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Natural Areas

Maxwell Natural Area#

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Trail Status

Watch for crews and volunteers who will be performing trail maintenance at Maxwell Natural Area this year. Work will occur in two phases; first, repairs to the trail tread in Maxwell’s lower valley will happen during seasonal wet and muddy trail closures. A second phase will occur in late spring and includes completing a trail realignment and trail tread repair work in Maxwell’s upper basin. The goals of these projects are to improve overall trail sustainability and visitor safety. No trail closures are planned.

Description#

A beautiful foothills natural area where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the mountains and of the city. Listen for the spotted towhees call, which sounds like drink-your-teeeee, and look for mule deer which are common but easily blend into the mountain mahogany shrubs. The rare Bells twinpod grows at Maxwell. Watch out for rattlesnakes here.

Photos#

Maxwell Natural Area Field
Maxwell Natural Area Path
Maxwell Natural Area Sign

Watch for Trail Work at Maxwell#

Map of trail work

Crews and volunteers will be performing trail maintenance at Maxwell Natural Area in 2023. Work will occur in two phases; first, repairs to the trail tread in Maxwell’s lower valley will happen during seasonal wet and muddy trail closures. A second phase will occur in late spring and includes completing a trail realignment and trail tread repair work in Maxwell’s upper basin.

No changes are being made to the climbing/descending section of trail. The trailwork is part of planned efforts at Maxwell that have been underway recently plus routine maintenance.

The goals of these projects are to improve overall trail sustainability and visitor safety.

No trail closures are planned.

Want to grab a hand tool and help? Save the date for a trail project at Maxwell Natural Area on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 10th, registration will open in May at fcgov.com/register 

Trails#

The 1.5 mile trail at Maxwell Natural Area is part of the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail which crosses city, county, state and federal lands. The Foothills Trail connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Trail markers show you the way. Biking on the Foothills Trail is for the experienced cyclist- the trail is challenging. 

Hours#

5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.

Plan Your Visit#

Popular times.

Directions#

Maxwell Natural Area's parking lot is off County Rd 42C, its approximate address is 3502 CR 42C. Please do not park along CR 42C roadway. Walk-in/bike-in access is available from Larimer County's Rotary Park (fee required) and from Banyon Drive. There is one designated horse trailer parking spot.

Activities and Events#

Related Information#