Before You Go: Check Trail & Parking Conditions
- Natural Areas Trail Conditions webpage fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
- COTREX https://trails.colorado.gov/
The busiest times at natural areas are weekends, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., so try visiting earlier or later, or on weekday mornings for the best chance at parking. Have an alternate destination in mind. When parking lots are full try another trailhead or come back another time. Avoid a parking ticket! Only park in designated spaces. All natural areas are free to enter, except Gateway Natural Area.
New Trail Coming to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
The Elk Meadow Trail is a 1.75-mile path that winds through a scenic valley, over seasonal streams, and along striking rock formations, with sweeping views of redrock cliffs and the foothills. This easy to moderate multi-use trail provides access to 675 newly conserved acres—made possible by voter-supported sales tax funding.
The trail opens to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders on Saturday, Oct. 11. Celebrate opening day with cake, stickers, kid-friendly activities, and guided hikes at the historic cabin from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No dogs are allowed at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
Montane Zone Update
The Montane Zone consists of two natural areas: Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons natural areas. They provide important habitats for many wildlife and plant species in need of conservation.
Bobcat Ridge also offers 20 miles of trails, scenic views, and a newly added 675 acres (trail planning is underway). The DR Trail is now officially multi-use, including open to bikes in both directions, following strong support from over 900 survey responses.
Crossline Canyons Natural Area currently has no feasible public access. The area is managed for research and relatively undisturbed habitat, abundant wildlife, and sensitive plant species. Please respect property closures.
Community members shared feedback for the Montane Zone Update to help guide future management in May and June, and a feedback report will be available in October.
Celebrate Your Natural Areas
Fort Collins’ natural areas are made possible thanks to community-initiated sales taxes that support trails, educational activities, restoration and stewardship. To celebrate these treasured spaces, you're invited to take part in the Natural Areas Treasure Hunt (Búsqueda de tesoros de Áreas naturales PDF)—a fun, self-guided activity that highlights the beauty and importance of local conservation.
Complete three of four simple activities and email a photo of your completed treasure hunt to naturalareas@fcgov.com by Nov. 1st, 2025 to receive an exclusive “Because of My Support” pin as a prize.
Thank you for helping to protect and celebrate your natural areas!