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Hike the Coyote Ridge Trail

Fort Collins, Colorado

1.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Elevation Gain

550 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
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Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike the Coyote Ridge Trail Reviews

This app says this trail allows dogs but it does not. No dogs are allowed on this trail at time. I am all about preserving wildlife and all but this app says they are allowed which is very misconstrued and upsetting. I was very disappointed when I arrived and say the 10+ signs saying no dogs.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Climb Green Ridge in the Roosevelt National Forest

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