Shoreline Trail – Dog Hiking

Elevation: 5,600
1 mile

This is an easy to moderate one-mile hike that leads down to Horsetooth Reservoir. Popular with mountain bikers and the Fort Collins dog walking community, this comfortable hike offers huge open spaces, with beautiful panoramic vistas.
True to its name, the Shoreline trail is a stunningly beautiful hike that follows the shoreline of Horsetooth Reservoir. Along the way you’ll be greeted by fantastic scenery including abundant wildlife. Look for fox and their kits in the spring in dens among the rocky ridges. The red sandstone cliffs offer a picturesque background to grassy meadows where you’ll find deer grazing in the evening.

Dogs must be in control at all time with a short lead not to exceed six feet. Keep a direct line of sight to your dog and upcoming terrain at all times, particularly when climbing over rocks and grassy bluffs.

An ample supply of water is recommended for you and your dog, as well as an adequate first aid kit. To access the trail head, take the park road just beyond the Eltuck Picnic Area and follow the signs to the parking area on the left-hand side of the road. See the Trail Map here.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Overlook Trail – Dog Hiking
Elevation 5,800
1.2 miles

Overlook Trail is part of the Lory State Park Trail System and is very close to the city of Fort Collins. This trail is moderate in difficulty and is popular with hikers and Fort Collins dog walkers.

Overlook Trail connects Arthur’s Rock Trail to the Well Gulch Nature Trail, and offers spectacular vistas of the eastern plains. It is accessed from the Homestead Picnic Area and ends at Arthur’s Rock Trailhead.

The trail begins with a short climb and then levels off as it travels along a ridge. You and your dog will enjoy great views of the reservoir with a beautiful overlook along the way. Be careful of cactus near the trail as you and your dog take in these vistas.

You will descend into shady, forested canopies – home to lots of wildlife, including Mule Deer, Abert’s Squirrels and Western Tanagers.

After emerging from the trees the trail will branch. Keep to the left and follow it down to the Arthur’s Rock trailhead and follow the road back to the Homestead Picnic Area.

Safe drinking water and restroom facilities are unavailable on the trail, so be sure the carry a good supply (along with snacks) for you and your dog.

For your dog’s safety, State Park rules require leashes not to exceed 6’ in length. Due to wildlife in the area, including reported rattlesnakes, a short lead is advisable with direct line-of-sight to upcoming terrain. As always, it is important to carry a 1st aid kit for you and your dog. Do not hike this area if your dog is in heat.

While you’re there, check out the Mountain View Little Free Library on the way to the Poudre…coolest thing ever!

This trail takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including the walk along the road back to your vehicle. Come prepared to have a good time and discover why Fort Collins dog walkers enjoy taking their dogs on this trail!

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Well Gulch Nature Trail – Dog Hiking

Elevation: 5,580
1.2 miles

Popular with hikers and dog walkers alike, wildflowers, steep rock walls and wetland vegetation lines this plush 1.2 mile trail.

You and your dog will enjoy the winding, self-guided tour that traverses the grasslands, mountain shrub and timber.

Look for wildlife along your hike, including various birds, squirrels, mule deer, black bear and fox.

The Well Gulch Nature Trail, located in Lory State Park northwest of Fort Collins, climbs leisurely through the lush natural foliage of Well Gulch, returning through the forests and grasslands of Lory State Park, past the Homestead Picnic Area, and finishes with a short jaunt back up the Valley Trail to the parking lot.
A longer, more strenuous hike can be enjoyed by taking the Well Gulch Trail to the Timber Trail or the Overlook Trail, providing great views of both the park and Horsetooth Lake.

This is a great dog-friendly hike that you and your dog are sure to enjoy. For your dogs safety, a short lead is advisable for retractable leashes as well as a direct line-of-sight to the upcoming terrain. State Park rules require leashes not to exceed 6′ in length.

Likewise, it is advisable to carry a pet first aid kit and plenty of fresh water and snacks. Do not hike in this area if your dog is in heat. Finally, beware of poison ivy on the trail. Most of it is marked with trail signs, but it’s good to be on the look out nevertheless.

