Poudre River Trail

Community members of Larimer and Weld counties will soon be able to travel the Poudre River Trail all the way from Bellvue to Greeley once a 40-year vision of a regional paved trail is complete in early 2025. 

The trail, beloved by bikers, joggers and other recreators,  began in localized segments decades ago and has gradually expanded over the years with the ultimate vision of connecting northern Colorado communities located along the Poudre River. 

The City of Fort Collins recently closed its final two gaps at the end of 2024, making it possible for users to travel continuously from Bellvue to Timnath. Now there is just one gap left to fill. Larimer County Department of Natural Resources plans to finish the final gap, located between Timnath and Windsor, in spring of 2025. When that final leg is complete, the Poudre River Trail will include 45 miles of continuous, paved, multi-use trail connecting Bellvue, north of Fort Collins, to Greeley.

Once totally finished, the trail will consist of approximately 18 miles located in and managed by Fort Collins and another 22 miles located in unincorporated Larimer County, Timnath, Windsor, Weld County and Greeley. 

Photo credit: Brendan Bombaci

The Poudre River Trail logo says "A path for community and nature"

A family resting on a bench near a bridge on the Poudre River Trail

 

The trail is currently separated by one gaps. (See Gap Map)

 

Poudre River Trail map shows one last gap to fill

Note: The map above is for illustrative purposes. It is not to scale. 


Participating entities in the completion of trail connections include Larimer County, City of Fort Collins, the Towns of Windsor and Timnath, and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Thanks to a $2 million Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant (the 2019 Connect Initiative Grant), the Colorado Front Range/Poudre River Trail Initiative has been able to work towards filling the three final trail gaps of the Poudre River Trail between Fort Collins and Windsor. 

Timeline for trail completion: 

  • 2015: Timnath and Larimer County partnered to build a 0.5-mile segment of trail near I-25 and Harmony Road, while Fort Collins built a new segment through Arapaho Bend Natural Area.
  • 2019: Project partners obtain the GOCO grant to complete additional trail connections. 
  • 2024: The City of Fort Collins finished a section of the trail from Arapaho Bend Natural Area to the recently constructed I-25 underpass in October, 2024 and a another section that runs west of Arapaho Bend Natural Area long the north side of the Rigden Reservoir to the existing trail at CSU's Environmental Learning Center in November, 2024. 
  • 2025: Larimer County and partners are in current construction planning for its final segments of trail between Timnath and Windsor. This section should be completed by spring 2025. Once that's finished the Poudre River Trail will completely connect from Bellvue to Greeley.
     

Both Fort Collins and the Poudre River Trail Corridor, Inc., a non-profit organization, currently manages sections of the trail. Larimer County manages the Poudre River Trail at River Bluffs Open Space, which connects to 21 beautiful miles of trail running southeast through wildlife areas and parks.

For more information about the Poudre River Trail, email Zac Wiebe or phone (970) 619-4534.

Logo for Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
The City of Fort Collins logo
Logo for the town of Timnath
Logo for the town of Windsor
The logo for the Colorado Department of Transportation

Click a photo to enlarge.

Image Once all segments are finished, the Poudre River Trail will connect communities from Bellvue to Greeley.
Once all segments are finished, the Poudre River Trail will connect communities from Bellvue to Greeley.
Image A newer segment of the Poudre River Trail near River Bluffs Open Space in Windsor.
A newer segment of the Poudre River Trail near River Bluffs Open Space in Windsor.
Image The Poudre River Trail is easily accessible to nearby communities.
The Poudre River Trail is easily accessible to nearby communities.
Image Beautiful views of the Poudre River can be enjoyed from the trail throughout the seasons.
Beautiful views of the Poudre River can be enjoyed from the trail throughout the seasons.
Image Kids on a nature walk on the Poudre River Trail. Image courtesy of City of Fort Collins
Kids on a nature walk on the Poudre River Trail. Image courtesy of City of Fort Collins
Image The Poudre River Trail travels through River Bluffs Open Space seen here in evening.
The Poudre River Trail travels through River Bluffs Open Space seen here in evening.
Image The final leg of Fort Collins trail portion was completed in November, 2024.
The final leg of Fort Collins trail portion was completed in November, 2024.