Fossil Creek Trail#
The Fossil Creek Trail extension is a 1.7-mile stretch of paved recreational trail that connects the east and west sides of Fort Collins and expands the multimodal trail system to include more than 36 miles of paved trail.
Construction of the $4.5 million Fossil Creek Trail extension project began in 2016. This addition extends from College Avenue to Shields Street and Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area. Fossil Creek Trail navigates through four Fort Collins Natural Areas: Cathy Fromme Prairie, Pineridge, Redtail Grove, and Two Creeks Natural Areas.
A key component to the Fossil Creek Trail extension is the railway underpass that runs beneath the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. The tunnel is 14-feet in diameter and is lit by a solar panel located near the east entrance.
Fossil Creek Trail opened in entirety in December 2018.
Prior to construction, Fossil Trail pasture
Construction equipment clears the pasture
The proposed path near railroad track
Rendering of Trail
Opening Day, December 10
Opening Day, December 10
Fossil Creek Trail Sphere by Steve Shachtman, installed December 2019
Prior to construction, Fossil Trail pasture
Construction equipment clears the pasture
The proposed path near railroad track
Rendering of Trail
Opening Day, December 10
Opening Day, December 10
Fossil Creek Trail Sphere by Steve Shachtman, installed December 2019
Project History#
Timeline
Trail Construction Begins - July, 2018 | Trail Opening - December 10, 2018
Fossil Creek Trail Opening Photos
In the News
- Coloradoan: "New Tunnel To Link Major Fort Collins Trails"
- Coloradoan: "Fort Collins Plans Fossil Creek Trail connection"
- Coloradoan: "Fossil Creek Trail pedestrian tunnel opens in south Fort Collins"
- 9 News: "FoCo's Fossil Creek Trail is called the missing link for good reason"
Resources
- Fossil Creek Trail Project Map
- Neighborhood Outreach Meeting - September 14, 2017
- Public Notice Summer 2016
- Paved Trails