Skip to main content

Reservoir Ridge Natural Area#

Find a Natural Area | View All Natural Areas

Trail Status

Open without issues.

Description#

Visitors to this natural area along the foothills enjoy its rugged trails, access to the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a feeling of remoteness- all close to Fort Collins. You'll see dramatic rock outcroppings, grasslands, mountain mahogany shrubs, and a few ponderosa pines. Views of the city, the foothills, and Horsetooth Reservoir are great from the trails!

Near the Michaud Lane entrance to Reservoir Ridge is Primrose Studio, a venue for small meetings (capacity 36) and education events. The facility is wheelchair accessible and available by reservation. More information about Primrose Studio

Photos#

Boardwalk

Boardwalk on Reservoir Ridge Trail

Mule Deer

Mule Deer

Hikers

Hikers

Flowers on the hillside

Flowers on the hillside

Hikers

Hikers

Reservoir Ridge Ridgeline

Reservoir Ridge Ridgeline

Bridge

Bridge over Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal

Trails#

There are about 5 miles of soft surface trail. Reservoir Ridge is the northern end of the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Trail markers show you the way. Biking on the Foothills Trail is for the experienced cyclist- the trail is challenging.

The Overland Trail Rd parking lot provides access to an easy flat trail (1.4 miles) that connects to the Michaud Spur. Reservoir Ridge Trail map >>>

Hours#

Reservoir Ridge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The parking lots off Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Road are open to vehicle traffic from dawn to dusk (in winter, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit on Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Rd.

Plan Your Visit#

Popular times.

Directions#

Parking lots on Centennial Drive/ CR 23, the west end of Michaud Lane and off Overland Trail Road (at approximately 1425 Overland Trail Rd). Horse trailer parking is available: 1 spot at the Michaud Lane parking lot, 2 spots at the Centennial Drive parking lot, 2 spots at the Overland Trail Road parking lot. Reservoir Ridge Natural Area has no entrance fee or parking fee.

Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit on Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Rd.

Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, Michaud Lane Parking Lot Webcam#

Activities and Events#

Related Information#