The Bobcat Ridge Natural Area just got even better. This weekend, a new trail opened! The Elk Meadow Trail is a new 1.75-mile trail that is considered easy to moderate and takes you through the meadow. You can stop at the historic cabin that dates back to 1917. This trail gives us new access to the most recent portion of the Bobcat Ridge Natural  Area, extending natural access in Fort Collins even farther.  The new trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, but pl

It’s the most versatile natural area we’ve covered so far, and if you haven’t been here, don’t walk, run, bike, or hike there soon and experience the fall colors from this easy-to-access Fort Collins natural area.

A natural space where you can stop and grab a snack at a golf course, count me in. We hit the trail at the Mariana Butte for this month's NOCO Mapped. I would classify this natural space more closely as a trailhead compared to open space, as it does not have any area for communing, picnic tables, or flat land for kids or dogs to play. It does host an entrance to the Mariana Butte Trail system. 

This small natural area is perfect for a quick stroll or a stop by the river.

Let’s take a look at what each space offers, the best for kids, dogs, and even a nice work from open space, each one has different benefits. Most importantly we are going to see how long I can before I run out of new open spaces.  This Month: Gateway Lakes Natural Space