McMurry Natural Area
Description
Anglers love McMurry’s two ponds and river frontage. More than 20 species of fish are found in the two ponds - more fish types than at any other natural area in Fort Collins. You may find orange spotted sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegills, black crappie or yellow perch.
McMurry is great for wildlife too- birds at McMurry include cedar waxwings, Bullock’s orioles and even osprey, a raptor once near the brink of extinction and still relatively rare in Colorado. Snapping and painted turtles often sun themselves on warm summer days. Rabbits, muskrats, and red fox make their homes here as well.
The west part of McMurry Natural Area is under restoration! You may notice that the slopes of the west pond have been graded back, there are new fishing access points and new plants are getting established. Please stay on the trail to help the restoration be a success.
McMurry Natural Area was acquired with the help of a Great Outdoors Colorado grant.
Trails
1.5 miles natural surface with a trail connection to Magpie Meander Natural Area and Salyer Natural Area. There is a boat launch for non-motorized boats on the eastern pond.
Restoration is underway at McMurry, please stay on the trail to help the project be a success.
Hours
5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Directions
Parking lot at the west end of Hemlock Street or trail connections from Magpie Meander and Salyer natural areas.
Activities & Events
- 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.
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- Free educational programs at McMurry Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email .
Related Information
- News release about McMurry's restoration project
- Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan