Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area#

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Description#

This ecologically diverse site sits amid a complex of natural areas. Nearby you'll find Prospect Ponds Natural Area, CSU's Environmental Learning Center, Running Deer Natural Area and Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Cottonwood Hollow is a great place to get away from the urban environment, not far from home.

With 39 ponds and 278 acres of open water in the Poudre River corridor, Cottonwood Hollow's wet meadow is an uncommon habitat type. It is a great place to spot birds and other wildlife.

Note: This is one of the few Fort Collins natural areas on which dogs are not allowed and one of only two on which bikes are not permitted (bike parking at the parking lot for those who ride to the site). In alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals that have been trained to assist a person with a disability are always allowed. 

Trails#

There are 0.4 miles of natural surface trail within Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area boundary. Access to this trail segment is from Running Deer Natural Area. View the trail map

Hours#

5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.

Directions#

Nearest parking is at the Running Deer Natural Area parking lot on Prospect (west of Summitview Drive, approximate address is 3301 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins). Cottonwood Hollow also can be reached via connecting trail from Riverbend Ponds Natural Area through the underpass at Prospect or from the Running Deer Natural Area trailhead at the Colorado Welcome Center. Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area has no entrance fee.

Events and Activities#

• Find free educational activities and events year-round on the Events Calendar. Activities and events in June-October are also listed in the Natural Areas Explorer.
• Learn about special events and activities each month by subscribing to the Natural Areas e-newsletter.
• Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for self-guided activities.

Related Information#

• Know before you go safety and recreation information.
• Special people have volunteered to take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter pick-ups. You can join the fun and adopt a natural area, too!
• Plant List for Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you! 
•  Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan
• Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
• Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area is an Important Bird Area, learn more here.