Prospect Ponds Natural Area
Description
There is more than ponds at Prospect Ponds Natural Area- a section of the Poudre River runs through the site and there are trails, picnic tables and fishing. Anglers catch species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish stocked by Colorado Division of Wildlife. Prospect Ponds is also a nice place for a lunchtime walk or picnic.
Over 100 species of birds have been seen at Prospect Ponds, including black-crowned night-herons, bald eagles, Swainson’s hawks, great horned owls, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers. Mammals include mule deer, foxes and bats.
Prospect Ponds is co-managed by Fort Collins Utilities and the Natural Areas Department for flood control, water quality improvement and wildlife habitat.
The boundaries of Prospect Ponds Natural Area slightly changed as directed in the 2011 update to the Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan. The land west of the west side channel of the river (previously Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area) is now known as Prospect Ponds.
Trails
The paved Poudre River Trail follows the western border of Prospect Ponds and soft surface trails encircle the ponds making a “figure 8” trail configuration. Total trail distance is about 1.3 miles.
Hours
5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Directions
There are two parking lots, both off Sharp Point Drive.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 Prospect Ponds Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2480 or email .
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