Hike the Coyote Ridge Trail
Added by Josiah Roe
Beautiful views of the hogsbacks and Front Range including the "montane shrublands" that divide The Great Plains and the alpine heart of the Rocky Mountains.
The Coyote Ridge Natural Area is one of several Larimer County "gateway" preserves and Open Lands that lead into the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, connecting the shrublands of the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountain themselves through a network of trails, parks, and preserves.
The Coyote Ridge trail itself begins on the Southwest side of Fort Collins on the west side of Taft Hill Road, just south of the transfer station. There is an obvious parking area with large signage.
The first half-mile or so of the trail is flat and surrounded by numerous prairie dog colonies, eventually rising up the first hogsback and down past restrooms and a small cabin after the first mile.
Be sure to stay right past the cabin, as from there the trail ascends another mile and a half to the top Coyote Ridge itself, with views back over Fort Collins, over Spring Canyon, north to Horsetooth Rock, south to Devil's Backbone, and west to the Rocky Mountains themselves.
From there the trail turns into the Rimrock Trail and enters the Rimrock Open Space, connecting to numerous other trails and parks.
Some of the curves are blind, so watch out for mountain bikers.
No dogs allowed.
Go Pro.
We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!
Join the communityLeave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Stay Nearby
Bellvue, Colorado
Ansel Watrous
Nearby Adventures
Hike to Horsetooth Rock
Hike to Horsetooth Falls
Hike to "The A" via the Foothills Trail
Climb Green Ridge in the Roosevelt National Forest
Inspire Your Fall Aspen Trip!
Autumn days in Aspen are filled with sunshine and nights with crisp cool air. Watch the mountains and valleys turn gold with the changing Aspen trees. Take in the scenery while enjoying scenic drives, hiking through forests, road biking, and exploring our IMBA Gold Level Ride Center recognized mountain bike trails.
© 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy