Coyote Ridge Natural Area

Excellent area to trail run, MTB, hike, or just wander around. The trail is a road for about the first 1.5 miles. Then it gets a bit more rugged. The farther you head out, the more remote it becomes.

Decently excellent place, the main point-givers are the free parking and no dogs allowed. No dogs allows you to run or ride without worrying of an animal running in front of you or an owner taking up the whole width of the trail. This is a great place to ride flat long gravel Trails and even a few rolling jumps (hills) and turns. Going right at the fork brings you to a rocky area that's mostly unrideable unless on a really expensive bicycle, but the left is great. Also, it's somewhat far, but what's not when in North CO?

I spent 2 hours hiking up to the top and back and it's remarkable that you can have these views so close to town. You do have to be sure to get there before 9, as parking lot fills up rapidly. Relatively mild rise in the first one mile section. So some older kids might enjoy the walk. But the second one mile section goes up to the top via steep, rocky switchbacks and kids would have no fun with that! From the top, great views of the valley to the west and the Rimrock trail continues for another mile and a half along the ridge south, towards Devils Backbone. Next time!

Easy accessible walking at the start working up to moderately strenuous as one climbs the ridge. Fantastic views on a clear day to the distant mountains. Restroom available after a short distance as one approaches the ridge.

Coyote Ridge is a beautiful space to get out and observe geology and nature. To the observant eye this is a natural wonderland, From steppe, squirrels to burrowing owls, spotted skunk, majestic mule deer, black bear, hawks of many varieties, insects, wildflowers, and fossils galore, this wilderness space is not to be underrated. Furthermore, there is a lovely cabin tucked behind the first ridge where you can sit and watch the sun rise or set away from the buzzing traffic. My parents live close by, and every time I visit, this is my go-to place. It never gets old or boring as you can hike quite a long way and connect to other trails. Just another NoCo treasure.