Hike the Valley Loop Trail in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
4.4 Miles
500 Feet
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Loop
Beautiful views of the red sandstone hogsbacks, the Devil's Backbone, and the Front Range including the "montane shrublands" that divide The Great Plains and the alpine heart of the Rocky Mountains.
The Valley Loop Trail in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area begins at the main entrance of the Natural Area, just off W County Road 32 C near Masonville, west of Fort Collins and the Horsetooth Reservoir.
To get there take West County Road 38 E west from Fort Collins over and around the Horsetooth Reservoir until you get to the Masonville and the main intersection. There go left onto Buckhorn Road and follow the signs for Bobcat Ridge.
The Valley Loop trail is the central trail that loops through lower elevations of Bobcat Ridge, and you can follow it in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
If going in a clockwise direction after about 3 miles there are restrooms *and* the historic cabin and ranch of D.R. and Ginny Pulliam who both made many of the trails we now enjoy and so graciously donated the land to Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins for the public to enjoy.
The Valley Loop trail itself is graded for hiking, trail running, mountain biking (on special trails running parallel) *and* handicap access.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
