Arapaho Bend Natural Area#
Trail Status
Description#
Arapaho Bend is a scenic entryway into Fort Collins with natural and cultural features to enjoy! It is a popular fishing spot and is often visited by equestrians. You may see or hear some of the over 80 species of birds that use the habitat here including American white pelicans, prairie falcons, and cormorants. Visitors also may see mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, beavers, coyotes, foxes and deer. Anglers may catch bass, bluegill, yellow perch, or sunfish in the ponds reclaimed from previous gravel mining. View more fishing details.
Come see the ruins of the historic Strauss Cabin, one of the earliest log cabins in the area. The cabin was restored in 1997 and burned by arsonists in 1999. The cabin ruins were closed to the public from 1999-2012. The Natural Areas Department acquired the property from Larimer County and cleaned up the site with the help of volunteers. The pedestrian access bridge has been repaired. Please visit with respect.
While this site brings with it the hum of traffic on adjacent I-25, it provides opportunities for relaxing recreation with impressive views of the mountains and a glimpse into Fort Collins past.
Natural Areas is exploring options for improving the visitor experience at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. Potential improvements are focused on creating greater accessibility and mitigating safety concerns. To learn more about what is being considered, you can find the submitted conceptual review here: Conceptual Review. More information will be shared as the project progresses. Feedback on this conceptual review can be shared at Feedback Portal.
Untitled by Mandy Thrasher
Bench at Arapaho Bend by James Leveillee
Morning Commute by Brian Brewington
Sunrise Curl by Kevin Clarke
Bald Eagles
Arapaho Sunset by Doyle Lauterbach
Ruins of Strauss Cabin, 2012
Untitled by Mandy Thrasher
Bench at Arapaho Bend by James Leveillee
Morning Commute by Brian Brewington
Sunrise Curl by Kevin Clarke
Bald Eagles
Arapaho Sunset by Doyle Lauterbach
Ruins of Strauss Cabin, 2012
Hours#
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Plan Your Visit#
Popular times.
Directions#
There are 3 parking lots: one at the east end of Horsetooth Road (closest access to Strauss Cabin ruins), one on Strauss Cabin Road between Horsetooth and Harmony, and one at the Harmony Transfer Center. Arapaho Bend Natural Area has no entrance fee or parking fee.
Horse trailer parking only available at Harmony Transfer Center due to capacity.
Arapaho Bend's approximate address is 4109 East Horsetooth Road.
Events and Activities#
- Find free educational activities and events year-round on the Events Calendar. Activities and events in June-October are also listed in the Natural Areas Explorer.
- Learn about special events and activities each month by subscribing to the Natural Areas e-newsletter.
- Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for self-guided activities.
Related Information#
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Trail map
- Arapaho Bend Natural Area allows fishing. Learn More
- Special people have volunteered to take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter pick-ups. You can join the fun and adopt a natural area, too!
- Plant List for Arapaho Bend Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!
- Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan
- Fort Collins History Connection photos of Strauss cabin, fire and ruins.
- Photo of original Strauss cabin from Denver Public Library Digital Collections.
- Video history of Robert Strauss (1.47 min.) by local historians Wayne Sundberg and Ken Jessen.
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- Arapaho Bend Natural Area is an Important Bird Area, learn more here.