To reach the trail, take US 287 North through LaPorte Turn LEFT at Vern’s onto CR 52E. Drive one mile and turn LEFT onto CR23N. Travel 1.4 miles and turn RIGHT on CR25G. Continue another 1.6 miles to the park entrance. Follow the road through the park and look the Well Gulch marker on your right. The parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road.There is a $6.00 use fee and the trail is subject to weather closures.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

West Valley Trail – Dog Hiking

Elevation: 5,600
2.3 miles

West Valley Trail, like its East Valley cousin, is popular with local pet sitters and dog owners taking advantage of this beautiful, dog-friendly area.

This trail is part of Lory State Park’s 20-mile trail system, presenting an easy, scenic walk while maintaining a steady elevation. This is a very doable trail for older dogs or dogs with respiratory issues, assuming it’s not too hot.

Fort Collins dog walkers will enjoy the trail’s close proximity to the city and other adjoining trails. Taken with the East Valley Trail, this dog hike provides an enjoyable loop comprising about 5.5 miles of soft surface.

The West Valley trail is very level and stays and the same approximate elevation of 5,600 feet.

Dogs must be kept under control with a short lead not to exceed 6’ in length. It is advisable to have direct line of sight to the terrain your dog is traversing. Fresh water is available near the park entrance and an ample supply should be carried for you and your dog. As always, dog walkers must yield to horseback riders.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

East Valley Trail – Dog Hiking

Elevation: 5,580 | 2.2 Miles

East Valley Trail is part of Lory State Park’s amazing trail system, which encompasses over 20-miles of diverse trails and it’s perfect for dog walking.

This trail is popular with outdoor lovers including joggers, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and dog walking enthusiasts.

Dog walking on East Valley is great due to the trail’s close proximity to Fort Collins and other adjoining trails. Taken with the West Valley Trail, this dog hike provides an enjoyable loop comprising about 5.5 miles of non-paved dirt and vegetative surface – perfect for dog hiking.

The East Valley trail is very level and stays and the same approximate elevation of 5, 580 feet. It runs parallel to the main road and branches onto coves in Horsetooth Reservoir and other mountain trails.

Dogs must be kept under control with a short lead not to exceed 6’ in length. It is advisable to have direct line of sight to the terrain you and your dog are traversing. Fresh water can be obtained near the park entrance and an ample supply should be carried for you and your dog. Dog walkers must yield to horseback riders.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Blue Sky Trail – Dog Hiking

15 miles

The Blue Sky Trail connects the Devil’s Backbone Open Space in Loveland to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. It runs along the Front Range offering beautiful mountain backdrops and spans through 4,000 acres of protected open space.

This dog-friendly trail is one of the premiere regional trails in Northern Colorado. The Blue Sky Trail is popular with hikers, bikers, runners and horseback riders. It  crosses only one road, making it a perfect trail for dog walking.

Fast becoming a great way to take in wildlife, bobcat, fox, mule deer, black bear, squirrels, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes and numerous birds can be spotted in the area and call the habitat home.

Blue Sky Trail drops down into Rimrock and Coyote Ridge Natural Area where dogs are not permitted. All dogs on Blue Sky must be on a leash. Your leash cannot exceed 6’ in length. We recommend you keep a 4′ lead to protect yourself and your dog from potential hazards, such as snakes.

Likewise, we suggest you carry a pet first aid kit and know how to use it. While dog walking, be sure to bring along plenty of water and snacks so you and your dog can refuel along the way. All dog refuse must be packed out – do not bury your dog’s waste. Use caution hiking this trail if your dog is in heat.

The Trail can be reached from Drake Rd. by heading S. on College Ave. and then turning right (West) onto W. Harmony Road. Continuing East on Harmony Road, it turns into CR38E. Follow the the signs to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space/Blue Sky Trail. From College Ave., it’s about 7.7 miles to the Trail Head. See the Blue Sky Trail Map. There is water and facilities at the trail head. There is a $6.00 use fee.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Reservoir Ridge Natural Area – Dog Hiking

6.8 miles

Dog walkers visiting this foothills natural area will enjoy its rugged trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and feeling of seclusion – all close to Fort Collins.

