Cache La Poudre Trail

Sites on this Trail

River Bluffs Open Space
Description:
A small but scenic open space, River Bluffs' location adjacent to the Poudre River provides ideal habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and owls call this area home, and Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls have been found nesting in the park's cottonwoods. As part of the Poudre River Trail, the path here joins to the larger 21-mile system (Eastbound to Greeley), allowing for endless outdoor explorations and discoveries.

Directions:
From I-25: take Exit 262 east for 1.5 miles to County Road 3. Go north on CR 3 for 0.5 miles to CR 32E. Head east on CR 32E for 0.3 miles to the entrance of River Bluffs, on the right.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
CSU Environmental Learning Center
Description:
With over 200 acres of cottonwood forest, riparian areas, and prairie grasslands, and crisscrossed by a few dirt trails, the ELC provides great opportunities to observe a variety of birds and other wildlife. Breeding birds include Great Horned Owl, Lazuli Bunting, and Blue Grosbeak. In migration, look for flocks of migrant warblers, and for waterfowl on the ponds. Note: dogs are not allowed on this property.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Prospect Road and go west for 2 miles. At Timberline Road, head south and in 1 mile, go east on Drake Road. In 0.8 miles, Drake will curve south; go east on Environmental Drive. In 0.3 miles, go north on CR 9 and follow to the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
Description:
Open, brushy ponds and a network of winding trails attract ducks and geese, especially in the colder months, and migrant warblers, wrens, and sparrows in the thickets in spring and fall. The tall trees of the Cache la Poudre River corridor run down one side of the property, so keep your binoculars handy! This natural area is a good place to find Osprey, Eastern Kingbird, and possibly Green Heron in summer.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Prospect Road and head west 1 mile to the parking lot, on the north.

Access:
Open all year, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area
Description:
This natural area along the Cache la Poudre River provides wet meadow habitat, which is uncommon in the area and draws a variety of animals. This natural area contains a few ponds and marshes that can attract ducks, rails, Northern Harrier, and other wetland-loving birds. Other wetland creatures call this area home, such as Muskrats and Painted Turtles. Note: dogs are not allowed on this property.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Prospect Road and go west for less than a mile to the Cottonwood Hollow parking lot, on the south. Trails continue south into the natural area.

Access:
Open all year, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Fort Collins City Park/ Grandview Cemetery
Description:
Grandview Cemetery, which borders on Fort Collins City Park, is a wonderful place to walk underneath a canopy of mature deciduous and evergreen trees. A popular pair of Great Horned Owls nests here in most years, and the evergreens can attract Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Siskin, and occasionally crossbill in winter. Sheldon Lake, in the City Park, hosts waterfowl in winter.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Avenue and go west 5.5 miles to Sheldon Lake, on the right. To get to the cemetery, follow Bryan Avenue north around the lake, turn west to stay on Bryan, and turn west onto Mountain Avenue to continue to the cemetery entrance.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Pineridge Natural Area/Dixon Reservoir
Description:
The dense thicket at the north end of Dixon Reservoir is well-known among birders as one of the best migrant traps in Fort Collins. May is the best month to look for migrant warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and orioles. The footpaths are often flooded in spring, but a higher, drier dirt path encircles the area, providing some viewing even when water is high.

Directions:
From I-25 in Fort Collins: exit at Prospect Road and go west to Overland Trail. Head south on Overland to CR 42C/Dixon Canyon Road and go west. Dixon Canyon Rd. will curve south and just before it curves west again, turn east into the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year - can be closed if trails are wet and muddy. Information can be found at fcgov.com/trailstatus, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Horsetooth Reservoir
Description:
Horsetooth Reservoir is a deep, steep-sided reservoir that freezes late. In late fall it attracts Bald Eagles, gulls, and ducks. Pine woodlands surround the lake, providing breeding sites for Western Tanagers, Townsend’s Solitaires, golden-mantled ground squirrels and pine squirrels. Note: an entrance fee is required for most areas around the reservoir.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Harmony Road and go west. At College Ave., Harmony Road changes to CR 38E, which runs along the south side of the reservoir. To reach the Visitor's Center, the entrance road will be to the east, right after the road curves to the right around the southern end of the reservoir.

Access:
Open all year, Campgrounds on the west side are open 24 hours, day use areas on the east side are open sunrise to sunset
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Description:
This large open space has 29 miles of rugged trails through shrubby slopes and open Ponderosa woodlands. One might see Bullock's Oriole near the parking lot and Mountain Bluebird higher up. Keep an eye out for White-throated Swifts and raptors in the sky overhead. Mountain Lions roam here, though it requires tremendous luck to see one. This area is extremely busy, particularly on weekends and in the summer, so get there early!

