Natural Areas Newsletter Natural Areas Newsletter
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
Trail Status
Description
Visitors to this foothills natural area enjoy its rugged trails, access to the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail, wildlife viewing opportunities and a feeling of remoteness- all close to Fort Collins. Youll see dramatic rock outcroppings, grasslands, mountain mahogany shrubs and a few ponderosa pines. Views of the city, the foothills and Horsetooth Reservoir are great from the trails!
Near the Michaud Lane entrance to Reservoir Ridge is Primrose Studio, a venue for small meetings (capacity 25) and education events. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and available by reservation. More information about Primrose Studio
Photos
Boardwalk on Reservoir Ridge Trail
Mule Deer
Hikers
Flowers on the hillside
Hikers
Reservoir Ridge Ridgeline
Bridge over Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal
Trails
There are about 5 miles of soft surface trail. Reservoir Ridge is the northern 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.
The Overland Trail Rd parking lot provides access to an easy flat trail (1.4 miles) that connects to the Michaud Spur. Reservoir Ridge Trail map >>>
Hours
Reservoir Ridge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The parking lots off Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Road are open to vehicle traffic from dawn to dusk (in winter, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit on Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Rd.
Directions
Parking lots on Centennial Drive/ CR 23, the west end of Michaud Lane and off Overland Trail Road (at approximately 1425 Overland Trail Rd). Horse trailer parking is available: 1 spot at the Michaud Lane parking lot, 2 spots at the Centennial Drive parking lot, 2 spots at the Overland Trail Road parking lot.
Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit on Michaud Lane and Overland Trail Rd.
Activities and Events
- 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 in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
- Free educational programs at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area are available for groups by request, call the Master Naturalist Program at 970-416-2043 or email Alex at YW1jaGVucnlAZmNnb3YuY29t .
Related Information
- Know before you go safety and recreation information.
- Reservoir Ridge is adopted by Jacqueline Simon, thank you! By picking up litter, volunteer adopters enhance habitat for wildlife and native plants while increasing fellow visitors' enjoyment.
- Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan
- Reservoir Ridge Trail Map
- Primrose Studio brochure