Pineridge Natural Area

Description of the Area

    The Pineridge Natural Area features a small lake (Dixon Reservoir), wetlands, a forested hillside, and prairie in a small, but beautiful basin on the western edge of Fort Collins. The basin lies between the ridge to the west, and a small hogback hill to the east. Because of the amenable trails, abundant wildlife , and proximity to Fort Collins, this is a popular trail running area.

Directions to the Trailhead

    The Fort Collins Trail Runners use the west parking area when doing the loop. Here are the directions from Shields and West Elizabeth intersection (west side of CSU campus):    

    Take West Elizabeth west for 2.0 miles until it dead ends at Overland Trail. Turn left (south) on Overland Trail. After 1.25 miles, turn right (west) onto County Road 42C (this is the road that goes west towards the foothills, passing just south of Hughes Stadium). Follow the road as it bends left (south) and starts going up the hill. At 0.9 miles, there is a gravel turn off (left) for the Pineridge Natural Area parking area. We meet by the interpretive sign.  

    There is a vault toilet at the lower parking lot, but there is no running water at this trailhead.

The 5-mile Loop Route

    This route describes a moderate 5-mile loop which includes plenty of rolling to flat terrain and a couple of small hills. The total distance is 5.0 miles and the total vertical gain is 350 feet. The route is shown on the map below in red (blue indicates other connecting trails). This map is only approximate, since it was drawn freehand. It will be updated with GPS at some point.