Arapaho Bend Natural Area is a 534-acre natural area located in eastern Fort Collins along the Poudre River. The natural area has experienced significant growth in visitation over the last decade, with further development expected in the area. The City anticipates making improvements to visitor amenities in 2026 using funds from voter-approved sales taxes.
The goal of the project is to improve the flow of parking, safety, and the visitor experience. The City plans to construct two parking lots along Strauss Cabin Rd. One will be a reconfiguration and expansion of the existing lot at the intersection of Strauss Cabin Rd and Horsetooth Rd. The second will be a new parking lot just north of Beaver Pond that will provide fishing and boating access to the pond. The lots will connect to the Poudre River Trail and contain amenities such as vault toilets, bike racks, trash and recycling bins, information kiosks, and ADA parking stalls.
There will be temporary closures on the site during construction. Signage and social media information will be posted to direct visitors. Please be respectful of the closures.
4109 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525 View Map
4109 E Horsetooth Rd , Fort Collins, CO 80525
Natural Areas Department
970-416-2815
NaturalAreas@FortCollins.gov
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
1745 Hoffman Mill Road
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Mailing Address
P.O Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522