (meet at parking lot at the east end of Horsetooth Rd)

Volunteer Orientation

Learn about the Natural Areas Program and ways to get involved!

Opportunities include Adopt-a-Natural Area, Volunteer Ranger Assistants, Master Naturalists and more. Coming to the orientation does not require you to volunteer. Free snacks and maps of Fort Collins Natural Areas will be provided.
Natural Areas Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, January 22nd
6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Location given with rsvp- reservations are required: Susan Schafer, 970-416-2480,

Natural Areas Map Available

The Natural Areas map is here!(pdf) Maps can also be found at natural area trailheads, by stopping by the Natural Areas Program office (directions at top of page), at the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department (215 N. Mason) or request that one be sent to you by emailing

Natural Areas are naturally yours! You are welcome to explore and help care for these special places. The City's Natural Areas Program manages over 36,000 acres locally and regionally, so there is likely a natural area near you!

• Natural Areas Map (PDF 17.5MB)

Most Fort Collins natural areas are open for your enjoyment and recreation from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. except for Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and Gateway Natural Area which are both open from dawn to dusk.

Natural areas are funded by citizen-initiated city and county sales taxes. The funds from these taxes, by law, are dedicated to the Natural Areas Program and may not be used for other parts of the city government.

The Natural Areas Program’s mission is to conserve and enhance lands with existing or potential natural area values, lands that serve as community separators, agricultural lands, and lands with scenic values. Conservation of natural habitats and features is the highest priority while providing education and recreation for the Fort Collins community.

Why Are Natural Areas Important?

Natural Areas are valuable for many reasons!

• Recreation - natural areas provide a respite from the urban environment. Natural Areas are a place to hike, bike, walk your dog, ride your horse, bird watch, fish, create art, write, or just enjoy some quiet time outdoors.
• Education - natural areas are an outdoor classroom for students of every age.
• Scientific - natural areas are used by scientists to collect data.
• Economic - natural areas make Fort Collins an attractive place to do business.
• Cultural - natural areas protect traces of our past.
• Ecological - natural areas filter our water and air, prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife and native plants.
• Aesthetic - the opportunity to hear a creek babbling, see a bird soaring, watch the sun reflect off a dewy spider web, smell a wildflower; these are all experiences to treasure.
• Add your own reason here!