Fort Collins   -   Fridays 

Coordinator for Fort Collins, Marilynn Brandenburger

Marilynn’s cell and email: 404-402-6284 cell / marilynn@marilynnbrandenburger.com

                             PLEASE NOTE:  YOU are responsible for keeping yourself safe. 

Apr 7 - Lions Open Space, LaPorte

10:00am - 1:00 pm

2425 N. Overland Trail, Laporte, CO

“Located on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Lions Open Space offers day-use area picnicking, fishing, hiking, and biking. It's also home to the westernmost portion of the Poudre River Trail, which continues west as the Pleasant Valley Trail. This paved trail winds along the Poudre River through stunning riparian habitat.” Paved and unpaved trails, bathroom.

Take Overland Trail north from Fort Collins, cross Bingham Hill Road, entrance to Lions Open Space is on the left, just after you cross the Poudre River.

<https://goo.gl/maps/UM8GFfbrpAtMs2Kq8>

Apr 14 - Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, Fort Collins

10:00am - 1:00pm

705 Cairns Drive, off S Timberline Road, Fort Collins

“Riverbend Ponds offers a lot of diversity with a stretch of the Poudre River, several ponds and wetlands. There are seven former gravel mine ponds to choose from so it is a popular fishing site. Over 200 species of birds feed, rest, nest, and migrate through including green herons, a wide variety of ducks, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and others. Riverbend Ponds flat trails with loop options and varied habitat appeal to many hikers and dog-walkers.” 

Take Timberline Road north, cross Prospect Road. Entrance to Riverbend Ponds is right after you cross the Poudre River. Turn right at Cairns Drive, then right into the parking lot. If you get to Mulberry Street, you’ve gone too far. There is a bathroom.

Trail map: <https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/map-rbp.pdf?1380131954>

<https://goo.gl/maps/kvYQXykfXaGkXLaU9>

Apr 21 - Picnic Rock Natural Area, Poudre Canyon

10:00am - 1:00pm

2777 Poudre Canyon Road, Bellvue, CO

Ridgelines along the Poudre River will be bursting in spring greens, the river roaring with winter snowmelt. Trees, sandy shores, rock-strewn coves, picnic tables and lots of places to set up easels along the river. Big parking lot, bathroom. 

From Fort Collins, head northwest on Hwy 287-North. Turn west onto Hwy 14/Poudre Canyon Road. Proceed approximately 2.8 miles to the entrance to Picnic Rock, on the left. A Heritage Area wayside sign should be located near the river.

<https://goo.gl/maps/CBHS1vvKaDPqkEuJ8>

Apr 28 - Signature Bluffs Natural Area, Greeley

10:00am - 1:00pm

71st Avenue/CR29 at the Poudre River, Greeley, CO

“Signature Bluffs Natural Area is a vast area of natural river habitat with a large pond, cottonwood stands, cattails and meadows. People can take canoes and kayaks out on the pond or go fishing. There are also some dirt trails to get back into the more remote areas. This is an excellent place for bird watching and to see other wildlife as well.”

The parking lot is located at the intersection of 71st Avenue/CR 29 and the Poudre River. Head North out of Greeley on 71st Avenue. You will pass North Ridge High School, at that point 71st Avenue takes a couple of turns. Just past the second turn you will see the parking area to the left. You will spot the area by the bright red barn. There is ample parking and a restroom, but no running water.

<https://goo.gl/maps/drFidzN7ZcDuxBd19>