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Harmony Road and go west. Harmony Road changes to CR 38E; continue around the south side of the reservoir. About 1.5 miles past the reservoir, go north into the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space parking lot and look for the Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead.

Access:
Open all year
Lory State Park
Description:
Lory State Park preserves excellent examples of prairie, shrublands, and pine forest habitats, bounded by granite cliffs along Horsetooth Reservoir. At lower elevations, birds of the shrublands meet birds of the prairie, providing a wealth of opportunities to observe a variety of birds! Also look for soaring eagles, hawks, and falcons in the sky above. Other species of interest include: American Three-toed Woodpecker, White-throated Swift, and Greater Roadrunner. A State Parks pass is required for entry.

Directions:
From I-25 in Fort Collins: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west. At US 287, head north out of town, and follow as it bends west. Where the road bends north again, stay straight to continue west on 287B through the town of LaPorte. Turn left on Rist Canyon Road and in the town of Bellvue, turn left on CR 23. Turn right on CR 25G and follow the signs to the park.

Access:
Open year round, 5:00 am to Sunset
Rist Canyon
Description:
This is a premier area for foothills and mountain birds. In the lower parts of the canyon, riparian areas host Lazuli Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat. Higher up in the pines, one can find Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatchers, Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Mountain and Western Bluebirds, and Red Crossbill. Half a mile above the turnoff to Stratton Park Road, listen for breeding Ovenbird and Virginia’s Warbler. Note: it may be difficult to find places to stop along the road, so please use caution when exploring this area.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west. At US 287/College Avenue, head north and continue as it bends west. Where it bends north again, stay straight to continue west on 287B through LaPorte. In La Porte, go west on Rist Canyon Road.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Watson Lake State Wildlife Area and Bellvue-Watson Fish Hatchery
Description:
This small State Wildlife Area sits at the base of a cliff that is a traditional nesting site for Golden Eagles, White-throated Swifts, and Canyon Wrens. The lake attracts waterfowl in late fall and early spring, including Hooded Mergansers. Please note public access is prohibited on the northwest side. Stop by the nearby Bellvue-Watson Fish Hatchery, as self-guided tours, fishing, birdwatching, and nature trails make this an excellent education and recreation destination.

Directions:
From I-25 in Fort Collins: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west. At US 287/College Avenue, head north. Once outside Fort Collins, the road will fork; stay to the left on 287B. Continue west on 287B to CR 52E/Rist Canyon Road. Go west on Rist Canyon and just past the Cache la Poudre River, go north on the access road to Watson Lake.

Access:
Open all year, except for the northwest side, access is prohibited as posted, Daylight hours
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
Description:
This popular hiking trail includes grassland, mountain mahogany shrub steppe, and some ponderosa pine habitats. There are three entrances, but the trail from the parking lot on Overland Trail Road passed through an area that can host Bobolinks during summer months. This has been one of the most (if not the only) reliable places to find Bobolinks in Larimer County.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west until it ends at Overland Trail Drive. Go north on Overland to the Reservoir Ridge Natural Area trailhead on the east. Another trailhead is available at Michaud Lane. Continue north on Overland Trail and after the curve to the west, Overland Trail will curve north; continue straight onto Michaud Lane to the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Poudre Trail – Ft. Collins Section
Description:
This 10-mile paved bike trail follows the Cache la Poudre River, connecting the towns of Bellvue, LaPorte, and Fort Collins, and running through a rich strip of riparian forest. Look for a variety of migrant birds in May, including flashy Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and warblers. Species such as Eastern Kingbird and Western Wood-Pewee may breed side-by-side here. There are a number of parks and other trail connections along this route, allowing for hours of outdoor exploration! For a longer day, stop by the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery to learn more about the area's local natural history, as well as see their live black-footed ferrets on display.

Directions:
From I-25 in Fort Collins: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and head west 3.3 miles. Make a slight right onto Riverside Avenue, which becomes Jefferson Street. In one mile, go north on US 287/College Avenue to Cherry Street. Head west onto Cherry Street, then west onto Mason Court. Make an immediate turn into the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery parking lot, which has trail access. The trail can also be accessed from other locations, including the CSU Environmental Learning Center.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Douglas Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Description:
This large reservoir can be very good for waterbirds, especially in late fall before it freezes. Watch for Bald Eagles, various ducks and gulls, the occasional loon, and Northern Shrike in winter. Keep your eye on the surrounding shrublands for visiting and nesting birds.