Shared by hikers, bikers and equestrians alike, you and your dog will enjoy dramatic rock outcroppings, grasslands, mountain mahogany shrubs and a few ponderosa pines. Likewise, views of Horsetooth Reservoir are great from the trails.

Common wildlife sightings along the dog-friendly trails include mule deer, fox, prairie dogs, and the occasional rattlesnake. For your dog’s safety they are required to be on leash at all times. If you use a retractable leash, be sure to keep a short lead with a clear line-of-sight to upcoming terrain. It is suggested you carry a pet first aid kit and know how to use it.

As always, make sure you have plenty of fresh food and water for you and your dog. This is a popular dog walking area and your dog will need snacks to refuel along the way. Be prepared to pick up your dog’s little packages and leave the trail as you found it for the next person to enjoy.

There are about 3.5 miles of soft surface trail. Reservoir Ridge is the northern end of the 6.8 mile Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Trail markers are prominent along the way

Parking lots can be found on Centennial Drive/ CR 23 and at the west end of Michaud Lane. Horse trailer parking is available with one spot at Michaud Lane parking lot and two spots at the Centennial parking lot.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space – Dog Hiking

Elevation: 5,430 to 7,255
29 Miles Natural Terrain

The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park trails.
The outstanding Horsetooth Rock is a familiar local landmark visible from the plains. Known for Horsetooth Falls in the Spring, and for tremendous Front Range views, this Open Space is very popular with hikers.

Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Be sure to carry enough for you and your dog(s). Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires entrance permits, is open year round, and is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles Northwest of Loveland.

Horsetooth Falls is 2.25 miles and is a 1.5 to 3 hour roundtrip hike.
Soderburg Trail to Spring Creek to the end of the Wathen Trail is 4 miles and is a2-4 hour roundtrip hike. See the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Trail Map and brochure.

Mule deer, black bear, bobcat, foxes and coyotes are fairly common sightings in the area. Mountain Lions also reside year-round within Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Keeping kids close and dogs on leash is always advised. Likewise, avoid hiking in early morning hours and at dusk as a precaution against predators.

Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead is open 24 hours a day; Soderberg Open Space Trailhead is open dawn to dusk.
Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Maxwell Natural Area Trail – Dog Hiking

1.5 miles

This is a scenic natural area offering beautiful views of the mountains. The trail is challenging and frequently enjoyed by experienced cyclists. Dog walking is popular in this area as well. As with all wild areas, a leash is required for your dog’s protection.

The Spotted Towhee is a very common sighting in this area. They have a very distinctive call which sounds like a melodic “drink-your-teeeee” and sport beautiful black and rust colored feathers.

Mule Deer are also common in the area, easily blending into the mountain shrubs and occasional Gambel oak. When walking your dog in the Fall, keep in mind it is the start of the rutting season when males can be more aggressive as they seek their mates.

Rattlesnakes are common along the trail. If using a retractable leash it’s best to keep a short lead with good line-of-sight to the upcoming terrain. It is inadvisable to take your dog in this area if they are in heat. As always, bring a pet first aid kit and know how to use it.

The 1.5 mile dog-friendly trail at Maxwell Natural Area is part of the 6.8 mile Foothills Trail which crosses city, county, state and federal lands. The Foothills Trail connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Trail markers show you the way.

Maxwell Natural Area is just west of CSU’s Hughes Stadium in Fort Collins. Parking lots are off County Rd 42 C and on Centennial/CR 23. Authorities request patrons not park along the the CR 42C roadway.

As always, when walking your dog, bring plenty of fresh water and snacks. Your dog will have a blast walking in this area and will need to refuel along the way.
Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Pineridge Reservoir Trail – Dog Hiking

6.8 miles

A popular foothills natural area where visitors can enjoy views of Fort Collins, foothills terrain, a reservoir and beautiful forest- all close to home.

