Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space

Description

Experience the beauty and enjoy outstanding birding at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space! You’ll find rolling prairie uplands, wetlands, and a tree-lined reservoir. Bring your sketch book, camera, spotting scope, and binoculars. Take advantage of the quiet, peaceful essence of this special place to recharge and renew yourself.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society. It provides crucial habitat to bald eagles (in the winter) and other types of raptors, and many species of shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. You may also see coyotes, deer, and prairie dogs.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space was created through a partnership between the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County and North Poudre Irrigation Company to conserve 843 acres. The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department is responsible for the management of the site including restoration and stewardship, trail and site maintenance, snow removal, volunteer opportunities and education programs. Larimer County Rangers provide enforcement. Visit them at their office at the trailhead parking lot.

The highest priority in managing this open space is conservation of natural resources while providing public recreation. The trails are designed to minimize human impact to sensitive wildlife. Biking, water recreation (boating and fishing), and pets all have a significant impact on wildlife; therefore those types of recreation are not permitted.

Note: Dogs, bikes and horses are not allowed at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space.

Trails

Try the Heron Loop (0.25-mile paved loop with picnic shelters; open year-round), Sandpiper Trail (0.4 miles to a viewing area; open year-round), or Cattail Flats Trail (0.76 miles to a viewing area; closed November 15 to March 1). Trails are closed seasonally to protect bald eagle roosting, and shorebird and waterfowl habitat. Please stay on the trails and respect seasonal closures. Hiking only is permitted at this natural area.

Hours

Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Directions

Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is on Carpenter Road/ CR 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road.

Events and Activities

Would you like monthly activity updates, trail recommendations and more? Sign up for the Natural Areas electronic newsletter in the upper right corner of this page.
Customized, free educational programs at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space are available for groups. Call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email .

Related Information

Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space Management Plan (PDF 1.9MB)
Brochure (PDF 1.5MB)
Larimer County Open Lands Program (rangers enforce at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space)