Cathy Fromme Natural Area Trails

If the sun is shining, your pup will probably enjoy a hike outdoors! And the sun is usually shining in Colorado, so why not pack up your pup and head to the Fossil Creek Trail, located in the Cathy Fromme Natural Area in the city of Fort Collins, just north of Denver.

You will be delighted to hike on the Fossil Creek Trail. You can pick up the trailhead on South Shields Road. Begin your pawtastic hike to get your 2.4-mile out-and-back journey on its way into a shortgrass prairie, native to the area and rare nowadays due to the influx of home construction. Although you are in a suburban area, this trail offers beautiful scenic views of wildlife, trees and prairies that are filled with birds, exquisite plants and native animals. Be treated to prairie dogs that will be peeking at you through their underground dens and scaly lizards that scoot across the path. Cutting into the hillside along this trail is a raptor observatory point where you can ‘hide out’ and watch the red-tail hawks searching for prey. This is a great spot to rest Fido’s weary paws and to photograph these majestic birds in action.

The Fossil Creek Trail continues past the Cathy Fromme Natural Area to the Pineridge Natural Area and the Spring Canyon Park where it will end at 3156 South Overland Trail where it connects to the Spring Creek Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water for your hike since there are no provided drinking fountains along this trail. You will be able to access restrooms at the park, as well as seasonal water, if so needed. Bike trails and a dog park are also part of this park, all connected to the Fossil Creek Trail.

The Fossil Creek Trail has something for everyone and every pup so grab their leash and head over today!