Paved Trails

The City's beautiful paved trails can take you from one end of Fort Collins to the other, along winding creeks and rivers and down urban thoroughfares. Our paved trails are designed for walking, jogging, in-line skating, biking or a leisurely stroll.

Poudre Trail

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12.3 miles 

This trail follows the Poudre River from North Overland Trail to East Drake Road and connects to CSU’s Environmental Learning Center. Restrooms and drinking water are available at Lee Martinez, Old Fort Collins Heritage and Buckingham Parks. The trail was recently extended, allowing users to travel all the way from Bellevue to Timnath.

Spring Creek Trail

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6.6 miles 

Running west to east across Fort Collins, this trail starts at Spring Canyon Community Park and ends at the Poudre River, east of Timberline Road. Restrooms and drinking water are available at Cottonwood Glen, Rolland Moore, Spring and Edora Parks.

Fossil Creek Trail

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8.5 miles 

Beginning at Spring Canyon Community Park, this trail extends southeast to Fossil Creek Community Park and connects with the Front Range Trail at the intersection of Carpenter Road and Lemay Avenue, allowing access to Boyd Lake State Park and the Loveland Trail System.

Power Trail

An aerial photo of a bike trail running through a wooded area in a city

 

4 miles 

This trail starts at the Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) and runs along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to Golden Meadows Park, then continues from Keenland Drive to Trilby Road.

Mason Trail

Bikers riding down a paved trail

 

4 miles 

Following Mason Street, this trail runs north/south and extends from Prospect Road to the Fossil Creek Trail. The trail runs along the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway property, located a few hundred feet west of College Avenue.

Long View Trail

Cyclists ride down a paved trail wearing reflective gear

 

4 miles 

This trail runs alongside Shields Street, starting at Hilldale Drive, and travels south all the way to West 57th Street in Loveland. It connects trail systems in Fort Collins and Loveland, and passes through Hazaleus and Colina Mariposa Natural Areas, as well as Long View Farm Open Space.

Trail Safety

Five Core Tenets of Trail Safety

  1. Keep right. Pass left. Stay on the right side of the trail and use an audible signal when passing. 
  2. Share the trail. The trail belongs to everyone – show courtesy to all.
  3. 15 mph speed limit. Slow down in high-traffic areas and always yield to pedestrians and slower-moving people.
  4. Keep dogs on a short leash. And scoop the poop.
  5. Be predictable and visible. Headlights and/or reflectors are required for bikes.

Additional Tips for Trail Safety: 

 

  • Travel with a companion after dark.
  • Use caution: Rain, snow, ice, leaves and sand may create slick trail conditions.
  • Please do not enter closed trails and obey trail detours.
  • Remain aware of wildlife present on or near trails.
  • Minimize horse travel on paved trails. Please pick up after horses on both paved and natural surface trails.
  • Please be cautious of oncoming pedestrians and bicyclists especially at underpasses, bridges and sharp corners.
  • Be aware of the possibility of high water along the river and creeks, and use caution when traveling through potentially flooded underpasses.

 

More Trail Information

Trail Rules and Guidelines

  1. The trail system is open the same hours as public parks: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  2. Marking the trails or sidewalks for special events is not permitted; this includes chalk, paint, spray paint and tape.
  3. Bicyclists must adhere to a maximum courtesy speed limit of 15 mph to ensure trail safety for all users.
  4. Special event permits are required for walks/runs taking place on the trails; only four competitive races are allowed per year. Cones or flags can be placed along the side of trail to show participants the route, and these must be collected at the conclusion of the event. Bike events are not allowed on the trails.

The trail system and sidewalks are not closed to other users during a non-competitive run/walk. No crowding on the trails/sidewalks, and please be respectful of other users.

Use of Electric Assisted Vehicles

Trail users with mobility impairments are welcome to use devices, such as Electric Assisted Bicycles, along the recreational hard surfaced trail system. All trail users are asked to follow trail etiquette, such as using an audible signal when passing and staying to the right. Cyclists should travel in a single file at a controlled speed, and be cautious of oncoming pedestrians at underpasses, bridges and sharp corners.

E-bikes and Electric Scooters

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are defined as bicycles with an electric motor with a top speed of 20 miles per hour.

On April 21, 2020, the Fort Collins City Council approved City and Traffic Code updates to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails following the completion of the pilot program. E-bikes are not permitted on natural-surface trails.

Emergency Locator System (ELS)

The ELS uses a series of metal signs posted every quarter mile. The signs on the Poudre and Spring Creek Trails represent the distance you are from College Avenue, either east or west. The signs are similar on the Power Trail and start at EPIC going south to Golden Meadows Park. If an incident occurs, find the nearest ELS sign and report that information to the proper authorities.

Adopt a Trail

The Adopt-a-Trail Program uses the resources of our community to assist the City in the maintenance of the trail system. Short sections of the trail are adopted by individuals, companies, clubs and other entities to patrol their section for trash, debris and litter. A small sign is placed on the trail identifying the adopter. Interested in learning more? Call 970-221-6660 or email the Parks Department at parkshop@fortcollins.gov.

 

Contact Us

Email

parkshop@fortcollins.gov

Phone

970-221-6660

 

Trail Maps and Conditions

COTREX is an app managed by the state of Colorado that features helpful trail maps and up-to-date information about closures and status. 

Strategic Trails Plan

The Strategic Trails Plan (STP) informs the future planning, design, maintenance and preservation of the recreational paved trail system. 

Natural Surface Trails

Fort Collins' non-paved, natural-surface (dirt, gravel, etc.) trails are largely maintained by the City’s Natural Areas Department.  

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