Pineridge Natural Area#
Trail Status
Description#
A popular foothills natural area where visitors can enjoy city views, foothills terrain, a reservoir and beautiful forest- all close to home. This popular hiking, fishing and biking area is one of the original City of Fort Collins natural areas (acquired in 1976). There is something for everyone at Pineridge!
Photos#
Elk at Pineridge Natural Area, Karl Manderbach
Volunteer works at Pineridge, Brian Walsh
Boat slide at Pineridge Natural Area.
Kids volunteer at Pineridge, Brian Walsh
Stadium Lights at Dixon, James Leveille
Elk at Pineridge Natural Area, Karl Manderbach
Volunteer works at Pineridge, Brian Walsh
Boat slide at Pineridge Natural Area.
Kids volunteer at Pineridge, Brian Walsh
Stadium Lights at Dixon, James Leveille
Trails#
There are 7 miles of soft surface including a loop around Dixon Reservoir (1.8 miles). Pineridge is the southern end of the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail. 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. Pineridge Trail Map >>>
Hours#
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Plan Your Visit#
Popular times
Directions#
The main parking lot is on County Rd 42C approximately mile south of Hughes Stadium (2 horse trailer parking spots available, the approximate address is 2750 County Road 42C, Fort Collins). There is also parking at the west end of Horsetooth Road (through Spring Canyon Community Park). Pineridge also can be accessed from the Maxwell Natural Area parking lot off County Rd 42C. Please do not park along CR 42C roadway.
Activities and Events#
- Fishing and boating is allowed at Pineridge Natural Area. A boat slide is located on the northwest side of Dixon Reservoir.
- Free educational activities and events in June-October are listed in the 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.
- Trail Map
- 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!
- Executive Summary of the Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan
- Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan 2019 (web-based storymap)
- Fishing information
- Plant List for Pineridge Natural Area. Volunteers were critical in making the list possible, thank you!
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society