Natural Areas Newsletter Natural Areas Newsletter
Gateway Natural Area
Trail Status
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.
New! 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
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
New! Due to safety concerns, walk-in access to Gateway Natural Area is not permitted along the paved entrance road.
Hours
Gateway Natural Area is open daily, dawn to dusk.
The daily parking fee at Gateway Natural Area is $6 (check, cash or credit card), year-round (increasing to $7, beginning Jan. 1, 2019). Parking is free in December 2018.
An annual pass ($40) is available and can be purchased at the Natural Areas Department, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road (8-5 M-F, check or credit card only) or at the Gateway Natural Area Office (hours vary, credit card or check).
New! Due to safety concerns, walk-in access to Gateway Natural Area is not permitted along the paved entrance road.
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.
Groups at Gateway
- 1-15 people- parking fee/annual pass for each vehicle, shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 16-50 people NOT using a shelter-parking fee/annual pass for each vehicle, special use permit.
- 16-50 people USING a shelter-parking fee/annual pass for each vehicle, and a shelter reservation (Shelter Reservation Form available by calling 970-416-2815 or email bmF0dXJhbGFyZWFzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==, no special use permit required, requests must be made 7 days in advance).
- 51+ people- not permitted.
Events and Activities
- Free educational activities and events in June-October are listed in the Tracks & Trails 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.
Related Information
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Gateway Natural Area Ranger Office, 970-407-1106
- You can take an active role in the stewardship of Gateway Natural Area as an adopt-a-natural area volunteer by doing monthly litter pick-ups. This site is available for adoption! Volunteers are also needed to help maintain the natural playground.
- Gateway Natural Area Brochure
- History of Gateway Natural Area
- Important Rules
- Fees at Gateway Natural Area