Visit Natural Areas

Dogs are allowed at most natural areas, but not all. When allowed, dogs must be leashed, and owners should clean up after them. Pickup bags are available at most trailheads. Rangers frequently patrol and strictly enforce the leash law. 

To learn about where you can take your dog off-leash, use the parks directory.

 Why leash your dog?

• For public safety: Unleashed dogs can bite, fight or cause accidents. 
• To protect wildlife and plants: Off-leash dogs disturb animals and trample sensitive areas. 
• To protect your dog: Wildlife like mountain lions, rattlesnakes or prairie dog fleas pose a danger. 

Where dogs are not allowed:

Dogs (even in vehicles) are not allowed at these sensitive natural areas: Bobcat Ridge, Cottonwood Hollow, Coyote Ridge, Fossil Creek Reservoir, Running Deer, or Soapstone Prairie.

Use the Natural Areas Directory to check which sites allow dogs. 

Important: Service animals are allowed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals are not service animals under the ADA. 

Use the B.A.R.K Principles:  

• Bag your pet's waste.
• Always use a leash.
• Respect wildlife.
• Know where you can go.

If you have questions about fishing regulations, contact a ranger at 970-416-2147.

Check the Natural Areas Directory to see which natural areas have horse trailer parking and allow horses.  

Equestrians are required to stay on or within 10 feet of designated trails. Avoid paved or fine-gravel trails. 

Where to Go 

• Coyote Ridge Natural Area: 7-mile round-trip with great views and trailer parking. Connects to Larimer County's Blue Sky Trail, which runs between Devils Backbone Open Space on the south to Horsetooth Mountain Park and Lory State Park to the north going through the Rimrock Open Space. 

• Pineridge Natural Area: 4-mile loop with trailer parking available. Riders can access the Spring Creek Trail System to the east and connect to the Foothills Trail System through Maxwell Natural Area to the north. 

• Bobcat Ridge Natural Area: 4-mile Valley Loop or the DR trail for horses and hikers only. Note: Bobcat Ridge often reaches capacity; have an alternate destination ready if the parking lot is full. 

• Soapstone Prairie Natural Area: 14 horse trailer parking spots at the south trailhead. No horses or trailers are allowed at the north trailhead 

Sharing the Trail: Equestrian Guidelines 

Equestrians have the right-of-way on trails, but sharing the space safely is everyone’s responsibility. Here’s how riders can help ensure a safe and respectful experience for all:

• Keep your horse under control at all times.
• Avoid riding in a way that could harm people, wildlife or the environment.
• Pair inexperienced horses with seasoned horses and riders.
• Make sure your horse is comfortable around hikers, bikers and other trail users.
• Research the trail ahead of time and know what to expect.
• Don’t assume others know trail etiquette — make eye contact and communicate clearly.
• Be polite, patient and prepared to adjust plans if the parking lot is full.

To prevent heat injuries:

• Wear light clothing, use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest in the shade, pace yourself and avoid intense activity during peak heat.
• Replace salt and minerals lost through sweating (sports drinks help). 

To prevent cold injuries:

• Dress in layers using wool or synthetic fabrics (avoid cotton).
• Wear a hat, gloves and insulated boots.
• In freezing temperatures, be cautious of hypothermia and frostbite.

Learn More

Abide by this safety slogan: "If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it." 

What to do in a lightning storm:

• Seek shelter immediately: If you see lightning or hear thunder, take cover in a vehicle or a building with a roof, walls and plumbing. Avoid picnic shelters and restrooms.
• Stay away from water, high ground and metal objects.
• If caught outside: Spread out, keep distance from others and crouch down (feet together, hands over ears).
• After a storm: Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before resuming activities.
• If struck by lightning: Move to safety, call 911 and administer CPR if trained. Lightning victims do not retain an electrical charge.

Rattlesnakes  

Rattlesnakes live in many of our natural areas. They're part of the ecosystem, and they prefer to avoid people. 

Safety Tips: 

• Stay on the center of the trail.
• If you see a snake, back away slowly.
• Don’t reach into places you can’t see, like under rocks or logs.
• Wear tall boots if going off-trail.

If you see a rattlesnake, stay calm, and give it space. Rattlesnakes and other snakes are important and valuable wildlife in natural ecosystems. Snakes don’t want to bite unless they feel threatened.

If You’re Bitten:

• Stay calm, and move slowly.
• Call 911 if you can.
• Don’t run — it spreads the venom faster.
• If alone with no phone, walk calmly to the nearest emergency phone.

Mountain Lions 

Mountain lions live in some Fort Collins natural areas. Rangers will post signs if there have been recent sightings. 

Where You Might See One:

• Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area
• Coyote Ridge Natural Area
• Pineridge Natural Area
• Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
• Maxwell Natural Area
• Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
• Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

If you see a mountain lion, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-472-4300. For more information, read Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Living with Wildlife in Mountain Lion Country