bobcat ridge natural area

This area is not only beautiful but uncrowded. great hiking trails and biking, but be forewarned one of the mt. bike trails is rated extreme. Best time in the spring and then fall.

We've been here a couple times during various seasons. There's a variety of trails which include one paved one that is handicapped accessible. There was plenty of parking--no problem. Good place to take children or go out and clear your head.

I rode here quite often between 2008-2010. If you take the loop it is about 30min one way. It's a good workout, as the inclines in areas can be steep, but none of them are excessively long, so you get to rest as you bomb the back-sides. I would say the trail is of moderate difficulty as you won't encounter anything too technical, but there are some steep climbs/descents, loose gravel, narrow passages, and small drop-offs.This would make a good short hike too.

We came here last Saturday evening for a Nature Talk about Astronomy. Later, we had the pleasure of viewing the stars courtesy of the local Astronomy Club members. They brought their excellent telescopes, many of which were homemade. We got to view the stars, planets, and the International Space Station as it flew overhead. We saw shooting stars, and the Milky Way. They guys from the Astronomy club were very nice, very informative, and their telescopes were fantastic. Bobcat Ridge is a great open area, away from the light pollution of the city. It's a great area to hike. All of the paths are paved, so it's mostly ADA compliant. We saw bunnies, deer, birds. No bobcats this time, but, we'll be back to see them again!

Not over crowded, variety of trails for different level hikers. Plenty of wildlife (thanks to the no dogs allowed rule) and great views. Area is in excellent condition and well maintained.

Lesser-used natural area in Larimer County just a few miles from the super-busy Horsetooth Mountain Park. Lots of trails, plus you're welcome to go off trail on foot. Free too. Just don't bring your dog - this is one of the very few areas that dogs are not allowed because of the sensitive wildlife resources. Llamas, horses and mountain bikes happily invited!

Bobcat Ridge offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails in the foothills near Masonville (west of Loveland & Ft. Collins). HIKERS - If you want an easy walk, take the fairly level grasslands pathway to the historic cabin. If you feel a bit more energetic climb a little and return to your car via a loop through the ponderosa pines. If you really want a heart pumping trek, climb one of three trails to the top of the ridge. Sadly, much of the mountainside here is barren with unattractive burned or down timber from a big fire in 2000 but the views from the ridge top are worth the challenge. CYCLISTS - For those highly skilled or crazy bikers the top of the ridge provides considerable challenge. There are some restrictions for cyclists about which trails and which direction you must ride but more info is at the trailhead. There are many very steep and rocky areas but also a rewarding scenic meadow near the top at Mahony Park. The "Eden Valley Spur" down on the south is a very fun bike ride for less skilled riders (like me). This out-and-back trail is less rocky than most of the area and has a lot of smooth packed dirt and some mini roller-coaster sections that make a novice feel like a confident rider. TRAILHEAD - free parking and entry, restrooms and as of Feb 28, 2014 there is a public tire pump near the restrooms.

This natural area has several trails of varying difficulties. Well maintained paths. Many bird and wildlife sightings including a large prairie dog town on the Cabin Trail. This trail ends at a nearly century old cabin that one can explore. There is even a picnic table under the trees. Views in all directions are stunning. On another trail, it is Interesting to see the recovery of an area burned during a wildfire many years ago. Has never been crowded on weekday mornings.

Be sure to sign up for a program with the Fort Collins Natural Area folks. We went on a night walk. They have one for families with children and one for adults. We went on the one for adults. It was the night before the full moon, a super moon in fact. It was two hours and an easy stroll. One of our guides, Angela, led us in a number of fun and educational activities. We watched the moon rise and took photos of the stunning sunset. We saw birds, bats, deer and other wildlife. Angela identified the birds and another guide identified the plants. We walked back in the dark with the moon lighting our way. It was downright spiritual!

The upper loop at Bobcat Ridge is, in my opinion, the best technical mountain biking in the Fort Collins area. Ridden counter-clockwise, it starts with a brutal climb up a powerline road, followed by several miles of upper intermediate technical singletrack. Expect lots of rock features and a few optional stunts. Dogs are not allowed at Bobcat Ridge at all, not even on a leash.

I have hiked here twice at night when there is a full moon and loved it. Never even knew all the prairie dogs were there until we hiked it during the day. They are so fun to watch! Also enjoy seeing all the mountain bikers during the day and what the view really looks like in the daytime.

Loved the openness and view. I was able to let my dog walk on his or her leash while I bopped along behind

Ginny trail is one of Northern Colorado's best mountain biking trails. The climb of the service road is extremely difficult but so worth it once you get to the single track.

Much variety......open land, forests....this has a bit of everything. Easy family hike. Good for hikers, bikers, horses....everybody.

This the base for the Ginny and Bobcat Trail systems. Better have your technical skills honed and be fit - this climb is one of the toughest around. The descent is worth it. An epic trail system.