Home › Colorado › Fort Collins › Running Deer Natural Area
Running Deer Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Running Deer 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.
Lush natural landscape featuring walking trails, ponds, a wildlife lookout & large deer population.
What runners say about Running Deer Natural Area
“Unbelievably beautiful escape within town that provides walking trails of varying lengths and nature views of immense beauty!”
“This hidden gem of natural beauty invites visitors to reconnect with the great outdoors and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings.”
“Pond and river fishing can be had here and the extensive trails are popular with runners and walkers of all abilities.”
Nice natural area, not a bunch of shade though. Short distance from downtown Fort Collins and about 20-30 minutes from Loveland, Colorado. Great for bird watching and catching a tan. Plenty of parking and only about five minutes away from a dozen breweries.
Running Deer isn't as physically attractive as other Natural Areas around Fort Collins. But it can be decent for birding, hiking and walking. Some photo opportunities also are available. Be aware that dogs, bicycles and horses aren't allowed, it usually attracts far less of a crowd than other such areas.
NO DOGS ALLOWED! Do not believe other comments. I went here to walk my dogs and had to leave. I don't know why the Google search shows that dogs are allowed and other reviewers say so, too. They are definitely not.
Great place to take the GF and dog to go hiking or even the whole family. Easy trails and awesome scenery.
Trail conditions & character
“A choice of trails from the ample parking lot on East Prospect Street lead south to the Cache La Poudre River and a wide variety if riverside habitat is accessible.”
“Be aware that dogs, bicycles and horses aren't allowed, it usually attracts far less of a crowd than other such areas.”
“Unbelievably beautiful escape within town that provides walking trails of varying lengths and nature views of immense beauty!”
“This hidden gem of natural beauty invites visitors to reconnect with the great outdoors and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings.”
Plan your run at Running Deer Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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(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 |
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.
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,031 reviews
Natural river, wetlands & old gravel mine ponds with 3 miles of trails teeming with birdlife.
Kingfisher Point Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 122 reviews
Tranquil getaway offering walking trails in natural surrounds, wildlife & large ponds for fishing.
Arapaho Bend Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 570 reviews
Natural setting for fishing, birding & wildlife viewing, with 4 miles of trails around ponds.
Mallard's Nest Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hiking trails, a creek, and abundant wildlife.