Directions:
From I-25 in Fort Collins: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west. At US 287/College Avenue, head north to CO 1/Terry Lake Road. Take CO 1 north and where it curves to the west, go north on CR 15 to CR 60. Go east on CR 60 to La Vina Drive. Go north on La Vina Road until you reach the lake.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Wellington State Wildlife Area
Description:
This State Wildlife Area has limited access, but when you can visit, this can be a good place to look for migrants in the junipers and other shrubs. In winter, keep an eye and ear out for roosting Short-eared and Long-eared Owls in winter. The Cobb Lake unit is open all year; its namesake lake sometimes attracts waterfowl and shorebirds. Note: hunting occurs here, so be sure to check for seasonal restrictions before heading out.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at Cleveland and go east to the NE Frontage Road. Head north on the NE Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to CR 64 (Nunn Road). Go east on CR 64; you will find several parking areas on both sides of the road in the next 2 miles.

Access:
Wellington and Schware Units: Open only from July 16 to March 14. Cobb Unit open year round, Daylight hours
Hamilton Reservoir
Description:
This cooling lagoon for the Rawhide Energy Plant stays open all year. In cold spells when all other water in the region is frozen, waterbirds congregate here in huge numbers. From the visitor viewing area, birds are easily seen with a scope. The native prairie to the west hosts Lark Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrows, Common Nighthawks, and other prairie birds in summer. Also watch for the bison herd the utility maintains on the land.

Directions:
From I-25: take exit 288, CO 82/Buckeye Road and head west for 2 miles to the power plant entrance on CR 9. Go north on CR 9 and after the curve, go south into the nature viewing area, located before the security building.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Description:
This beautiful and remote open space preserves a corridor of protected lands connecting the mountains to the native grasslands. Lark Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrows, and pronghorn can be seen along the entrance road; also look for the bison herd in its enclosure. A hike into the mountain mahogany could produce Spotted Towhee, Brown Thrasher, and even Virginia’s Warbler. The endangered black-footed ferret was reintroduced to this property and now once again hunts on the open prairie. The area is very remote, and hikers should be prepared to deal alone with potential emergencies. This natural area is closed December - February and dogs are not allowed.

Directions:
From I-25: use exit 288, CR 82/Buckeye Road and go west. CR 82 ends at CR 15/Terry Lake Road. Head north on CR 15 and at CR 84, take a slight right to continue north on CR 15/Rawhide Flats Road and to the entrance station.

Access:
March 1 - November 30, daylight hours; this natural area is closed December-February, Daylight hours
Lower Poudre Canyon/Gateway Natural Area
Description:
As Colorado Highway 14 follows the Cache La Poudre River west up into the mountains, it passes several trailheads and parks along the way that provide access to the river and adjacent habitats. Gateway Natural Area just may be the best of these. Look for American Dippers bobbing on the rocks in the middle of the river, and Common Mergansers floating on the water. Also watch along the highway for bighorn sheep and mule deer that can sometimes be seen from the road.

Directions:
From I-25: exit at CO 14/Mulberry Street and go west. Head northeast at Riverside Avenue to US 287. Go north on US 287 for about 10 miles, then go west on CO 14, which runs through the canyon. Gateway Natural area is located about 6 miles in the canyon, on the north side.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Laramie River Road
Description:
This remote road runs about 20 miles from high-elevation spruce-fir forest down to open sagebrush and wet meadows, with a tremendous diversity of birds and other wildlife in between. Much of the land along the road is public. With luck, Veery can be heard in some areas of dense willows.

Directions:
From Fort Collins: head north on US 287 about 10 miles to Ted’s Place, then go west on CO 14/Poudre Canyon Road. Continue for approximately 60 miles to CO 103/Hohnholz Lakes Road. Go north on CO 103 and just past Chambers Lake, the road changes to Laramie River Road.

Access:
July 1 to November 30, Daylight hours
Cameron Pass and upper Poudre Canyon
Description:
The spruce-fir forest here is home to birds such as Pine Grosbeak, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Cassin’s Finch, and Red Crossbill. The highly elusive Boreal Owl is best heard late at night, between February and April, within 2 miles of the pass. Also watch for bighorn sheep crossing the road in daylight, and porcupines crossing at night.

Directions:
From Fort Collins: head north on US 287 about 10 miles to Ted’s Place, then go west on CO 14/Poudre Canyon Road. Continue for approximately 65 miles to Cameron Pass.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours