Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Temporary Closure

From December 1 to February 28 (or 29 if leap year), Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is closed to all entry and use-types. This seasonal closure is in place to protect wintering wildlife.

Scenic overview of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area showing rolling plains and rocky formations.

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is extraordinary. With over 28 square miles of wide open vistas, nearly pristine grasslands, miles of trails and world-renowned cultural resources, it is truly a place to treasure! Visit Soapstone Prairie to meet the past, enjoy the present and preserve the future.

Note: This is one of the few Fort Collins natural areas on which dogs are not allowed, including in cars. In alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals that have been trained to assist a person with a disability are allowed.

Trails

Be prepared! Soapstone Prairie offers a remote, backcountry experience. Emergency response can take an hour or more. See safety tips below.

South Trailhead: Trails open to horseback riding, cycling and hiking. Equestrians must use the South Trailhead.

Cheyenne Rim Trail: moderate, 7.8 miles one-way, connects to Canyon Trail and Red Mountain Open Space.

Pronghorn Loop: easy to moderate, 9.4 mile loop, connects to Plover Trail and Sand Wash Trail.

Plover Trail: easy to moderate, 7.3 miles, closed April 1-July 15 for grassland birds, connects to Pronghorn Loop and Sandwash Trail.

North Trailhead: Trails open to cycling and hiking (no horses).

Lindenmeier Overlook: easy, 1/4 mile paved trail to pavilion with interpretive signs and seating.

Mahogany Loop: moderate, 7.6 mile loop, connects to Canyon Trail and Pronghorn Loop.

Towhee Loop: easy to moderate, 3 mile loop, hiking only, connects to Mahogany Trail and Canyon Trail.

Canyon Trail: moderate, 3.4 miles one-way, connects to Plover Trail and Red Mountain Open Space.

Sand Wash Trail: moderate, 1.2 miles one-way, connects to Canyon Trail and Pronghorn Loop.

E-bikes are not permitted on soft/natural surface trails. ADA mobility devices are allowed.

Please visit these links for a Soapstone Prairie Brochure(PDF, 9MB) and Natural Areas Map(PDF, 25MB). These documents are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading these documents, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Be Prepared

Soapstone Prairie offers a remote, backcountry experience. Emergency response can take an hour or more. Stay safe by planning your trip ahead.

Take into account the following safety tips:

Take into account the distance and weather conditions you’re likely to encounter. Start early. Sundown comes quickly with autumn’s shorter days. Carry or download a site map.

Cell service is not reliable. An emergency call box is located at the entrance gate station. Be aware that help is more than an hour away.

Weather moves quickly. Soapstone Prairie is a big place. Watch for distant storms bringing lightning. Avoid ridge tops during storms, which occur mostly in the afternoons. This is wide-open country. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for wind and cool temperatures, or heat and sun.

Watch for rattlesnakes. Look where you put your hands and feet and stay on the designated trails. If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.

Plan Your Visit

Popular times.

Graph of popular times at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Weekday visits rise throughout the morning, peaking at 10 a.m. Weekends are much busier, rising throughout the morning and early afternoon, with a peak at 1 p.m.