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Maxwell Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 283 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 Maxwell 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.
Protected countryside overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir, with a selection of trails & parking.
What runners say about Maxwell Natural Area
“Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins Colorado has numerous hiking and mountain biking trails as we as stunning scenery.”
“Dirt road does seem to climb about half mile later but still an easy trail if you are looking just to walk.”
Short and sweet trail providing beautiful views of the surrounding nature. It’s a great walking area when the parking lot at Horsetooth is full and you’re looking for a good backup option to still spend some time outdoors!
Another awesome trail head for some light hiking and biking. Lots of parking at trail head including spaces for trailers. Public bathroom as well. There is one flat trail that leads off into the hillside and seems to border private land.
A free parking lot with multiple trails. We hiked to the A from here and it was about 2 miles one way but a very easy incline. You can get up to the road if need be. There aren't many trees so know that you'll be exposed.
Amazing hike from Maxwell Parking Lot, which is free, up the hillside, then cross the road and to the top of Horsetooth Reservoir. Takes about 30 minutes (depending on how fit you are), which is steep and rocky in places with runners and cyclists, so it's best to get there early before 8 am, including during the week.
Trail conditions & character
“Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins Colorado has numerous hiking and mountain biking trails as we as stunning scenery.”
“It’s a great walking area when the parking lot at Horsetooth is full and you’re looking for a good backup option to still spend some time outdoors!”
“Dirt road does seem to climb about half mile later but still an easy trail if you are looking just to walk.”
“There is lots more bike traffic now that the trail has been really well maintained, and most of the rocky sections have been groomed”
“Prairie dogs everywhere while we were here in the second week of March.”
“As you can tell from the map, it’s really flat until you get to the actual foot of the ridge.”
“The trail is not to diffcult and they have bathrooms and parking available.”
Plan your run at Maxwell 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.
- 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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