Pineridge Natural Area

Description

A popular foothills natural area where visitors can enjoy city views, foothills terrain, a reservoir and beautiful forest- all close to home. This popular hiking, fishing and biking area is one of the original City of Fort Collins natural areas (acquired in 1976). There is something for everyone at Pineridge!

In 2006, the Access Fund awarded a grant for improvements to the Piano Boulders climbing area on the west side of the site (on Centennial Drive just north of the Spring Canyon Dam) and REI awarded a grant for recreational improvements and education endeavors at Pineridge- thank you!

Trails

7 miles of soft surface 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 show you the way. Biking on the Foothills Trail is for the experienced cyclist- the trail is challenging.

Hours

5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Directions

Parking lots on County Rd 42C approximately ¼ mile south of Hughes Stadium and at the west end of Horsetooth Road (Spring Canyon Community Park entrance). Pineridge also can be accessed from Maxwell Natural Area parking lot off County Rd 42C. Please do not park along CR 42C roadway.

Activities & Events

• Fort Collins Natural Areas Program Program and Activity Guide May-October 2009 (pdf).
• Free educational programs at Pineridge Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email .

Related Information

• Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan
• Foothills Trail brochure