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Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 477 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Reservoir 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.
Foothills area with many miles of panoramic hiking trails amid rock outcroppings & grasslands.
What runners say about Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
“On my way up the mountain, there were beautiful views to stop and take in.”
“If it's sunny there isn't alot of shade spots, but overall this is an excellent spot.”
“Excellent, easy trail for all ages the lower half is a long double lane path which you could easily take a stroller with big weals on.”
This was an amazing hike for a day off. We loved the views on the trail up as well as the different bouldering opportunities at the top to tackle. Perfect reading areas also to rest at once you get to the summit, but it’s a lovely hike fitting for travelers of all kinds.
Wide open trail! Not crowded at all, the parking had maybe 5 cars in it midday on a Sunday. It's a great walking hike for dogs, biking anything really! There was a bridge about 25-30 minutes in for my dog to cool off, otherwise it's a hot walk! But I'm so glad I discovered this place!
Non hikers- family vacation of 18 went on this hike from ages 12 to 64. We all enjoyed it, some more than others. We were hoping to see a bear but did see deer, birds, and other smaller animals. Oh wait, we saw a rattlesnake! Crazy scary but super cool. Beautiful views and great pictures.
Great area for an easy hike/bike with a couple of intermediate slopes and panoramic views! There are some nice spots to see the reservoirs along the way, as well as a couple of ridgeback meadows perfect for finding deer, etc. Be prepared to hike along rock and occasional mud, which may be frozen in winter months!
Trail conditions & character
“We loved the views on the trail up as well as the different bouldering opportunities at the top to tackle.”
“There are two parking lots: one off of Overland Trail near Headwater Drive (cross-street) and the other near the end of Michaud Lane.”
“The top half is very rocky but perfect for hiking or mountain biking.”
“Dog friendly, family friendly, very clean and moderated by rangers 👍🏾 please follow speed limits as this is a high cycling area.”
“Incline as you begin then plateau as you circle the hill until it returns you to the parking lot.”
“The hike to the top can be done in a loop, with one path leading south and the other north, and both directions can be completed in a full circle.”
“If it's sunny there isn't alot of shade spots, but overall this is an excellent spot.”
“The walk from the Overland Trail parking area is relatively flat and easy-going.”
Plan your run at Reservoir 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — 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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