This is a very scenic route in two adjacent open spaces that can run separately or combined in various ways. Note that combining the route from Cathy Fromme north is a gradual climb.
Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area is a rare example of Fort Collins pre-settlement shortgrass prairie landscape. The paved Fossil Creek Trail runs for 2 miles trough this scenic area of drylands & wetlands. It’s a ~110 foot climb headed north. TRAIL MAP
For a longer run, continue north on the Fossil Creek Trail for 1 mile into the Pineridge Natural Area. There are 7 miles of soft surface trails feature enjoy city views, foothills terrain, some forest, and nice water views in the 1.8 mile loop around Dixon Reservoir. Our mapped route is a 4-mile loop combining the Valley Trail, Reservoir, and Timber Trail/South Loop Trail. The full route combining the two areas is nearly 11 miles. TRAIL MAP
Add-Ons: For even more, add the ~2.5 miles of trails in Spring Canyon Park, which is just east of Pineridge. It’s an open, grassy area with athletic fields (Note: popular for mountain biking). Pineridge is also the southern end of the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail, which connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas.
This is a very scenic route in two adjacent open spaces that can run separately or combined in various ways. Note that combining the route from Cathy Fromme north is a gradual climb.
Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area is a rare example of Fort Collins pre-settlement shortgrass prairie landscape. The paved Fossil Creek Trail runs for 2 miles trough this scenic area of drylands & wetlands. It’s a ~110 foot climb headed north. TRAIL MAP
For a longer run, continue north on the Fossil Creek Trail for 1 mile into the Pineridge Natural Area. There are 7 miles of soft surface trails feature enjoy city views, foothills terrain, some forest, and nice water views in the 1.8 mile loop around Dixon Reservoir. Our mapped route is a 4-mile loop combining the Valley Trail, Reservoir, and Timber Trail/South Loop Trail. The full route combining the two areas is nearly 11 miles. TRAIL MAP
Add-Ons: For even more, add the ~2.5 miles of trails in Spring Canyon Park, which is just east of Pineridge. It’s an open, grassy area with athletic fields (Note: popular for mountain biking). Pineridge is also the southern end of the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail, which connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas.
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