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Paved Trail System#

Strategic Trails Plan (Adopted 2025)#

STP Branding

The Strategic Trails Plan updates the work started in the City’s 2013 Paved Recreational Trail Master Plan. The new framework drafted in the STP informs the future planning, design, maintenance and preservation of the recreational paved trail system.

PDF versions of the final plan and additional documents are posted below.  For other details regarding the STP development and community engagement activities, visit ourcity.fcgov.com/stp.

Trail Information#

Five Core Tenets of Trail Safety#

  1. Share the trail. The trail belongs to everyone- show courtesy to all.
  2. Keep right. Pass left. Stay on the right side of the trail and use an audible signal when passing.
  3. 15 mph speed limit. Slow down in high-traffic areas and always yield to pedestrians and slower-moving people.
  4. Keep dogs on a short leash. And scoop the poop.
  5. Be predictable and visible. Headlights and/or reflectors are required for bikes.

Additional Tips for Trail Safety#

  1. Travel with a companion after dark.
  2. Use Caution: Rain, snow, ice, leaves and sand may create slick trail conditions.
  3. Please do not enter closed trails and obey trail detours.
  4. Remain aware of wildlife present on or near trails.
  5. Minimize horse travel on paved trails. Please pick up after horses on both paved and soft surface trails.
  6. Please be cautious of oncoming pedestrians and bicyclists especially at underpasses, bridges, and sharp/blind corners.
  7. Be aware of the possibility of high water along the river and creeks and use caution when traveling through potentially flooded underpasses.
  1. The trail system is open the same hours as public parks(5 a.m.-11 p.m.).
  2. Marking the trails or sidewalks for special events is not permitted; this includes chalk, paint, spray paint, and tape.
  3. Bicyclists must adhere to a maximum courtesy speed limit of 15 mph is to ensure trail safety for all users.
  4. Special event permits are required for walks/runs taking place on the trails; only 4 competitive races are allowed per year. Cones or flags can be placed along the side of trail to show participants the route; and these must be collected at the conclusion of the event. Bike events are not allowed on the trails. For more information on special events, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/specialevents/guide

The trail system and sidewalks are not closed to other users during a non-competitive run/walk. No crowding on the trails/sidewalks, and please be respectful of other users.

Trail users with mobility impairments are welcome to use devices, such as Electric Assisted Bicycles, along the recreational hard surfaced trail system. All trail users are asked to follow trail etiquette, such as using an audible signal when passing and staying to the right. Cyclists should travel in a single file at a controlled speed, and be cautious of oncoming pedestrians at underpasses, bridges, and sharp/blind corners.

On April 21, 2020, the Fort Collins City Council approved City and Traffic Code updates to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails following the completion of the pilot program, which was implemented this past year. E-bikes are not permitted on soft/natural surface trails. 

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are defined as bicycles with an electric motor with a top speed of 20 miles per hour. All other e-devices or motorized devices (such as e-scooters and e-skateboards) are not allowed to be operated on the City's Parks and Natural Areas trails (unless they qualify as a personal mobility device under ADA regulations). 

The ELS uses a series of metal signs posted every quarter mile. The signs on the Poudre and Spring Creek Trails represent the distance you are from College Avenue, either east or west. The signs are similar on the Power Trail and start at EPIC going south to Golden Meadows Park. If an incident occurs, find the nearest ELS sign and report that information to the proper authorities.

The Adopt-a-Trail program utilizes the resources of citizens to assist the City in the maintenance of the trail system. Short sections of the trail are adopted by individuals, companies, clubs, and other entities to patrol their section for trash, debris, and litter. A small sign is placed on the trail identifying you as the adopter. Interested in learning more? Call 970-221-6660 or email parkshop@fcgov.com.