This scenic dog-friendly trail is popular to dog walking enthusiasts, hikers, equestrians, anglers and bikers alike.

Pineridge is one of the original City of Fort Collins natural area acquisitions (acquired in 1976).

There are 7 miles of trails including a loop around Dixon Reservoir (1.8 miles). Pineridge is the southern end of the 6.8 mile Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Trail markers are prominent along the trail.

The trails can be accessed via parking lots on County Rd 42C approximately ¼ mile south of Hughes Stadium, and at the west end of Horsetooth Road (through Spring Canyon Community Park). Pineridge can also be accessed from Maxwell Natural Area parking lot off County Rd 42C. Authorities ask that patrons not park along the CR 42C roadway.

Access to the Trail is free and dogs must be on-leash at all times. If you plan on hiking the area, we recommend you bring plenty of snacks and water for you and your dog. Likewise, a first aid kit is great to have along in case of unexpected emergencies.

When using a retractable leash to walk your dog, be sure to keep it short enough to facilitate a good line-of-sight to your dog and what is coming up on the trail. Remember, snakes and other hazards of the wild give little warning before striking.

Keep your eyes out for diverse wildlife calling the area home. The trail offers lots of interesting sights for your dog to enjoy.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Cathy Fromme Prairie – Dog Hiking
5.0 Miles Paved Trail

The Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area is a rare example of Fort Collins’ pre-settlement shortgrass prairie landscape. Drylands and wetlands here provide habitat to a variety of plants and animals. Look for horned lizards, ground-nesting songbirds, butterflies rabbits, coyotes and an over-abundance of rattlesnakes.

The raptor observatory, built into the hillside near the Shields Street entrance, is an excellent place from which to watch hawks and eagles, especially in winter.

The paved Fossil Creek Trail (between Street and Luther Lane) is 2.4 miles one-way. A connection from Cathy Fromme to Spring Canyon Park and Pineridge Natural Area was built in 2011.

In 2010, 2011 and 2012 there were warnings issued by the Colorado Division of Wildlife regarding the explosion of rattle snakes in the area. Although they do a good job keeping the grass cut short along the trail, be sure keep your dog on the paved walkway.

There are parking lots at Shields Street (South of Harmony, approximate address is 5381 S. Shields Street, Fort Collins or on Fromme Prairie Way (from Harmony take Seneca South to Fromme Prairie Way, approximate address is 1999 Fromme Prairie Way, Fort Collins. Hours: 5:00am – 11:00pm.
Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Arapaho Bend Natural Area – Dog Hiking
2.0 miles

Arapaho Bend is a scenic gateway into Fort Collins with many natural features to enjoy! It is a popular spot for fishing, dog walking and horse riding.  Dog walking enthusiast will enjoy about two miles of natural surface trails that follow the edge of the ponds in a loop.

There are 80 species of birds that use the habitat including American white pelicans, prairie falcons, and cormorants. Also, keep your eyes out for rabbits, squirrels, beavers, coyotes, foxes and deer. The ponds are home to bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and sunfish.

Arapaho Bend Natural Area is close to I-25 yet provides a relaxing environment in which you and your dog can enjoy a walk, while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains and abundant wildlife. Be sure to bring bug spray in the summer.

There are no use fees to enjoy this area. Please remember to bring plenty of fresh water and food for you and your dog. For your dog’s safety, keep your leash short with a direct line-of-sight to upcoming terrain.

There are three parking lots, one at the east end of Horsetooth Road, one on Strauss Cabin Road between Horsetooth and Harmony, and one at the Harmony Transportation Center. Horse trailer parking is available (no designated spot) at the Harmony Transportation Center, the other parking lots are too small.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area – Dog Hiking

3.0 miles Soft Surface Trail

Riverbend Ponds offer a lot of diversity including a stretch of the Poudre River and seven former gravel mine ponds. The colorado Division of Wildlife stocks the ponds with warm-water species (usually crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish) and is a popular spot for anglers.

