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Butterfly Woods Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Butterfly Woods Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve featuring a paved trail, a metal bridge, and a butterfly area.
What runners say about Butterfly Woods Natural Area
“Definitely beautiful and relatively peaceful although it does tend to get a bit busy for my tastes.”
“Definitely beautiful and relatively peaceful although it does tend to get a bit busy for my tastes.”
This is easily one of the most beautiful places in Fort Collins. Ideal for anything from a morning walk to Senior Photos, this is the home of Butterfly Bridge, an incredibly beautiful bridge which spans the Poudre River through a lush cottonwood forest.
This is a 🌄super lovely place to hike or bike along the Poudre river and watch the sunset. Butterfly Woods runs along the Poudre Canyon trail, and some private property. It's right beside an epic cascading bridge along the river. There's picnic tables nearby along the river, across the street.
This is an open space and bike trail, accessible from the Poudre River Trail. Park at Lions Park in Laporte and hike or bike over the iron bridge. Originally the farm of wonderful people Jim and Margaret Hyde. This place was donated to the city so everyone can enjoy.
Beautiful location for photos! I took our office photos here, and all the changing leaves and the bridge here made for some great photos! Nice bike trail or great for walking.
Trail conditions & character
“Definitely beautiful and relatively peaceful although it does tend to get a bit busy for my tastes.”
“Nothing but happy cyclists, joggers, walkers, and wagging dogs all around.”
“Definitely beautiful and relatively peaceful although it does tend to get a bit busy for my tastes.”
Plan your run at Butterfly Woods Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefcgov.com
- Phone(970) 416-2815
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
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