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Coyote Ridge Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 384 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Coyote Ridge 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.
Well-maintained natural area with trails for hiking, biking, and trail running, plus wildflowers.
What runners say about Coyote Ridge Natural Area
“Coyote Ridge is an accessible and well maintained natural area to hike, run, walk, or mountain bike!”
“From the top, great views of the valley to the west and the Rimrock trail continues for another mile and a half along the ridge south, towards Devils Backbone.”
“An easy trail that is very flat and maintained so hiking boots are not needed.”
Coyote Ridge is a beautiful space to get out and observe geology and nature. To the observant eye this is a natural wonderland, From steppe, squirrels to burrowing owls, spotted skunk, majestic mule deer, black bear, hawks of many varieties, insects, wildflowers, and fossils galore, this wilderness space is not to be…
Great hike and views! Make sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes though...we saw two on the trail when we were out.
Decently excellent place, the main point-givers are the free parking and no dogs allowed. No dogs allows you to run or ride without worrying of an animal running in front of you or an owner taking up the whole width of the trail.
This is a great short hike, limited parking though. Great bike or hike for about a hour. There is a bathroom on trail but no water so bring some. The trail goes all the way to the end of the devil's backbone if you feel like going that far.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful short hike (2 1/2 hr round trip) up to the top of a mountain that connects to another area located in a different county and trail.”
“But the second one mile section goes up to the top via steep, rocky switchbacks and kids would have no fun with that!”
“A major bonus is the fact that free parking is found here, but a downside is they are pretty strict with the signage on no dogs allowed.”
“A major bonus is the fact that free parking is found here, but a downside is they are pretty strict with the signage on no dogs allowed.”
“Going right at the fork brings you to a rocky area that's mostly unrideable unless on a really expensive bicycle, but the left is great.”
“The road before the single track is suitable for strollers, after the cabin and restroom, not.”
“Coyote Ridge is an accessible and well maintained natural area to hike, run, walk, or mountain bike!”
“This is a great place to ride flat long gravel Trails and even a few rolling jumps (hills) and turns.”
Plan your run at Coyote Ridge Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefcgov.com
- Phone+1 970-416-2815
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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