Pelican Marsh Natural Area#
Trail Status
Description#
Pelican Marsh Natural Area surrounds Robert Benson Reservoir and extends to the corner of Lemay and Carpenter Road. Pelican Marsh is a popular place for its namesake, American white pelicans, to fish and rest. Views of the mountains are impressive from this natural area.
Visitors will experience a shortgrass prairie, a reservoir with associated wetlands and wide open views. There are several old cottonwood tree stumps which were placed there as a habitat improvement for small mammals.
There is no access to or fishing in Robert Benson Reservoir as its very shallow and provides important habitat for water birds and shorebirds. Stay on the trail and use the wildlife viewing area to enjoy this peaceful setting.
Photos#
White Pelican: US Fish and Wildlife Service
White Pelican: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Trails#
There is about 1 mile of flat trail including a paved trail connecting Water's Way Park to Carpenter Road, a gravel trail along Carpenter Road and a paved trail from Water's Way Park to a wildlife viewing area of Robert Benson Reservoir. Pelican Marsh Trail Map >>>
Hours#
5 a.m.- 11 p.m. daily
Directions#
Pelican Marsh is east of College Avenue between Trilby and Carpenter roads. To reach it from south Lemay, turn west onto Province Road and continue until Water's Way Park (700 Fairborne Way). There is no parking lot, on street parking is available on Eden Ridge Court or Bellewood Lane. Pelican Marsh Natural Area has no entrance fee.
Activities and Events#
- 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.
- Pelican Marsh Trail Map
- 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!
- Fossil Creek Natural Areas Management Plan 2017, pdf
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- Plant List for Pelican Marsh Natural Area Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!