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Paved Trail System#

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.

Fossil Creek Trail

8.5 miles of hard surface trail beginning at Spring Canyon Community Park. The trail extends southeast to Fossil Creek Community Park and connects with the Front Range Trail at the intersection of Carpenter Road and Lemay Avenue to access Boyd Lake State Park and the Loveland Trail System.

Long View Trail

4 miles of hard surface trail that runs alongside Shields Street in Fort Collins starting at Hilldale Drive. The trail travels south to West 57th Street in Loveland. The Long View Trail connects trail systems in Fort Collins and Loveland, passes through Hazaleus and Colina Mariposa Natural Areas, as well as Love View Farm Open Space.

Mason Trail

4 miles of hard-surface trail, which runs north/south and extends from Prospect Road to the Fossil Creek Trail. The trail runs along the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway property, located a few hundred feet west of College Avenue (US 287).

Poudre Trail

12.3 miles of hard-surface trail which follows the Poudre Trail from North Overland Trail to East Drake Road and connects to CSU's Environmental Learning Center.

Restrooms and drinking water are available at Lee Martinez, Old Fort Collins Heritage, and Buckingham Parks. There is also a drinking fountain at Kingfisher Point Natural Area. Note: These facilities may be closed for the winter season.

Power Trail

The Power Trail follows the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad south from Edora Park to the north of Harmony Road via Golden Meadows Park then south on McMurry Avenue and Keenland Drive to the west side of the railroad to Trilby Road and then continues south along Stanton Creek to the Carpenter Road underpass and a connection to the Larimer County Front Range Trail and the Loveland Boyd Lake trail. A future underpass of Harmony Road is planned once funding for the project can be obtained. Trail funding is primarily from Conservation Trust (Lottery) revenue. The Power Trail is approximately 4.14 paved miles.

Spring Creek Trail

6.6 miles of hard-surface trail, which runs from Spring Canyon Community Park to the confluence of Poudre River and Spring Creek, east of Timberline Road.

Restrooms and drinking water are available at Cottonwood Glen, Rolland Moore, Spring, and Edora Parks. Note: These facilities may be closed for the winter season.