Running Deer Natural Area

Description

As its name suggests, deer love Running Deer because of the plentiful food, water and shelter for them here. Visitors may see deer either bedded down or running across the site. In spring and summer, you may see American white pelicans flying low over Running Deer as they head for the ponds at adjacent Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area. Thank you to Great Outdoors Colorado who provided a grant to help purchase this site.

Trails

About 2 miles of soft surface trail. Running Deer is one of the few natural areas where no bikes or dogs are permitted. Dogs and bikes are allowed at Riverbend Ponds, on the north side of Prospect Rd.

Hours

5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Directions

Parking lots on east Prospect Rd and at the Colorado Welcome Center on Prospect Rd. Also can be reached via the Prospect Rd underpass from Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.

Activities & Events

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

Related Information

• Poudre River Management Plan