One of the smaller natural areas in the Fort Collins area, Reservoir Ridge is just north of the city and west of Overland Trail. Paths in this natural area make for a great short ride or can connect you with miles of trails in the other natural areas around Fort Collins.
Following Overland Trail north from Fort Collins, the road bends sharply to the left, then sharply right and continues into LaPorte. To get to the parking lot, drivers should continue straight when Overland turns right and follow Michaud Lane. The road dead-ends at the parking lot after a narrow bridge. Trailers should parallel park at the fence on the right of the lot. Cars should continue into diagonal parking on the left side. Parking is limited, so be courteous and use all available trailer space. If the lot is full, you will have to ride at another time.
The trail leaves from the south end of the parking lot and continues through an open meadow. Even through the meadow, the trail is rocky and fairly narrow. Horses should be equipped with shoes and riders should be vigilant for signs of lameness in their horses. The rocks and low grass are also ideal habitat for rattlesnakes, so use caution and carry a snakebite kit.
As the trail starts to climb, riders meet their first option. To the right, the trail climbs the hill and does a long, wide loop back to this junction. To the left, following the Foothills Trail, riders will have several more options for routes to take. About a quarter mile up the trail from this junction, another option is available; it goes straight over the ridge and connects back to the loop trail or to a parking lot on County Road 23.
The Foothills Trail continues south over some rough terrain with some large rocks for horses to climb over. If riders continue on the Foothills Trail, they will walk though an open gate and make the final choice to stay in this natural area or continue through the foothills. If riders take a right turn, they will reconnect with the other trail options and can make shorter or longer loops back to the parking lot. This option takes riders though some nice meadow areas and gives views of both Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. Taking the Foothills Trail, riders can connect into Maxwell and Pineridge natural areas and extend their ride for several hours.
Reservoir Ridge's largest loop takes about 1.5 hours and makes a nice evening ride.
The trails in this area are challenging, with many rocks, tight spots and other trail users. Riders need to watch for mountain bikers, hikers, dogs and wildlife while out riding on this trail. For the effort, riders are treated to views of the city, the reservoir, the Bellevue area and the foothills.
