Coyote Ridge Natural Area: An Adventure

For those looking for a more challenging trail experience along with gorgeous views, Coyote Ridge Natural Area is the natural area for you.

The parking lot is off of South Taft Hill Road, just south of the Fort Collins landfill. The large lot has plenty of room for horse-trailer parking and hitching posts for those that can't be tied to your trailer.

The trail heads west from the parking lot across plains full of prairie dogs. About a mile from the parking area is a cabin and restroom facilities which include hitching posts for your horses.

The trail then climbs into the foothills. It's fairly wide in most places but does rise fairly rapidly -- and, as you climb, the trailside drop-off is long and steep. The trail also is very rocky, with some slick, flat stones as well as small, sharp ones; your horse should have shoes or strong feet.

Cresting the second hill, you follow the ridge and then start heading down the other side. At this point, a sign recommends that all riders dismount for the stairs. The part-rock, part-wood stairs are between 1 and 2 feet high. The turn in the fairly narrow steps is difficult for some horses to navigate, especially when being led and having to watch out for the person leading them. There is no path around the steps. If you choose to descend the stairs, make sure you or someone with you are experienced and confident so that your horse can safely be led through this obstacle.

After the stairs, the trail narrows and switchbacks down into a wide valley. Across the valley, it heads into a canyon. This part of the trail is narrow and cuts into the side of the hill. Horses need to be surefooted here because the rocks on the side of the trail give way easily and there is not much room for error.

The trail forks as you leave the canyon, but taking either fork will lead back to the same point because it is a small loop. You can leave the loop and connect into the other Front Range trails which connect Devil's Backbone to Lory State Park.

After the short loop, riders must return on the same trail. While no sign advises riders to dismount before riding up the stairs, less experienced riders may want to lead their horses to stay safe.

This area is best to ride in the spring or late fall, because many rattlesnakes gather on the rocks and in the grass during the warm summer months.

While this trail is intense, the rider is rewarded with views of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Rocky Mountain National Park.