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Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 300 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
“If you, like some other reviewers, are expecting a clean, mowed, bug-free, dirt-free and well maintained lawn to walk your dog on, this is NOT the place.”
“There seems to be lots of opportunity to see wildlife as well as great views of the mountains.”
“Amazing place to go for peace and quiet and to disconnect from things for awhile.”
“Free to visit and nice hiking, short easy hikes.”
Amazing place to go for peace and quiet and to disconnect from things for awhile. Close to 3 miles of paths to walk on with a lake and nature around you. Many different types of birds to spot around here. You are not allowed to bring your bikes or pets on these paths though.
Very nice birding area and nice paths for walking. Just wish the pier went farther out into the lake.
This is a really nice and extremely open space to visit. There seems to be lots of opportunity to see wildlife as well as great views of the mountains. There are permanent restrooms here as well as picnic tables, bike stations, shelters, and hiking trails. Enjoy!
Great place to explore the wildlife. Bring your binoculars! It's free. Be quiet when you're out there. No pets, bikes allowed or any water activity. Just humans walking, nothing more.
Trail conditions & character
“There seems to be lots of opportunity to see wildlife as well as great views of the mountains.”
“There are permanent restrooms here as well as picnic tables, bike stations, shelters, and hiking trails.”
“This is NOT a city park, dog park, or public pool (there are PLENTY of those in FC and Loveland, don’t complain about dogs not being allowed!”
“Amazing place to go for peace and quiet and to disconnect from things for awhile.”
Plan your run at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- Websitefcgov.com
- Phone+1 970-416-2815
Running trails near Fort Collins
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Windsor Highlands Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
Kids-focused park featuring a dragon-themed playground, swings, a castle and grassy fields.
River Bluffs Open Space
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Park featuring paths for biking, plus picnic tables by the Cache Poudre River.
Kyger Reservoir
4.7 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
