Gateway Natural Area#
Changes Underway to Gateway Passes
Gateway Natural Area, in the Cache La Poudre canyon, is the only City of Fort Collins natural area with a fee. Several changes to the pass purchasing process are underway to benefit visitors:
- Starting January 1, 2022, annual passes dispense from pay stations at Gateway Natural Area via card- no cash or checks are accepted.
- Starting January 1, 2022, annual passes expire at the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2022).
- Hang tag passes issued in 2021 are valid until the expiration date on the pass.
Two new pay stations at Gateway Natural Area make the pass purchasing process more convenient. Previously, visitors could only purchase an annual pass voucher from the pay station, which had to be exchanged for a physical pass within 14 days. The new pay stations dispense day passes ($7) and annual passes ($40). People with disabilities can purchase annual passes for a discounted rate from an accessible pay station ($15).
Visitors are encouraged to park and then pay to ensure a parking spot, especially during the busy summer months. Annual passes must be permanently affixed to the inside passenger’s side windshield and are non-transferable. Daily passes must be clearly displayed on the passenger’s side of the dashboard.
Visitors can check out a free Gateway Natural Area annual pass for up to one week from the Poudre River Public Library District. Four passes are available, two at the Old Town location and two passes at the Council Tree location. No holds are available.
Trail Status
Daily Parking & Annual Parking Pass Fees#
Passes required for vehicles, walk-ins, tubers, and boaters. No cash, cards only:
- Daily pass: $7 per passenger vehicle- purchase pass at the electronic kiosk as you enter Gateway.
- $40 annual pass per passenger vehicle- purchase voucher at electronic kiosk as you enter Gateway. Vouchers must be exchanged for an annual pass hangtag within 15 days by calling 970-416-2815 during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5).
- $35 senior citizen annual vehicle pass available for those age 65 and older- please call 970-416-2815 during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5)
- $15 accessible annual pass available for those with disabilities- please call 970-416-2815 during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5)
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.
Due to safety concerns, walk-in access is not permitted along the paved entrance road.
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.
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#
The Black Powder Trail is 0.8 miles and climbs steeply to an expansive view of the Poudre Canyon. The Overlook Trail is 0.3 miles and it climbs steeply to a beautiful ridgetop. Visitors also 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. View the trail map.
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
Shelter reservations are no longer available at Gateway Natural Area. The two shelters are available on a first-come, first-served baisis.
Events and Activities#
- Free educational activities and events in June-October are listed in the Natural Areas Explorer booklet guide.
- 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
- History of Gateway Natural Area
- Important Rules
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- Plant List for Gateway Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!