Coyote Ridge Natural Area Trails

You and your pup deserve an outdoor adventure, and there's no better place to do some pawtastic hiking than the Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. Located on almost 900 acres of beautiful terrain, Coyote Ridge is a must-do hike.

You can pick up the trailhead for the Coyote Ridge Trail at the Coyote Ridge Natural Area parking lot located directly on Taft Hill Road, just one mile south of the county’s landfill. There is ample parking for cars, trucks and horse trailers.

Your pup will love the open space this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail offers. You will be treated to grasslands with native prairie grasses, as well as shrub brush while hiking on this natural dirt path. After one mile, you will come to a cabin where there are restrooms and drinking fountains. Behind the cabin, you can take a short side trek down the Hidden Clues Trail which will loop you back to Coyote Ridge. Continuing on your journey, you will finally reach the summit of Coyote Ridge. This location offers you a panoramic view of the Devil’s Backbone, Spring Canyon and the entire range of Rocky Mountains. For additional fun, continue on the Rim Rock Trail which continues on into the Rimrock Open Space at the end of Coyote Trail and the Coyote Ridge Natural Area.

The wildlife in Coyote Ridge is quite diverse with lots of prairie dogs and rabbits, and mountain lions, bears and foxes have been sited here as well. You will not have to worry about anything sneaking up on you however, as there are wide open vistas to see what’s out there! Be sure to pack plenty of water for this hike as the combination of dry climate and altitude can easily result in dehydration for either of you. Please keep your pup on leash while here since this is a shared-use trail with bicyclists and horseback riders.

Mark a day on your calendar to take your furry friend to the Coyote Ridge Natural Area very soon!