Birders also enjoy Riverbend Ponds – over 200 species of birds feed, rest, nest and migrate through, including green herons, a wide variety of ducks, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and others.

Riverbend Ponds’ flat trails with loop options and varied habitat appeal to many hikers and dog-walkers. Check out the self-guided interpretive trail too!

The boundaries of Riverbend Ponds Natuaral Area slightly changed as directed in the 2011 update to the Cache La Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan. The portions of Riverbend Ponds West of Timberline Road and Southwest of the Poudre River have been incorporated in Kingfisher Point and Cattail Chorus natural areas, respectively. There is little noticeable change for visitors.

There is about 3 miles of natural surface trails and a boardwalk from the Cherly St. entrance. A paved trail underpass under Prospect Road connects to recreational opportunities on the south side of Prospect: Cottonwood Hollow and Running Deer natural areas and CSU’s Environmental Learning Center.

The ponds and wetlands lend a very peaceful and calming atmosphere to this natural habitat. Your dog will enjoy all the changing sights, sounds and smells along the various loops. As always, be sure to bring plenty of fresh water and food for you and your dog.

There are no use fees for this area. Restoration of native plants in areas formerly dominated by weedy non-natives, is going well. You and your dog can help restoration efforts by staying on established trails and packing out whatever you bring in. People walking their dogs are asked not to bury their dog’s waste

Parking lots are located on Cherly Street (off Summitview), Prospect Street, and Cairnes Street (off Timberline). This area can also be accessed from the underpass under Prospect Road/ Running Deer Natural Area.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

North Shields Pond Natural Area – Dog Hiking
1.5 miles soft surface trail

Shields Pond, just off the beaten path in Fort Collins, is a great place for dog walking year round (weather permitting) with no access fees.

This area has a deceptively remote feeling, featuring the Poudre River to the west which allows access to Paw Splash, and great views of the mountains. You’ll forget just how close you are to downtown Fort Collins.

This 1.5 mile loop (when combined with Sterling Natural Area) creates a “figure 8” loop. North Shields Ponds is popular for anglers, equestrians, hikers and dog walkers.

Wildlife is abundant in the area, including fish species such as black bullhead, channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid sunfishes, largemouth bass, and black crappie.

Shields Pond Natural Area is a birdwatchers paradise and will sure to satisfy the most diverse of tastes.

Your dog’s curiosity will be peaked with watching any of the 30 species of birds that frequent the area including red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, snow geese and American wigeons.

Native plants include showy milkweed (upon which the monarch butterfly is dependent), cattails, and cottonwood trees.

Bring plenty of fresh water and snacks along for you and your dog. There are ample places to access the river, rest and even a picnic table tucked into the cottonwoods here and there.

When walking your dog on a retractable leash, be sure to keep a short lead with good line-of-sight to the upcoming the trail. Also, this is a popular area for equestrians so be watchful of horse manure piles, which can be an enticing pastime for your dog.

The North Shields Pond Natural Area parking lot is on Shields Street, north of Vine, on the west side of road. Sterling Natural Area is only accessed by the trail connection from North Shields Pond Natural Area.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Poudre Trail – Dog Hiking

12.10 miles of paved and soft surface trail

The Poudre Trail is a beautiful, scenic trail that follows the Poudre River for over 12 miles with easy access from several locations throughout Fort Collins. One of our most popular dog walking excursions, the trail currently runs between the Overland Trail at Lyons Park and the Environmental Learning Center on East Drake.

The trail is incredibly popular for commuters around town, people exercising, and people who enjoy walking their dogs.

The trail is so scenic, it’s easy to forget that you’re in an urban setting, never more than a couple miles from town.

The area from Lions Park to Lee Martinez Park is the most open section of the trail and provides great views of the Poudre River and the mountains to the west. Cell phone coverage is good and the trail is generally well maintained throughout the winter by the City of Fort Collins.

