Riverbend Ponds Natural Area#
Trail Status
Public Engagement Update
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback about Kestrel Fields and Soapstone Prairie natural areas and the 21 natural areas along the Poudre River. Over 330 people participated in onsite drop-in events, online feedback opportunities, and presentations.
The feedback is being processed and will influence the trail alignment at Kestrel Fields, and how Soapstone Prairie and the Poudre River natural areas are managed.
Kestrel Fields Natural Area
- The feedback is informing exploration of an updated trail alignment. There will not be access from the Greyrock Commons private property.
- The entry sign will feature mountains in the background and a grasshopper in the kestrel's beak.
- Further updates will be available by the fall.
Soapstone Prairie/Mountains to Plains Zone Update
- Further engagement is underway (see feedback opportunity below) to respond to comments that its hard to tell when you have arrived at Soapstone Prairie and that the trail signage is confusing.
- Minor changes are being made to the Zone Update document and a final draft is expected in the fall.
Poudre River Natural Areas
- The feedback will inform the upcoming draft Zone Update.
Description#
Riverbend Ponds offers a lot of diversity with a stretch of the Poudre River, several ponds and wetlands. There are seven former gravel mine ponds to choose from so it is a popular fishing site. The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks the ponds with warm-water species (usually largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish). More fishing details are listed here.Birders also enjoy Riverbend Ponds- over 200 species of birds feed, rest, nest, and migrate through including green herons, a wide variety of ducks, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and others. Riverbend Ponds flat trails with loop options and varied habitat appeal to many hikers and dog-walkers.
Photos#
Bird Watching
Blue Heron Launch, Riverbend Ponds, Theo Bauder
Reflection, Jim Waite
Scenic Path
Blue Dragonfly, Riverbend Ponds, Sarah Hamilton
Autumn Morning, Riverbend Ponds, Bob Willis
Riverbend Ponds, Karl Manderbach
Bird Watching
Blue Heron Launch, Riverbend Ponds, Theo Bauder
Reflection, Jim Waite
Scenic Path
Blue Dragonfly, Riverbend Ponds, Sarah Hamilton
Autumn Morning, Riverbend Ponds, Bob Willis
Riverbend Ponds, Karl Manderbach
Trails#
About three miles of natural surface trails and a boardwalk from the Cherly St. entrance. A paved trail underpass under Prospect Road connects to recreational opportunities on the south side of Prospect: Cottonwood Hollow and Running Deer natural areas and CSUs Environmental Learning Center. Trail Map >>>
Hours#
5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Directions#
Parking lots on Cherly Street (off Summitview, 2909 Cherly St), Prospect St (between Sharp Point and Summitview, 2856 East Prospect), Cairnes St (off Timberline, 705 Cairnes Drive).
Riverbend Ponds can also be accessed from the underpass under Prospect Rd/ Running Deer Natural Area. There is usually room for a horse trailer to park at the Prospect Street parking lot, but a spot is not designated.
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.
- 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!
- Poudre River Management Plan
- What to See at Riverbend Ponds brochure
- Bird Checklist- Courtesy of Fort Collins Audubon Society
- River Bend Ponds Natural Area is an Important Bird Area, learn more here.