Gateway Natural Area#
Trail Status
2023 Annual Passes Sold Out
2023 Gateway Natural Area annual passes are no longer available due to the limited number of passes each year. If you do not have an annual pass, you can still visit Gateway by purchasing a day pass. Annual passes are still available for check-out through the Poudre River Library District and Wellington Public Library.
2024 annual passes will be available starting December 1 and can be used during December 2023. Purchase Annual Passes at the machines onsite at Gateway Natural Area only.
For Hunting Access, Permit Required
Hunters accessing lands adjacent to Gateway Natural Area must have a permit to cross City property with their unloaded firearms. Apply for a free Special Use permit at least 14 days in advance at fcgov.com/naturalareas/permits
Daily Parking & Annual Pass Fees#
Passes are required for vehicles, walk-ins, tubers, and boaters. Daily passes can only be purchased onsite at Gateway Natural Area. No cash, cards only. 2023 annual passes are no longer available due to limited number of passes each year.
Visitors are encouraged to park and then pay at the self-pay stations to ensure a parking spot, especially during the busy summer months.
- Daily pass: $8 per passenger vehicle. Daily passes must be clearly displayed on the passenger’s side of the dashboard.
- Annual Pass: 2023 passes are no longer available. 2024 annual passes will be available starting December 1 and can be used during December 2023. $40 per passenger vehicle. Annual passes are valid through the end of the calendar year and will expire on December 31st.
- Annual Accessibility Pass: Please contact the Natural Areas office for information 970-416-2815
Visitors can also check out a free Gateway Natural Area annual pass for up to one week from the Poudre River Library District and Wellington Public Library. No holds are available.
Description#
Gateway Natural Area is the kind of place you will want to bring your family for a day in the mountains and definitely a place you will be proud to say is part of Fort Collins. Gateway Natural Area (formerly Gateway Mountain Park) is the site of the city's old water filtration plant, where the North Fork of the Poudre River joins the main Poudre River. Visitors enjoy it because its tucked away from the noise of Highway 14 and Gateway is only 15 miles from Fort Collins! You'll find hiking trails, a designated launch area for kayaks and canoes, fishing, picnic tables with grills, informational kiosks and a natural playground.
Note: Cell phone service at Gateway and in the Poudre Canyon is not reliable.
Gateway picnic shelters
Gateway Natural Area is a wonderful getaway along the Cache la Poudre River.
A group explores the Black Powder Trail
Gateway's Natural Playground
Gateway in winter by Ken Eis
Gateway picnic shelters
Gateway Natural Area is a wonderful getaway along the Cache la Poudre River.
A group explores the Black Powder Trail
Gateway's Natural Playground
Gateway in winter by Ken Eis
Trails#
- Black Powder Trail: Very difficult, 0.8 miles, steeply climbs to an expansive view of the Poudre Canyon.
- Overlook Trail: Very difficult, 0.3 miles, steeply climbs to a beautiful ridgetop.
- Seaman Reservoir: Visitors can access City of Greeley's Seaman Reservoir through Gateway Natural Area. The reservoir is 1 mile from Gateway via a flat dirt road with a short climb at the end. Swimming and cliff jumping are not permitted at Seaman Reservoir.
E-bikes are not permitted on soft/natural surface trails. ADA mobility devices are allowed. Trail accessibility is found here.
Additional Features#
Picnic Tables and Shelters
Picnic tables and the two shelters at Gateway Natural Area are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter reservations are no longer available.
Natural Playground
Most of the materials for the natural playground were reused/ recycled or were found on site. Elements include stepping stumps, a rock streambed, a wooden boardwalk, a sandy area, a carved boat, a rustic log ladder, rock walls and a willow tunnel.
Boat Ramp
Gateway Natural Area is a popular area for kayaking, rafting, and boating. If you choose to recreate on the water read this brochure and map-- it could save your life.
Hours#
Gateway Natural Area is open daily, dawn to dusk.
Due to safety concerns, walk-in access to Gateway Natural Area is not permitted along the paved entrance road.
Plan Your Visit#
Popular times.
Directions#
Gateway Natural Area is located at 5216 Poudre Canyon Highway (Hwy 14). Take Highway 287 to Highway 14 West, then travel 5.2 miles on Hwy 14 West. Gateway Natural Area is on the right side of the road.
Parking Lot Camera
Entrance Camera
Events and Activities#
- Free educational activities and events from June-October are listed in the Natural Areas Explorer booklet.
- Last minute activity additions, trail recommendations and events offered between November-May are in our free monthly electronic newsletter- sign up on this page.
- Check out the Natural Areas Learning Library for some great self-guided activities.
Related Information#
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- 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!
- Gateway Natural Area Brochure (fees increased in 2023 to $8 per vehicle)
- History of Gateway Natural Area
- Important Rules (fees increased in 2023 to $8 per vehicle)
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- Plant List for Gateway Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!