The city plans by 2011 to connect up with the 20 miles of the Poudre River Trail that already exists between Greeley and Windsor, which would create over 30 miles of dog-friendly trail connecting all three cities.

This is a very scenic trail to walk your dog with lots of new sights, smells and sounds. Additionally, the Poudre River has many placid areas along the trail offering ample opportunity for your dog to participate in Paw Splash. This is our most popular tail wagging trail. Your dog will love this dog hike!

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Spring Creek Trail – Dog Hiking

6.6 miles of paved trail

Spring Creek Trail is a dog-friendly trail that follows Spring Creek through various parks in Fort Collins. This is a paved trail and serves year-round for bike commuters, joggers and folks walking their dogs.

The trail currently extends from West Drake Road to the confluence of Spring Creek and the Poudre River where it joins the Poudre Trail.

The Spring Creek Trail also extends through a new underpass off Taft Hill Road.

This highly popular trail continues to Spring Canyon Community Park and the Pineridge Natural Area and is funded from Conservation Trust (Lottery) revenue through the City of Fort Collins.

Spring Creek itself is a tributary of the Cache La Poudre River. It begins north of Horsetooth Mountain within Horsetooth Mountain Park just east of Fort Collins and flows into Horsetooth Resevoir. After leaving Horsetooth Resevoir out of Spring Canyon Dam, Spring Creek flows through central Fort Collins just south of Colorado State University.

This is a great city trail for dog walking, being maintained by the city year-round. There are no trail usage fees and the trail has good cell phone reception and visibility.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

The Power Trail – Dog Hiking

2.5 Miles of paved trail

This scenic Fort Collins trail follows the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad south from Edora Park to south of Harmony Road via Golden Meadows Park and McMurry Avenue.

This is a dog-friendly park, offering both paved and dirt trails for dog walking fans.

The Power Trail offers some smaller hills, unlike some city trails which tend to be very flat. This trail is frequented by friendly dog lover, bikers and joggers, and is maintained year-round by the city of Fort Collins.

This Power Trail is funded by the Lottery and will eventually hook up to the Loveland trail system further south. The trail is a great place to walk your dog, relax and unwind. There are no trail use fees and cell phone coverage and trail visibility are very good. Please keep your dog on a short lead and be cautious of bikers. There is a lot of traffic on this well-used trail.
Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Mason Trail – Dog Hiking

3.5 Miles of paved trail
The Mason Trail serves as a convenient route in the central core of Fort Collins and is maintained by the Streets Department.

Stretching from Prospect Road to South of Harmony Road, adjacent to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad corridor, the Mason trail offers a solution to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians traveling North and South in the City.

The Mason Trail will eventually connect to the other trails located within Fort Collins, such as the Spring Creek Trail and the Fossil Creek Trail. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash and watch out for passing cyclists.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!

Fossil Creek Trail – Dog Hiking

5.17 Miles of paved trail

This is a great Fort Collins trail with lots of bustling activity from fellow dog walking fanatics, joggers, bikers and students.

The trail currently runs through the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area along Fossil Creek. It extends West and North to meet the Spring Creek Trail, and East to Fossil Creek Reservoir.

The trail connects Spring Canyon Community Park on the North to Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area on the South. The project completes a major segment of the Fossil Creek Trail on the West side of town while creating even greater connectivity within a community already known for its great trail systems.

The Fossil Creek Trail Extension leaves the South side of Spring Canyon Community Park and winds its way through open space at the base of Horsetooth Reservoir, cuts up through an easement obtained from local property owners, before traveling east along County Road 38E (Harmony Road). The Extension connects nearly seven miles of Spring Creek Trail to more than two miles of the Fossil Creek Trail.

This dog-friendly trail has no usage fees. It features a public park that includes free parking and restrooms. Cell phone coverage is good throughout the trail, as is trail visibility. All in all, a great urban environment in Fort Collins to walk your dog.

The trail is maintained year round and snow is removed from the trails during the winter months, making for a great year-round dog walking experience, weather permitting.

Contact us today to schedule this hike or to reserve our pet sitting or dog walking services!