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Gateway Lakes Natural Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 288 Google reviews · Running trail in Greeley, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gateway Lakes 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 with a playground, picnic tables, walking paths, and a pond.
What runners say about Gateway Lakes Natural Area
“Looks like a well-maintained playground.”
“It's a great place to go for a walk or run on the gravel trail.”
“The playground is awesome with unique features great for kids of all ages.”
Really great open space with crushed walked paths. Took both the girls for the first time and it was wonderful. Dogs need to be leashed which is fine, but there's lots of little places to explore and sniff around. It is open to bicyclists so just watch out for them.
Great playground. There is limited shade though. Off the main street with lots of trails. Signs up about Bullsnakes.
This is my favorite park in the Greeley/Evans area by far! The playground itself is genuinely designed to mimic nature, but on top of that there is a pea gravel path that is about a half mile or so in length that goes around it with different nature elements to explore.
This park is awesome. It has 2 playgrounds for different ages of kids, a beautiful short nature trail, a small pond, a dock, a tiny ampitheater, picnic tables, and a sculpture you can walk through. There are plaques with educational information throughout the walk around.
Trail conditions & character
“Hidden treasure spot in Greeley, easy parking, easy access and fun times for the whole family.”
“It's a great place to go for a walk or run on the gravel trail.”
“Dogs need to be leashed which is fine, but there's lots of little places to explore and sniff around.”
“The gravel path, when it’s dry, would be stroller or wheelchair friendly.”
“There's a porta potty right next to the parking lot that is somewhat clean.”
Plan your run at Gateway Lakes Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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, water — 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.
- Websitegreeleygov.com
- Phone(970) 350-9390
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Greeley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Monfort Park
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