Arapaho Bend Natural Area

A wooden bench faces a calm pond that reflects a pink and purple sunset.

Arapaho Bend is a scenic entryway into Fort Collins with natural and cultural features to enjoy! It is a popular fishing spot and is often visited by equestrians. You may see or hear some of the over 80 species of birds that use the habitat here including American white pelicans, prairie falcons, and cormorants. Visitors also may see mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, beavers, coyotes, foxes and deer. Anglers may catch bass, bluegill, yellow perch or sunfish in the ponds reclaimed from previous gravel mining. Check out the Natural Areas Fishing Brochure(PDF, 6MB) for more information. This document is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Come see the ruins of the historic Strauss Cabin, one of the earliest log cabins in the area. The cabin was restored in 1997 and burned by arsonists in 1999. The cabin ruins were closed to the public from 1999-2012. The Natural Areas Department acquired the property from Larimer County and cleaned up the site with the help of volunteers. The pedestrian access bridge has been repaired. Please visit with respect.


Trails

About 4 miles of natural surface and paved trail follow the edge of the ponds in a loop and encircle Rigden Reservoir. E-bikes are not permitted on soft/natural surface trails. ADA mobility devices are allowed.

View the Natural Areas Map(PDF, 25MB) for more information. This document is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.


Plan Your Visit

Popular times.

Graph of popular times at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. Weekday visits rise from morning, peaking noon–2 p.m. Weekends are busier overall, with the highest use late morning through mid-afternoon, especially 1–2 p.m


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Location

4109 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525  View Map

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