Reservoir Ridge Natural Area#
Trail Status
Description#
Visitors to this natural area along the foothills 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. You'll 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
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.
Plan Your Visit#
Popular times.
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.
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, Michaud Lane Parking Lot Webcam#
Activities and Events#
- 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!
- Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan Update 2019
- Reservoir Ridge Trail Map
- Primrose Studio brochure
- Bird Checklist- courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society